Highlights of Croatia

(12 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Zagreb, Istria, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Hvar with Korcula & Peljesac Peninsula, Dubrovnik & environs

This private tour of Croatia features the country's top scenic, cultural and culinary highlights.

Begin in Zagreb, the elegant capital of Croatia. With your private guide, explore the cobblestone streets, small squares, markets, churches and Baroque buildings of the Upper Town, as well as the Secessionist (Art Nouveau) architecture and leafy parks of the Lower Town. Enjoy time to browse local shops, sit at local cafes and stroll through leafy city parks. Also enjoy a private excursion to the bucolic Zagorje region to visit Trakoscan Castle, dine on regional specialties at a local tavern, and sample wine produced in Zagorje.

Continue to the Istrian Peninsula, a bucolic region of oak forests, olive groves and pebble beaches. Stay at an upscale hotel and winery in the countryside, and enjoy activities that highlight local food and wine traditions. Also visit Rovinj, a picturesque jumble of pastel Venetian buildings on the Adriatic waterfront.

Next, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a beautiful region of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls among forested hills that's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at a hotel with access to a little-visited section of the park, and enjoy plenty of time for hiking amongst both the Upper and Lower lakes.

Continue to the ancient city of Split. Enjoy private touring of Diocletian's Palace, one of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your private guide, walk through this living archaeological site, and see highlights such as the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the bell tower.

Continue by private boat cruise to Hvar, one of the most beautiful and sunniest islands in the Adriatic Sea. During private touring, explore Hvar Town, a picturesque collection of stone buildings around a natural harbor with crystal clear water, including highlights such as the Arsenal and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Perhaps also learn about local lace-making traditions or climb to a hilltop fortress for panoramic views over the town and waterfront.

Next, transfer to Dubrovnik. En route, stop on the island of Korcula to explore the narrow streets and small squares of medieval Korcula Town, which has Greek and Venetian roots. See architectural and cultural highlights such as the Marco Polo House and Cathedral of St. Mark. Also stop en route for wine tasting at an organic winery on a hillside with panoramic views of the Adriatic coast. Also visit the seaside village of Ston on the Peljesac peninsula to sample fresh oysters harvested from a local bay and see the ancient salt pans and impressive city walls.

Continue to Dubrovnik, a beautiful historic city overlooking the Adriatic Sea. With your expert private guide, explore the highlights of the Old City of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval city walls, white limestone streets, and well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Walk atop the ramparts, visit historic palaces and monasteries, and explore the most interesting neighborhoods and backstreets. Also browse for unique crafts, olive oil and other Croatian specialties at local shops. One afternoon, enjoy a private excursion into the countryside to see village life amid vineyards and olive groves. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a private cooking class in the home of a local family. Additional activities can also be arranged, such as hiking on Lokrum Island, sea kayaking along the coast, a private boat excursion to the Elafiti (Elaphiti) Islands, or an excursion to Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina) or the Bay of Kotor (Montenegro).

This tour can be further customized to include additional time in Croatia or neighboring countries such as Italy, Slovenia and Montenegro.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world