Dubrovnik: Day Trips and Tours from Split

Visit the Pearl of the Adriatic on a scenic day trip from Split. The southern coast of Croatia is undeniably beautiful and a day trip to Dubrovnik is an unmissable part of the Croatian experience.

Wander aimlessly through the Old Town or marvel at the mighty city walls that still stand after hundreds of years. Visit museums, eat delicious seafood and admire the spectacular scenery on your journey to and from this slice of history.

Here's all you need to know about Dubrovnik, one of the most exciting day trips from Split.

How to get to Dubrovnik from Split?

Dubrovnik is on the very southern coast of Croatia, nestled tightly between the Adriatic Sea and the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

From Split to Dubrovnik by car

Driving from Split to Dubrovnik takes around 3 hours. You will drive south on the A1/E65 for roughly 135 kilometers and then get off on the D8 in Zaton Doli. Take the exit toward Dubrovnik Centar from Jadranska Cesta. The total driving distance is around 230 km.

From Split to Dubrovnik by bus

Flixbus operates direct routes between Split and Dubrovnik, but the drive is around 5 hours long. This is not ideal for a day excursion to Dubrovnik and you should consider spending the night if you take the bus.

Guided tour to Dubrovnik from Split

The most convenient way to visit Dubrovnik is with a guided tour, since they take care of everything. That means you won't have to worry about scheduling an itinerary or getting behind the wheel after a long day of sightseeing. Guided tours can be done in a group or with a private guide depending on your needs and budget.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to Dubrovnik starts with transportation from Split. Begin with a guided tour of Dubrovnik's Stradun Promenade and witness the breathtaking stone walls that stretch over 1,940 meters. Discover the pedestrianized medieval town and its remarkable architectural gems, including the Town Hall, Sponza Palace, Cathedral, Dominican Monastery and St Blaise Church.

Visit the Rector's Palace, a testament to the harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. After the tour, savor three hours of leisure time to indulge in Mediterranean delicacies, sip coffee on Stradun and shop for traditional filigree jewelry. Finally, return to Split at the end of your day trip.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Dubrovnik?

Guided tours to Dubrovnik from Split

This is the most popular type of day tour to Dubrovnik. These tours depart from a central location in Split and you will enjoy comfortable transportation and an informative tour through the Old Town of Dubrovnik. The tour also schedules leisure time, so you can eat and shop to your heart’s content.

Private tour to Dubrovnik from Split

On a private day tour to Dubrovnik, you will live in the lap of luxury. Start the day with hotel pickup and enjoy the scenic route to the city along the coast. Your itinerary is customizable to some degree, while your guide will allow you to set the pace for an enjoyable day.

Day trip to Dubrovnik plus Mostar from Split

Most day trips from Split avoid driving through Bosnia and Herzegovina, but this jam-packed private day trip makes a stop in Mostar. Here you will see the iconic bridge of Mostar and get a quick tour of the charming town before setting a course for Dubrovnik once more.

How much does a day trip to Dubrovnik from Split cost?

A basic day tour to Dubrovnik costs €75 per person, but this does not include any entrance fees.

Private tours to Dubrovnik are priced based on the number of participants. If two people book, it will cost €300 per person. This includes food, drinks, activities and transportation but you must pay extra to enter the walls of Dubrovnik.

Day tours to Dubrovnik that also stop in Mostar are more expensive and typically cost about €380 per person.

What will you see and do?

Most day tours to Dubrovnik head straight to the enchanting medieval city hidden behind gigantic walls. In the city, you can look forward to some of these fabulous sightseeing opportunities:

Dubrovnik City Walls

The City Walls of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls built in the 14th and 15th centuries to protect the city from invaders. The walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a stunning view of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

Walking along the walls is a popular activity in Dubrovnik, taking about 2 hours to complete the full circuit. Along the way, you'll pass by several towers and fortresses, including the Minceta Tower, which has appeared in the "Game of Thrones" TV series.

Rector's Palace

The Rector's Palace is a beautiful palace located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town. The palace served as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa, the city-state that ruled Dubrovnik during the medieval period. The palace is now a museum that showcases the history of Dubrovnik and its rulers.

Visitors can explore the palace's interior, including the grand hall, council chamber and the Rector's private chambers, which have been restored to their former glory. The palace also hosts cultural events, such as concerts and exhibitions, throughout the year.

Stradun

Stradun is the main street in Dubrovnik's Old Town, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The street is entirely paved with smooth limestone, and the architecture is a blend of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic styles. The Stradun is a lively and vibrant place, especially during the summer months, when it is filled with tourists and locals alike.

Walking along Stradun is a must-do experience in Dubrovnik, as it's a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere. The street is also home to several landmarks, including the Onofrio's Fountain, the Sponza Palace and the Church of St. Blaise.

Game of Thrones tours

Dubrovnik has led a successful career in television and film, with "Game of Thrones" being the most famous production to have filmed in the city in recent years. Join a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik to follow in the footsteps of George R.R. Martin's heroes, as you explore the location that stood in for King's Landing.

Most Game of Thrones tours typically visit the Dubrovnik City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac, Pile Gate in the Old Town, Jesuit Staircase and Lokrum Island, all of which will be familiar to fans of the TV series.

When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?

The best time to visit Dubrovnik depends on your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for warm and sunny weather, bustling crowds and lively events, then the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit.

For a more balanced experience of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October. Winter, from November to April, is the off-season and offers lower prices and a more authentic experience, but also comes with cooler weather and rain.

Travel tips

• Pack your swimsuit and towel, as some tours include a stop for a quick swim. Banje and Sveti Jakov are two of the most popular beaches in Dubrovnik
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as these tours include a moderate amount of walking.
• Croatia is a predominantly Catholic country, so it is important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites in and around Dubrovnik.
• Be sure to try some of the local specialties such as crni rižot (black risotto), brudet (seafood stew) and peka (a slow-cooked meat dish).
• Don't forget to bring your passport, as some tours cross borders into Bosnia and Herzegovina.