Lavish Luxury in Croatia: Ancient Cities, Lush Islands & the Sparkling Dalmation Coast - 14 Days

Highlights

• See the Zagorje countryside and visit the storybook-esque Trakošćan Castle
• Take in seaside views from your private balcony at Zadar's Falkensteiner Hotel
• Soak in the Adriatic views on a luxury speedboat to Biševo, Vis, and Pakleni islands
• Dive into history with a private tour of Dubrovnik's medieval Old Town & city walls

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb, Explore

Welcome to Croatia! Start your luxury adventure in Zagreb, a thriving metropolis known for its Austro-Hungarian architecture, historic Upper and Lower Town districts, and lively, colorful atmosphere. Your driver will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel, the Esplanade Zagreb, a stunning Art Deco retreat located just steps away from museums, parks, and other local sites. Their spacious rooms blend classic decor with modern touches, with lush textiles, marble bathrooms, and options for suites with sitting areas and city views.

A gem of a European city, Zagreb is at once historic and new. It's filled with leafy green parks and Gothic/neo-renaissance buildings, yet there are also modern shopping complexes, outdoor malls, and endless dining and drinking options. There's no better way to commence your trip than with a welcome dinner and toast at one of Zagreb's fine restaurants, as the capital is home to a highly regarded food scene.

Enjoy an evening stroll through the charming city center, passing by the Zagreb Cathedral as you make your way to vibrant Tkalčićeva—a café and restaurant-lined street that comes alive at night and offers an energetic nightlife scene. Choose between a variety of pubs and bars for a local craft beer or cocktail a perfect way to cap off the day.

Day 2: Cultural City Tour of Zagreb, Dinner at Dubravkin Put Restaurant

This morning, immerse yourself in Zagreb's delights with a privately guided walking tour of the city's top sights. Meet your guide and start at Ban Jelačić, the main square, then wind your way through the network of small streets, which takes you through Gornji Grad (Upper Town), a neighborhood stretching between the two hills of Kaptol and Gradec and the oldest part of the city. Visit the bustling Dolac Market and sample fresh produce and other treats, and stop by St. Mary's Cathedral, located right next door.

Continue to St. Mark's Church, with its famed multi-colored roof, and see Lotrščak Tower, from which the Grič cannon is fired every day at noon. From here, ride the funicular down to Donji Grad (Lower Town), where you'll find spacious parks and grand boulevards such as the Lenuci Horseshoe, as well as sites that include the neo-baroque Croatian National Theater. You'll have time to explore Ilica Street, one of the longest streets in Zagreb and a great place for shopping, cultural sites, and restaurants.

Listen to historical stories and local lore from your guide as you go, stopping in Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square (better known as Zrinjevack Park) and, if you'd like, visiting museums such as the Museum of Illusions or the ever-popular Museum of Broken Relationships, an unusual museum that displays personal objects from former lovers. Tonight, have dinner at Dubravkin Put, a contemporary restaurant with a separate wine bar that sits in a wooded glen between Upper Town and the Tuškanac woods.

Day 3: Private Guided Tour of the Zagorje Castles

Just a few miles northwest of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a bucolic hilly region, dotted with Renaissance and medieval fortresses, numerous Baroque castles, and family-run vineyards and farms. It's a memorable, romantic landscape that will take you back in time to a sense of both the aristocratic past and the rural traditional way of life that still exists in Croatia today. A quick day trip from Zagreb allows you to immerse yourself in this beautiful region.

Meet your expert guide and begin the scenic drive through Zagorje county, stopping first in the often-overlooked charming town of Klanjec at the Slovenia border. You'll then visit Veliki Tabor Castle, located just north of Klanjec. This gothic-renaissance castle dates back to the 16th century and sits on a green hill overlooking the fertile countryside. It was originally built for Hungarian nobility, and its fortifications were designed to defend against Turkish invaders. Visit the towers, guardhouses, and inner courtyard, plus see the small museum featuring exhibitions of medieval artifacts like armor, weapons, and paintings.

End the day at Trakošćan Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and is a perfect example of one of these storybook locales. Most of the rooms here are open for visitors, with many left exactly as they were when the last family, the Draskovics, left during the mid-20th century. Learn about the castle's history and architecture, and take a walk around the grounds and nearby lake, then return to Zagreb for the evening. 

Day 4: Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park, Transfer to Zadar

Check out of your Zagreb hotel today, then meet your driver and venture south to the sunny Dalmatian Coast and the beautiful town of Zadar. Along the way, you'll stop to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a must-visit highlight for any traveler to Croatia. This UNESCO-protected park is comprised of an exquisite 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.

You'll have time to walk through the park along wooded boardwalks, following your guide as they show you the most interesting places and explain the significance of its history and natural features. Have lunch, the continue to the ancient Roman city of Zadar, famed for its glorious coastline and vibrant blue waters. Check in at the 5-star Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa, a luxury resort with stylishly appointed rooms that offer private balconies, seaside views, and a distinct Mediterranean flair. Tonight, relax at the hotel and enjoy the amenities on offer, or see some of Zadar on your own. 

Day 5: Guided City Tour of Zadar

After breakfast, meet your guide and discover Zadar, the often-overlooked star of Dalmatia. Set on a peninsula surrounded by the sparkling Adriatic Sea, modern Zadar is home to a tidy network of polished stone streets and public squares. Explore the walled Old Town—a treasure trove of ancient city ruins and architecture from Roman and medieval times—and discover the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, a 16th-century Venetian city wall, and the Roman Forum dating back to the first century.

Carry on to the popular Gold and Silver Museum and its exhibit of bejeweled vessels in the shapes of various body parts, each containing a bone or other relic. Paintings, church artifacts, and other artwork are on display, too. From there, visit the modern Museum of Ancient Glass, showcasing ancient glass artifacts and glassblowing demonstrations.

After touring the city by day, come to the waterfront just before dusk to witness another of Dalmatia's most beautiful sunsets. During this time, you can marvel at Croatian artist Nikola Bašić's 72-foot Monument to the Sun art feature while you listen to the nearby Sea Organ play its unending melody, fueled by the ebb and flow of the Adriatic Sea's current. Return to the historic center to choose between a number of excellent to-die-for seafood restaurants, followed by a stroll along the Riva, a wide ribbon of stone paths bordered by a grassy park on one side and the sea on the other.

Day 6: Day Trip to Historic Pag Island

Today's excursion takes you to the otherworldly landscapes of Pag, a Croatian Island known for its moonlike scenery, sheep farming and cheese production, and lacemaking. Your guide will collect you from your hotel and you'll make your way to the island, starting your visit in the lively village of Novalja. Visit their ancient Roman remains, including an underground water conduit known as Talijanova buža or "Italian Hole" to the locals. Then, head to the Town Musuem, where you can actually access the Italian Hole, as well as checking out local artifacts. 

For lunch, you'll sit down to a meal of paška janjetina, a traditional dish of roasted Pag lamb and potatoes, served at a local restaurant. Afterward, continue to 15th-century Pag Town, home to a pleasing seafront promenade and pebbly stretches of beach. See the 16th-century salt warehouse located just outside of town, and learn about the UNESCO-protected lace industry. Finish the tour at a private cheese factory, where you can sample Paški sir, the award-winning cheese the island is known for across the country.

Day 7: Visit Krka National Park, Transfer to Split

Depart Zadar today and spend some time in the natural world with a privately guided visit to Krka National Park. Meet your guide after breakfast and drive to the park, which encompasses more than 54 square miles (142 sq km) and includes seven different waterfalls. Start at Roški Slap, where you can take a short walk across the Krka River to a small set of rapids, said to resemble a pearl necklace from above, and then take in the impressive Skradinski Buk waterfalls, with tiered cascades, several boardwalks and footpaths, and a swimming area.

The park has boat tours through the area if you want to get closer to some of the falls, or you can walk or hike around different areas. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—Krka is home to more than 200 species of birds, 18 different species of bats, and various reptiles and amphibians. If you have time during your tour, stop to see the Krka Monastery, which is built above ancient catacombs, and the Franciscan monastery of Visovac Island.

After your park tour, continue to Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in the historical region of Dalmatia. Split offers a wealth of history and culture, with cobblestone streets, amazing architecture, and endless views of the sea. Arrive at the fabulous Piazza Heritage Hotel, constructed in 1906 and a testament to the Viennese Art Nouveau style of that time. Rooms here offer classic decor with soothing pastels, antique-style furnishings, and high-end toiletries. You'll also be close to major sites, making the hotel a perfect home base for sightseeing.

Day 8: Food & Culture Walking Tour of Split

One of the best ways to learn about Croaita's history is through their gastronomy, and today you'll take a privately guided food and culture tour around the city. Snack your way through the city's historic streets while visiting markets, family-run bakeries, and old bars while on the hunt for sweet and savory local delicacies. With your expert guide at your side, visit the Green Market (Pazar Market), a lively outdoor market just east of Diocletian's Palace. See how locals shop and sample prosciutto and cheese together with rakija, a typical fruit brandy of the region.

Stop to see how the savory soparnik—a type of Swiss-chard-filled pie thought to be the prototype of the Italian pizza—is made, then close the tour with an al fresco meal at an exclusive rooftop terrace. End the day by exploring on your own, visiting sites such as the Cathedral of St. Dominus, considered the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use, or hiking to the top of Marjan Hill. Referred to as the "lungs of the city," the Marjan peninsula is dotted with centuries-old churches, cypress and pine trees, and Mediterranean plants and herbs. Take a walk on nearby Bačvice Beach before choosing a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 9: Catamaran to Hvar, Half-Day Excursion Around the Island, Peka Dinner

This morning you'll board a catamaran from Split to Hvar. A Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar draws visitors for its natural setting, mild climate, and its historic town of the same name. Check in at the Maslina Resort, a luxury retreat with gorgeously appointed rooms showcasing a curated blend of Mediterranean simplicity and French artistry. All rooms offer panoramic views, with options for garden or sea facing terraces. You can also relax at the on-site spa, take a yoga class, or enjoy a swim at the pool.

Once you've had a moment to regroup, meet up with a local guide for a private excursion around the island. Tour vineyard-covered hills, olive groves, and fields of rosemary, stopping at the abandoned 16th-century village of Malo Grablje before continuing to Velo Grablje. Once home to a thriving lavender industry, Velo Grablje is slowly undergoing a revival.

Stop for an authentic lunch at a family-run konoba (tavern) for a traditionally prepared peka meal, a bell-shaped lid that is covered in coal. Next, you'll spend a little time visiting a family-owned vineyard or two, where you'll have the opportunity to try wines endemic to the island paired with regional delicacies before heading up to Vidikovac for views over the Stari Grad Plain. An agricultural landscape set up by the ancient Greeks (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you'll meander amid small villages in the inner part of the island, stopping to visit Stari Grad, Croatia's oldest town, before returning to your hotel. 

Day 10: Luxury Speedboat Tour of Vis Island's Blue Cave & the Pakleni Islands

Take an exciting full-day outing to the islands of Biševo, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands. On a private luxury speedboat, you'll first cruise to the east coast of Biševo Island, a popular, though often crowded, destination, to see the mesmerizing iridescent blue waters of the Blue Cave. Upon landing on the island, you'll transfer to a cave-friendly boat before floating inside the cave to discover the natural phenomena for yourself. Then, head to Vis Island and the stunning pebble beach of Stiniva Bay. This hidden beach offers crystalline waters for swimming and snorkeling, as well as a shaded respite from the morning sun. 

When you're ready, you'll hoist anchor and continue your journey around Vis to the fishing village of Komiža. An incredibly picturesque Mediterranean town, Komiža is made up of narrow winding streets and attractive stone houses. Find your way to a café amid 16th-and 17th-century Venetian-style buildings to soak in the charming scenery or visit the Kaštel, a squat, centuries-old fortress that is now home to the comprehensive Fishing Museum. Be sure to check out the traditional falkuša fishing boat before choosing a restaurant for lunch.

Head back toward Hvar, stopping to sunbathe and swim in the bays and inlets of the nearby Pakleni Islands archipelago. A collection of 14 wooded and rocky islets, the Pakleni Islands are considered the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera and are a favorite retreat for locals and the rich and famous seeking to escape the summer heat. After a full day, you'll return to Hvar Town in the late afternoon for an evening of your own making.

Day 11: Catamaran to Korčula, Lumbarda Winery Tour & Tasting

The day starts early as you hop aboard a catamaran and head to Korčula, a small island located approximately two hours from Hvar. Arrive in Korčula Town and settle in at your accommodations at Tara's Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel located right on the beachfront and just steps from the water. You'll have the option of swimming in the sea or relaxing at the pool, all while enjoying tastefully decorated rooms with sea or garden views, luxe linens, and walk-in showers. 

After check-in, you might like to get out and visit the 14th-century Land Gate on top of an elegant staircase, or check out St. Mark's Cathedral to admire its strange sculptures of beasts and people. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bishop's Treasury next door for a small but impressive art collection, including works from Carpaccio, Bassano, and Tiepolo. From there, you may wish to visit the house thought to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Later, head out with your guide for an exclusive wine-country tour. The wines of Korčula's Lumbarda region are legendary, and you'll have a chance to sample them alongside a delicious meal. Meet your guide and take a scenic drive along the Adriatic and the Pelješac peninsula, passing historic sites, vineyards, and quaint villages. Visit a family-run winery and learn about grk, a white grape variety that is grown in this region and produces some of Croatia's best wines. Try different wines, and enjoy a traditionally prepared dinner, then return to Korčula in time for sunset. 

Day 12:  Catamaran to Dubrovnik, Guided Old Town Tour

The final leg of your travels takes you to the city of Dubrovnik. After hotel checkout, take a private transfer to the port to board your catamaran. Upon arrival, your driver will collect you and take you to your accommodations at the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, a gorgeous 5-star retreat. Carved into the cliffs above Miramare Bay, you'll enjoy incredible views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms with a clean, contemporary style, and an on-site spa and restaurant. 

Dubrovnik is one of the most ancient fortress cities in Europe, with a long and storied history that is showcased by its historic Old Town, an ancient district full of well-preserved buildings and surrounded by massive stone walls. This afternoon, see more of this fabled city on a private walking tour. Meet your guide and make your way to the Old Town, entering through the 16th-century Pile Gate and walking the narrow, winding streets.

Uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you listen to stories and legends of the importance Dubrovnik once held in the era of the Republic. Highlights include Onofrio's Fountain, the 15th-century Rector's Palace, Luza Square, the Church of St. Blaise, and the café-lined Brsalje Street. Finish at Lovrijenac Fortress and Dubrovnik's defensive walls, which rise up to 75 feet high (22 m) in some spots and offer excellent views of the coast. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing on your own, visiting sites such as Minčeta Tower and the gardens of Trsteno, where HBO's "Game of Thrones" series was filmed.

Day 13: Konavle Region Private Culinary Experience

Today is reserved for a unique tour of Konavle, a famous wine region that stretches from Cavtat to the south-easterly tip of Croatia at the Montenegrin border. Its small population lives in some 32 villages scattered across the fertile land, where you'll have the opportunity to visit a local family estate and participate in a cooking class.

Meet your guide and drive to a family-run farmhouse, where you'll meet your hosts and take a deep dive into Croatian gastronomy and cultural traditions. Start with a biking tour of the grounds, stopping to pick fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden, then heading back to the kitchen to prepare a delicious four-course dinner, making for a true farm-to-table experience. Sit down with your new friends to enjoy your meal, accompanied by a sampling of local wines. Return to Dubrovnik and rest up for tomorrow's departure. 

Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik

Your exploration of Croatia ends today, as you take your private transfer to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels! 

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