Two Countries, One Coast: Croatia to Puglia

Dubrovnik: Arrive and get lost in the Old Town’s winding streets. Take a private walking tour with a guide and explore city walls, museums and learn Croatian history. End the day with a sunset boat tour over the city walls. 

It is also possible to organize sunset hiking tour on mountain Srđ with wine tasting and delicacies.

Elafiti Islands – Half or Full Day: Cruise the sparkling Adriatic on a private boat, discovering secluded coves, pristine beaches, and charming island villages. Swim, snorkel, or simply relax onboard while enjoying breathtaking coastal views and local refreshments.

Explore secret corners of the city, then in the evening Dubrovnik taste the unforgettable peka —meat, seafood, or vegetables slow-cooked under a heavy bell covered with embers and ash. The heat seeps in gently, melding flavors into rich, smoky perfection.

As you wait, the aromas fill the courtyard, and the anticipation builds. When the bell is lifted, the food emerges tender, juicy, and infused with the unmistakable taste of traditional Dalmatian cooking. Enjoy it family-style, paired with local wine, while swapping stories of the day’s adventures—this isn’t just dinner; it’s a full cultural and culinary immersion.

Dubrovnik → Ston → Split: Drive along the scenic coast to Ston, famous for its salt flats and fresh oysters—enjoy them paired with a glass of local sparkling wine.

Continue to Split, wandering the streets of Diocletian’s Palace and soaking in the vibrant Old Town atmosphere.

Spend the day wandering through Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site where history lives in every stone. Join a walking tour to discover its hidden courtyards, ancient cellars, and stunning Roman architecture.

Step out into the lively city center to explore bustling streets, charming squares, and artisan shops. Pause in local cafés to sip espresso or sample Croatian pastries, and as evening falls, enjoy the vibrant nightlife with seaside bars, tavernas, and live music. Split is where history, culture, and modern life collide in a perfect Adriatic rhythm.

Choose your own adventure—sail the sparkling Adriatic on a private boat, hopping between the islands of Šolta, Brač, and Hvar, swimming in hidden coves and enjoying seaside lunches. Or venture inland for a Dalmatian-style truffle hunting experience, guided by local experts. For a hands-on cultural twist, cooking classes in Split can also be arranged, letting you master traditional Croatian dishes with fresh local ingredients.

Short flight or ferry ride brings you to Bari. Transfer to the countryside and settle into your Italian escape, surrounded by olive groves, historic towns, and the Adriatic breeze.

Explore dramatic cliffs overlooking the turquoise Adriatic waters, where small beaches and hidden coves await. Take a scenic private boat ride along the coast, discovering sea caves, secret grottos, and charming fishing villages.

Wander through the historic streets of Bari, the cliffside terraces of Polignano a Mare, and the quaint harbor town of Monopoli, where colorful buildings and local markets invite you to taste fresh seafood and regional specialties. This is a day to immerse yourself in the coastal beauty, history, and flavors of southern Italy, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, photos, and leisurely seaside lunches.

Step into the fairytale world of Alberobello, where the iconic trulli houses with their conical roofs seem lifted straight from a storybook. Wander narrow cobblestone streets, peek inside artisan shops, and feel the timeless charm of this UNESCO-listed village.

Then, continue to Ostuni, the “White City,” perched on a hill and glowing in the Mediterranean sun. Stroll its winding alleys, admire whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flowers, and soak in panoramic views over olive groves and the Adriatic coast. These magical towns invite you to explore at your own pace, taste local delicacies, and capture memories at every turn.

Step into Matera, the legendary “City of Caves,” where history is literally carved into the rock. Wander through labyrinthine streets lined with ancient cave dwellings, churches, and homes that have been lived in for thousands of years. Explore the Sassi districts, marvel at rock-hewn churches with centuries-old frescoes, and feel the unique atmosphere of a city that blends past and present.

Every corner tells a story, and every alley invites you to discover why Matera is unlike any other place in the world. From quaint cafés to panoramic viewpoints over the ravine, this is a day of history, culture, and awe-inspiring architecture that will stay with you long after you leave.

Immerse yourself in the baroque splendor of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” where ornate churches, palaces, and piazzas showcase intricate stone carvings and historic charm at every turn. Wander through lively markets, meet local artisans, and savor the flavors of traditional southern Italian cuisine—from fresh pasta to hand-rolled pastries.

Step outside the city to explore the nearby coastline, including the breathtaking Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, jagged rock formations rising dramatically from the Adriatic Sea. Take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters, soak up the sun on quiet beaches, or enjoy a leisurely seaside lunch. This day perfectly blends culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty, offering a full taste of southern Italy’s magic.

Spend a full day on a private boat, cruising along Puglia’s stunning coastline and discovering hidden coves, secluded beaches, and turquoise waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Onshore, take part in a hands-on burrata-making experience with a local artisan, learning the secrets behind this creamy, iconic cheese while enjoying the aromas of fresh ingredients.

Follow it with long, leisurely coastal lunches, featuring freshly caught seafood, local olive oil, and regional wines, all served with spectacular views of the Adriatic. This is a day designed to fully immerse you in the flavors, sights, and rhythms of southern Italy—a perfect blend of culinary discovery, relaxation, and coastal adventure.

Explore Bari Vecchia, the city’s ancient Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets wind between historic buildings and lively piazzas. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, taking in views of the Adriatic and the gentle rhythm of local life.

Visit the iconic Basilica di San Nicola, an important pilgrimage site, and admire its centuries-old architecture and sacred relics. Meander through bustling local markets, sampling regional specialties and fresh focaccia straight from the oven. As the day winds down, enjoy a relaxed evening in a traditional trattoria, savoring homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and regional wines while soaking in the authentic charm of southern Italy. Every corner tells a story, and every bite connects you to the local culture.

Enjoy a final leisurely morning in Bari before your flight home to Newark. 

*Note: This Adriatic adventure is fully flexible—you can start in Italy or Croatia and combine all highlights to suit your schedule and interests.