- 4.9/5 650 Latest reviews
- Destination: Croatia
- Duration: 9 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the essence of Croatia on this engaging tour, combining culture, nature, and culinary delights. Start in lively Zagreb before traveling to the coastal charm of Opatija. Discover the Istrian Peninsula with visits to historic Pula, the scenic town of Rovinj, and enjoy a truffle-tasting experience in Motovun. Be captivated by the stunning landscapes of Plitvice Lakes, then indulge in wine along the ancient streets of Zadar. Explore Split’s rich heritage at Diocletian’s Palace and wander through the UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir. End your journey with a wine tasting in Ston and a guided stroll through Dubrovnik’s medieval lanes.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Zagreb
Arrival
2
Zagreb, Opatija
Stone Gate, Kvarner Gulf
3
Istrian Peninsula
Pula, Rovinj, Truffles Tasting at Motovun
4
Plitvice
Plitvice Lakes National Park
5
Zadar
Zadar Old Town, Sea Organ, Wine Tasting
6
Split
Diocletian's Palace, Trogir
7 - 9
Dubrovnik
Wine Tasting in Ston, Dubrovnik Old Town, Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb
Welcome to Croatia! After landing, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. Take the time to relax and recharge for the adventures ahead.
- Zagreb
- Day 2: Zagreb Sightseeing & Transfer to Opatija
Zagreb offers a charming mix of medieval streets and modern boulevards. The city, Europe’s greenest capital, is dotted with historic landmarks and inviting cafés, giving you a true taste of Croatia’s heart.
Discover Zagreb’s highlights on foot, beginning at Ban Jelačić Square. Pass through Kamenita Vrata (Stone Gate), stroll the streets, and admire Lotrščak Tower, St. Mark’s Church, and several government buildings. The Upper Town’s charm grows with every step, leaving you eager to explore more even after your guided tour.
In the afternoon, journey to the scenic Kvarner Bay and arrive in Opatija, Croatia’s historic spa town. Once a favorite retreat for the Habsburgs and European elites, it hosted notable visitors like Mahler, Chekhov, and Isadora Duncan. (Driving time: 2.5 hours.)
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- Opatija
- Day 3: Istrian Peninsula & Truffle Tasting Experience
Set out in the morning for a full-day excursion to the Istrian Peninsula. Begin with Pula, where you’ll explore its impressive 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater.
Continue to Rovinj, a charming coastal town showcasing Italian-style architecture, and then visit Motovun, often considered Istria’s most picturesque town. Here, enjoy a delightful truffle-tasting experience that highlights the region’s culinary treasures. Return to Opatija for the night. (Departure at 9:00, returning around 18:00.)
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- Opatija
- Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park Adventure
Depart early in the morning with your knowledgeable guide to explore Croatia’s oldest and most stunning national park – Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park features 16 interconnected lakes with spectacular waterfalls, nestled in the mountainous Lika region.
Most of the park is explored on foot, though your entrance ticket includes a scenic boat ride across the emerald waters of Lake Kozjak. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about the park. The visit, lasting around three hours, reveals the park’s enchanting turquoise beauty. Afterward, continue the journey to Zadar for an overnight stay. (Total driving time: approximately 5.5 hours.)
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- Zadar
- Day 5: Zadar Exploration, Dalmatian Wine Tasting & Transfer to Split
After breakfast and hotel check-out, begin discovering the historic city of Zadar. This charming town is filled with cultural and architectural treasures, including the 1st-century Roman Forum and the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus. A highlight of your visit is the unique Sea Organ, where ocean waves create soothing, melodic sounds.
Leaving Zadar’s Old Town, continue to a family-run winery in the Dalmatian hinterland. Enjoy a tasting of local Dalmatian wines and international blends, paired with traditional Croatian-style tapas. Later, travel onward to Split for your overnight stay. (Total driving time: approximately 3 hours.)
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- Split
- Day 6: Walking Tour of Split & Trogir
Continue your journey in Split, the vibrant heart of Central Dalmatia. This coastal city blends sunshine, beaches, culture, and fine cuisine. Enjoy a guided walk through the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace, exploring its ancient basements, the Peristyle, former Roman temples now serving as Christian sites, the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the iconic Golden Gate. After sightseeing and some free time to explore independently, travel by coach to the UNESCO-protected town of Trogir.
Trogir boasts a wealth of historic buildings that reflect its long and fascinating past. Highlights include St. Lawrence’s Cathedral with its beautifully carved Romanesque portal, the 15th-century City Loggia, the Ćipiko Palace, the Town Hall, and the Benedictine monastery dating back to 1064.
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- Split
- Day 7: Dubrovnik Journey & Wine Tasting in Ston
While traveling toward Dubrovnik, stop near the town of Ston to visit a local winery and sample the renowned Plavac Mali wine, a close cousin of Zinfandel. During the visit, learn about the winery’s long history and the generations who have preserved its traditional wine-making practices. The tasting includes an introduction to the production process, wine sampling, and light snacks.
After the winery experience, continue on to Dubrovnik for your overnight stay. (Driving time: approximately 5 hours.)
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- Dubrovnik
- Day 8: Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour
George Bernard Shaw once said that those searching for paradise on Earth should visit Dubrovnik. Today, enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town, where the city’s past and present come together through impressive architecture and majestic medieval walls.
Begin your walk at Pile Square on the western entrance of the Old Town, weaving through narrow stone streets, lively squares, and remarkable landmarks such as the Sponza Palace and the Church of St. Blaise. Stroll at a relaxed pace along the famous Stradun promenade toward the Cathedral and the Rector’s Palace, discovering how the balance of faith and governance helped Dubrovnik thrive as the independent Republic of Ragusa for over 450 years.
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- Dubrovnik
- Day 9: Departure from Dubrovnik
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Croatia. Your guide will accompany you to Dubrovnik Airport for your onward journey.
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