From UNESCO Trogir to the waterfalls of Krka, the lakes of Plitvice, the wineries of Pelješac, and the islands of Brač and Hvar — five proven private days out of Split.
Split is the perfect base for exploring Dalmatia. The drive times are reasonable, the road quality is good, and within a single day you can be in a national park, a UNESCO old town, a vineyard or another country.
Here are five day trips we plan most often for guests, with timings and practical notes.
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
The signature day out of Split, and the longest. About 2 h 30 min each way.
- Leave Split: 07:00 (yes, early)
- Arrive Plitvice: 09:30, ahead of the day-trip buses
- In the park: 3.5–4 hours on the lower and upper lakes circuit
- Lunch: Lika lamb or trout at a restaurant outside the park entrance
- Optional stop on the way back: Rastoke watermill village (45 min)
- Back in Split: around 19:00
Best from late April through October. In peak summer the boardwalks are crowded; an early start is non-negotiable. See the Plitvice private tour for the full plan.
2. Krka Waterfalls and Šibenik
Half the drive of Plitvice with a high "wow" payoff. About 1 h each way.
- Leave Split: 08:30
- Arrive Skradin: 09:30 — boat into the park
- Skradinski Buk walk: 1.5–2 hours around the cascades
- Lunch in Skradin: along the Krka river — black risotto, prosciutto, local wine
- Afternoon in Šibenik: 1.5 hours in the UNESCO old town and the cathedral of St James
- Back in Split: 17:30
A softer day than Plitvice. Excellent for first-time visitors who want nature without spending half the day in the car. See the Krka and Šibenik tour.
3. Trogir, Salona and Klis Fortress
A history-and-stones day, all within 40 minutes of Split.
- Leave Split: 09:00
- Salona ruins (1 hour): the ancient Roman capital of Dalmatia, lots to imagine, very few crowds
- Klis Fortress (1 hour): cliffside fort, Game of Thrones filming location, the best panoramic view over Split and the islands
- Lunch in Kaštela at a konoba
- Trogir old town (2 hours): UNESCO-listed island town, the cathedral of St Lawrence, cafes around the marina
- Back in Split: 17:00
Perfect if your group includes a history-curious adult and a kid who needs a fortress to climb. See Trogir, Salona and Klis.
4. Pelješac wine country and Ston
A long, indulgent day out. About 2 h 45 min each way.
- Leave Split: 08:00
- Stop in Ston (1 h): the "European Wall of China" plus the salt pans and fresh oysters at Mali Ston
- Pelješac wineries (3 h): two cellar visits with tastings — Plavac Mali, Dingač, Postup
- Lunch at a winery with peka or grilled fish
- Back in Split: late afternoon
This is the day for guests who want a slower pace and serious food. The peninsula is one of the best wine regions in the Mediterranean and remains underrated. We pair it with a private driver so no one has to skip the tastings.
5. Brač and Hvar islands by private boat + car combo
Two islands in one day if you start early.
- Leave Split: 07:30 — short drive to Split harbour for a private boat charter
- Bol on Brač: swim at Zlatni Rat beach (the famous "horn"), early lunch in the village
- Continue to Hvar town: medieval walls, lavender shops, espresso on the main square
- Optional stop at the Pakleni islands: secluded coves for a final swim
- Return to Split harbour: late afternoon
- Drop-off at your accommodation
This one combines a private boat (separate booking) with our driver picking you up at the harbour and handling the transfers either side. For families and small groups this gives the most variety per day.
How to pick
- First time in Croatia, one nature day: Krka.
- Have two nature days: add Plitvice.
- History buff: Trogir, Salona and Klis.
- Foodies: Pelješac.
- Beach + island vibes: Brač + Hvar combo.
We're happy to design a custom multi-day rhythm for your stay — tell us your dates and interests and we'll come back with a draft.
Practical notes for any of these days
- Comfortable shoes for Plitvice and Krka — boardwalks are uneven.
- Layers in shoulder season — coast is warm, mountains around Plitvice can be 10 °C cooler.
- Passport if you might detour into Bosnia (Mostar, Kravice).
- Cash for small stops and tips — most national park stalls take cards now but konobas in villages prefer cash.
- Hydration — we keep bottled water in the vehicle but bring a refillable bottle for the walks.
A private day costs more than a coach tour, but you set the pace, pick the stops, eat where you like, and skip the queues. For most travellers that trade-off pays for itself by lunchtime.
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