Highlights of Croatia

Your Highlights of Croatia trip begins upon your arrival into Zagreb, Croatia’s capital and largest city. Your private driver will meet you at the airport for transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day to enjoy at your leisure. A walk is a great way to beat jet lag while getting a preview of the city. We suggest taking a ride on the Zagreb Funicular to the Upper Town in the medieval district for a stroll through the winding streets and alleyways.

• Preferred Hotel Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb

A guided sightseeing tour will bring you to Zagreb’s highlights for an intriguing look at its history and culture. The cobbled streets are lined with an eclectic mix of classical Viennese secessionist architecture and Austro-Hungarian heritage. You’ll get a close look at the colorful roof of St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb Cathedral with its twin spires, the House of Parliament, Dolac Market, the Croatian National Theater and more. You’ll also enjoy a break to sample Croatia’s traditional specialty, strukili at “La Struk.”

• Preferred Hotel Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb

After checking out of your hotel in Zagreb, you’ll take private transfer to Rovinj on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula. Check into your accommodation in this romantic city and then enjoy the rest of the day to yourself. A stroll through the streets will immediately reveal the strong Venetian influence as Croatia’s most Italian town. We suggest a walk along the lovely promenade or climbing to St. Euphemia Church, the highest point in the city, for a panoramic view.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriatic, Rovinj

This morning your expert guide will meet pick you up for a tour of lush Tuscany-like region of Istria. For wine enthusiasts and foodies there are few better destinations. Discover the world’s smallest town, Hum, tasting the delicious local jams and brandies, and in Buzet, sample truffle delicacies that come direct from the truffle hunter and producer. Stunning hilltop Motovun brings the opportunity for tasting more truffle products and you’ll visit Groznjan too, another magnificent hilltop village known for its art and music.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriatic, Rovinj

Moving on from Rovinj, you’ll be met by your driver who will bring you to Plitvice Lakes National Park for a tour of its breathtaking lakes and waterfalls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 16 interconnected lakes in crystal-clear shades of emerald and turquoise along with around 100 waterfalls. You’ll take a relaxing boat ride across Kozjak Lake and then walk the scenic pathways surrounded by surreal fantasy-like scenes before being delivered to your Plitvice hotel for the evening.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Degenija, Plitvice

Our private driver will bring you to the ancient city of Split today. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure exploring this fascinating UNESCO listed treasure. Meander through the palace and make your way to the beautiful promenade known as the riva, which is the perfect spot to buy an ice cream and spend a bit of time soaking up the atmosphere and beautiful marina views. Tonight we recommend dining alfresco in one of the cities excellent local restaurants.

• Preferred Hotel Cornaro Hotel, Split

Meet your local gourmet guide for a culinary and history tour of some of Split’s secret gastronomic spots, sampling delicious eats whilst you explore the narrow streets of Roman emperor Diocletian’s 4^th-century palace. It begins at the Green Market where you’ll taste whilst learning about the local foods. Afterwards, head to a traditional konoba famous for local specialties like handmade pastas and fresh seafood. At a small shop, try soparnik, a peasant pie, concluding at a pastry shop for traditional pastries and gelato.

• Preferred Hotel Cornaro Hotel, Split

Enjoy a relaxed morning and then a transfer to Hvar Island for the next instalment of your trip. Hvar is one of the longest and sunniest Dalmatian islands, known for its beautiful Old Town, stunning secluded beaches and world class restaurants.  Its also the gateway to the stunning Pakleni island archipelago After your arrival and check in, either relax at the hotels pool or walk into the old town and see why Hvar is so sought after as an island.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Amfora, Hvar

The Pakleni Islands lie just off Hvar’s southwest coast, ideal for a half-day sailing trip. You’ll be introduced to these gorgeous emerald jewels while being able to capture a postcard-perfect photo as it fades away and you begin cruising around the archipelago. Enjoy the scenery, sip wine and soak up the sun as your captain searches for the perfect secluded cove so that you’ll be able to leap into the turquoise water for a swim before making your way back to Hvar for the night.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Amfora, Hvar

Spend the day at leisure in Hvar either further exploring the town on your own or relaxing at the hotel pool.

Optional Half Day Wine Tour

Discover more of beautiful Hvar today by taking an island tour to explore its most picturesque villages and countryside with vineyards and fields of lavender. Visit Stari Gard, the oldest town in Croatia having been settled in the 4^th-century BC and the small town of Vrbovska, often referred to as “Little Venice,” with a narrow, winding canal and stone bridges. Meet winemakers at a family-run winery to sample some of the tasty island wines before returning to Hvar Town.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Amfora, Hvar

Bid farewell to Hvar as you’ll transfer to the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the final destination on this memorable itinerary. With a midday arrival in Dubrovnik, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful hotels facilities and time to take a quick dip into the turquoise sea. In the early evening, we suggest heading into the Old Town and enjoying dinner alfresco as you soak up the unique atmosphere this fascinating city exudes.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel More, Dubrovnik

Start your day off by discovering Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town starting from Pile Gate. Your knowledgeable private guide will regale you with fascinating facts and historical anecdotes from the city’s history as you stroll the marble paved streets.

Optional – Home- Hosted Cooking Experience

This evening, enjoy an optional special farewell dinner. You will be hosted by a family at their countryside home, where you will get to cook part of the meal with the matriarch of the family. Enjoy dinner with this very down to earth family as they recount their history which dates back some 500 years. This is one of our clients favorite experiences.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel More, Dubrovnik

As they say, all good things must come to an end, with your grand adventure through the highlights of Croatia concluding today. You’ll be met by private transfer for the journey to Dubrovnik’s airport to catch your flight home.

Want to customize this itinerary?

Speak to our travel experts if you would like to extend your stay in Dubrovnik or any of the destinations you are visiting on this custom itinerary.