Croatia Two Centre - Dubrovnik and Korcula

Day 1 - Day of arrival - Dubrovnik

The transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to the Hotel Aquarius will take approximately 30 minutes.

The 3-star Hotel Aquarius is owned and run by a Croatian family. It stands at the end of a beautiful garden housing the outdoor pool and outdoor terrace with trees and shrubs surrounding. The hotel is in the Lapad Bay area with its many shops, cafes and restaurants. It's an easy stroll from the hotel to where it’s all happening. So, take advantage of this first day to get your bearings. Dinner can be at the hotel’s outdoor terrace or at one of the many restaurants in Lapad Bay.

Overnight at the Hotel Aquarius

Hotel Aquarius, Dubrovnik

Day 2 - Explore Dubrovnik Old Town

It takes around 15 minutes by bus from a bus stop near the hotel to Dubrovnik old town, by far the easiest and cheapest way of getting there. Make an early start because you will need the whole day to explore the old town, as there is much to see and experience. Dubrovnik is the most famous walled city on the sea in Europe and, if you have the energy, then a walk on the massive ramparts that surround the old town is a must. At a reasonable pace, this takes around 1.5 hours, longer if you stroll. Stalls selling cold drinks are located in a couple of spots on the walls. From there you will have a panoramic view of the old city, the Adriatic Sea and the Napoleonic fortress on Mount Srdj behind the city. Dubrovnik’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is possibly the most famous place in Croatia and a popular stop for cruise ships and therefore, understandably, it is often busy. Best times to visit are from 8.30am or after 3.30pm. The early spring months March and April can be a little quieter. We can arrange a guided tour or you can simply explore on your own. Don’t miss the Sponza and Rector’s palaces, Dominican and Franciscan monasteries, the old pharmacy, the Rupe Museum, one of the oldest synagogues in Europe and the Orthodox church. In recent years, Dubrovnik gained fame as the film set for Game of Thrones and Star Wars and there are special themed tours. The cable car is really worth taking from the city to Mount Srdj. Enjoy the view, have a drink or a meal at the restaurant terrace or explore the Homeland War Museum housed within the fortress which tells the sad story of the conflict in the region which ended almost 30 years ago. News reports by renowned broadcaster Paul Davies of ITN play on a continuous loop at the exhibition since he and his crew were the last international journalists to remain in Dubrovnik. This will be an action-packed day and a return to the Aquarius will be very welcome. But remember, always check if there are any concerts or other events in the evenings. The hotel does have live music on the terrace usually twice a week from June to mid-September

Overnight at the Hotel Aquarius

Dubrovnik, Old Town

Day 3 - Dubrovnik and further afield

If you did not cover the essentials on your second day, then you can, of course, return for a further look. Otherwise, why not take the shuttle boat from the old city to nearby Lokrum island (10 minutes away) and have a swim and a wander there. Day trips by boat are also available to the Elafiti islands (Lopud, Kolocep and Sipan) or the Peljesac peninsula including Ston and the great walls there. A short walk away from the hotel you will find stalls offering a wide variety of local excursions so do have a walk and browse.

Overnight at the Hotel Aquarius

Lokrum island, Dubrovnik

Day 4 - Sun, swim and relax

After two days or more of strenuous activity, perhaps a swim and a day at a slightly slower pace is well deserved. The well-managed, public Sunset Beach (small pebbles and some sand at low tide) is under five minutes’ walk and has a good range of facilities. A ten-minute walk further around the bay are two more beaches (one opposite the Hotel Vis) which tend to be quieter. In the same direction is a pedestrianised street with bars, cafes and shops, ideal for people watching and very much a part of any holiday. The start of the lungomare seaside promenade which hugs the Lapad Bay and continues onto the Babin Kuk peninsula is in the same area, ideal for an early morning or late evening walk. Everything is to hand for a perfect stay.

Overnight at the Hotel Aquarius

Beach opposite Hotel Vis, Dubrovnik

Day 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 - Island of Korcula

You will be transferred to Gruz port around midday, from where all boats, car ferries and catamaran ferries leave for the islands and you will reach Korcula in two hours.

The Korsal Hotel is perfectly located, about a 10-minute walk from Korcula Town and right on the seafront. Here, you can swim either from small sandy/shingly coves or from traditional concrete platforms (Croatians still call them ‘beach’!). Run by two brothers and their father, you can rest assured that you will be well looked after at the Korsal. The island is famous for olive and wine production with white wines especially prominent. Two names to look out for are Posip and Grk and tours of the mainly family-owned wineries are possible. Lovers of red wine should take the seven-minute passenger boat crossing (early June-late September) over to the mainland village of Orebic and continue to some award winning, family run vineyards and winemakers producing mainly the heady red Dingac and Plavac Mali wines. Korcula Town is known for three things: the fascinating herringbone pattern of narrow streets ensuring cooling breezes in hot summers, the amazing Moreska Sword Dance and the alleged birthplace of explorer and traveller Marco Polo. Who knows about MP? Designed with a nod to Dubrovnik, Korcula Town is enclosed by stone walls and is utterly charming. Despite the place being busy in July and August, there is still a gentle time-warp feel to it. May, June, September and early October are wonderful times to visit as the crowds are not there and the sea and air temperature are usually warm and inviting. Water taxi services take visitors to nearby tiny islands including Badija with its Franciscan monastery and pretty beaches, perfect for a picnic, put together from the town’s fresh open market (daily from 0600-11). There is also a hop-on-hop off islands service with details available at the water taxi points. You will have four full days on Korcula. Apart from swimming, eating, relaxing and exploring the magical town of Korcula itself, you should take the shuttle ferry across to Orebic, a seafront town of two thousand persons on the Peljesac peninsula. It takes 7 to 10 minutes and is an easy half day excursion. On the way to Korcula you will have passed the island of Mljet. This is is a quiet island with a handful of bars and restaurants near the harbour area. The national park affords ideal walking and those who are more active can cycle, paddle boat and canoe. In fact, there is so much to do when based on Korcula, that you could be well advised to add a few more days to your stay!

Overnight at the Hotel Korsal

Hotel Korsal, Korcula

Day 10 - Day of departure

The transfer from Korcula to Dubrovnik airport to catch your flight home will take in the region of two and a half to 3 hours.