Welcome to Croatia! Your flight lands in Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in the region of Dalmati

a. Split offers a wealth of history and culture, with charming cobblestone streets, Roman and Venetian architecture, and endless sea views. Meet your driver on arrival and head to your accommodation at the Cornaro Hotel, a 5-star hotel just steps from some of Split’s most popular sightseeing spots. Rooms here offer a timeless grandeur, with luxury furnishings and options for sea or city views, not to mention a fabulous rooftop pool and bar!

After check-in, explore the city with a private guide on a two-hour tour through the Old Town, where you’ll see sites 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, then 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. Relax at your hotel tonight, or take an evening stroll around town.

See more of Croatia’s natural beauty with an excursion to the Blue Lagoon and the island of Šolta. In the morning, meet your guide and head to the port to board your private boat for the 30-minute ride to the Blue Lagoon. Located between the islands of Drvenik Veli and Krknjaš Mali, this body of water, protected from the elements by the surrounding islands, offers calm, clear water, perfect for viewing the more than 7,000 animal and 6,000 plant species that inhabit the Adriatic Sea.

You’ll have time to swim and snorkel, then cruise to the island of Šolta, where you’ll find fishing ports, olive groves, and lush vineyards. Visit the village of Maslinica and see its historic Martinis Marchi castle, then continue to Nečujam Bay. One of the coves here hides the ruins of an old shipwreck, which sits just 6 feet (2 m) below the surface and is a perfect spot for more snorkeling.

End your day with a stop at the small fishing village of Stomorska, located on Šolta’s northeastern coast. Your captain will pull up to a local family restaurant with a terrace directly on the water, allowing you to hop right from the boat to your seaside table. Enjoy a delicious Dalmatian meal and relaxing views of sailing boats and kaići, small wooden fishing boats, before returning to Split.

You’re off to Split today, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in Dalmatia. Split offers a wealth of history and culture, with charming cobblestone streets, amazing architecture, and endless sea views. Your private driver will collect you in the morning for the 1.5-hour drive, dropping you at the fabulous Piazza Heritage Hotel. Constructed in 1906, the property is a testament to the Viennese Art Nouveau style of that time. Rooms offer classic decor with soothing pastel colors, antique-style furnishings, and high-end toiletries. The hotel’s prime location also makes it a great base for sightseeing.

After check-in, discover more of

Split with a private food tour. Snack your way through the city’s historic streets while visiting markets, family-run bakeries, and old bars while on the hunt for sweet and savory local delicacies. With your expert guide at your side, you’ll visit Pazar Market, a lively outdoor hub just east of Diocletian’s Palace. This is a great place to see how the locals shop and sample prosciutto and cheese together with rakija, a typical fruit brandy of the region. Then, step back in time as your guide escorts you to the palace’s cellars, sharing intriguing accounts of its history.

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.

This morning you’ll board a catamaran from Split to Hvar. A Croatian 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.

Set out on an exciting full-day island-hopping adventure to Biševo, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands. On a private luxury speedboat, you’ll first cruise to the east coast of Biševo, a popular, though often crowded, destination, to see 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 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.

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 beach. 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 unremarkable house said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Later, head out with your guide for an exclusive wine 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 along the Adriatic with views over the mainland Pelješac peninsula, passing 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. Sip different varietals and enjoy a traditionally prepared dinner, then return to Korčula in time for the sunset.

Free day to relax in Korčula.

The final leg of your travels takes you to the city of Dubrovnik. After checking out of your hotel, take a private transfer to the port to board your catamaran. Upon arrival, your driver will collect 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 that is showcased by 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 as you uncover centuries of the city’s rich history and listen to stories of local life and legend.

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 (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, and stopping for a seafood dinner at a nearby restaurant.

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 Montenegrin 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 heading 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. Return to Dubrovnik and rest up for tomorrow’s departure.

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