Luxury Cuisine & Culture in Croatia - 14 Days

Highlights

• Stroll the winding streets and storied alleyways of Dubrovnik's Old Town
• Enjoy a private tasting of exclusive wines in Korcula's Lumbarda region 
• Tour the 2,400-year-old vineyards of Hvar's Stari Grad Plain
• Relax on the rooftop terrace of the opulent Hotel Ambasador in Split
• Walk among the pristine lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik, Guided Tour of Old Town, Michelin Dinner

Dobro došli! Welcome to Croatia! Your flight lands in Dubrovnik, one of the oldest fortress cities in Europe, with a long and storied history showcased by its historic Old Town, an ancient district of well-preserved buildings surrounded by massive stone walls. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your private driver and transported to the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, a luxurious 5-star retreat carved into the cliffs above Miramare Bay. Enjoy panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms with a clean, contemporary style, and an on-site spa and restaurant.

After check-in, see more of this fabled city with a privately guided two-hour walking tour. Navigate the narrow streets of the Old Town with your guide as they highlight the history of various landmarks. Walk along Stradun, the main street that was once a canal, and see Onofrio's Fountain, built in the 1400s as part of the water system. Visit the quarantine buildings, where travelers stayed until cleared of potential illnesses, and end at the clock tower, a 100-foot (30 m) landmark dating back to the 15th century. Then, toast your first day with drinks on the terrace at Buza Bar, a seaside café built right into the city walls!

Tonight, imbibe in a feast for the senses at Zuzori, an intimate Old Town gem where culinary passion takes center stage. This Michelin-starred hotspot features fresh Adriatic seafood, inventive pasta, and mouthwatering vegetarian creations. Helmed by chef Pasko Kapetanić, who learned his craft under the guidance of award-winning chef Jeffrey Vela, you'll be treated to fine dining that goes far beyond the norm, all in a cozy and quiet atmosphere. Try signature dishes such as bluefin tuna or Iberico tapilla, all accompanied by delicious local wines. 

Day 2: Discover Cavtat, Family Farm Visit & Meal, Sunset Hike up Mount Srđ

Today's adventure takes you to the village of Cavtat, a small medieval town nestled on the southernmost tip of Croatia. Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby this morning for the 30-minute drive, and then, when you arrive, set out on a walking tour with a local guide. Learn about the town's history as you stroll the quaint streets and waterfront promenade that spans the peninsula, then finish with a visit to the house of the famed Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac, where you'll see some of the paintings and murals he created over the years.

After departing Cavtat, travel through the Konavle region to the village of Čilipi, where you'll meet a local family and tour their farm. Learn about their agricultural practices and the foods they grow, then join in preparing a traditional Croatian peka meal, a dish of meats and vegetables cooked under an iron dome covered in hot embers. Enjoy lunch with fresh homegrown vegetables and homemade cheese, wine, and olive oil, all while learning about Croatian culture directly from the locals.

Return to Dubrovnik and escape the bustling city with a privately guided hike up Mount Srđ, a low mountain just beyond the city walls. With a height of more than 1,300 feet (412 m), the summit offers views of all of Dubrovnik and is also the site of Fort Imperial, built during the Napoleonic Wars. Follow your guide up the mountain to a secret spot with your pre-packed picnic. Here, you'll partake of a table loaded with gourmet specialties, set against a backdrop of the Adriatic Sea at sunset. Finish with a cable car ride down the mountain and return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Free Morning in Dubrovnik, Konavle Wine Tasting Tour

This morning, you'll have free time to explore more of Dubrovnik on your own. You can visit sites such as Minčeta Tower and the gardens of Trsteno (just north of the city), where HBO's "Game of Thrones" series was filmed. If you'd rather get out in nature, consider a trip to the island of Lokrum. Boats leave regularly from the Old Town port to the island, a car-free reserve that offers a peaceful respite from busy Dubrovnik. 

Find a café where you can try local delicacies like octopus salad and black risotto, made with cuttlefish ink. Then, meet your guide in the afternoon to experience Croatia's traditions and culture on a half-day excursion to the Konavle Valley, home to the vineyards that produce some of the country's best wines. Travel to your first vineyard, where you'll meet the winemakers, learn about the winemaking process, and sample local varietals. Then, board a tourist train that takes you deep into the vineyards and showcases more of the region. 

Visit the village of Ljuta to see the water-powered mill that was once an essential part of flour production and learn about other traditional crafts, such as wool processing. Stop by a few more wineries and enjoy a traditional plowman's lunch of bacon, onions, and hard-boiled eggs (the primary meal for workers who used to labor in the fields) before returning to Dubrovnik late in the day. 

Day 4: Oyster Tasting & Wines of the Pelješac Peninsula, Ferry to Korčula

Your next destination is Korčula, a small island located approximately three hours from Dubrovnik. After breakfast and hotel checkout, depart with your private driver on a scenic drive along the Dalmatian Coast, making a stop at the historic town of Ston, famed for its 14th-century fortified walls and the oyster farms and salt beds of the bay.

Take some time to walk around town, then head out on a boat in Ston Bay to savor oysters fresh from the crystal-clear waters, along with a glass of wine, and learn firsthand from the skipper how oysters are grown and harvested. Enjoy an up-close look at the farming process in the bay, which is an unusual mix of freshwater and seawater—an essential component to growing the perfect oyster. As a result, Ston oysters are considered some of the best in the world. 

Return to shore and enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant, then continue farther into the Pelješac peninsula, where you'll visit a local vineyard and taste their wines. Then, a short ferry ride will take you to Korčula Town, where you can settle in at your accommodation at Tara's Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel just steps from the beach. You'll have the option of swimming in the sea or relaxing by the pool, all while enjoying tastefully appointed rooms that offer sea or garden views, luxe linens, and walk-in showers. Relax at the hotel tonight, or walk to a nearby waterfront café for dinner. 

Day 5: Škoji Islets Kayaking Excursion, Lumbarda Wine Tour & Konoba Dinner

Start the day adventuring in Croatia's great outdoors, meeting with your guides in the morning and heading off on a private half-day sea kayak tour to the Škoji Islets. Paddle along Korčula's picturesque coastline and past some of the archipelago's 18 islets, making stops at Badija and Vrnik. Learn about the region's history (including some fascinating stories about Marco Polo) and see sites such as Badija's Franciscan Monastery. Visit quiet inlets and island coves to swim or snorkel in the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea before kayaking back.

Afterward, it's time for an exclusive private wine tasting and dinner at a traditional konoba (tavern or wine cellar). 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 for a scenic drive along the coast, passing historic sites, vineyards, and quaint villages. Visit a family-run winery and learn about grk, a local white grape variety that produces some of Croatia's best wines. Sample a glass as you enjoy a traditionally prepared dinner before returning to your hotel in Korčula. 

Day 6: Speedboat to Hvar, Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour of Stari Grad Plain

You're off to the island of Hvar, known for its gorgeous beaches, top-notch restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. After checking out of your Korčula hotel, head to the port, where a private speedboat will be waiting to transfer you the 75 minutes between islands. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to the Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel. This luxury boutique property is located right in Hvar's Old Town, making it the perfect haven after a busy day of sightseeing. Rooms feature elegant, timeless decor, with options for town or sea views, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies. 

After check-in, learn more about the island's 2,400-year history through its vineyards on a private wine-tasting tour. Hvar has produced top wine varietals for centuries, starting with the ancient Greeks who planted vines on Hvar in the 4th century BCE. With your private driver, you'll visit the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll uncover an ancient agricultural landscape still producing grapes, vegetables, olives, and lavender using traditional farming methods.

Discover the flavors of Hvar's outstanding wines, stopping at vineyards and wine cellars, and touring the production facilities to learn more about the winemaking process. Taste wines such as the plavac mali, a grape related to Italy's primitivo and believed to be the original zinfandel. While Hvar is home to the oldest plavac mali vineyard in the world, you'll also find several other indigenous grapes on the island, including bogdanuša, posip, and maraština. Pair the wines with traditional Croatian snacks, chat with the winemakers, and take in the serene landscapes of the vineyards before driving back to Hvar. 

Day 7: Explore the Caves & Beaches of Vis Island, Fine Dining in Hvar 

Today's adventure takes you to the neighboring island of Vis and its amazing Blue and Green Caves. Depart Hvar by private boat with your guide in the morning and make your first stop at the Green Cave, which is so named because of a tiny hole in the ceiling carved out during one of Croatia's wars. Enter by boat (or swim or snorkel in, if you wish) to see an emerald-green hue created by a small stream of light penetrating the cave through this hole. Afterward, spend some time on one of Croatia's most beautiful beaches, Stiniva.

Sail through a narrow channel to find this hidden beach surrounded by rocky cliffs, keeping the pebbles in the shade all day. The only other way to reach the beach is by trekking down to the water following a steep goat path. Next, head to the Blue Cave, only accessible to visitors in the company of a guide. Marvel at the shimmery silver hues of the cave's interior, illuminated by the sun slipping in through cracks in the cave and making the water appear to glow blue. End the tour with a stop at the Pakleni islands and Palmižana Bay, where you'll have time for lunch and a stroll around town.

For a next-level dinner this evening, travel by private transfer to indulge in a meal of delectable seafood at Gariful Restaurant. Sitting on the waterfront of Hvar Town, this exclusive eatery is known for its creative dishes and freshly caught seafood. The restaurant owns several fishing boats, which take to the sea every morning to bring in the day's catch. Soak in the mesmerizing views, vibrant atmosphere, and distinct culinary delights, all accompanied by an extensive wine selection. 

Day 8: Ferry to Split, City Walking Tour, Dinner at Zrno Soli Restaurant 

Depart for Split today, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in the historical region of Dalmatia. Split offers a wealth of history and culture, with charming cobblestone streets, Roman and Venetian architecture, and endless sea views. Head to the port in the morning for the one-hour ferry ride, then meet your driver in Split for a transfer to the Hotel Ambasador, a luxury accommodation near the city's famed Riva promenade. Rooms here offer understated decor, with options for private balconies that overlook the sea and amenities that include a rooftop terrace, fine dining restaurant, and on-site spa.

This afternoon, explore the city on foot with a private guide. The two-hour tour takes you through the Old Town, where you'll see sights such as the Cathedral of St. Domnius, built in the fourth century, and a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Be sure to climb the bell tower for amazing views of the city. Visit Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world, and Peristyle Square, which includes ancient sphinxes from Egypt. Finish with a hike up Marjan Hill. Nicknamed the "lungs of the city," you'll find centuries-old churches, large pine trees, and incredible views. 

Tonight, you'll dine at Zrno Soli Restaurant, which has been celebrated in the "Michelin Guide Croatia" for five consecutive years. Try creative twists on traditional Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and homegrown produce. With each dish holding cultural significance, treat yourself to a gastronomic delight that extends beyond the plate and palate, embodying the true aspects of Croatian tradition. 

Day 9: Authentic Croatian Cooking Class, Self-Guided Exploration of Split

There's no better way to understand the food-obsessed culture of Croatia than by preparing local foods, and today, you'll have the opportunity to do so with a private cooking class. You'll start at Split's lively markets, meeting with a professional chef and assisting them in sourcing ingredients. Then, head to their studio to take a deep dive into Dalmatian cuisine. Prepare dishes such as soparnik, a savory pie with onions, or buzara, a delicious seafood stew, as your chef shares insights into the importance of these foods in Croatian culture. End by enjoying the fruits of your labor with wine and lively conversation.

For the rest of your day, you're free to see more of Split on your own. You can head back to Diocletian's Palace, where the galleries, shops, cafés, and lively bars are wonderful to explore in the evening. Stroll the streets of Old Town, or return to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius to climb the 200 stairs of the bell tower and look down at the sprawling streets of Split and out to sea. Have dinner at a local restaurant, then return to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow's travels. 

Day 10: Transfer to Zadar via Šibenik, Countryside Luncheon, Explore Zadar 

This morning, you'll meet your driver after breakfast for a transfer to the historic city of Zadar. Along the way, make a stop in Šibenik, a picturesque coastal town that's home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a private walking tour and wander the quaint streets, visiting sites such as St. Michael's Fortress, the Cathedral of St. James, and St. Lawrence Monastery Gardens as you learn about the history of this medieval city from your expert guide. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the countryside, then continue your drive to Zadar.

Easily considered one of the most fascinating towns on the Adriatic Sea, Zadar combines a rich history with a dynamic cultural life. Your driver will drop you off at Hotel Bastion, a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel situated in the city's historic core. Nestled in the beautifully preserved remains of a 13th-century Venetian tower, rooms here feature warm wood decor set against stone walls, with options for separate sitting areas or suites with Jacuzzi tubs. After check-in, set out to see the walled Old Town at your leisure.

Start at the ninth-century Church of St. Donatus, then visit the Roman Forum, which dates back to the first century. Check out the Baroque stylings of St. Simeon Church and its sarcophagus, St. Simeon's casket, one of the best examples of medieval goldsmithery in Europe. Ascend the Cathedral Bell Tower to the observation deck for spectacular views, then end at Zadar's most popular sunset spot, the Sea Organ. This urban installation consists of tubing within the stone steps, transforming the movement of the waves and sea breezes into a series of haunting chords. 

Day 11: Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Spend a full day exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, a must-visit highlight for any traveler to Croatia. After breakfast, travel inland for 1.5 hours with your private driver to this UNESCO-protected area. The pristine 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.

Follow your guide through dense greenery, walking along the trails of your choice past emerald green and blue travertine lakes as you discover an abundance of fish, birds, and other wildlife. Learn about the park's ecosystems and history as you walk, and finish with a boat ride that takes you across crystal-clear lakes and right up to cascading waterfalls. Then, after an active day of being in nature, return to Zadar for dinner and watch the sunset over the sea.

Day 12: Transfer to Rovinj, Truffle Hunting in Istria

In the morning, check out of your hotel and meet your private driver for a four-hour transfer north to Rovinj, a lovely port city on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. Upon arrival, check in at the 5-star Hotel Monte Mulini, an adults-only oasis located on the shores of Mulini Beach. Offering rooms that feature modern decor, private balconies, and spacious walk-in showers, you're sure to find endless relaxation here! Other amenities include multiple outdoor pools, an on-site wellness center, and upscale restaurants with bay views.

Later, experience one of Istria's most popular pastimes—truffle hunting! The hills of Istria are blanketed with damp and dark woods, the perfect environment for the elusive truffle. Hunt for wild truffles on a privately guided tour with a professional truffle hunter, seeking out truffles in the Mediterranean forests. Meet the dogs trained to hunt this delicacy, tromping through the woods with them as they search out their fungal prey. Then, return to the house for a lesson in preparing a truffle-themed meal while enjoying local wine, cheeses, and truffle-flavored honey with your hosts. 

Day 13: Istrian Cooking Class, Guided City Tour of Rovinj

Make the most of your last day in Croatia with a private Istrian cooking class. The Istria region perfectly blends rural and urban, combining busy coastal cities with quiet inland villages. The regional cuisine reflects this duality, with fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and fruits harvested from the forests. Meet your chef to learn the art of traditional Istrian pasta and master the making of žgvacet or brodet (beef or fish stews). Try your hand at fish paté, which rivals the best foie gras, and taste Croatian olive oils, cheeses, and local wine varieties while enjoying lunch.

This afternoon, see why Rovinj has been deemed one of the most romantic places in the Mediterranean with a privately guided walking tour. Step back in time as you stroll the cobblestone streets that wind through the Old Town, getting lost in the architecture and winding alleyways as your guide shares insights into local history and legends. Make your way to the hilltop Church of St. Euphemia, a Baroque church built in the 1700s that overlooks the city, stop at the local farmer's markets, and end with a visit to peaceful Punta Corrente Park. 

Day 14: Depart Rovinj

Your luxurious two weeks in Croatia ends today. Meet your private driver at your hotel for a three-hour transfer from Rovinj to Zagreb Airport. Safe travels home or to your next destination! 

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