Dubrovnik panorama private excursion

Half-day boat tour to the Elaphite Islands with Blue Cave visit

Cast off from Lapadskaa Obala for a half-day island escape around the Elaphite Islands. You'll be cruising on a leut, a traditional wooden fishing boat, with your captain, a true local who knows every hidden cove and secret spot in these waters like the back of his hand. He says “the Elaphite Islands are full of hidden treasures, and I know every nook and cranny.” As you glide over the Adriatic Sea, you can sit back with a glass of wine, a cold beer, or a soft drink, sailing towards your first stop – the bay of Kolocep. There's time to cool off with a dip in the sea before heading to Sunj Beach, famous for its soft golden sand and calm shallow waters – perfect for a bit of sunbathing, or another swim if you're feeling keen. Along the way, you'll uncover tucked-away coves and secret spots only locals know about. Your final stop is the Blue Cave, a natural wonder carved into the limestone cliffs of Kolcep Island. Formed over thousands of years by the crashing of the waves, the entrance is low and narrow. But, once you're inside, it opens up into a glowing chamber of blue light. Sunlight filters through an underwater opening, reflecting off the white seabed and bathing the cave in an otherworldly glow – a surreal swimming spot to round off the day.

Blue Cave by night

As you cruise around the wild green island of Kolocep in the Adriatic Sea, you'll catch a glimpse of traditional Croatian life, with its peaceful fishing villages, sprawling Mediterranean landscapes and mesmerising caves. You'll gather at the dock for a quick safety briefing before setting sail on an evening adventure that takes you to the island's famous caves that have been carefully carved by the sea over thousands of years. Local guide, Mia, says "I love asking guests which cave is their favourite because they're so different. The Green Caves feel rejuvenating and full of life, while the Blue Cave has a more mysterious feel."After a cruise across the calm waters of the Adriatic, you'll approach the lesser-known but utterly magical Three Green Caves, affectionately known as the ‘Three Sisters'. The captain will drop anchor, giving you around half an hour to swim around and explore. To see the emerald-green reflections that give them their name, head to the largest green cave. And, if you're feeling adventurous, swim through the narrow passage of the Canyon Cave to see the light and shadows dance on the cliff walls. Hop back onboard, where there's plenty of soft drinks, beer and wine, and head to the south of the island and the famous Blue Cave. Mia adds “in the evening light, the tunnels and caverns take on a whole new level of beauty.” You'll have time to take in the peaceful atmosphere and vivid blues for yourself as you moor up for around 30 minutes here. Then, it's back on the boat for a few drinks and some music as you return to the dock with a new appreciation for nature's masterpieces.

Konavle Valley wine-tasting tour with scenic train ride

Konavle valley's distinctive culture and cuisine are revealed in all their glory during this half-day tour. You'll sample locally grown wines at family-run vineyards, ride a train from village to village and tuck into some traditional food, all in the scenic surroundings of the Konavle valley. Antun, one of our local guides, says, ‘Dubrovačka Malvasija is the renowned grape variety unique to this region. Local winemakers managed to save the species, even though there were only three healthy vines remaining in the post-war period.'Located near the border with Montenegro, between mountains and the Adriatic Sea, the valley is a sun-drenched countryside escape from Dubrovnik. You'll arrive in the village of Zastolje to visit the historic Brajković winery, then it's all aboard to ride to Ljuta by train. Here, you'll see how the 500-year-old Đivanović water mill had dual purposes – since medieval times it was used to produce flour and process wool into fabric.After this visit, we'll continue to a different vineyard and wine cellar for more tasting. You'll sample some local culture when you try a typical ploughman's lunch, just as the farmers would eat during a hard day in the fields. The final stop is a third winery. Antun says, ‘You'll relish a cold glass of Konavle rosé alongside a slice of typical pandišpanj sponge cake at this vineyard. Pandišpanj is traditionally made for special occasions, like this tour, when we welcome our guests to our beautiful Konavle valley.'

Bay of Kotor Cruise with Our Lady of the Rocks

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is the stuff of legends. Dramatic mountain scenery, shimmering blue waters and the walled town of Kotor make this fjord-like landscape a showstopper. You'll visit the famous Our Lady of the Rocks islet during a boat trip in the bay, before heading on to Kotor town. Ivana, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Affectionately known as Boka by locals, they're proud the bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its natural, cultural and historical importance. There's a strong artisan tradition in the area, and the towns are recognised for their fine architecture.'After a drive along the Dalmatian coast, you'll board your boat and set sail towards the narrow strait of Verige, where the whole bay opens up, and you'll see why the Bay of Kotor is Montenegro's most famous destination. After passing by Perast, Stoliv and Prčanj, the first stop is the fairytale islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, somewhere Ivana loves. ‘Of all museums in the region, the one on the islet is my favourite to guide,' she says. ‘The church is like an art gallery, and the museum contains gems such as the Jacinta Kunić embroidery.'Back on board, we'll tuck into a tasty lunch on board en route to Kotor town. Here, you'll have free time to explore this fortified medieval pearl packed with Venetian palaces. Visit the Cathedral of St Tryphon and its treasury, climb the city walls or browse the local market, where you can sample and buy local specialities such as smoked ham, sheep's cheese and brandy.

Golden hour Dubrovnik tuk tuk tour

The terracotta-topped city of Dubrovnik sprawls out beneath you in the glow of sunset on this tour with a twist. Instead of taking on the bustling streets under your own steam, you can sit back and relax in a three-wheeled tuk tuk, with a local guide putting in the legwork.You'll set off at 5:30pm on this evening tour and head north to the Franjo Tuđman Bridge. This modern structure spans the Rijeka Dubrovačka and gives you the perfect vantage point over Lapad Bay and the surrounding islands and mountains. From here, you get a real sense of contrast, standing on a contemporary cable-stayed bridge, overlooking Dubrovnik's centuries-old architecture.As the sun begins to set, your tuk tuk driver's legs get pumping. You'll zigzag your way uphill, out of the city, to Mount Srd for some of the best views away from the crowds. From here, the domes, towers and ancient stone walls of Dubrovnik look all the more dramatic in the sun's last haze of purple and orange before it dips below the horizon. After taking plenty of photos, and letting your guide catch their breath, you've another half-an-hour to absorb the city sights. You'll head back to your hotel on routes that take you beyond the old town.

Half-day boat tour to the Elaphiti Islands with Blue Cave visit

It's the deep blues of the Adriatic Sea and the fresh greens of the abundant pine forests that make Croatia's Elaphiti Islands so inviting as you cruise to their quiet bays and sandy shores. You can expect to take things at a leisurely pace on this afternoon boat trip, as local guide, Ivan explains, “the locals treasure these islands for their ‘old Adriatic rhythm'. You'll find fishing villages, forest paths and tiny populations with a strong sense of community – oh and no cars.”Make your escape from Dubrovnik's hustle and bustle at Lapadska Obala Pier and board a traditional wooden boat called a leut – the owners built it themselves and you'll only find this kind of boat in Croatia. Your first port of call is Koločep Island. As you approach the bay on the north of the island, you'll see rugged, green cliffs and a smattering of terracotta-topped houses – not a bad view as you drop anchor for your first swim stop.Heading northwest, you'll cruise over to Lopud Island next – drinks from the bar are included along the way. You're in for a treat here, as Sunj Beach on the southeast of the island boasts a rare golden stretch of sand, as opposed to the pretty, but pebbly beaches that the region's known for. After around an hour of swimming and relaxing, you'll head to the Blue Cave, back on Koločep. Your captain was raised on these islands, so they know the best spot to anchor while you swim into the cave. Once inside, the name of the cave becomes obvious as the whole cavern is filled with a blue hue from the light reflecting off the water. Top tip – bring a waterproof camera to catch the surreal colours of the cave before you cruise back to the harbour.

Dubrovnik sunset dinner cruise

Hop aboard for a scenic evening dinner cruise around Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik's historic city walls. Get things started with an aperitif and nibbles, including roasted almonds, candied orange peel, and dried figs, before tucking into the main event. Your three-course-dinner will feature a cold platter with anchovies, the freshest catch of the day, plus seasonal fruit for dessert – all accompanied with wine and water. This two-and-a-half-hour cruise is set against a backdrop of sunset views over the natural beauty of the Adriatic and Dubrovnik's impressive coastline.

Adults-only sunset boat trip from Dubrovnik with cocktails & canapes

Set sail on a traditional wooden boat from Old Town port, with the golden sunset as your backdrop. From your spot on deck, enjoy the views of Lokrum island and Dubrovnik's ancient city walls. As you cruise, sip two expertly crafted signature cocktails, accompanied by cold canapés and fresh fruit. The excursion concludes back at Old City port, leaving you with unforgettable memories of scenic views and carefully mixed cocktails.

Kayaking trip through Croatia’s Neretva Valley with lunch

Sprawling across Bosnia and Herzegovina, before pouring into the Adriatic Sea from Croatia, the Neretva Delta makes for a peaceful place to pick up a paddle. On this kayaking trip, you'll spend the day navigating the maze of canals and lagoons that peel off from the Neretva River.Your guide will set a leisurely pace along the protected waterways, allowing you to fully embrace this quiet slice of Croatia's great outdoors, with stops for swimming, too. There's plenty of wildlife to look out for, with herons, kingfishers and eagles making the waterways their home and hunting ground. Plus, being in a kayak gives you a stealthy advantage over noisier boats for capturing the best photos of the local birdlife.It's not just what's above the water that's of interest, though. You'll paddle to Kuti Lake, where local legends suggest that the ancient city of Troy lies beneath– your guide will fill you in on the full story surrounding this mysterious myth. As lunchtime approaches, you'll hang up your paddles and head to Lopoc for a hearty Croatian meal. There are plenty of options on the menu and, depending on how adventurous you're feeling, you could even try local delicacies like frogs or eels.

Full-day tour in Montenegro's Kotor from Dubrovnik with ferry ride

Fancy ticking off another country during your holiday to Croatia? This tour takes you across the border to Montenegro for a full-day tour of Kotor, a coastal town that's loaded with cultural and historical sights. You'll skip the traffic and take a ferry to the town where you'll follow your guide during a walking tour of its UNESCO-rated old town. A huge cathedral, ancient city walls, cosy cafes – you'll see them all. There's some free time on the agenda, too, for you to explore on your own. And, if you're feeling adventurous, you can also head up to the hilltop fortress that overlooks the bay – you can walk up, or take a cable car.