Self-Launched Split to Dubrovnik: Dalmatian Coast Island Hop

Arrive in Trogir and spend the morning exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town — the Cathedral of St Lawrence and the Kamerlengo Fortress are unmissable and free to wander around. Trogir is just 15 minutes by local bus (line 37) from Split, so easy to reach from Split Airport or bus station. In the early afternoon, take the Jadrolinija catamaran from Split to Hvar Town (approx. £12–15 one-way, ~1 hour). Check into your hostel or guesthouse in Hvar Town. In the evening, hike up to Hvar Fortress (Fortica) for panoramic harbour views at sunset — entry is around £5. Grab dinner in the Old Town; budget around £12–18 for a meal.

🚌Local bus 37 from Split to Trogir (~£1.50, 15 mins). Jadrolinija catamaran from Split to Hvar Town (~£12–15, book at jadrolinija.hr or the Split ferry terminal). Alternatively, take a local bus to the Drvenik ferry port and cross to Sućuraj on Hvar (~£6).

🛏Hvar Backpackers Hostel or Marinero Rooms Hvar — budget dorms from ~£20–28/night, private doubles from ~£50–65/night

• →Explore Trogir UNESCO Old Town (free)
• →Take the local bus 37 from Split to Trogir (~£1.50)
• →Jadrolinija catamaran Split → Hvar Town (~£12–15)
• →Hike to Hvar Fortress for harbour views (~£5 entry)
• →Swim at Hvar Town beaches (free)

Start with breakfast at your accommodation or a local bakery. Take the morning Jadrolinija ferry from Hvar to Korčula, then a connecting ferry or catamaran to Pomena or Sobra on Mljet (total journey ~2.5–3.5 hours, ~£18–22 in ferry fares). Mljet National Park covers the western third of the island and its two saltwater lakes — Malo and Veliko Jezero — are stunning for swimming and kayaking. The park entry fee is around £12–15 per person and includes the shuttle boat to the island monastery on Veliko Jezero. Rent a bike at the park entrance (approx. £10–15) to loop the lakes. Alternatively, rent a kayak (approx. £15/hour). Stay overnight in Pomena or Polače in a guesthouse.

🚌Jadrolinija ferry from Hvar to Korčula (~£10, ~1.5 hours), then catamaran or ferry from Korčula to Sobra/Pomena on Mljet (~£8–12, ~1 hour). Check jadrolinija.hr for current timetables — summer services are frequent.

🛏Guesthouse Pomena or Apartments Polače — private rooms from ~£40–60/night. Book ahead in peak season (July–August).

• →Ferry from Hvar to Mljet via Korčula (~£18–22)
• →Mljet National Park entry including lake shuttle boat (~£12–15)
• →Self-guided bike tour around Malo and Veliko Jezero (~£10–15 bike rental)
• →Swimming in the saltwater lakes (included with park entry)
• →Kayak rental on the lakes (~£15/hour)
• →Optional: hike the park trails

After breakfast, take the morning Jadrolinija ferry from Sobra (Mljet) to Dubrovnik (approx. £12–16, ~2 hours). The route passes the Elaphite Islands — Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep — so keep an eye out as you sail. Arrive into Dubrovnik's Gruž harbour by midday. Check into your hostel in the Old Town or nearby Lapad neighbourhood. In the afternoon, walk the famous Dubrovnik City Walls (£28–32 entry — book online at wall.hr to avoid queues). As the sun sets, head to Buža Bar (the famous cliff bar) for cocktails with a sea view. Dinner in or around the Old Town — expect to pay £15–22 for a sit-down meal.

🚌Jadrolinija ferry from Sobra, Mljet to Dubrovnik Gruž harbour (~£12–16, ~2 hours). From Gruž, take local bus 1A or 1B to the Old Town (~£1.50). Taxis from Gruž to Old Town cost ~£8–10.

🛏Hostel Angelina Old Town Dubrovnik or Fresh Sheets Hostel — dorms from ~£25–35/night, private rooms from ~£65–90/night

• →Ferry from Sobra (Mljet) to Dubrovnik Gruž (~£12–16)
• →Dubrovnik City Walls walk (~£28–32, book at wall.hr)
• →Swim stop at Banje Beach or Buža cliff area (free)
• →Sunset cocktails at Buža cliff bar (~£8–12 per drink)
• →Dinner in the Old Town (~£15–22)

Your final full morning in Dubrovnik — make the most of it. Take the cable car up to Mount Srd for extraordinary views over the Old Town and Adriatic (£18–20 return, book at dubrovnikcablecar.com). On a clear day you can see all the way to Montenegro. Back in the Old Town, catch the short shuttle boat from the Old Port to Lokrum Island (~£15 return, includes park entry) — a lush nature reserve with a botanical garden, a defunct monastery, and rocky swimming spots. Back in Dubrovnik, consider a Game of Thrones or historical walking tour — self-bookable via GetYourGuide from ~£18–25pp. Depart from Dubrovnik Airport or bus station as needed.

🚌Cable car departs from just outside the Old Town walls near Ploče Gate. Lokrum boat departs from the Old Port inside the Old Town walls (every 30–60 mins in summer). For onward travel: Dubrovnik Airport is ~30 mins by bus 27 (~£5) or taxi (~£30–35). Flixbus and Croatia Bus run connections to Split, Sarajevo, and beyond from Gruž bus station.

🛏Check-out day — no accommodation needed unless extending

• →Dubrovnik Cable Car to Mount Srd (~£18–20 return)
• →Shuttle boat to Lokrum Island (~£15 return incl. park entry)
• →Swimming and exploring Lokrum's rocky coves (included)
• →Game of Thrones / historical walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£18–25)
• →Stradun (main street) and Old Town wander (free)