Croatian Rhapsody: Zagreb to Dubrovnik -8 days

Today, as your plane descends over Croatia, you will catch your first glimpse of the quintessentially Croatian orange and red roofs. Zagreb, the country’s capital, has found itself a place in the hearts of travelers in recent years, through its historically saturated architecture and ever-welcoming cafes. In the arrival’s hall, you will meet your private chauffer who will drive you out into the city towards your hotel. Passing by galleries, museums and cinemas, take note of the socialist roots that course through a rapidly modernizing city.

A gem of a European city, Zagreb is at once historic and new. It’s filled with leafy green parks and gothic/neo-renaissance buildings, yet there’s also modern shopping complexes, outdoor malls, and endless dining and drinking options. Consider heading out on a guided walking tour of the historic heart of the city. This involves walking from the main square to Zagreb’s Upper Town and passing through local markets before reaching St. Mark’s Square.

Alternatively, you can visit one of the many museums and art galleries, like the Homeland War Museum, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, or the ever-popular Museum of Broken Hearts. Or stroll through the city center, enjoying 17th-century neo-baroque architecture found at Zagreb’s Art Pavilion and Croatian National Theater. In Zagreb, local chefs are famously re-inventing classic dishes like a meat or cheese-filled phyllo pastry, and an infinite number of sweets. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight in the hotel.

Cascading waterfalls, clear turquoise lakes and cathedral-like forest canopies weave together to form Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sitting in perfect complement to the regal beauty of the Adriatic Sea, your understanding of Croatia would be incomplete without a stroll through this majestic UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. The entire park sprawls out over 12,000 acres, with walking trails leading you under spruce and fir, through delicate meadows and up onto rock cliffs perched dramatically around pristine lakes.

Follow your chosen path through this surreal natural wonderland, enjoying your final full day in the country. Pause for a picnic or perhaps a glass of wine on a secluded sunny patch of moss, before wandering beneath a waterfall as you gradually make your way back.

Today is yours to explore an often-overlooked star of Dalmatia: Zadar. This is the largest city on Dalmatia’s northern coast, and there’s a lot to see and do. You can stroll the marble streets of Zadar’s famous Old Town—once the mightiest fortress city in the Venetian Republic—or wander beyond its Venetian gates, past stone walls and examples of Roman and Byzantine architecture in the form of the 1st century remains of the Roman Forum and the 9th century Church of St Donat. 

Another noteworthy site to check out is the baroque St. Simeon Church for a sighting of the Queen Elizabeth-commissioned sarcophagus. Be sure to stop for lunch and a glass of wine in the center of town at a konoba restaurant like Stomorica. 

After touring the city by day, come to the waterfront just before dusk to witness one of Dalmatia’s most beautiful sunsets. During this time, you can marvel at the light shows of the Monument to the Sun (a 72-foot disc built by the Croatian artist Nikola Bašić that reflects light patterns off its smooth surface as the sun goes down) and the singing waves of the Sea Organ (architectural sound art that utilizes tubes located underneath the waterfront steps to transform sea waves into organ music).  Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll drive south toward Split, stopping at Krka National Park and the charming coastal towns of Primošten and Trogir. With seven waterfalls—the largest and most impressive being Skradinski Buk—Krka National Park is one of eight national parks in Croatia. The Krka River, another highlight of the park, carves through the limestone and creates a spectacular canyon on its 44-mile journey (70 km) from the foothills of the Dinaric Alps to Šibenik. 

Follow the winding wooden paths that traverse emerald pools to viewpoints of the majestic series of falls and enjoy a quick swim if the mood strikes. One great section to explore starts at Skradinski Buk. From there, head to Roški Slap, where you can take a short walk across the river to a small set of rapids, said to resemble a pearl necklace from above. At Roški Slap, you can stop to grab a bite to eat of locally produced prosciutto, cheese, and seasonal salads.

Come mid-afternoon, travel further south to Split, settling into your hotel before taking the rest of the afternoon to wander its historic center. Start at Pjaca Square for pretty views of white marble tiles, the Iron Gate (the western entrance to Diocletian’s Palace), a Romanesque clock tower with the remains of a medieval sundial, and the 15th-century Town Hall. Next, visit the popular Voćni trg or Fruit Square to enjoy renaissance architecture, influenced during Split’s Venetian era. 

For a bit of shopping and a bite to eat head to Marmont Street, though you’ll want to find your way to the waterfront to catch the sunset.

After breakfast, your driver will take you to Split center where you’ll meet your captain and start an island-hopping tour by boat that covers all the highlights of the area. Enjoy visiting the unique Blue Cave, swimming in Stiniva Cove, snorkeling in the lagoon of the Budikovac Island, lounging in one of the bars on Pakleni Islands and exploring the old town of Hvar.

Make the most of your time here, wander the streets of Hvar, perhaps even stop at one of the local restaurants to taste some exquisite food. You will return to Split late in the afternoon and enjoy a short ride to your hotel.

Today, we are starting with Photo safari through the Neretva Valley, one hour ride with the car from Split & Dubrovnik. The Photo safari is a unique tourist experience in which guests are driven by indigenous Neretva vessels (small wooden boats from which are some even a 100 years old) for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board) .

On Your way discover the places where once the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, Romans sailed, and the pirates of Neretva planned their raids of enemy galleys. Discover the allure of one of the last swamps on the European continent, its flora and fauna, the diversity of wild birds and the traditional lifestyle of the Neretva people.

End up at a beautiful local restaurant overlooking the water for Peka lamb and other local dishes. Board the boats to return to Opuzen. Walk around collared streets of the small town Opuzen and feal the Zen energy in the air. You may want to venture out to one of the friendly bars around the town square to meet the locals over a beer or two.

On the way stop in Ston to see the Croatian Chinese wall and oyster and wine tasting. Late afternoon arrival into Dubrovnik and the remainder of your evening is at leisure.

Spend the day as you like, exploring this ancient medieval city. We recommend getting up early to take advantage of all that Dubrovnik has to offer, starting with a visit to the open-air Gundulić Square Market for authentic Dubrovnik wares, like dried lavender, local brandies, and dried fruits. From there, take a stroll through the narrow streets of Old Town, walk atop the encircling city walls, or head to  Lovrijenac fortress and Orlando Column. 

Be sure to break up your walk by sampling the local cuisine. Dubrovnik’s location on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro means there is some unique fusion cuisine here as well as downright wild fast food options (think octopus burgers). But you can also find good-old Italian-inspired comfort food like pasta in meat sauce, black risotto, and basic but hearty meat-and-potatoes dishes.

In the afternoon, head to Banje Beach for a swim and some relaxation on the sandy stretch of beach close to Old Town. There’s also the option to join a kayak excursion to the islands facing the city. A great way to end the day is to catch the sunset from the water on a sunset dinner cruise (2.5 hours) on a replica of a traditional karaka ship or from your own private boat. Enjoy the view of Old Town from this vantage point.Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight in the hotel.

Depending on when you depart, you may have time to visit one of Dubrovnik’s museums, like the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. This large complex houses many treasures, including the world’s third oldest pharmacy dating from 1317.

Alternatively, for a collection of 15,000 pieces of interesting works, visit the Rector’s Palace and Cultural Historical Museum. Wander this well-preserved palace-turned-museum and explore its exhibits, some detailing life in the Republic of Ragusa during medieval times.

The drive to the airport from Dubrovnik takes around 45 minutes with normal traffic.