I loved Split, but do not see it as a "quiet" place - quite in contrast, I found it very dynamic and lively. I thought the architecture fascinating, but not necessarily beautiful (with the exception of the cathedral). If you want to include Split, a night might do, particularly if you just want to see a few highlights. Or you could stay a night or two in nearby Trogir, which is much more quiet. It is easily reached by public transportation, so you could enjoy the architecture there and still have some time in Split. Enjoy!

I completely agree with kja.

Another option, depending on the ferry schedule, would be to go over to Brac. They are a couple nice little towns there and some great beaches too. That is unless you are just looking for a place on the mainland, then go with Trogir

thanks for the suggestions!

Split and Hvar are a long way for a day trip from either Korcula or Dubrovnik. You will be spending 9 or 10 hours on a bus and/or ferry.

I would forget the day trip idea. With only 6 nights I would spend three at Dubrovnik and three at Korcula.

If you want to get away from it all take the bus from Korcula Town to Vela Luka on the other side of island. On the way there and back you will pass through many small towns that are just begging to be explored.

Vela Luka itself is a throw back to the times of the old pseudo-communist regime. It has not made the jump the way Korcula Town has so it makes for a nice experience.

From Vela Luka you can also catch local ferries to some isolated islands. If you do that you will want to leave early to give yourself plenty of time.

The bus ride itself offers wonder views.

Best of luck with your planning and trip.

Thanks Jim21. good point.
Our latest plan is to do this:

Day 1- Arrive evng: stay in Dubrovnik for 2 nights, giving us only one full day in Dubrovnik (this was b/c the place we chose was only available for 2 nights, not 3)

Day 3-We are considering taking the ferry to Mljet and staying there overnight (nothing booked yet!) We would like to rent bikes there.

Days 4-6 Korcula Town- 3 nights (Marta Apartments)

Day 7 - Last night back in Dubrovnik, giving us another day there- we fly out at 10 pm

What do you think of adding in Mljet? any other tips? we have not checked the boat schedules carefully yet, so we'll have to see if this all works. Also, any thoughts about Nona Ana vs Jadrolinja-- or other means of transportation?

There is no doubt that ferry schedules dictate your travel plans plans. Jadrolinja travels Dubrovnik to Korcula on Sunday's and Thursday...from Korcula to Dubrovnik on Mondays and Fridays. Having just checked the schedule it looks like Nona Ana travels in both directions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during August.

We are not a big fans of high speed catamarans. The ride can be rough and you cannot enjoy the scenery...and scenery is king on the Dalmatian Coast.

We took the bus, from Dubrovnik to Korcula and the ferry back to Dubrovnik. It is nice to experience both.

There are two buses daily from Dubrovnik. One departs daily at 3:00p and arrives in Korcula, via the car ferry, at 6:15p. The other bus departs daily, except for Sundays and hoildays, at 2:15p and arrives in Orebic' at 4:15p. From Orebic you can take the small local ferry directly to Korcula. This ferry runs frequently and only takes about 15 minutes. I recommend this route unless you have a lot of luggage which can be difficult on the small ferry. Otherwise, it is shorter and more fun.

Here is a link with more detail... http://www.korculainfo.com/bus/bus-dubrovnik-korcula.php

We were on Korcula for 3 days and nights in early June. We tried to get to Mijet but the companies running the excursions needed a certain number of passengers or they would not go. In early June that seemed to be a problem but I doubt if you will have that problem in August. More than likely, just the opposite problem.

I recommend making those plans immediately upon arrival in Korcula. The agencies that book those excursions are clustered just outside of the main gate.

We loved Korcula...there are some very good restaurants there...but you can see everything in a few hours. So it is best to wander afar during your stay as you are planning.

I envy you!