Croatia's Ancient Gardens and Forgotten Islands

Saga Hosted Hotels

Gardens

Discover the historic gardens of Dubrovnik, as well as the flora and wildlife of nearby islands, Lokrum and Šipan. From olive groves and fig orchards to meadows covered in wildflowers and butterflies, the landscapes here are diverse. The Franciscan Monastery and Cloisters in Dubrovnik are a highlight – the courtyard garden, especially, is a sensory oasis filled with citrus trees and rose beds. We’ll explore the priory before browsing for Croatian cheeses, seasonal fruits, and handcrafted souvenirs at Dubrovnik’s open market. You’ll also enjoy an aerial view of Dubrovnik’s medieval cobbled streets and bougainvillea-draped buildings before taking a short boat ride to the island of Lokrum. We'll head straight for the island’s shady arboretum for a stroll through native woodland of myrtle, bay, juniper, mastic, and strawberry trees. We'll also get to explore traditional Croatian villages like the Sipanska Luka and Cilipi, where traditionally dressed performers entertain with singing and dancing in the town square.

Five included excursions and visits
- Dubrovnik and its Monastery Gardens (full day)
- Isle of Lockrum (full day)
- Sipan Island (full day)
- Clipi and Cavtat (full day)
- Villa Sorkocevic and Villa Gucetic (full day)

Just 20 kilometres south of Dubrovnik, the resort of Cavtat oozes with traditional Croatian character. Right in the heart of town is the Hotel Cavtat, so close to the sea that one of its ‘pools’ is nothing more than a ladder down into the glass-clear waters of the Adriatic. A recent makeover means the hotel will boast a 4-star rating for the 2024 season, with slick, stylish interiors. The buffet restaurant offers spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling windows, while the highly recommended à la carte eatery is perched on a seafront terrace. A roof terrace features a plunge pool, bar and sun terrace, all with widescreen views across Tiha Bay; new for 2024 will be a waterfront cocktail bar just across the small street in front of the hotel.

Included with every Hosted Holiday

Dedicated welcoming host
Resort airport transfers
Travel insurance and meals

Including

Saga host

Local expert guide

Hosted drinks reception

Five included excursions and visits

Half board: All breakfasts and dinners

International flights. Prices are based on return flights with easyJet from London Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports

Return transfers direct to your hotel 

Overview

7 nights
Dubrovnik Riviera, Croatia
Multiple
Half Board

From £1,345 per person

Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction if not required

Fishing port, in the village Sudurad, Sipan Island, one of the Elaphiti Islands, Croatia. SPIN: Croatia’s Ancient Gardens and Forgotten Islands

Holiday details

Food and drink

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style in the main restaurant. Food and drink can also be purchased in the à la carte restaurant the seafront terrace and rooftop pool bar. Enjoy traditional Croatian and international cuisine.

Accommodation

Rooms are modern and bright, and all have a balcony or terrace. You can upgrade for a side-sea view.

Amenities

Two restaurants
Pool bar
Outdoor pool
Spa

Holiday location

Local Area

Cavtat is big enough to require a day or two to explore, with ancient architecture, an array of churches and circular walking trails leading around a pair of pine-fringed promontories. The bustling fishing port, where the morning’s catch is sold straight from the boat, is perfect for a wander. Finish up with a cappuccino in one of the many cafes, or try out one of the superb restaurants – at Konoba Kolona, the menu regularly includes tuna caught by the owner. Day trip possibilities include fascinating Dubrovnik, easily reachable by water taxi or a 30-minute local bus, and Kotor, set on a dramatic bay in neighbouring Montenegro. Its cobbled streets and Roman fortifications start at sea level and extend high onto the mountainside.

Optional excursions

Optional excursions can only be booked in resort and are subject to minimum numbers

Dubrovnik and its Monastery Gardens

1/5

If you're looking for a peaceful way to spend a day in Dubrovnik the Franciscan Monastery and Cloisters is unmissable. The courtyard garden makes for a sensory oasis filled with citrus trees and beds of roses. After soaking up the serenity from one of the stone benches or alongside the ornamental well, you'll be invited to explore inside the priory. This is one of Dubrovnik's architectural crown jewels and filled with ancient artifacts, artwork and Croatian cultural heritage. More Renaisance and Gothic grandeur awaits in the Rector's Palace museum and the 18th century baroque-style cathedral. And there's no better way to complete today's optional excursion other than shopping for Croatian cheeses, seasonal fruits and handcrafted souvenirs at the city's open market.

Croatia