Luxury Croatian Highlights: Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Hvar & Dubrovnik - 14 Days

Highlights

• Visit fairy-tale castles in the countryside around Zagreb
• Dive into Croatian gastronomy with a walking food tour of Split
• See "the world's most beautiful sunset" in the ancient Roman city of Zadar
• Spend a day exploring Dalmatia's islands and beaches by private speedboat
• Go wine tasting among the famous vineyards of Hvar

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: Cultural City Tour of Zagreb, Dinner at Dubravkin Put Restaurant

This morning, immerse yourself in Zagreb's delights with a privately guided walking tour of the city's top sights. Meet your guide and start at Ban Jelačić, the main square, then wind your way through the network of small streets, which takes you through Gornji Grad (Upper Town), a neighborhood stretching between the two hills of Kaptol and Gradec and the oldest part of the city. Visit the bustling Dolac Market and sample fresh produce and other treats, and stop by St. Mary's Cathedral, located right next door.

Continue to St. Mark's Church, with its famed multicolored roof, and see Lotrščak Tower, from which the Grič cannon is fired every day at noon. From here, ride the funicular down to Donji Grad (Lower Town), where you'll find spacious parks and grand boulevards such as the Lenuci Horseshoe, as well as sites that include the neo-Baroque Croatian National Theater. You'll have time to explore Ilica Street, one of the longest streets in Zagreb and a great place for shopping, cultural sites, and restaurants.

Listen to historical stories and local lore from your guide as you go, stopping in Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square (better known as Zrinjevack Park) and, if you'd like, visiting museums such as the Museum of Illusions or the ever-popular Museum of Broken Relationships, an unusual museum that displays personal objects from former lovers. Tonight, have dinner at Dubravkin Put, a contemporary restaurant with a separate wine bar that sits in a wooded glen between Upper Town and the Tuškanac woods.

Day 3: Tour the Historic Castles of Zagorje

Just a few miles northwest of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a bucolic hilly region dotted with Renaissance and medieval fortresses, numerous Baroque castles, and family-run vineyards and farms. It's a memorable, romantic landscape that will take you back in time to a sense of both the aristocratic past and the traditional rural way of life that still exists in Croatia today. A quick day trip from Zagreb allows you to immerse yourself in this beautiful region.

Meet your expert guide and begin the scenic drive through Zagorje county, stopping first in the often-overlooked charming town of Klanjec at the Slovenian border. You'll then visit Veliki Tabor Castle, located just north of Klanjec. This Gothic-Renaissance castle dates back to the 16th century and sits on a green hill overlooking the fertile countryside. It was originally built for Hungarian nobility, and its fortifications were designed to defend against Turkish invaders. Explore the towers, guardhouses, and inner courtyard, plus see the small museum featuring exhibitions of medieval artifacts like armor, weapons, and paintings.

End the day at Trakošćan Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and is a perfect example of one of these storybook locales. Most of the rooms here are open for visitors, with many left exactly as they were when the last family, the Draskovics, left during the mid-20th century. Learn about the castle's history and architecture, and take a walk around the grounds and nearby lake, then return to Zagreb for the evening. 

Day 4: 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 the city on your own. Make sure to grab a seat with a view as evening falls—Zadar's colorful sunsets are legendary. 

Day 5: Guided City Tour of 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, make your way 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 to-die-for 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 6: Day Trip to Historic Pag Island

Today's excursion takes you to the otherworldly landscapes of Pag, a Croatian island known for its moon-like scenery, sheep farming, cheese production, and lacemaking. Your guide will collect you from your hotel and you'll make your way to the island by boat, starting your visit in the lively village of Novalja. Visit their ancient Roman remains, including an underground water conduit known as Talijanova buža or "Italian hole" to the locals. Then, head to the Town Museum, where you can actually access the Roman ruins as well as check out local artifacts. 

For lunch, you'll sit down to a meal of paška janjetina, a traditional dish of roasted Pag lamb and potatoes, served at a local restaurant. Afterward, continue to 15th-century Pag Town, home to a pleasing seafront promenade and pebbly stretches of beach. See the 16th-century salt warehouse located just outside of town and learn about the UNESCO-protected lace industry. Finish the tour at a private cheese factory, where you can sample Paški sir, the award-winning cheese the island is known for across the country.

Day 7: Visit Krka National Park, Transfer to Split

Depart Zadar today and spend some time in the natural world with a privately guided visit to Krka National Park. Meet your guide after breakfast and drive to the park, which encompasses more than 54 square miles (142 sq km) and includes seven different waterfalls. Start at Roški Slap, where you can take a short walk across the Krka River to a small set of rapids, said to resemble a pearl necklace from above, and then take in the impressive Skradinski Buk waterfalls, with tiered cascades, several boardwalks, and footpaths, and a swimming area.

The park has boat tours through the area if you want to get closer to some of the falls, or you can walk or hike at your leisure. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—Krka is home to more than 200 species of birds, 18 different species of bats, and various reptiles and amphibians. If you have time during your tour, stop to see the Krka Monastery, which is built above ancient catacombs, and the Franciscan monastery of Visovac Island.

After your park tour, continue to Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in the historic region of Dalmatia. Split offers a wealth of history and culture, with cobblestone streets, amazing architecture, and endless views of the sea. Arrive at the fabulous Piazza Heritage Hotel, constructed in 1906 and a testament to the Viennese Art Nouveau style of that time. Rooms here offer classic decor with soothing pastels, antique-style furnishings, and high-end toiletries. You'll also be close to major sites, making the hotel a perfect home base for sightseeing.

Day 8: Food & Culture Walking Tour of Split

One of the best ways to learn about Split's history is through its gastronomy, and today, you'll take a privately guided food and culture tour around the city. Snack your way through the historic streets while visiting markets, family-run bakeries, and old bars on the hunt for sweet and savory local delicacies. With your expert guide at your side, visit Pazar Market, a lively outdoor market just east of Diocletian's Palace. See how locals shop and sample prosciutto and cheese together with rakija, a typical fruit brandy of the region.

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

This morning you'll board a catamaran from Split to Hvar. An idyllic 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 10: Luxury Speedboat Tour of Vis & the Pakleni Islands

Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen this morning and set out on an exciting full-day island-hopping adventure. On a private luxury speedboat, you'll first cruise to the east coast of Biševo, home to 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 the island of 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 11: 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 water. 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 simple house said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Later, head out with your guide for an exclusive wine-country 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, taking in sweeping views over the Adriatic and toward the mainland Pelješac peninsula as you pass 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. Try different wines and enjoy a traditionally prepared dinner, then return to Korčula in time for sunset. 

Day 12: Catamaran to Dubrovnik, Guided Old Town Tour

The final leg of your travels takes you to the city of Dubrovnik. After hotel checkout, take a private transfer to the port to board your catamaran. Upon arrival, your driver will collect you 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 showcased in 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.

Uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you listen to stories and legends of the importance Dubrovnik once held in the era of the Republic. 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 high (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.

Day 13: 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 Montenegro 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 head 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. After a memorable evening of Croatian hospitality and cuisine, you'll return to Dubrovnik and rest up for tomorrow's departure. 

Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik

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

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