Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Istrian Flavours & Adriatic Shores Cres, Bale & Beyond
Croatia – Istria – Plitvice – Cres – Bale
Begin your journey with a whirlwind stop in Plitvice Lakes National Park, the largest in Croatia (and southern Europe, for that matter). Explore its postcard-perfect lakes and forest with a private guide before catching a ferry to Cres, where you can ease into coastal life with swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing – plus a healthy dose of history.
From here, continue into Istria, a region shaped by both Croatian and Italian heritage. Based in the hilltop village of Bale, you’ll have time to explore nearby towns, spend a day in the Brijuni Islands and dive into the region’s food culture – think truffles, olive oil and small-scale vineyards.
Your trusty hire car will be with you every step of the way, allowing you to balance time on the road with time to slow down.
Itinerary
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 and set off south towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, the largest in the country. The journey takes just over two hours – plenty of time to gaze out of the window at wooden mills, gushing rivers and picturesque villages.
When you arrive, check in for a two-night stay, drop your bags and spend the rest of the afternoon settling in. 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.
Today is all about exploring Plitvice. Set halfway between the city hubs of Zagreb and Zadar, the UNESCO-listed park is the oldest in southern Europe, boasting 16 glittering lakes connected by crashing waterfalls, winding rivers and dense forest.
After a hearty breakfast, meet your guide and set off along the park’s boardwalk, which loops around the pines and showcases some of its most scenic spots. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that call the forest home, including brown bears, grey wolves and cute otters. If your legs start to tire, give them a rest with a boat ride across Lake Kozjak or a panoramic train tour.
Not quite enough wildlife for you? We could also arrange for you to hop atop a horse and trot through the park, venturing off the beaten track and discovering hidden corners at your own pace.
Wave goodbye to Plitvice’s postcard-perfect panoramas this morning as you’re privately transferred four hours by car and ferry to Cres, a pretty island set just off Croatia’s north coast.
When you arrive, check into your hotel, your home away from home for the next three nights. Spend the rest of the afternoon settling in – perhaps with a dip in the pool or stint in the sun – before heading down for a sunset walk along the seafront. Pure bliss.
Today is all yours to discover the island of Cres. After fuelling up with a hearty Croatian breakfast – fritaja (Croatian omelette), anyone? – don your sunnies and head out to explore.
Nature lovers, you’re in luck: Cres is chock-full of captivating Croatian scenery, from dense forests to panoramic sea views. Spend some time weaving between towering oaks along the island’s ancient stone paths, or slather on the suncream and beach-hop between its secluded pebbled shores.
Aside from its beautiful scenery, Cres also boasts charming villages, colourful houses and plenty of friendly locals. Stroll along the harbour, stopping only for a coffee in one of the bustling cafés, then navigate through narrow alleyways to Arsan Palace, a 16th-century castle-turned-museum.
Come evening, head out to a local restaurant for a taste of the island’s signature dishes – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some local hotspots.
You spent yesterday admiring Cres’s sparkling waters; today, it’s time to dive in (literally). This morning, you’ll be privately transferred to the neighbouring island of Mali Losinj, where you’ll clamber aboard a boat for an island-hopping adventure with a local skipper.
Spend the day sailing along the rugged coastline, watching as golden cliffs and tiny coves are lapped by the crystal-clear Adriatic waters. Along the way, stop at Susak, known for its sandy dunes and colourful houses, for a sunbathing stint, before heading to Unije, where you can don a mask and snorkel to scope out the area’s colourful reefs and marvellous marine life.
Sun-kissed and salt-speckled, sail back to Cres for an afternoon of R&R – preferably with a cocktail in hand.
Today, leave island life behind and head to Cres port, where you’ll hop aboard a 20-minute ferry back to the mainland. From here, it’s around an hour-long drive inland, 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.
Back in Bale, enjoy a restful afternoon and a relaxed evening with a tasty 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.
Sadly, your Croatian adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, hop in your hire car one last time and drive 25 minutes south to Pula airport. When you arrive, return the car, 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.
Why visit Croatia with Original Travel ?
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 nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Croatia
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
