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Planet Rail · Tailor-made independent rail, ferry and air holiday

Croatian Adventure by First Class Rail, Ferry & Air

London to Dubrovnik in 13 days: rail, ferry, and air through six countries

Illustration of Croatian Adventure by First Class Rail, Ferry & Air

Planet Rail operates this 13-day independent journey combining first-class rail, ferry, and air travel from London to Dubrovnik. You depart London on Eurostar to Brussels, then travel by high-speed rail and EuroCity train through Munich, Villach, Ljubljana, and Zagreb, arriving on the Adriatic coast at Split by train. From there, high-speed ferries carry you to the island of Hvar and finally to Dubrovnik. Throughout, you stay in four-star hotels and arrange your own movement between stations, ports, and accommodations. The itinerary balances travel days with leisure time: one night each in Munich, Ljubljana, and Zagreb, then three nights apiece in Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik, allowing you to explore at your own pace. A British Airways flight returns you from Dubrovnik to London on Day 13. This trip suits repeat rail travellers and independent explorers who appreciate first-class comfort and the flexibility to discover each city on their own terms.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Zagreb to Split leg is in Standard Class, not First Class; other rail segments are First Class where possible
  • You arrange your own transport between stations, ports, and hotels; taxis to/from Dubrovnik port and airport are payable locally
  • Split to Hvar and Hvar to Dubrovnik ferry timings and vessel type may change with the season
  • Optional paid extras include Krka National Park day trip from Split, car hire on Hvar, and the sleeper train to Zagreb

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Munich

    By rail to Munich

    From St Pancras International join the Eurostar service to Brussels in Standard Premier Class (Eurostar's First Class for leisure travellers) with a light meal and drinks on board. In Brussels change trains and continue to Munich, the Bavarian capital. Overnight at the Eurostars Grand Central (4 star), close to the station.

  2. Day 2overnight: Ljubljana

    Munich to Ljubljana

    After a leisurely breakfast, a comfortable EuroCity journey in First Class to the Austrian town of Villach. Change trains and board the high-speed service into Slovenia and its capital Ljubljana. Make your own arrangements to the Grand Hotel Union (4 star), your base for the night.

    Meals: breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zagreb

    At leisure in Ljubljana and arrival into Zagreb, the Croatian Capital

    A morning to explore Ljubljana: the remains of Roman Emona, a medieval castle, baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, picturesque bridges across the Ljubljanica River and Tivoli Park. Then take the train from Slovenia into Croatia and its capital Zagreb; it is a short walk from the station to the Hotel Esplanade (4 star).

    Meals: breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Split

    Zagreb to Split

    After breakfast and some last-minute sightseeing, board your train through the beautiful Croatian countryside, arriving into Split this evening. Make your own way to the Hotel Luxe (4 star), your accommodation for the next three nights.

    Meals: breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Split

    At leisure in Split

    Built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Split boasts the best-preserved Roman Palace complex in Europe at the city's heart. Explore the maze of narrow winding streets, stone stairways and twisting alleyways, and visit the UNESCO-listed Diocletian Palace with its historical buildings, museums and National Theatre.

  6. Day 6overnight: Split

    At leisure in Split

    A second full day in Split. For a different view, take a day trip (payable locally) to Krka National Park, around an hour away by car and known for a series of waterfalls in a stunning natural location.

  7. Day 7overnight: Hvar

    By ferry to the Island of Hvar

    After a final breakfast in Split, make your way to the ferry port for the high-speed service to Hvar, arriving in just 1 hour (timings and type of ferry may change with the season). A short walk from the port is the Adriana Hotel & Spa (4 star), home for the next three nights.

    Meals: breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Hvar

    Exploring the Island of Hvar

    Hvar is one of Croatia's most popular islands, with pebble beaches, crystal clear waters and seafood restaurants. Wander into Hvar Town, famed for its natural beauty and fairytale coastline.

  9. Day 9overnight: Hvar

    Exploring the Island of Hvar

    A second day at leisure. Perhaps hire a car (payable locally) to explore further afield: peaceful Milna, just 6km from Hvar Town, or the quaint town of Stari Grad, known for al fresco dining, colourful souvenir stalls and fishing boats.

  10. Day 10overnight: Dubrovnik

    By ferry to the historic city of Dubrovnik

    After a final breakfast, board the high-speed ferry south down the Adriatic, arriving into Dubrovnik in under 3 hours. From the port take a taxi (payable locally) to the Valamar Lacroma Hotel (4 star) for three nights. This afternoon enjoy the hotel's facilities before dinner at a traditional restaurant.

    Meals: breakfast

  11. Day 11overnight: Dubrovnik

    Discovering Dubrovnik

    Two whole days in the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Walk the towers and bastions of the high city walls (payable locally), then from Pile Gate down Stradun to the old harbour past the Franciscan monastery, the baroque Church of St. Blaise, the Sponza Palace with the Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders, the Rector's Palace, the Cathedral and Treasury, and the Dominican monastery.

  12. Day 12overnight: Dubrovnik

    Discovering Dubrovnik

    The Val President Relax Beach is 500 metres from your hotel, with sun loungers overlooking the Elaphiti Islands. Near the old town, cool off at Lazareti beach just past Ploce Gate or at Banje Beach with glorious views over the old town.

  13. Day 13

    Dubrovnik to London - Homeward bound

    After a final breakfast, make your way by taxi (payable locally) to Dubrovnik airport for your British Airways flight back to London. Alternative flights are available based on your preference and dependent on availability.

    Meals: breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels in Standard Premier Class, then high-speed rail to Munich
  • Day 2EuroCity journey in First Class from Munich to Villach, then high-speed service into Ljubljana
  • Day 4Train through Croatian countryside to Split, largest city on the Croatian coast
  • Day 7High-speed ferry from Split to Hvar island, arriving in one hour
  • Day 10High-speed ferry down the Adriatic to Dubrovnik, arriving in under three hours

Included

  • First Class rail travel (where possible)
  • Ferry journeys from Split to Hvar and Hvar to Dubrovnik
  • Return by air: British Airways flight from Dubrovnik to London
  • Highly-rated 4-star accommodation throughout

Not included

  • Taxi from Dubrovnik port to your hotel (payable locally)
  • Dubrovnik city walls walk (payable locally)
  • Public bus or taxi between the Valamar Lacroma and Dubrovnik old town (payable locally)
  • Taxi to Dubrovnik airport (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train and ferry travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes Eurostar, high-speed rail across Europe, the EuroCity Munich to Villach leg in First Class, and ferries from Split to Hvar and Hvar to Dubrovnik. The Zagreb to Split train is Standard Class. Your return British Airways flight from Dubrovnik to London is also included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is independent and self-guided. You make your own way between stations, ports, and hotels. There is no tour guide accompanying the group.
Which hotels are included?
Four-star hotels throughout: Eurostars Grand Central in Munich (1 night), Grand Hotel Union in Ljubljana (1 night), Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb (1 night), Hotel Luxe in Split (3 nights), Adriana Hotel & Spa in Hvar (3 nights), and Valamar Lacroma Hotel in Dubrovnik (3 nights).
When does this trip run?
Planet Rail prices it by season: November to March from £2,195 per person; October, April, May from £2,395; June, September from £2,595; July, August from £2,795. Departure dates are available year-round based on availability.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each morning is included. Lunch on Day 1 (light meal and drinks on Eurostar) is included. All other meals are on your own arrangement.
What is not included?
Taxis and local transport between ports and hotels, entrance to Dubrovnik's city walls, optional car hire on Hvar, and the Krka National Park day trip are all payable locally.

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