Luxury Croatian Highlights: Zagreb, Zadar, Split & Dubrovnik - 10 Days

Highlights

• Explore the lush greenery and crashing waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Discover one of Dalmatia's overlooked gems in the Roman-influenced Zadar
• Soak in Adriatic views on a luxury speedboat tour of the Pakleni Islands
• Take a tasting tour through Hvar's famous Lumbarda wine region
• Learn to cook like a local on a family-run estate in the Konavle

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb, Explore the Capital

Welcome to Croatia! Start your luxury adventure in Zagreb, a thriving metropolis known for its Austro-Hungarian architecture, historic Upper and Lower Town districts, and lively, colorful atmosphere. Your driver will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel, the Esplanade Zagreb, a stunning Art Deco retreat located just steps away from museums, parks, and other local sites. Their spacious rooms blend classic decor with modern touches, with lush textiles, marble bathrooms, and options for suites with sitting areas and city views.

A gem of a European city, Zagreb is at once historic and new, filled with leafy green parks and Gothic/neo-Renaissance buildings. Enjoy an evening stroll through the charming city center, passing by the Zagreb Cathedral as you make your way to vibrant Tkalčićeva—a café and restaurant-lined street that comes alive at night and offers an energetic nightlife scene. Choose between a variety of pubs and bars for a local craft beer or cocktail, a perfect way to cap off the day.

Day 2: Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park, Transfer to Zadar

In the morning, meet your driver and venture south toward the sunny Dalmatian Coast. Along the three-hour drive, you'll stop to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. This pristine, UNESCO-listed reserve encompasses 74,000 acres (30,000 ha), with a chain of 16 terraced lakes and more than 90 cascading waterfalls flowing into a limestone canyon. With wooden walkways for easy access and several hiking trails, you'll join a private guide to explore the lakes surrounded by beech and pine forests.

Have lunch, then continue to the ancient Roman city of Zadar, famed for its glorious Adriatic coastline and vibrant blue waters. Check in at the 5-star Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa, a luxury resort with stylishly appointed rooms that offer private balconies, seaside views, and a distinct Mediterranean flair. Tonight, relax at the hotel and enjoy the amenities on offer, or see some of Zadar on your own. As evening falls, make sure to grab a seat with a view so you can experience a legendary Zadar sunset.

Day 3: Walking Tour of Ancient Zadar

After breakfast, meet your guide and discover Zadar, the often-overlooked star of Dalmatia. Set on a peninsula surrounded by the sparkling Adriatic Sea, modern Zadar is home to a tidy network of polished stone streets and public squares. Explore the walled Old Town—a treasure trove of ancient city ruins and architecture from Roman and medieval times—and discover the ninth-century Church of St. Donatus, a 16th-century Venetian city wall, and the Roman Forum dating back to the first century.

Continue to the popular Gold and Silver Museum, which features bejeweled vessels in the shape of various body parts, each containing a bone or other relic. Paintings, church artifacts, and other artwork are also on display. From there, visit the modern Museum of Ancient Glass, which showcases ancient glass artifacts and glassblowing demonstrations.

After touring the city by day, come to the waterfront just before dusk to witness another of Dalmatia's most beautiful sunsets. During this time, you can marvel at Croatian artist Nikola Bašić's 72-foot (22 m) "Monument to the Sun" art feature while you listen to the nearby Sea Organ play its unending melody, fueled by the ebb and flow of the Adriatic Sea's current. Return to the historic center to choose between a number of excellent seafood restaurants, followed by a stroll along the Riva, a wide ribbon of stone paths bordered by a grassy park on one side and the sea on the other.

Day 4: Transfer to Split, Food & Market Tour 

You're off to Split today, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in Dalmatia. Split offers a wealth of history and culture, with charming cobblestone streets, amazing architecture, and endless sea views. Your private driver will collect you in the morning for the 1.5-hour drive, dropping you at the fabulous Piazza Heritage Hotel. Constructed in 1906, the property is a testament to the Viennese Art Nouveau style of that time. Rooms offer classic decor with soothing pastel colors, antique-style furnishings, and high-end toiletries. The hotel's prime location also makes it a great base for sightseeing.

After check-in, discover more of Split with a private food tour. Snack your way through the city's historic streets while visiting markets, family-run bakeries, and old bars while on the hunt for sweet and savory local delicacies. With your expert guide at your side, you'll visit Pazar Market, a lively outdoor hub just east of Diocletian's Palace. This is a great place to see how the locals shop and sample prosciutto and cheese together with rakija, a typical fruit brandy of the region. Then, step back in time as your guide escorts you to the palace's cellars, sharing intriguing accounts of its history.

Stop to see how the savory soparnik (a type of Swiss-chard-filled pie thought to be the prototype of the Italian pizza) is made, then close the tour with an al fresco meal at an exclusive rooftop terrace. End the day by exploring on your own, visiting sites such as the Cathedral of St. Dominus, considered the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use, or hiking to the top of Marjan Hill. Referred to as the "lungs of the city," the Marjan peninsula is dotted with centuries-old churches, cypress and pine trees, and Mediterranean plants and herbs. Take a walk on nearby Bačvice Beach before choosing a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 5: Catamaran to Hvar, Half-Day Excursion Around the Island, Peka Dinner

This morning you'll board a catamaran from Split to Hvar. A Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar draws visitors for its natural setting, mild climate, and its historic town of the same name. Check in at the Maslina Resort, a luxury retreat with gorgeously appointed rooms showcasing a curated blend of Mediterranean simplicity and French artistry. All rooms offer panoramic views, with options for garden or sea-facing terraces. You can also relax at the on-site spa, take a yoga class, or enjoy a swim at the pool.

Once you've had a moment to regroup, meet up with a local guide for a private excursion around the island. Tour vineyard-covered hills, olive groves, and fields of rosemary, stopping at the abandoned 16th-century village of Malo Grablje before continuing to Velo Grablje. Once home to a thriving lavender industry, Velo Grablje is slowly undergoing a revival.

Stop for an authentic lunch at a family-run konoba (tavern) for a traditionally prepared peka meal, cooked with a bell-shaped lid covered in coal. Next, you'll spend a little time visiting a family-owned vineyard or two, where you'll have the opportunity to try wines endemic to the island paired with regional delicacies before heading up to Vidikovac for views over the Stari Grad plain. The ancient Greeks set up this UNESCO-listed agricultural landscape, and you'll meander amid its small villages, stopping to visit Croatia's oldest town before returning to your hotel. 

Day 6: Luxury Speedboat Tour of Vis & the Pakleni Islands

Set out on an exciting full-day island-hopping adventure to Biševo, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands. On a private luxury speedboat, you'll first cruise to the east coast of Biševo, a popular, though often crowded, destination, to see the mesmerizing iridescent blue waters of the Blue Cave. Upon landing on the island, you'll transfer to a cave-friendly boat before floating inside to discover the natural phenomena for yourself. Then, head to Vis and the stunning pebble beach of Stiniva Bay. This hidden cove offers crystalline waters for swimming and snorkeling, as well as a shaded respite from the morning sun.

When you're ready, you'll hoist anchor and continue your journey around Vis to the fishing village of Komiža. This picturesque Mediterranean town is made up of narrow winding streets and attractive stone houses. Find your way to a café amid 16th- and 17th-century Venetian-style buildings to soak in the charming scenery, or visit the Kaštel, a squat, centuries-old fortress now home to the comprehensive Fishing Museum. Be sure to check out the traditional falkuša fishing boat before choosing a restaurant for lunch.

Next, you'll return toward Hvar, stopping to sunbathe and swim in the bays and inlets of the nearby Pakleni Islands. A collection of 14 wooded and rocky islets, this archipelago is considered the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera and is a favorite retreat for locals and the rich and famous seeking to escape the summer heat. After a full day, you'll return to Hvar Town in the late afternoon for an evening of your own making.

Day 7: Catamaran to Korčula, Lumbarda Winery Tour & Tasting

The day starts early as you hop aboard a catamaran and head to Korčula, a small island located approximately two hours from Hvar. Arrive in Korčula Town and settle in at your accommodations at Tara's Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel located right on the beachfront and just steps from the beach. You'll have the option of swimming in the sea or relaxing at the pool, all while enjoying tastefully decorated rooms with sea or garden views, luxe linens, and walk-in showers. 

After check-in, you might like to get out and visit the 14th-century Land Gate on top of an elegant staircase or check out St. Mark's Cathedral to admire its strange sculptures of beasts and people. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bishop's Treasury next door for a small but impressive art collection, including works from Carpaccio, Bassano, and Tiepolo. From there, you may wish to visit the unremarkable house said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Later, head out with your guide for an exclusive wine tour. The wines of Korčula's Lumbarda region are legendary, and you'll have a chance to sample them alongside a delicious meal. Meet your guide and take a scenic drive along the Adriatic with views over the mainland Pelješac peninsula, passing historic sites, vineyards, and quaint villages. Visit a family-run winery and learn about grk, a white grape variety that's grown in this region and produces some of Croatia's best wines. Sip different varietals and enjoy a traditionally prepared dinner, then return to Korčula in time for the sunset. 

Day 8: Catamaran to Dubrovnik, Old Town Tour

The final leg of your travels takes you to the city of Dubrovnik. After checking out of your hotel, take a private transfer to the port to board your catamaran. Upon arrival, your driver will collect and take you to your accommodations at the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, a gorgeous 5-star retreat. Carved into the cliffs above Miramare Bay, you'll enjoy incredible views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms with a clean, contemporary style, and an on-site spa and restaurant. 

Dubrovnik is one of the most ancient fortress cities in Europe, with a long and storied history that is showcased by its historic Old Town, an ancient district full of well-preserved buildings and surrounded by massive stone walls. This afternoon, see more of this fabled city on a private walking tour. Meet your guide and make your way to the Old Town, entering through the 16th-century Pile Gate and walking the narrow, winding streets as you uncover centuries of the city's rich history and listen to stories of local life and legend.

Highlights include Onofrio's Fountain, the 15th-century Rector's Palace, Luza Square, the Church of St. Blaise, and the café-lined Brsalje Street. Finish at Lovrijenac Fortress and Dubrovnik's defensive walls, which rise up to 75 feet (22 m) in some spots and offer excellent views of the coast. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing on your own, visiting sites such as Minčeta Tower and the gardens of Trsteno, where HBO's "Game of Thrones" series was filmed, and stopping for a seafood dinner at a nearby restaurant. 

Day 9: Konavle Region Culinary Experience

Today is reserved for a unique tour of Konavle, a famous wine region that stretches from Cavtat to the southeasterly tip of Croatia at the Montenegrin border. Its small population lives in some 32 villages scattered across the fertile land, where you'll have the opportunity to visit a local family estate and participate in a cooking class.

Meet your guide and drive to a family-run farmhouse, where you'll meet your hosts and take a deep dive into Croatian gastronomy and cultural traditions. Start with a biking tour of the grounds, stopping to pick fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden, then heading back to the kitchen to prepare a delicious four-course dinner, making for a true farm-to-table experience. Sit down with your new friends to enjoy your meal, accompanied by a sampling of local wines. Return to Dubrovnik and rest up for tomorrow's departure. 

Day 10: Depart Dubrovnik

Your luxury exploration of Croatia draws to a close today as you take a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels! 

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