Croatian Coastline by Rail
- 13 Days
- From £1,499
- Croatia
- Travel by rail to pretty Heidelberg
- Take the sleeper from Stuttgart to Croatian capital Zagreb
- Explore the fascinating coastal city of Split, including Diocletian’s Palace
- Spend three relaxing days on the popular island of Hvar in the Adriatic
- Finish your holiday in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 11 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Overnight sleeper from Stuttgart to Zagreb in a private double cabin
- Ferry from Split to Hvar Island and Hvar to Dubrovnik
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets and hotel vouchers
- All credit card surcharges and delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Leave London St Pancras this morning, on a service bound for Brussels. It’s an easy change here onto the high-speed German trains to Heidelberg via Cologne. Check in for an overnight stay at the NH Heidelberg (or similar).
Heidelberg is a lovely university town on the Neckar River, dominated by its Renaissance castle. Spend your first evening here, perhaps enjoying dinner in the cobbled old town area.
Leave your bags safely at your hotel and spend a full day in Heidelberg before returning to the station and boarding a train for the quick journey to Stuttgart. Here, you’ll pick up the EuroNight sleeper service bound for Zagreb, which arrives mid-morning the following day.
Check in at the Canopy by Hilton City Centre (or similar) and spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the Croatian capital.
You have another morning to discover more of Zagreb today. Then, this afternoon, return to the station and take the modern train through some beautiful Croatian countryside in the Dalmatia region, before arriving into Split later in the evening.
Upon arrival, check into the Hotel Marul (or similar) for a 3-night stay. After settling in here, it’s time to head out and begin your exploration of this historic Adriatic city.
Home to the summer house of the Roman emperor Diocletian, Split is one of the jewels of the Adriatic. Its centre dates back to the Roman era, as well as hints of medieval and Venetian influences as you wander the evocative narrow passages of the Old Town.
Complement your visits to the fascinating museums and galleries with a stroll along the harbour-front, where the fresh catch of the day is being transported to some of the city’s top restaurants ready for you to sample. If you fancy an excursion from Split, we recommend taking a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Catch a ferry from Split over to the island of Hvar today. During summer, this can be made on a high-speed vessel, while at other times the journey is made at a more leisurely pace on a traditional ferry.
On arrival at the port, make your way to the Amfora Grand Beach Resort (or similar) where you will have a 3-night stay.
One of the Adriatic’s most popular islands, Hvar lies 30 miles or so off the coast of mainland Croatia. Boasting stunning towns such as Stari Grad, Hvar Town and Jelsa, the island has an impressive offering of sumptuous restaurants, happening bars and a rich culture and architecture.
Try watersports, go hiking along the coastline or in the hills, or just relax by the poolside with a book! We can arrange car hire if you would like to visit other parts of the island under your own steam, or we can arrange for a private tour of the island should you wish.
Leave Hvar after breakfast this morning and catch a ferry back to the mainland, this time to the historic city of Dubrovnik. Arriving by sea is the best way to get here! Once you’ve docked, make your way to the Hotel More (or simliar) and check in for a 3-night stay.
Dubrovnik was at the heart of one of most prosperous Maritime Republics during the Renaissance Period, and this wealth is clear to see in the magnificent and endlessly photogenic SOOld Town, overlooking the Adriatic. The best views are to be had from the historic city walls.
Spend two full days in Dubrovnik. As well as exploring the Old Town, you can also head for the beach. The Lapad Peninsula (where some of our hotel options are located) is a good spot for swimming and relaxing on the coast. Games of Thrones fans will also enjoy taking a tour of Dubrovnik’s many filming locations.
At the end of your holiday, it’s time for your onward or return journey. You can either book a flight back to the UK or we can help with a return journey by rail and/ or ferry. Give us a call for options and prices.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Split
This charming hotel within easy walking distance of the marina and Diocletian’s Palace. It features an à la carte restaurant serving Mediterranean and international cuisine and a bar. Bedrooms are decorated in soft pastel colours and all offer free Wi-Fi access, a satellite TV and air-conditioning.
Hvar Island
With a beautiful multi-level pool as its spectacular main feature, the Amfora Grand Beach Resort is in a secluded setting and still within easy walking distance of the centre of Hvar Town. The rooftop restaurant, Windows on Hvar, provides majestic views across the town, mountains and stunning islands off the coast.
Zagreb
Just a few yards from the Main Train Station, the hotel features modern, air-conditioned rooms that are fitted with a minibar, flat-screen satellite TV and a coffee machine. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. The on-site restaurant, ReUnion serves Croatian cuisine while a buffet breakfast is served each morning. After a busy day guest can relax in the lounge bar while enjoying a refreshing drink. Zagreb Main Square, as well as the Upper Town and all major sights, can be reached in a 15-minute walk.
