From Dalmatia to Istria: the Croatian Coast from South to North

Transfer. Two-night stay in a modern hotel. Your light and airy room is the perfect place to relax after a day's exploring, especially on the private balcony overlooking the sea. You'll also have access to the lovely common areas and facilities, with an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium and spa, indoor pool, sauna and three treatment rooms. When the sun is shining, eating on the terrace is a must, as you sample the chefs Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine. The beach is just a two-minute walk away, and a little further south, the trails of Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park are perfect for quiet, shady walks.

Transfer to the port and take a sea crossing to Bol by hydrofoil. Transfer. Enjoy a three-night stay just minutes from the beach. The hotel is comfortable, with all of the modern facilities you need. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel looking out over the small garden with its swimming pool. Alternatively, you might want to enjoy a relaxing sauna after a day's bike ride on the hotel's bicycles.

It's hard to resist a lazy stroll by the sea, with a lunch of fresh, grilled fish after some exciting water sports. However, you can also explore Brac, its fragrant vegetation and white-stone villages. Beginning with Bol: the church of the Dominicans has a beautiful Apotheosis of St Dominica by Croatian painter Tripo Kokolja, 1713. The former Blaca Hermitage is an exceptional site; founded by Franciscan hermits in the 16th century, it was an important centre of Glagolitic culture (the Glagolitic alphabet was developed by Saints Cyril and Methodius for writing Old Slavic in the ninth century); the buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries; The village of Milna has a pretty little harbour.

Included in the itinerary - Hiking in Vidova Gora. At over 2,550ft, Vidova Gora is the highest peak in the Adriatic. From Bol, the elevation difference is just over 2,300ft. Although no trouble for experienced hikers, novices might find it a difficult trek, although the summit is worth it. When you get to the karst ridge with your private guide, you have a splendid view of the sea, Bol and its surroundings, including the peak of Zlatni Rat (which will be great to visit on the way back). While you're there, reward yourself with a feast at your table in the peak's restaurant.

Transfer to the port and cross over to Split by hydrofoil. Transfer. Enjoy a two-night stay in the central district, as well as in the countryside. Which means you are close to the old town, and the beach as well. Your lovely hotel will create a comfortable home-from-home, with friendly staff and excellent facilities.

Old Split was born from a single monumental ensemble: the palace that Roman Emperor Diocletian had built at the end of the third century to spend his retirement in the country. In the confines of the UNESCO-listed Dioklecijanova Palaca - or Diocletian's Palace - were residential buildings, a temple to Jupiter, baths and barracks, which are all interesting to visit still today. In the Middle Ages, with houses built inside and out, the palace was bursting at the seams and was transformed into a city. The Emperor's mausoleum was transformed into a Christian church with a 12th-century bell tower and a 17th-century choir, and it is now St Domnius Cathedral. Venetian architects also came here to practice their craft. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, plus hidden little spots to enjoy a maraschino and pancakes. Optional - Tour of the old town of Split with a private expert guide.

PIck up the hire car and drive to the Plitvice lakes. Enjoy an overnight stay on the edge of the park, in a cosy and traditional residence. Dig in to an organic breakfast in the dining room, or on the terrace, weather permitting. In the evening, you can have a nice glass of Croatian wine in the garden. The chain of lakes and waterfalls in the area are what makes this destination so popular, and you'll find out for yourself why on a trip out. Dense beech and fir forests are reflected in the turquoise waters,

Drive to the island of Krk via a spectacular arched bridge, built in the late 1970s by the Mostogradnja Belgrade company. Enjoy a three night stay in Baska to the south. The hotel is a short walk from the seaside promenade, and the beach is close by. This 19th century family home has experienced a serious makeover, so combines traditional with modern. The restaurant serves unpretentious Mediterranean cuisine that's best enjoyed under the pine trees of the sea view terrace. Numerous activities are available from the hotel, too, including snorkelling, diving, canoeing, hiking, and cycling.

In 1851, in the Church of St Lucia in Jurandvor near Baska, an important discovery for Croats took place: a tablet inscribed in Glagolitic, dated from about 1100, and bearing the oldest known mention of the word 'Croatia'. The original is now held in Zagreb, but the church keeps a copy. The village of Baska itself oozes charm and has several pebble beaches where you can enjoy the clear blue sea. The hinterland is a great destination for hikers. Driving to the village of Krk, you can admire the Frankopan Castle, erected in the 12th century, or the Saint-Donat church, which looks like a stone igloo, of the same period. There is no shortage of medieval ruins here in one of the oldest cities in the Adriatic. For a break from the delightful Mediterranean sun, visit the Biserujka Karst Cave. And then you have to taste the speciality, Krk's famous pasta. Optional - Tour of the island of Cres.

Drive to Bale. Enjoy a three-night stay in the town centre. Contemporary restoration of old buildings is now very fashionable and the contrast between rustic and modern design is refreshing. Your hotel is no exception, and the result is remarkable. You can enjoy the chic yet rustic feel while enjoying relaxation time in the modern spa pool, steam room and sauna. The cuisine is modern with traditional produce alongside contemporary flourishes.

Your Istria hotel is just four miles from the sea, so you have plenty water activities available, including snorkelling, diving, canoeing, plus the beach all within easy reach. Alternatively, explore the inland by car, bicycle or horse. You'll be able to see the footprint of Histriasaurus, a huge plant-crushing dinosaur from the Cretaceous period. With its circular walls around the parish church, Bale gives a true picture of how regional settlements used to be. The small church of the Holy Spirit from the 15th century has preserved beautiful Gothic frescoes. A little further away, you can discover many more things, such as the Pula amphitheatre from the 1st century, where many shows are put on in summer, or the pretty city of Rovinj which looks out from a height over the water. Optional - Gourmet Istria.

Included in the itinerary - Kayaking at Cape Kamenjak. Not far from Pula, Cape Kamenjak Landscape Park protects the southern tip of the peninsula. Green oaks, Aleppo pines, juniper trees and orchids are abundant in the area, and in the water, Posidonia marine grasslands are home to a diverse fauna. In summer, monk seals make their way to certain beaches. With a private instructor and guide, you'll embark on a five-hour kayak tour along cliffs, coves, and caves. You don't spend all this time paddling, of course, there are stops for snorkelling and swimming.