Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Croatia – Istria – Krk – Bale – Opatija – Zagreb
100% customisable for you
Your Croatian road trip begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security, pick up a few snacks for the journey, and settle in for your two-and-a-half-hour flight to Zagreb.
When you arrive, pick up your rental car, drive towards the coast and cross the bridge onto Krk Island – a straightforward two-hour journey that quickly shifts from city to sea views.
Check in for a three-night stay in a small, family-run hotel set on the island’s quieter side. After a day of travel, keep things easy with a swim in the pool, a short walk nearby or an early dinner before heading up to bed for a good night’s sleep.
The next two days are all about exploring Krk. Start with the coastline, heading to Baska for wide, pebbled beaches and hiking trails that cut through a rugged, almost lunar landscape. Feeling active? The elevated paths offer some of the best views across the Adriatic.
Back inland, dive into Krk’s history with visits to monasteries, small churches and Medieval squares tucked into old towns. Explore the church of Notre-Dame de la Sante, the Franciscan monastery and church of St. Francis, then take a wander through Frankopan Castle and Kamplin Square. When you get peckish, tuck into some surlice, a popular local pasta.
If you fancy venturing further, take a day trip to nearby Cres. Quieter and less developed, this quaint island is all hidden coves, pine-scented hills and small fishing villages. The drive between Cres and Valun is particularly worth your time, boasting postcard-perfect panoramas across the landscape.
Today, leave the island behind and head south into Istria. The drive takes around two hours, with plenty of places to stop and admire the coastal views.
Your base for the next few nights is Bale, a small hilltop village a short drive from the coast, so check into your hotel and head out for a wander along the narrow cobbled streets. Visit the Church of the Holy Spirit, soak up local art galleries tucked into historic buildings and finish your day with local Istrian cuisine – fresh seafood, truffles and a glass of regional wine.
Head to the coast this morning for a visit to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago comprised of two large islands and 12 islets. After a short boat ride, set off to explore the park, both by small train and on foot.
The landscape here is a mix of coastline, parkland and archaeological sites, including Roman ruins scattered across the island.
There’s also a mix of distinctive fauna in Brijuni – wildlife introduced during Tito’s era still roams here, from deer and mouflon sheep to more unusual residents.
Return to Bale in the afternoon with time to relax or head out to dinner – our Concierge can help you find the best local spots.
Today is yours to explore more of Istria. After breakfast, head to Rovinj, one of the region’s most photographed towns, complete with a historic centre rising out of the sea, a maze of narrow streets and a series of small galleries and cafés. Stroll along the lively harbour, take a dip from the rocky beaches, visit the hilltop church of St. Euphemia’s Basilica and browse local studios scattered throughout the streets.
Later, head south to Pula, a historic city on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula. Here, the Roman amphitheatre is the main event – still remarkably intact, it’s one of the best-preserved in Europe.
Back in Bale, the evening is yours to enjoy dinner and a sundowner on the terrace.
Hungry? You’re in luck, because today is all about food. This morning, meet your private guide and set off to explore the region’s culinary roots. Start at a local winery to taste both white and red varieties, and gain some insight into what makes them distinct.
Next, head into the forest for a truffle hunt with a local expert and their dog. Success isn’t always guaranteed, but that’s part of the charm – and, either way, there’s a tasting afterwards.
Finish with a visit to an olive oil producer before heading back to Bale, armed with a much better idea of what to order for dinner.
Today’s drive takes you across Istria to the Kvarner Riviera.
Rather than heading straight inland, follow the coastal road for the best views – expect clear water, small villages and a few good spots to stop along the way.
Later, arrive in Opatija and check into a boutique hotel set just outside the main town. Once a favourite of the Austro-Hungarian elite, the area still carries that old-world feel.
Spend the afternoon settling in or take a walk along the seafront, admiring the views over the sparkling water.
Today is yours to explore Opatija and its picturesque surroundings.
Walk the Lungomare, a coastal path that stretches for miles, dipping in and out of small beaches along the way. The town itself is known for its grand villas and gardens, many dating back to its 19th-century heyday.
If you’re feeling curious, venture slightly inland to nearby Medieval villages, home to historic ruins, churches and wineries.
Otherwise, keep things simple – swim, eat well, and enjoy the slower pace.
Leave the coast behind this morning and drive back inland to Zagreb.
When you arrive, drop off your hire car and check into a centrally located hotel set within a historic building.
Spend the afternoon exploring the city – the Upper Town for cobbled streets and views, or the Lower Town for cafés and museums. Zagreb has a more local feel than the coast, which makes for a nice contrast at the end of your trip.
Sadly, your Croatian adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, transfer to the airport, snag any last souvenirs and board your flight home, which takes around two-and-a-half hours. Expect to leave with a newfound appreciation for Istria – and possibly a soft spot for truffles.
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.
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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
