Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Croatia – Dubrovnik – Brac – Split - Plitvice Lakes National Park – Krk – Bale
100% customisable for you
Your Croatian adventure begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle in for your two-and-a-half-hour flight to Dubrovnik.
On arrival, a private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel for the next two nights, just a short distance from the Old Town. Once you’ve checked in and dropped your bags, the rest of the day is yours.
Keep things easy with a short wander, a drink overlooking the water or simply a relaxed dinner – your Concierge can help you find the best spots for a bite to eat.
Wake up to your first proper day on the Adriatic and head into Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a place that feels purpose-built for drifting between side streets.
Within the city walls, you’ll find polished limestone streets, baroque buildings and a steady rhythm of cafes and small squares. Spend the morning exploring the top landmarks like the Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace, before slowing down with a coffee or a swim just outside the walls.
If you’d like to go beyond the obvious, we can arrange for you to explore the city with a local – visit quieter corners, discover secret spots and hear the stories that don’t make it into guidebooks.
This morning, transfer to the port and board the hydrofoil (fast ferry) to Brac. The journey itself is part of the experience, with open views across the Adriatic as you leave the mainland behind.
On arrival in Bol, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel, your home for the next three nights, just a few minutes from the beach. Once you’ve settled in, the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. You might head straight for the sea, stretch out by the pool or ease into island life with a long, late lunch. Bliss.
Rise and shine, you have two days to enjoy Brac at your own pace, so it’s time to start exploring. Begin with Zlatni Rat, the island’s famous beach, where the shape shifts slightly with the tide. From there, you can venture further afield – white stone villages, olive groves and quiet inland roads offer a different side to the island.
In the mood for something more cultural? The UNESCO-listed Blaca Hermitage, a 16th-century monastery built into the cliffs, is well worth a visit. Or, if you fancy a relaxed afternoon by the water, the harbour village of Milna has your name written all over it. For those who prefer to keep things simple – just swim, eat well and enjoy not having much of a plan.
Bid Brac a fond farewell this morning and catch the ferry back to Split. On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel in Veli Varos, a neighbourhood that keeps you close to the Old Town, but away from the busiest streets. After checking in and dropping off your bags, head out to explore your new surroundings.
Split is a city best discovered on foot. Wander through Diocletian’s Palace – less a simple monument, more a living part of the city – then drift towards the waterfront for a refreshing drink or delicious dinner. Feeling energetic? The climb up Marjan Hill is worth it for the views alone (and a good leg stretch).
Keen to delve further into Split’s history? We can also arrange a tour of the Old Town with a private guide, who will bring the city’s past to life.
Pick up your hire car this morning and leave the coast behind as you head inland towards Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The change in scenery is immediate – coastal blues give way to lush greens as forests and hills line the quieter, winding roads. On arrival, check into your cosy accommodation, ideally located near the national park. A comfortable, no-fuss base for the night, and exactly what you need before a day of exploring.
Spend the evening with a glass of Croatian wine in hand, soaking up your surroundings, before an early night.
Today is all about exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most distinctive landscapes. It’s both the oldest national park in southern Europe and the largest in Croatia.
Wooden walkways guide you through a network of lakes and waterfalls, with routes that can be as short or as ambitious as you like (you could even set a new step count record). Along the way, you’ll pass cascading falls, clear turquoise water and plenty of viewpoints worth pausing for.
You can mix walking with a short boat crossing or a ride on the panoramic train, but the key is to take your time. This is a place best experienced slowly, not rushed through.
Set off this morning towards Krk Island, the largest in the Croatian Adriatic. You’ll drive across a spectacular arched bridge built in the late 1970s to reach the island. Check into your hotel for the next three nights, set in a peaceful spot with scenic views. After a few days of moving around, this is a good place to pause and reset.
Once you’ve settled in, spend the afternoon as you please – enjoy a refreshing swim, a short walk or do very little (you’re on holiday, after all).
You have two full days to explore Krk, where beach time and history go hand in hand.
Start by dipping in and out of its old towns, where Medieval remains are dotted throughout, from the Frankopan Castle – built between the 12th and 15th centuries – to quiet squares and stone churches.
When the heat picks up, head to the coast for a refreshing swim, or retreat underground to Biserujka Cave for a cooler change of scenery.
And when it comes to food, don’t miss tucking into a bowl of surlice, the island’s signature pasta – best enjoyed slowly, ideally somewhere local where no one’s in a hurry.
Today, wave goodbye to Krk Island and continue north into Istria, where the landscape softens into rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves.
After around a two-hour drive, you’ll arrive in Bale and check into your hotel for the next three nights. The village itself is small but full of character, with narrow streets and old stone buildings that feel largely unchanged over time.
After settling in, set off on a wander and capture some charming photos of the village, or head out for a tasty dinner at a lesser-known restaurant recommended by your clued-up Concierge.
Spend the final days of your trip exploring Istria, a region that balances coastal scenery with a strong food culture.
After soaking up the sights in Bale, venture further afield to see what Istria’s all about. Rovinj's picturesque harbour and colourful buildings make for an easy (and photogenic) day trip, while Pula’s Roman amphitheatre offers a more historic stop.
Fancy a change of perspective? Make sure to squeeze in a visit to Cape Kamenjak for a guided kayaking trip along the coastline. Paddle past cliffs, caves and hidden coves, with plenty of time to stop for a spot of swimming and snorkelling along the way. Back on dry land, a proper Istrian lunch is in order – wine, olive oil and truffles all feature heavily and for good reason.
Sadly, your Croatian escape has come to an end. After breakfast, make your way to Pula Airport and return your hire car. With one last look at the Adriatic, board your two-and-a-half-hour flight home – likely already thinking about how to recreate those long, slow lunches.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
