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 Antonia Šutić Ljuština
active 8 hours ago

Antonia Šutić Ljuština

Adventure hunter, hot air balloon enthusiast, foodie. After years of working as a tour guide and travel agent all over Europe, I found my true passion right here, at home. We create itineraries...

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Travel specialist Sarah Cosic
active 1 day 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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Travel specialist Sara Skok
active 2 days ago

Sara Skok

As someone who loves to travel and was fortunate enough to meet amazing, friendly, and welcoming people from all over the world I truly value the human factor of travel. Being in beautiful,...

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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...

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Trip Reviews for Croatia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Absolutely seamless experience! We had a gre...
Croatia | Oct 2 - Oct 8, 2025

John
John L.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025
Absolutely seamless experience! We had a great time Read more

Absolutely seamless experience! We had a great time

Hotel Reviews
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Zagreb
Authenticity & Character
Location
I
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
16 Lakes Hotel
Rakovica
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Monte Mulini
Rovinj
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Walking Tour of Zagreb
Private Walking Tour of Zagreb
Zagreb
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Private Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia

Do not miss this

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was actually unbelievable…. She was so informative and fun
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Pula
Private Walking Tour of Pula
Pula
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Brijuni National Park
Day Trip to Brijuni National Park
Croatia

Do not miss this opportunity

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was absolutely amazing! She was so informative
Transport
Truffle Lunch with Presentation at Local Family Estate
Truffle Lunch with Presentation at Local Family Estate
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exploring Medieval Istria With a Private Driver: Motovun & Grožnjan
Exploring Medieval Istria With a Private Driver: Motovun & Grožnjan
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Antonia Šutić Ljuština

This was trip of a lifetime.
Croatia | Sep 18 - Sep 27, 2025

S
Sandy W.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025
This was a trip of a lifetime. Everything was as we expected. The hotels were as described and matched what was important to me: location and cleanliness being high on my list, as well as reasonable cost. Our group all came from different directions so there was lots of airport pick ups and we appreciated that. The biking routes were fantastic with many picturesque views of the sea. I loved visiting the olive oil museum and had a fabulous lunch there. Another highlight was the lunch on... Read more

This was a trip of a lifetime. Everything was as we expected. The hotels were as described and matched what was important to me: location and cleanliness being high on my list, as well as reasonable cost. Our group all came from different directions so there was lots of airport pick ups and we appreciated that. The biking routes were fantastic with many picturesque views of the sea. I loved visiting the olive oil museum and had a fabulous lunch there. Another highlight was the lunch on Mljet. My favorite island was Korcula. Our guide, Borna , was great. Always waiting for us at strategic points and always making sure we had water and snacks. Plus he had a great sense humor and great music. He made it fun. He solved problems like when the navigation app was not working and when our day was threatened by rain. Overall the planning and service was great. I’d love to do another adventure with them.

Hotel Reviews
Apartment Zicara
Dubrovnik
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa Radić
Ston
Authenticity & Character
Location
U
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Marko Polo Hotel
Korcula

We struggled with the shower that poured water outside the shower stall. We reported it but nothing happened as to a fix. We had very nice housekeeper who helped mop it up.

Authenticity & Character
Location
View of the water!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Devecchi rooms
Hvar

Loved this place. Location was fantastic and the room was very nice. It felt like I was staying at wealthy friend’s home.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Marul
Split

Everyone was very helpful. The place was clean and the rooms very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Robert Pinčević
Robert
Robert Pinčević
Local specialist in Croatia | Replied on Oct 14, 2025

Dear Sandy,

Thank you very much for your feedback, very much appreciated. And as i always say, thank you for your trust.
I understand you got into the unknown, and into some areas you never hear of, therefore, even more, we appreciate your trust. Everything I suggest i do personally, and it was a pleasure sharing my knowledge and showing the best of the area, and its most attractive, but not necessarily well-known parts.
Sending many regards to all of you from still sunny Croatia!
THANK YOU!!
Best

Robi

Croatia
Croatia | Sep 7 - Sep 18, 2025

C
Cathy M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025
Croatia was absolutely beautiful. We stayed first in Zadar and had a lovely sailing boat tour through some of the islands and visited Plitvice Lakes National Park. This is a must!! The next stop was Split, which was gorgeous. We spent a couple of nights on Hvar. This was great, less crowded and easier to get around. We finished the trip in Dubrovnik. We had a wonderful time wandering around the old town and walking along the wall. Spectacular views!
Accommodations were excellent throughout...
Read more

Croatia was absolutely beautiful. We stayed first in Zadar and had a lovely sailing boat tour through some of the islands and visited Plitvice Lakes National Park. This is a must!! The next stop was Split, which was gorgeous. We spent a couple of nights on Hvar. This was great, less crowded and easier to get around. We finished the trip in Dubrovnik. We had a wonderful time wandering around the old town and walking along the wall. Spectacular views!
Accommodations were excellent throughout the trip!! Tamara was wonderful to work with.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Tirena
Dubrovnik

This hotel was very nice. The grounds were lovely with swimming pools and gardens. Rooms were clean and very spacious. The location was a little out of the way, however, there were buses that ran every 15 minutes to and from Dubrovnik.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel
Hvar

This hotel was very nice, the staff was very friendly and attentive. The hotel was located in an area that provided easy access to various restaurants and shops. All within walking distance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Amphora
Split

This hotel had everything and then some!!Wonderful facilities, The hotel sits right off the water, with it's own private beach, and providing great views. The location was a little out of the way, but was perfect for us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana
Zadar

This hotel was lovely. The grounds were spectacular; the staff were particularly friendly and attentive. Best sunset views ever!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Hvar, active or leisure day
Explore Hvar, active or leisure day
Hvar

Hvar was another beautiful place. It was nice and easy to get around. Much less crowded than the mainland.

Quality of Experience
Dubrovnik Old Town and the City Walls
Dubrovnik Old Town and the City Walls
Croatia

Dubrovnik was an incredible place. We enjoyed walking through the old city and through its alleyways. We walked along the wall with its breathtaking views of the sea. It was amazing to be walk and touch a place so old. Again, just incredible.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We did not have any guides.
Scenic boat trip through the Cetina river canyon
Scenic boat trip through the Cetina river canyon
Croatia

We would not recommend this activity. The river was beautiful, and the trip was very scenic. However, once we arrived at our destination, it was disappointing. The only attraction was an old mill being used as a restaurant. We left shortly after arriving. The gentleman driving the boat was very accommodating.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full- day sailing Kornati - Telašćica
Full- day sailing Kornati - Telašćica
Zadar

We really enjoyed this experience. The captain was friendly and informative. The group was small which we apprciated.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tamara Aničić
Tamara
Tamara Aničić
Local specialist in Opatija | Replied on Oct 15, 2025

Dear Cathy & Phil,

Thank you very much for your feedback. I have enjoyed preparing this trip for you, and I am so happy you enjoyed Croatia!

Till your next visit....

Warm regards from, still sunny Croatia!

Tamara

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