Dalmatian Coast Drive

10 Days in Stunning Croatia and Montenegro

Despite having been through significant turmoil 20 years ago, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia has emerged as one of the hottest beach destinations in Europe. Many people are choosing it as an alternative to the crowded Amalfi coast, because of the wonderful combination of classic architecture, Mediterranean cuisine and crystal-blue water. We've put together a driving itinerary between the finest Harper-recommended hotels in the region. A car is by no means required, but we've found that it is one of the best ways to experience the dramatic beauty of the Adriatic coast.

Itinerary Highlights

Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.

  • Explore Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Dalmatian coast
  • Visit Emperor Diocletian's Palace
  • Enjoy the blue waters and delicious seafood of the Adriatic
  • Stay at the iconic Aman Sveti Stefan

Trip Overview

Day 1 - 2 : Split
Explore this charming city
Day 3 - 5 : Hvar
Explore secluded beaches and olive groves
Day 6 : Dubrovnik
Visit Dubrovnik's beautiful and iconic Old Town
Day 7 - 9 : Montenegro
Spend a few days at one of the most luxurious resorts on the Adriatic
Day 10 : Depart
Travel back to Split for your flight home
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Day 1 - 2 : Split

Get settled in the charming city of Split with its classic old town a new cosmopolitan Croatian atmosphere.

Diocletian Palace, Split, Croatia
Diocletian Palace, Split, Croatia

Split's most famous building is Emperor Diocletian's Palace, which was built for his retirement by the seaside. You'll have the opportunity to live like an emperor as well at the nearby Hotel Vestibul Palace, which is in another 1,700-year-old Roman palace.

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Hotel Vestibul Palace

Accessed through a subterranean tunnel, or vestibule, this modern boutique hotel with seven guest accommodations is integrated into the walls of a 1,700-year-old Roman palace.

Day 3 - 5 : Hvar

Take a ferry to the nearby island of Hvar to escape for few days. You can relax in the spa or explore the more secluded beaches, small coastal towns and olive groves.

Hvar harbor
Hvar harbor

Day 6 : Dubrovnik

Spend a day exploring Dubrovnik's iconic Old Town. The beautiful seaside churches and palaces gave it status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and have also made it a regular setting in the TV series "Game of Thrones."

During peak tourism season, a longer stay may not be as appealing because of the cruise ship passengers who crowd the city.

Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik Old Town

Day 7 - 9 : Montenegro

Drive south down the coast, across the Montenegro border. You will spend the next few days at one of the most unique and luxurious resorts on the Adriatic, Aman Sveti Stefan. The former monastery sits on an island attached by a small isthmus to the mainland.

Aman Sveti Stefan
Aman Sveti Stefan
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Aman Sveti Stefan

This unique resort encompasses the offshore islet of Sveti Stefan, a one-time fortified fishing village dating to the 15th century, and the adjacent eight-suite Villa Miločer on the mainland.

Kotor Day Trip

View of Kotor from the water
Kotor view from the mountains

While staying at Aman Sveti Stefan, it's worth taking an afternoon to drive to the nearby town of Kotor. Dramatic mountains rising over the historic town along the fjord make for an inspiring view.

Day 10 : Depart

Travel back to Split for your flight home.

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