Dalmatian Coast Family Adventure: Trogir, Stari Grad & Cavtat - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Trogir

Welcome to Croatia! After you land at Split airport, your driver will collect you and transfer you to the picturesque coastal town of Trogir. Located just 18 miles (30 km) from Split, on a small islet that connects to the mainland via bridge, Trogir is home to a number of fascinating historical sights, including the city's Old Town, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and the Kamerlengo Fortress. Once you and the kids have had a chance to regroup at your hotel, step out and explore the city. 

Start in the Old Town, which has lovely Baroque architecture, winding streets, and plenty of restaurants and shops. Stop at St. Lawrence Cathedral to admire its intricate stonework, and let the kids climb to the top of the bell tower. Then, visit Kamerlengo Fortress. Built in the 15th century, it was once part of the city's defense system, with thick walls and a tall tower that overlooks the city and provides impressive views. The castle has a large interior courtyard that little ones can run in, and in the summer months, it's often used for local performances, so you might even be able to take in a show.

Later, walk down to the water and along the promenade. This is a busy, family-friendly spot, great for people-watching and enjoying a beverage or snack at one of the nearby cafés. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel before resting up for tomorrow's excursions. 

Day 2: Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park today, where you'll meet up with a  private guide and take a light hike around some of the most stunning lakes, endless waterfalls, and countless flowing rivers of the park. The reserve, which encompasses 74,000 acres, (30,000 ha), has a chain of 16 terraced lakes, all of which flow into a limestone canyon. There are multiple wooden walkways throughout the park, making access easy for smaller children, and they're likely to see fish, birds, and other wildlife. The 2.5-hour tour finishes with a boat ride across the main lake at the end, returning you to the main gates of the park. 

Day 3: Beach Day in Trogir, Tour Šibenik

There are several nice beaches in and around Trogir, so if you're wanting to relax and enjoy some downtime, you've got plenty of options. Stop by Pantan Beach, which is just 1 mile (2 km) from Trogir, a pebble beach with shallow waters that are perfect for kids and lots of shade trees. You can also head to the nearby town of Okrug Gornji, where you'll find Okrug Gornji Beach, otherwise known as "Copacabana Beach." This is a well-known and popular destination, with calm waters, a promenade with restaurants and shops, and a children's play area. 

If you'd like to get out and see more of Croatia today, visit the city of Šibenik for a guided tour. This coastal town is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites and is full of stunning architecture, history, and character. Wander through the quaint streets with your guide, who will take you to some of the main sights while explaining the history and culture behind them. See St. Michael's Fortress, the Cathedral of St. James, and visit the St. Lawrence Monastery Gardens. Afterward, stop for a delicious meal at a local restaurant in the countryside.

Day 4: Private Boat Excursion, Transfer to Stari Grad

Enjoy a full day on the water, with a private boat tour that takes you to islands, quiet swimming coves, and views of Croatia's marine and birdlife. The boat departs from Trogir and heads to the island of Brač, where you'll visit the small town of Milna. You can walk around town and see some of the sights, or for something really out of the ordinary, you can take a guided donkey ride along the beach, which the kids are sure to love! 

From there, you'll continue to the Pakleni Islands, where your skipper will show you some of the best places to swim and snorkel. You'll have time to enjoy the water for as long as you'd like—since this is a private excursion, your skipper can adjust the day to suit your family's needs. Later, head inland for lunch at a local restaurant. This evening, the boat will drop you off in Stari Grad, located on the island of Hvar, where you'll overnight. 

Day 5: Explore Hvar Island

Explore more of Stari Grad and the island of Hvar today. A popular summer resort, the island encompasses 114 square miles (29 sq km) and has an abundance of historic sites, beaches, and activities available. Hvar is also known for its lavender fields, which, during certain times of the year, create a heady perfume that permeates the island. 

Start your day with a walk through Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in all of Europe. Walk along the palm-lined riva, or promenade, which is lined with restaurants, shops, and colorful boats bobbing in the harbor, then head to Srinjo Kola ("Middle Street"), an avenue that dates back to the island's earliest settlers. You can also take a gentle family bicycle tour of The Stari Grad Plains, an agricultural region that was originally cultivated by ancient Greeks and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

 

For more water adventures, take a guided four-hour kayak tour from Hvar back to the Pakleni Islands. The tour goes to the Ždrilca Channel, an area with calm waters that make it accessible for all ages, and through several inlets and coves. You'll have a chance to take a break from paddling on one of the pebble beaches along the coastline of the nearby island of Marinkovac, where you can swim, snorkel or just relax in the sun. 

Day 6: Caves & Beaches of Vis Island

Take a guided tour to see the amazing Blue and Green Caves on the neighboring island of Vis. Depart Hvar with your guides in the morning and make your first stop at the Green Cave. The cave gets its name from a tiny hole in the ceiling, which was carved out during one of Croatia's wars. The hole allows a small stream of light to penetrate the cave, which creates a stunning emerald-green hue. The kids can swim or snorkel into the cave, or your guide can transport you inside by boat. 

Afterward, you'll spend some time on one of Croatia's most beautiful beaches, Stiniva. This beach is hidden by the rocky cliffs surrounding it, keeping the pebbles in the shade all day. The trek down to the water is quite steep and follows a goat path, so make sure the whole family is cautious as you descend! 

Next, head to the Blue Cave, which visitors can only enter in the company of a guide. The cave's interior is full of shimmery silver hues, illuminated by the sun slipping in through cracks in the cave, and the water itself appears to glow blue. Originally only accessible via an underwater entrance, a manmade entrance was eventually created, large enough for small boats to pass through but not so large as to affect the lighting inside. Return to Stari Grad for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy your last evening in the city. 

Day 7: Transfer to Cavtat

Take a morning ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik, where you'll meet your private driver and transfer to Cavtat. Nestled in a bay on the southernmost tip of Croatia, this medieval town features quaint streets, pristine beaches, and restful views of the Adriatic Sea. Once you've checked into your hotel, you're free to explore on your own.

With a population of just over 2,000, Cavtat is a small town—much quieter and calmer than nearby Dubrovnik, which makes it quite easy to navigate with small children. Start with an immersion into the village's history with a visit to its old town. See the Rector's Palace, a Renaissance mansion that displays the manuscript collection of 19th-century scientist Baltazar Bogišić. Nearby, St. Nicholas Church displays stunning Baroque design, and be sure to check out the house of Vlaho Bukovac, a famous Croatian painter. Once his childhood home, the house is filled with paintings and murals he created. 

 

If all this history is making the little ones restless, take a kayak tour from the harbor, or if you're the seafaring type, you can rent a small boat and cruise around the area. You can also head to one of the nearby beaches, where older kids and teens can go parasailing or on a "crazy" tube ride. Later, walk along the promenade that spans the peninsula, have dinner by the water, then grab some ice cream and watch the sunset.

Day 8: Day Trip to Dubrovnik

Take a day trip back to Dubrovnik today to explore more of the ancient fortress city. Your driver will take you into the city, and you have the option of a self-guided tour or hiring a private guide. Dubrovnik, which dates back to the seventh century, was originally founded under the name Ragusa and eventually became a major trading port. Its imposing walls, built in the 11th and 13th centuries, stretch for 1.3 miles (2 km), with forts, walkways, and bastions. 

If you're on your own, start with a walk of the city walls and then ride a cable car up to Srđ Mountain, a 1,300-foot (412 m) mountain just outside the city walls. The cable cars have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer even the littlest travelers in your party the same great views as the adults. Walk through the historic Old Town, with its Baroque churches and Renaissance fountains, and stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants. Older teens (and adults!) might also like to see some of the sites where HBO's "Game of Thrones" series was filmed, such as Mineeta Tower and the gardens of Trsteno Arboretum. 

 

If you prefer a guided tour, meet with a guide for a two-hour excursion into the Old Town. You'll walk through the narrow streets while learning about the history and culture of the city. The tour takes you along Stradun, the main street that was formally a canal, and historic Onofrio's Fountain. See the quarantine buildings, where the city made those coming from far away lands stay until they were cleared of any potential illnesses, and the clock tower, a 100-foot (30 m) landmark that dates back to the 15th century. Meet your driver afterward for transport back to Cavtat.

Day 9: Family Farm Visit & Meal

Join a local family at their farm and learn to cook an authentic Croatian meal today. You'll depart Cavtat and drive through the Konavle region to a little village called Čilipi, where you'll meet the family and take a tour of the farm. Learn about their agriculture process and the foods they grow, meet the livestock, and let the kids run in the fresh air before preparing a Croatian peka meal, which is cooked under an iron dome. Enjoy homemade cheese, lots of fresh vegetables cultivated around the house, wine, and olive oil, all while learning about Croatian culture directly from the locals.

Day 10: Transfer to Dubrovnik & Depart 

Sadly, your Croatia travels come to a close today. Your driver will collect you from your Cavtat accommodation and transfer you to the airport in Dubrovnik. Safe travels home or to your next destination! 

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