Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival at the International Airport in Zagreb, you will be met and transferred to your accommodations. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Zagreb

As Croatia's vibrant capital, Zagreb blends rich history with modern culture seamlessly. With its Austro-Hungarian architecture, the city features historic landmarks like the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and the colorful St. Mark's Church. The city boasts a lively arts scene, bustling markets such as Dolac Market, and various parks, including the lush Maksimir Park. Zagreb's dynamic atmosphere is complemented by its cafes, restaurants, and festivals, making it a captivating destination for both history enthusiasts and contemporary culture seekers.

Zagreb City Center Walking Tour

Following a lovely breakfast, take a 2 hour walking tour around Zagreb city center! The Croatian capital is in many ways an exceptional city. Zagreb offers its guests the Baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, a picturesque open market, green parks, and promenades, but also superb culinary delights and an exciting nightlife. It has managed to preserve its distinctive beauty and relaxed atmosphere and is the perfect blend of a Central European metropolis and the relaxed tempo of the Mediterranean.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the historical center of the city. Visit the Stone Gate, Church of St. Mark with its ornate Gothic portal and rooftop coat of arms, and many other sights. (This service is on a private basis.)

After the tour, spend the afternoon shopping and visiting some of the quirky museums, such as the Museum of Broken Relationships, filled with mementos of relationships that have in one way or another gone wrong. There is also a Museum of Hangovers where the artifacts related to the alcohol-infused sessions are exposed, with an attached background story, and the Museum of Illusions.

After breakfast, check out of your accommodations and meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Rovinj. Upon arrival in Rovinj, unwind and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. The drive is roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Rovinj

Located on the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia, Rovinj is a picturesque coastal town known for its vibrant Mediterranean charm. Belonging to Italy prior to World War II, the historic old town is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the hilltop St. Euphemia’s Basilica, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. A popular tourist destination, Rovinj is frequented for its scenic waterfront, excellent seafood, and charming architecture. Surrounded by lush forests and pristine beaches, its beauty rivals its rich cultural heritage, captivating all those who visit this gem of Istria.

Inland Istria's Liquid Gold Tour

This moring after breakfast, you'll be picked up by your driver and begin your tour of Istria, also known as "Terra Magica". Typical for Inland Istria are hilltop villages with spectacular views over the countryside, the most popular being Motovun and Gronjan or "the town of artists".

After a walking tour of Grožnjan, head towards a nearby small village to visit a local olive oil producer, who will tell you about the estate, olives, and oil tasting techniques. Olive oil is much more than just an ordinary food ingredient in Istria, as it's also a symbol of health and gastronomic pleasure. For multiple years, Istria has been awarded for the highest quality olive region in the world according to the Flos Olei, the first international and the most relevant European olive oil guide.

In the afternoon, continue on to the rolling hills of vineyards and wine production region. This part of Istria, where the red soil becomes grey, white, and clayish, is famous for its golden Malvasia and red Teran (Terrano) grape varieties. You’ll taste several different wines while learning more about the production process and the tradition of winemaking. After a day filled with local delicacies, head back to Rovinj to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Heart of Istria Tour

After breakfast, you will check out and meet your guide to head inland and explore the rolling hills and forests of Istria. After a one-hour drive, you'll arrive in the "kingdom of truffles," where friendly hosts will explain everything about this underground treasure and introduce you to the specially trained truffle dogs. The truffle hunt begins in the local forest (transferred by Land Rover Defender) with the expert truffle dogs and their owner. After an approximately one-hour hunt, you'll return to the tasting room to learn how to make the famous truffle frittata and enjoy various truffle-based spreads, cheeses, salami, and olive oil.

Next, visit Hum, a hilltop village known as the smallest town in the world with only 30 inhabitants and a rich medieval history. At the Museum of Hum & Aura, explore nearly 1,500 exhibits in 11 thematic rooms, including an old pharmacy, school, post office, shop, distillery, and more. Interactive rooms let you print a postcard in Glagolitic, create your own cream, and learn about local traditions while tasting homemade jams and spirits made from wild fruits.

After these unique experiences, proceed to Opatija, located at the heart of the riviera with Croatia's longest tradition in tourism. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening on your own. This service is on a private basis.

Opatija

Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Opatija is a charming coastal town in Croatia known for its elegant architecture, stunning seaside promenade, and lush parks. As a historic resort town, you'll find a rich Austro-Hungarian heritage, most evident in its grand villas and luxurious hotels. Due to its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, including festivals and events, Opatija is a popular destination for travelers and its renowned wellness centers add to its appeal as a premier health and relaxation retreat on the Adriatic coast.

Plitvice Lakes Tour

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin your journey to Split. On the way, stop for a tour at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey will take about 2.5 hours. The park is a magical world of lakes, waterfalls, moss, and forests. Nestled in the wooded mountains are sixteen turquoise lakes, interconnected by cascades and falls. Take a map of the walking trails to explore the park at your own pace, enjoying a boat ride amidst the green and blue surroundings. A local guide will lead a four-hour walking tour, including a boat ride, showcasing the lakes and waterfalls. After visiting the park, continue to Split for hotel check-in. (This service is on a private basis.)

Split

As Croatia's second-largest city, Split is famed for good reason. The heart of the city is Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Roman monuments. Split's historic core is intertwined with bustling markets, cafes, and shops, offering a lively atmosphere, allowing you to bask in ancient history while enjoying a cool drink. The city boasts not only beautiful beaches, but also a scenic waterfront promenade, and numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year. With its one of a kind charm and offerings of contemporary Mediterranean life, Split leaves a lasting impression on travelers minds long after leaving.

Split Historical & Gastro Treasures Walking Tour

Meet your guide this morning and embark on a exciting 3-hour tour that will tickle your senses! On this Split food tour, your guide will help you to taste the most scrumptious food, as you walk along the 1700-year-old imperial palace. Get to know the famous Diocletian’s Palace and the surrounding medieval highlights of Split.

You’ll start your food adventure by visiting the Greenmarket, a great traditional restaurant ”konoba” known for its culinary specialties- “macaroni” handmade pasta and fresh seafood. Next, you will visit a small shop to taste the traditional peasant pie “soparnik”, with the tour concluding in the oldest pastry shop in Split, to feast on classic pastries and gelato.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. If you're up for some hiking, go to the Marjan Forest Park and explore this green oasis covered in a dense Mediterranean pine forest, that has been cherished by the citizens of Split for generations and is considered the 'lungs of the city.' It covers a vast area, the size of New York's Central Park. There are viewpoints that provide the best views of the city, and scenic hiking trails will take you to cave dwellings once inhabited by Christian hermits. There's also a restaurant at the summit, Vidilica, where you can enjoy a magnificent view and refreshments. After descending from Marjan Hill, take a stroll along Split's seafront Riva where the locals like to hang out, making for great people-watching.

Enjoy what Croatians refer to as 'fjaka' - the art of doing nothing. It's the state of mind where all worries dissipate, time stops, and you can enjoy being immersed in the moment. Have a nice dinner in one of many charming taverns before returning to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Split to Dubrovnik: Ston Tour

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Dubrovnik. En route, stop at the edge of the Pelješac peninsula to visit the medieval town of Ston. Here, you'll see the Ston city walls, the longest fortified system in Europe, and learn about the region's famous oysters, mussels, and salt plant. Enjoy an oyster tasting experience in Mali Ston Bay, where you'll enjoy fresh oysters and learn about their cultivation. You can choose to have lunch at the Bota restaurant, known for its original Dalmatian cuisine (pay on the day). Then continue your journey to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is infamous around the world not only for its stunning location on the coast but as well of course for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The city's iconic Old Town, encircled by massive stone walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic churches, palaces, and cobblestone streets. From its status as a powerful maritime republic in the Middle Ages to serving as a filming location for King's Landing in the TV series "Game of Thrones", Dubrovnik's iconic walls are among the most well-preserved in Europe.

Dubrovnik Walking Tour

Today, meet your local guide and start the Dubrovnik Walking Tour- a city tour of the most famous Adriatic city. You'll uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you listen to stories of local life, legends, and the importance Dubrovnik once held in the era of the Republic.

Starting from Pile Square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik Old Town, walk through the maze of narrow streets, lively piazzas, and stunning palaces like Sponza and churches like St. Blaise. Enjoy the moderate tempo of your walk as you stroll down the main thoroughfare of Stradun, all the way to the Cathedral and the Rector’s Palace, where you will discover a fine synergy between governance and faith which kept Dubrovnik afloat as the independent Republic of Ragusa for 450 years. After the tour, have dinner in one of the famous restaurants in the Old Town, and taste local dishes such as pasticada with gnocchi, cheese in oil, and the traditional dessert of Dubrovnik- "rozata". (This service is on a private basis.)

Konavle and Cavtat Day Trip

This morning, meet your driver and continue to Cavtat, a charming Mediterranean town with white stone buildings, alleys, green oases, cafés, and restaurants. Enjoy a walk, coffee, and ice cream before meeting your hosts at a nearby agricultural estate where you'll explore the garden, wine press, and meet the animals that reside here.

This afternoon, help prepare a traditional peka lunch with veal roast and garden vegetables. While it cooks, visit the Konavle County Museum to see exhibits of traditional dress, jewelry, and more. After lunch, return to Dubrovnik to enjoy the rest of the day on your own to explore. (This service is on a private basis.)

Sadly, it is time for your Croatia adventure to come to a close. Today, you will make your own way to the airport in good time for your international departing flight via Dubrovnik.

We hope had an amazing experience and wish you a safe and pleasant travels home!