Highlights
- Experience the best of Plitvice Lakes National Park with a private guide
- Join private walking tours in Split and Dubrovnik
- Explore the Pakleni Islands and see the famous Blue Cave with a speedboat tour
- Bike across the island of Korcula, visiting local producers
- Embark on a private half-day boat tour to the Elafiti Islands
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Zagreb, Stroll Around Tkalčićeva Street | Zagreb |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Split via Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes Walking Tour | Split |
| Day 3 | Walking Tour of Historic Split & Diocletian's Palace | Split |
| Day 4 | Ferry to Hvar, Half-Day Island Tour | Hvar |
| Day 5 | Blue Cave, Vis Island & Pakleni Islands Speedboat Tour | Hvar |
| Day 6 | Ferry to Korčula, lsland Bike & Food Tour | Korčula |
| Day 7 | Ferry to Dubrovnik, Old Town Walking Tour & Explore Mount Srđ | Dubrovnik |
| Day 8 | Half-Day Elafiti Islands Speedboat Tour | Dubrovnik |
| Day 9 | Free Time in Dubrovnik, Konavle Region Culinary Experience | Dubrovnik |
| Day 10 | Depart Dubrovnik |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb, Stroll Around Tkalčićeva Street
Welcome to Zagreb! Nestled between the slopes of Medvednica mountain and the lush plains along the Sava River, Croatia's capital is where old and new collide. Its Gornji Grad (Upper Town) is filled with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, including the iconic St. Mark's Church and Lotrščak Tower. This contrasts with the dynamic energy of the contemporary Donji Grad (Lower Town), making Zagreb a timeless European destination. On arrival at the airport, meet a private driver for a transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Split via Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes Walking Tour
After breakfast, meet your private driver for a four-hour transfer to the coastal city of Split. En route, you'll make two special stops. The first is Rastoke, a picturesque watermill village set on the banks of the Slunčica River. This fairy-tale locale is filled with wooden houses with colorful facades and is surrounded by beautiful nature and the sound of cascading falls. After Rastoke, continue to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatia's natural masterpiece is gorgeous at any time of year and a must-visit for any traveler to Croatia.
You'll meet a private guide to explore the UNESCO-protected park, filled with a collection of 16 glassy emerald green and blue travertine lakes, more than 90 cascading waterfalls that seemingly cover every corner of the park, and numerous caves. The terraced lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. Wander along wooden boardwalks while hearing about the significance of its history and natural features.
Finally, you'll reach Split, a coastal city with its heart set within the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace. Here, the Roman architecture blends with modern life, where every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage site reveals historic artifacts, charming cafés, and lively restaurants. With its sun-kissed waterfront along the Adriatic Sea, Split exudes a coastal charm with a rich cultural heritage where you can savor the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. Check into your hotel, then set out for a taste of local life.
Day 3: Walking Tour of Historic Split & Diocletian's Palace
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Ferry to Hvar, Half-Day Island Tour
Head down to the marina to catch a 50-minute catamaran ferry to the island of Hvar. This Croatian island set in the Adriatic Sea is popular with tourists due to its natural setting, mild climate, and historic port town of the same name. Admire the 13th-century walls, hilltop fortress, and Renaissance-era Cathedral as you make your way to your hotel. Check in and refresh, then meet a private guide for this afternoon's half-day island tour. Together, you'll set out to explore the undulating island terrain, with vineyard-covered hills, thick olive groves, and fragrant fields full of rosemary.
Visit the abandoned 16th-century village of Malo Grablje before carrying on to the slightly older Velo Grablje. Stop for an authentic dinner at a family-run konoba (tavern) for a traditional meal, then visit a family-owned vineyard or two for a tasting. Visit the Stari Grad Plain to see the agricultural landscape created by the ancient Greeks and meander amid Croatia's oldest town in Stari Grad. After the day's adventures, treat yourself to a drink in the town's ancient piazza that overlooks the Venetian loggia, seventh-century fortification walls, and the oldest municipal theater in Europe.
Day 5: Blue Cave, Vis Island & Pakleni Islands Speed Boat Tour
Today, you'll set out on an exciting full-day outing to discover neighboring Biševo, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands. On a speedboat, you'll cruise to the east coast of Biševo, a popular, though often crowded island, to see the mesmerizing iridescent blue waters of Modra Špilja (Blue Cave). Transfer to a small boat to discover the natural phenomena for yourself. Next, travel to Vis' stunning pebble beach of Stiniva Bay. Obscured by towering cliffs, the hidden-away beach offers crystalline waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Finally, return to Hvar, stopping to sunbathe and swim in the bays and inlets of the nearby Pakleni archipelago. This collection of 14 wooded and rocky islets is the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera. After, return to Hvar Town. If you have time, hike to the Španjola Fortress for sunset. This Venetian fortress from the 1500s offers an incredible view over the city's rooftops and the deep blue sea and Pakleni Islands beyond. Inside the castle, there are displays of historic artifacts, among which are ancient amphorae from an earlier Bronze Age stronghold on this spot.
Day 6: Ferry to Korčula, Island Bike & Food Tour
Collect your things and catch a scenic one-hour catamaran ferry to Korčula. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, Korčula's character is defined by a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a relaxed Mediterranean way of life. One of the island's claims to fame is Marco Polo, the famous explorer who was born here. You can visit the Marco Polo Museum within the medieval walls of Korčula Town, which also showcases a well-preserved blend of Venetian and Dalmatian architecture.
Olive groves and vineyards dot the landscape, contributing to the island's agricultural richness. This afternoon, you'll jump in the saddle of a bike for a two-wheel small group foodie adventure across the island. Stop at local producers to taste some of the island's exceptional homemade products. Meet the people who call Korčula home, discover the history of the Island, and soak up the stunning scenery of fields, vineyards, and coastal views as you cycle.
Day 7: Ferry to Dubrovnik, Old Town Walking Tour & Explore Mount Srđ
After breakfast, venture down to the port for a two-hour ferry to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." One of the most ancient fortress cities in Europe, the UNESCO-listed Old Town is enclosed by robust city walls, and within, you'll find well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures, including the City Walls and Sponza Palace. The marble-paved Stradun, the main street, is lined with charming cafés and shops. Check into your hotel and refresh ahead of this afternoon's 90-minute private walking tour through the medieval Old Town.
Meet your private guide and enter through the 16th-century Pile Gate. Uncover centuries of history, from stories of local life and legends to the importance Dubrovnik once held. Visit Onofrio's Fountain, the 15th-century Rector's Palace, Luza Square, the Church of St. Blaise (St. Vlaho), and the café-lined streets of Brsalje Street. After the tour, venture up Mount Srđ. You can either hike up the mountain or head toward Ploče Gate and take the cable car. At the top, you'll find far-reaching views over the city and Adriatic, and even stay for dinner at the Panorama Restaurant.
Day 8: Half-Day Elafiti Islands Speedboat Tour
Admire the scenery of the Adriatic coast with today's half-day speedboat tour. Meet your skipper, then set out to discover one or more of the three islands of the Elafiti archipelago: Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. Explore small settlements and discover hidden coves perfect for swimming. Wander around in the shade of Mediterranean vegetation, explore interesting small villages, and enjoy local cuisine. Return to Dubrovnik and use your afternoon to explore deeper.
The Old Town is like a vast open-air museum filled with 17th-century buildings, but if you want to learn more, dive into one of the city's most popular museums. The Cultural History Museum in the Rector's Palace offers insight into the life of the Dubrovnik nobility. The Franciscan Pharmacy is one of the three oldest working pharmacies in Europe. The Maritime Museum, located inside the Sv. Ivan Fortress reveals the long maritime past of Dubrovnik, while the Red History Museum explores Croatia's Communist past as Yugoslavia.
Day 9: Free Time in Dubrovnik, Konavle Region Culinary Experience
It's your final full day in Croatia, and this morning is yours to explore Dubrovnik as you wish. Choose to spend a lazy few hours on one of the beaches nearby, walk along the ancient city walls, or set off for a mini adventure. You could visit Lokrum Island, a car-free nature reserve just a short boat ride from the city. This peaceful place is home to a botanical garden, a salt lake, and an ancient Benedictine monastery.
In the late afternoon, you'll swap the city for the countryside and spend your final evening at a family farmhouse. Meet your hosts and learn about the regional gastronomy of Dubrovnik, as well as Croatian culture and history. You'll help pick fresh vegetables from the garden and lend a hand in preparing a four-course Croatian dinner. When it comes time to sit down and taste your efforts, you'll get to pair each dish with homemade wines. Živeli!Day 10: Depart Dubrovnik
It's your final morning in Croatia. Enjoy a final coffee while looking out over the Adriatic Sea. When the time is right, a private driver will collect you for a transfer to Dubrovnik's airport for your departing flight home. Safe travels!
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