Istria Tailor-Made Trips & Experiences

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Istria - the largest Croatian peninsula - is truly magical. Its historic hilltop towns, vineyards, and olive groves make an ideal setting for exploring at a more relaxed pace. Add views of the Adriatic Sea and the seductive tastes of excellent Istrian wines and you're all set for an active and indulgent week in this beautiful region of Croatia.

Istria's Wine Region
Istria, one of Croatia’s premier winemaking regions, was named one of the 2015 World Top 10 travel destinations by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Because of its small geographic nature, the wine regions offer many tours and tastings, most of which are accessible by bike, a perfect way to taste your way through some of the country’s best wine.

Croatia Travel Insights

Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria - 8 Days
Map of Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria - 8 Days
Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria - 8 Days

Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, is truly magical. Its historic hilltop towns, vineyards, and olive groves make an ideal setting for cycling adventures. Add views of the Adriatic Sea and the seductive tastes of excellent Istrian wines and you're all set for an active and indulgent week in this beautiful region of Croatia.

Sample wine from Hvar's Stari Grad Plain made from grapes planted over 24 centuries ago
Map of Secrets of Croatia’s Wine Country
Secrets of Croatia’s Wine Country

Istria, one of Croatia’s premier winemaking regions, was named one of the 2015 World Top 10 travel destinations by Wine Enthusiast magazine. But Istria is just one of the dozens of wine-producing locations in Croatia. Because of its small geographically-defined nature, the wine regions offer many tours and tastings, most of which are accessible by bike, a perfect way to sip your way through some of the country’s best wine.

Exploring the coast of Hvar Island
Map of 5 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days makes a quick trip to Croatia, but it's enough time to focus on a single region like coastal Dalmatia or Istria in the north. You can cover country-wide highlights if you don't mind a fast pace and flying open-jaw—thanks to the frequency of international flights to both Zagreb and Dubrovnik, you can start your trip in the north and work your way to the southern coast. Learn more with these fun itineraries.

Include Korčula in a Croatia highlights tour or a focused exploration of the Dalmatian Coast
Map of 1 Week in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Croatia, you can travel right across the country—from Zagreb to Dubrovnik—on a highlights tour or narrow your focus to one region. The idyllic Dalmatian Coast is perfect for those seeking time on the water, and you can choose between a thrilling sailing excursion, a foodie tour, and a classic trip that includes Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. Other options are an active itinerary featuring Croatia's national parks and a road trip through the Istrian peninsula.

Uncover the hidden details of Diocletian's Palace on an essential, food and wine, or national parks itinerary
Map of 10 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Croatia, you can hop between the dynamic cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar and Korcula on a highlights tour. Or, for a slower-paced trip, narrow your focus to the Dalmatian Coast and pick between an island-hopping adventure and an itinerary crafted for foodies. If you're seeking an active adventure, bounce between the country's pristine national parks, while those eager to delve into history can spend time amid the medieval villages and Roman ruins of Istria.

Follow wooden paths and dirt trails through the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Map of 2 Weeks in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Croatia, you can embark on a well-rounded highlights tour that features Zagreb, the Dalmatian Coast, and Istria. Or, take the wheel on an ultimate road trip and spend more time on charming islands and detour to Montenegro. Alternatively, visit neighboring Slovenia and its capital of Ljubljana before zipping down the Dalmatian Coast on a self-drive itinerary, or pick up the pace and hike, raft, kayak, zipline, and cruise your way through the country on a multi-sport adventure.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Croatia
Travel specialist Robert Pinčević
active 20 mins ago

Robert Pinčević

I always say, do not consider me only as your guide, but as your friend, who is trying to make your trip more comfortable for you! At the end, it all about you, and if you are happy, I am happy! I...

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Travel specialist Nikola Vojvodić
active 20 hours ago

Nikola Vojvodić

Born and raised on a small island in North Dalmatia, Nikola is an expert in adding a local, authentic touch to your Croatian adventure. His life-long dream is to visit every one of Croatia's 1000...

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Travel specialist Ivan Cosic
active 3 hours ago

Ivan Cosic

I was born in the small town of Tomislavgrad in Bosnia & Herzegovina, but moved to Zagreb, Croatia, as a child when the war began in the early nineties. I love showing people how far this region...

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Travel specialist Laurent Fontaine
active 20 hours ago

Laurent Fontaine

Hello! I’m Laurent. Originally from France, I fell in love with Croatia and made Zagreb my home in 2023. With over a decade of experience in tourism since 2013, I’ve turned my passion for travel...

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Trip Reviews for Croatia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Sarah was amazing!
Croatia | Apr 29 - May 9, 2026

J
jami t.
Detroit, MI, USA | Reviewed on May 14, 2026
Sarah (and Ivan) were incredibly helpful in planning our trip to Croatia and Slovenia. Everything went off without a hitch. All of our details were attended to-every guide and transfer was on time. Sara made great recommendations for restaurants. And we knew that they were available with any questions as the trip went on and their responses were thorough and prompt.
We covered a lot of territory in 11 days but the way that Sarah planned made it seem like we experienced lots of things without...
Read more

Sarah (and Ivan) were incredibly helpful in planning our trip to Croatia and Slovenia. Everything went off without a hitch. All of our details were attended to-every guide and transfer was on time. Sara made great recommendations for restaurants. And we knew that they were available with any questions as the trip went on and their responses were thorough and prompt.
We covered a lot of territory in 11 days but the way that Sarah planned made it seem like we experienced lots of things without being rushed. Thank you so much. Highlights were walking the wall of the old city of Dubrovnik, bike tour of Korčula, island tour of Hvar, Plitvice (so worth stopping there/ do 5 mile hike to upper falls!), Ljubljana walking tour and trip to Lake Bled. Loved it all!

Hotel Review
16 Lakes Hotel
Rakovica
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic

Croatia bicycle trip April 2026
Croatia | Apr 21 - Apr 30, 2026

Terry
Terry N.
Minneapolis, MN, USA | Reviewed on May 07, 2026

This trip was a good combination of exercise, scenic beauty, and cultural history. Our guides Robi and Garon were enthusiastic and helpful. The sea water clarity and blue colors was remarkable. The water quality is an asset that needs protection for the ecosystem and the local economy. The people were friendly and the hotel accommodations were very good. I recommend this vacation trip.

Local specialist: Robert Pinčević
Robert
Robert Pinčević
Local specialist in Croatia | Replied on May 07, 2026

Hi Terry,

Thank you very much for your kind words :). I am happy you like the trips and our beautiful blue sea!
Sending many regards from Croatia.

Best

Robi

We had a wonderful trip in Croatia in April, 2026.
Croatia | Apr 19 - Apr 25, 2026

C
Claudia C.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on May 02, 2026
We had a wonderful trip in Croatia, starting in Split, then Hvar, Mljet, and Dubrovnik. The hotels were all lovely and the guided tours had just the right balance of education, fun and duration. Whenever we had a problem the group chat established by the KimKim team allowed for very quick and easy responses. I forgot a bag in Hvar and it was placed on the next ferry for pick up in Dubrovnik. Although the KimKim team had nothing to do with food, the Croatian food was amazing - always fresh... Read more

We had a wonderful trip in Croatia, starting in Split, then Hvar, Mljet, and Dubrovnik. The hotels were all lovely and the guided tours had just the right balance of education, fun and duration. Whenever we had a problem the group chat established by the KimKim team allowed for very quick and easy responses. I forgot a bag in Hvar and it was placed on the next ferry for pick up in Dubrovnik. Although the KimKim team had nothing to do with food, the Croatian food was amazing - always fresh and tasty. I would definitely go to Croatia again and I would definitely book with the KimKim team for Croatia or any other of their amazing destinations.

Hotel Reviews
Villa Orabelle
Dubrovnik

Very nice hotel and staff. Very good breakfasts. Good location but know that its 1.3 miles from the old town. But also a good location for less touristy restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Sterile and modern but pretty and comfortable
Location
Beautiful view of the Adriatic and easy access. 1.3 miles from old town
Staff
Always nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, comfortable, easy.
Corallium Imperiale
Pomena

A sterile apartment. It was fine as a launching place to explore Mljet, but no charm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel
Hvar

The room was nice, the breakfasts were good, but the staff was inept. They couldn't find our reservation, and service at breakfast was dodgy. But the location was great.

Authenticity & Character
Modern
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Half Day Boating Excursion to the Elaphite Islands
Half Day Boating Excursion to the Elaphite Islands
Dubrovnik

We opted out of the Elaphite islands and went to Lokrum (closer island) instead. We loved Lokrum - it is a great way to spend half-day hiking and swimming. Simon our skipper was wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia

Tour guide Jenna tried hard to give us an overview of the old town and its history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hike to Lost Villages of Hvar,  Croatian Peka Lunch
Hike to Lost Villages of Hvar, Croatian Peka Lunch
Croatia

Wonderful activity. Our guide, Josip (spelling?) was knowledgeable and fun. The hike was easy and mostly downhill...perhaps too easy for those of us who want a bit more exercise before lunch. He knew everything about local plants, history, and life on the island. Highly recommended. And the lunch was one of the highlights of our trip. They prepared Octopus in a Peka that slow cooks the food for 2 hours. It was the best octopus I've ever had and the restaurant was in a delightful, charming setting. The family that owned the restaurant were wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

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Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.