Private Croatian Islands & Yacht Tour from Split: Korcula, Hvar, Dubrovnik

Summary

Luxury Island Hopping in Croatia: Private Yacht & Villa Adventure

You’ll explore Croatia’s best islands by private yacht—from Split’s ancient streets to hidden coves on Korcula, Hvar nightlife, secret caves near Vis, national parks like Mljet and Plitvice Lakes, plus wine tastings on Peljesac Peninsula—all while staying in luxury villas or suites with expert guides showing you spots most travelers miss.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of Split airport was the salty breeze and the hum of scooters weaving through the old town. Our driver was waiting with a grin and a sign—no stress about finding our way. After checking in at the Marmont Heritage Hotel (tucked right in the heart of Split), we grabbed a quick espresso at a tiny café just off the Riva promenade. Our guide met us in the lobby and led us through Diocletian’s Palace—honestly, it’s wild how Roman walls blend into everyday life here. The stones are worn smooth from centuries of footsteps. We wandered past market stalls selling figs and lavender sachets before ending up on the waterfront for ice cream. Dinner that night at Storia Restaurant was a real treat—five courses, local wine, and a toast to kicking off our Croatian adventure.

The next morning started with a proper breakfast (the hotel’s homemade pastries are worth waking up for). Our private driver whisked us north to Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s a couple hours’ drive but you get to see rural Croatia—vineyards, sleepy villages, even some sheep blocking the road for a minute or two. At Plitvice, our guide explained how these lakes keep changing shape thanks to minerals in the water; no two visits look exactly alike. We walked wooden paths over turquoise pools and waterfalls—you can hear frogs croaking if you pause for a second. A little train ride wrapped up our visit before lunch at a local spot where I tried peka for the first time (slow-cooked meat and veggies). Back to Split by late afternoon for another night at Marmont.

Day three meant leaving land behind—boarding our private motor yacht felt surreal. The crew handed out welcome drinks as we set course for Korcula Island via Hvar. Hvar town is lively even mid-morning; we strolled cobbled lanes lined with bougainvillea and stopped to swim off Pakleni islands—water so clear you can see your toes wiggle. Lunch was served on deck in a quiet bay before cruising on to Lumbarda village on Korcula. Our villa overlooked vineyards sloping down to the sea; sunset here is something else.

Breakfasts on Korcula were always relaxed—fresh bread from the bakery down the lane, figs picked that morning if you’re lucky. Each day brought new adventures by yacht: one morning we set off early for Mljet National Park. The captain gave us a quick safety chat before heading out; he grew up nearby and shared stories about Benedictine monks who once lived on Mljet’s tiny island monastery. We hiked gravel trails around saltwater lakes, swam off hidden coves, and tried paddle boarding (I fell in twice but it was warm enough not to care). Lunches were usually fresh fish grilled right on board.

Lastovo Island felt like stepping back in time—a cluster of stone houses surrounded by wild rosemary bushes and hardly any crowds. We hiked up narrow paths with views across silver-blue water dotted with tiny islets; it’s peaceful here in a way that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been. Dinner featured local wine—the same grape variety Romans once drank—and seafood caught that morning.

Cruising into Dubrovnik by yacht is something I’ll never forget—the city walls rising above bright blue water as seagulls wheel overhead. Our private guide met us at the marina and led us through winding alleys used as Game of Thrones filming locations (she pointed out where they shot “that” famous walk scene). After exploring old town squares and grabbing coffee near Stradun street, we sailed out again for lunch anchored near Elafiti Islands—a quiet spot away from crowds.

The day trip to Vis Island was packed: first stop Green Cave where sunlight filters through cracks above your head; then Stiniva Cove—a beach only reachable by boat or hiking down steep cliffs (no roads here). The Blue Cave on Bisevo island really lives up to its name—the whole place glows electric blue when sunlight hits just right around midday. Local fishermen have stories about this cave going back generations.

Wine lovers will love Peljesac Peninsula—a region famous for its reds like Dingac and Plavac Mali grapes. We toured Korta Katarina winery with one of their winemakers who explained how sea breezes affect the vines’ flavor (never knew that!). Afterwards we cruised back to Korcula old town for gelato along city walls before visiting Marco Polo Museum and Badija Islet’s Franciscan monastery.

Brač Island rounded out our week—swimming at Zlatni Rat beach where pebbles shift shape depending on wind and tide is oddly mesmerizing. SUP boards were free to use if you’re feeling adventurous; otherwise just float and watch kite surfers zip past Vidova Gora mountain overhead. Our farewell dinner together was five courses again—hard not to feel spoiled after days like these.

The last morning came too soon—breakfast on our villa terrace one last time before catching either a catamaran or private transfer back toward Split or Dubrovnik airport (depending where your flight goes). If you ask me? I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to Split

• Private transfer to Hotel Marmont Heritage
• Guided walking tour of Split old town
• Stroll along Split promenade
• Five-course dinner at Storia Restaurant

Day 2 — Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Full day tour to Plitvice Lakes with guided walk
• Panoramic train ride in park
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to Split and hotel

Day 3 — Korcula Island & Hvar

• Yacht transfer from Split to Korcula
• Explore Hvar Island and town with guide
• Swim at Pakleni islands
• Lunch on yacht in secluded bay
• Arrival at Lumbarda Village and villa

Day 4 — Mljet Island National Park

• Breakfast overlooking Lumbarda bay
• Visit Mljet National Park: hike, snorkel, swim, SUP
• Lunch on yacht in peaceful bay

Day 5 — Lastovo Island Nature Park

• Motor yacht trip to Lastovo Island
• Hike, explore, swim, snorkel
• Dinner on Lastovo Island

Day 6 — Dubrovnik City Tour

• Yacht cruise to Dubrovnik
• Walking tour of Dubrovnik old city
• Game of Thrones private tour
• Lunch on yacht near Elafiti Island

Day 7 — Vis Island & Blue Cave

• Visit Green Cave
• Visit Stiniva Cove
• Visit Blue Cave on Biševo Island

Day 8 — Peljesac Peninsula Wine Tour

• Visit Korta Katarina wine cellar
• Tour Korcula old town and Marco Polo Museum
• Coffee and ice cream on city walls promenade
• Visit Badija Islet and Franciscan monastery
• Lunch on yacht in peaceful bay

Day 9 — Brac Island & Golden Horn Beach

• Visit Bol and Zlatni Rat beach
• Swim, snorkel, paddle board
• Lunch on yacht
• Five-course farewell dinner

Day 10 — Departure Day

• Breakfast at villa
• Option: Catamaran cruise to Dubrovnik or Split
• Option: Private transfer to airport

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people who aren’t strong swimmers?

You don’t need to be an expert swimmer! There are plenty of sightseeing options each day—even if you skip swimming or paddle boarding, there’s still lots to enjoy both ashore and onboard.

Do I need previous boating experience?

Nope! The captain and crew handle everything—you just relax or join activities as much as you want.

Are meals included?

Yes! Most lunches are served onboard using fresh local ingredients; dinners include top restaurants like Storia in Split plus special farewell meals.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Absolutely—just let us know your preferences ahead of time so chefs can prepare accordingly.

How much free time will I have?

You’ll have plenty of downtime each day for relaxing at your villa or exploring towns independently between guided tours and excursions.

What’s included

Your stay covers two nights at Hotel Marmont Heritage in Split plus seven nights in a luxury villa or suite on Korcula Island; daily private yacht excursions as listed; guided walking tours of Split old town/Diocletian Palace/Plitvice Lakes/Dubrovnik/Marco Polo Museum; all airport transfers; use of kayaks/SUP boards/bikes/snorkeling gear; most meals including exclusive dinners; all entrance fees per itinerary; personal guides throughout your journey.