Your Croatian journey begins in the capital, Zagreb, exploring its historic core – on foot, by funicular and cruising its streets in a replica Model T Ford. A short hop to the north will then whisk you to the lush, rolling hills of the Zagorje region to adore its castles, vineyards and traditional villages, one of them now an open-air ethnography museum. Via Istria’s truffle-packed forests, renowned olive groves and a striking, 14th-century Venetian fort, you’ll then head for the coast to the pastel port of Rovinj. Take in the breath-taking falls and turquoise lakes of Plitvice and the Roman ruins of Pula and Split, enjoying top-notch wines and Dalmatian delicacies along the way. Harvest oysters on a memorable island jaunt off the Adriatic en route to your final destination, Dubrovnik, where more wandering awaits along its cinematic ramparts and picturesque cobblestone streets.
This journey outline is by no means fixed. As the traveller takes centre stage in our planning – from the type of lodging to daily activities – your journey will be crafted to suit you.
Day by Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrival in Zagreb
Arrive at the Zagreb hotel, check in and have some free time until afternoon walking tour.
Meet an English-speaking local guide for a 3h private walking tour of the Zagreb city center and its alluring Upper Town – the historic heart of Zagreb. Your private walking tour of Zagreb starts with a pleasant 10min walk to the central square followed by a funicular ride to the Upper Town to visit the St. Mark’s Church, Ban’s Court and the Croatian Parliament on the Mark’s Square. Conclude your walking tour with a 30min panoramic tour through other parts of the historic city centre in a fully electric replica of the legendary Ford model T.
Day 2 Zagreb
After breakfast, meet your English-speaking local guide for a private day-trip to the Croatian Zagorje region situated north of Zagreb. Your day-trip includes visits to the fairytale-like Trakoscan Castle, the lovely Vuglec Breg winery & restaurant estate (for lunch) and Kumrovec Ethno Village.
Day 3 Zagreb / Rovinj
After breakfast and check out from your Zagreb hotel, meet your driver for a private transfer towards the Croatian coastal region of Istria – the heart-shaped region located at the head of the Adriatic. After an approx. 3.5h drive, arrive in the Istrian village of Paladini set among rolling hills of dense centuries-old oak forests.
Day 4 Rovinj
After breakfast, take a 1-1.5h private walking tour of the Rovinj old town centre, followed by a half-day-trip to the Istrian village of Vodnjan (for exclusive olive oil tasting), the town of Pula (to visit the Roman amphitheatre) and the village of Bale (for lunch at one of Croatia's best-praised restaurants).
Day 5 Rovinj / Split
After breakfast and check out from your Rovinj hotel, meet an English-speaking driver for a private transfer towards the town of Split (second largest city in Croatia), stopping en-route at the National Park Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO site).
Day 6 Split
Experience a private walking tour of Split (a combination of a classic walking tour and food tour). Traverse the historic cobblestone streets and windy walkways with your local guide, stroll down the fashionable waterfront promenade 'Riva', visit the Peristil square, Vestibul, Golden Gate and the St. Duje Cathedral with its magnificent bell tower, explore the Diocletian Palace and its impressive underground vaults. Along the way, visit Split's lively food and fish market to experience and learn about the Mediterranean diet while tasting famed Dalmatian produce. Stop at 2-3 charming local eateries to sample typical Dalmatian favorites such as fingerfood made of anchovies and other Mediterranean pâtés, homemade pastas, fresh seafood risotto, soparnik (local vegetable pie), sweet Dalmatian treats, all accompanied with a glass of local wine and Dalmatian spirit made of herbs, figs or carob.
Day 7 Split / Dubrovnik
Go for a short transfer to the Split ferry port, from where you would catch the 2.5h ferry from Split to the Korcula island (one of the most populated Croatian islands and the supposed place of birth of the famous world explorer Marco Polo), the town of Ston (home to Europe's second longest city walls, oldest saltworks and a centuries-long tradition of oyster cultivation) and eventually Dubrovnik (the most prominent destination along the Adriatic coast).
Day 8 Dubrovnik
After breakfast, take a private walking tour of the Dubrovnik old town. Known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is a walled, sea-battered city set at the foot of a grizzled mountain. In the past, it was a City-Republic, and one of the most famous cultural-economic centers on the Mediterranean. During your guided sightseeing tour, you’d stroll through the historic part of the old city, visit the Franciscan Monastery (home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe), Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, stunning Dubrovnik City Walls and eventually take the cable car up to the Mount Srdj for panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Lokrum island.
Day 9 Depart Dubrovnik
After breakfast and check out from your Dubrovnik hotel, meet your driver for a 30 min private transfer to the Dubrovnik Airport
The stated price above is on a private basis, including double-sharing rooms. Excludes flights. As we’ll customise your journey based on your preferences and needs, please note that this indicative price is just a rough estimate. Prices can fluctuate depending on season, type of accommodation and activities/experiences chosen (private vs. shared) etc.
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
