Istria Tailor-Made Trips & Experiences

design your croatia trip with the help of local specialists

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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 7 hours 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Nikola Vojvodić
active 14 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Ivan Cosic
active 5 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 Sarah Cosic
active 6 hours ago

Sarah Cosic

I'm originally from Burlington, Canada and I have always loved traveling, meeting new people and discovering unique places. Once I graduated university, I decided to take a year off to travel...

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Trip Reviews for Croatia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

KimKim rep Nicola did a fabulous job planning our trip.
Croatia | Sep 12 - Sep 26, 2025

N
Nancy W.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 09, 2026
My husband had reviewed this, but coming back to the KimKim site I realized I had not. We had a fabulous trip to Croatia. We were lucky that the weather mostly cooperated, but the little rain we got din't hamper our activities. The boutique hotels we stayed in where in interesting areas close to restaurants and very safe to wonder around. We loved all of them, The activities Nicola booked matched what we were looking for and at times exceeded expectations. We have enjoyed the... Read more

My husband had reviewed this, but coming back to the KimKim site I realized I had not.

We had a fabulous trip to Croatia. We were lucky that the weather mostly cooperated, but the little rain we got din't hamper our activities.

The boutique hotels we stayed in where in interesting areas close to restaurants and very safe to wonder around. We loved all of them,

The activities Nicola booked matched what we were looking for and at times exceeded expectations.

We have enjoyed the trips we have taken so much we have two planned with KimKim.

Thanks for everything!!

Activity Reviews
Private Guided Hike of Plitvice Lakes National Park - (Lower & Upper Lakes)
Private Guided Hike of Plitvice Lakes National Park - (Lower & Upper Lakes)
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Awesome guide
Transport
Truffle Lunch with Presentation at Local Family Estate
Truffle Lunch with Presentation at Local Family Estate
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Half Day Tour to Klis Fortress & Trogir
Private Half Day Tour to Klis Fortress & Trogir
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Island of Hvar E-Bikes Cycling Tour
Private Island of Hvar E-Bikes Cycling Tour
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Zagreb
Private Walking Tour of Zagreb
Zagreb

Tour guide was amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
n/a
Half Day Korčula E-Bike & Food Tour
Half Day Korčula E-Bike & Food Tour
Korčula
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Split
Private Walking Tour of Split
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Boat Tour to Blue Cave & Pakleni Islands
Full Day Boat Tour to Blue Cave & Pakleni Islands
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sea Kayak Tour on Korčula
Sea Kayak Tour on Korčula
Korčula
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Elafiti Islands - Private Half Day Speedboat Tour
Elafiti Islands - Private Half Day Speedboat Tour
Dubrovnik

Fabulous!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day E-Bike Tour in the Konavle Region
Full Day E-Bike Tour in the Konavle Region
Croatia
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nikola Vojvodić
Nikola
Nikola Vojvodić
Local specialist in Zagreb | Replied on Mar 20, 2026

Thank you so much, Nancy! 😊 I'm beyond happy to hear that you and your husband had a fabulous time in Croatia! It sounds like the weather played along just right, and I'm thrilled to hear that you liked the hotels and activities! It was my pleasure tailoring a trip that fit your style. Thanks for choosing kimkim, and I look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures! ☀️

Lincoln's and Frančeska's trip "back home" to Bosnia and Croatia, where we started 56 years ago. As as traveled from Zagreb to Banja Luka, from Plicvice to Zadar, along the Adriatic Coast towns of Šibenik, Trogir, Split and Klis fortress and were treated to a sumptuous homemade meal of Croatian dishes and delicacies, each day brought new magic and surprises. The most wonderful of which was all about the warmth and welcoming and helpfulness of the people we met. We were truly blessed by the guides that our Antonia and Sara provided an each new venue. Our driver, Duje, became to us much more than an able and reliable guide, but a friend. At Split-Klis, Vanna shepherded us on an all-day historical and culinary experience. We fell in love with A
Croatia | Dec 15 - Dec 31, 2025

Frančeska
Frančeska W.
Burke, VA | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2026
Our local specialists were the Kimkim Croatian team of Antonia and Sara, who worked closely with me to develop a beautifully customized trip plan that took us to Bosnia (Banja Luka and Mostar), as well as to many points of interest in Croatia, especially along the Dalmatian Coast. It was the Mother - Son journey of a lifetime! Read more

Our local specialists were the Kimkim Croatian team of Antonia and Sara, who worked closely with me to develop a beautifully customized trip plan that took us to Bosnia (Banja Luka and Mostar), as well as to many points of interest in Croatia, especially along the Dalmatian Coast. It was the Mother - Son journey of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
Split

upgraded, large room.. however nightly concerts were noisy and unavoidable.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Staff was attentive and helpful with parking and luggage.
Cleanliness & Comfort
normal
Manda Heritage Hotel
Zagreb

The Manda was our home base in Zargreb and we love being there. Also, had two toilets; very useful!

Authenticity & Character
Friendliness.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything perfect
Boutique Villa Pearl of Plitvice
Authenticity & Character
It is in the woods; all modern conveniences. A beautiful setting and spacious rooms.
Location
Gorgeous. Next to Plicvice Lakes. Lovely couple who prepared breakfast. Coszy, comfortable, 5-star
Staff
Such a sweet and friendly couple served breakfast
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ideja

Hotel Ideja was a wonderful surprise. The hotel hosts exuded warmth , welcome, extra care for some of our needs, a great breakfast, and -- yes -- heated bathroom floors! It was our favorite, where we felt cared about and at home by the staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy access to all important historical sites & Christmas Market and the green Vrbas River.
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything. and when a needed clothing cleaned it was handled immediately with a smile.
Activity Reviews
Private Walking Tour of Zadar
Private Walking Tour of Zadar
Croatia

The highlight of our visit to Zadar was the Sea Organ, and the sunset over the Sea Organ and amazing astrological Sun & planets installation.

Quality of Experience
Private Walking Tour of Banja Luka
Banja Luka

The walking tour and our complete 3-days experience in Banja Luka was a highlight of our trip. The area has many interesting archeological sights of interest and to explore on our own, and a charming Christmas Market. We loved the Ideaja Hotel & staff.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Game of Thrones Tour of Dubrovnik
Private Game of Thrones Tour of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

IVANNA was an excellent guide that explained in detail the Game of Thrones experience.

Quality of Experience
Culinary Experience in Klis Area
Split

See more about this in the review of the Day that took us to Klis fortress and culinary experienc

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Walking Tour of Split
Private Walking Tour of Split
Croatia

I have already shared many details about our first da getting to know Split, Diocletian's palace, and especially the tour of Klis fortresss and subsequent banquet. This day was one of the greatest highlights of our Trip, i which our guide Yanna made all the difference.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Warmth, friendship, delightful hospitality, extraordinary cuisine.
Transport
We loved our driver and appreciated his good humor and patience!
Private Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Private Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia

We had a wonderful tour and a fantastic tour guide in Želko. There is no way to put into meaningful words the beauty and majesty of the park and its rock formations, spectacular water falls, a thoroughly informative and enjoyable 3-hour hike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wine Tasting in Mostar area
Mostar

We were privileged to visit a real working winery, despite the fact that wineries were al close for the Winter. This was an authentic winery experience for which we are most grateful and that met one of the primary objectives of our Trip Plan. Thank you!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were prepared for us and provided a thorough overview of the winery operation.
Hvar Day Trip from Split
Hvar Day Trip from Split
Croatia

GRGO was an engaging and very informative guide, who provided a detailed overview of HVAR. We were privileged to see his winery operation; we especially enjoyed his crna vino and enjoyed meeting his wife . We were fed a delicious home-cooked veal cutlet dinner. This was a uniquely arranged experience that meant a lot to us.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Walking Tour of Zagreb
Private Walking Tour of Zagreb
Zagreb

Our guide Josipa 's enthusiasm and love for her city opened our eyes, and -- because of her -- we also feel in love with Zabrgreb. We want to return!

Quality of Experience
Yes ! Josipa!
Local specialist: Sara Skok
Sara
Sara Skok
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Jan 07, 2026

Dear Frančeska,

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Antonia and I are happy you and Lincoln enjoyed your stay and had such a great connection with the guides. Thank you for putting your trust in us. It was a privilege to organize such a special mother and son trip!

Hopefully, our paths will cross again, and we will get an opportunity to meet in person!

Sending warmest regards from snowy Zagreb,
Sara

Hard to even describe the wonderfulness of Iv...
Croatia | Oct 9 - Nov 3, 2025

Colleen
Colleen P.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Dec 08, 2025
Hard to even describe the wonderfulness of Ivan and Sarah!
We travel a lot, and the more we travel, the more we get particular about what we like and want our vacations to be. On our trip to Croatia and Slovenia, it was as if Ivan and Sarah could read our minds. From every excursion to every driver, we were so delighted by the experience as much as the staff. You can tell a lot about people, by the people and vendors they choose to work with and based on this trip, I can tell that they are...
Read more

Hard to even describe the wonderfulness of Ivan and Sarah!
We travel a lot, and the more we travel, the more we get particular about what we like and want our vacations to be. On our trip to Croatia and Slovenia, it was as if Ivan and Sarah could read our minds. From every excursion to every driver, we were so delighted by the experience as much as the staff. You can tell a lot about people, by the people and vendors they choose to work with and based on this trip, I can tell that they are amazing humans, never mind great travel agents. Their responsiveness during planning was outdone by their responsiveness during the trip, when you really need it the most! We felt like we could ask them anything at any time and they would reply so quickly and help us with anything we needed. Thank you so much for all of your help, your kindness and your attentiveness, it felt like we were working with friends!

Local specialist: Ivan 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

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