Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Croatia – Zagreb – Plitvice – Zadar – Split – Korcula – Dubrovnik
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine, your holiday starts today. Head to the airport, zip through security and settle into the lounge before your just over two-hour flight to Zagreb, the Croatian capital.
Upon arrival, head to the Old Town and check in to your hotel for the next two nights – a beautiful early 19th-century building with a lush courtyard garden. This evening, head out to grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, armed with your trusty Concierge’s top recommendations.
Today you’re exploring Zagreb with a local. The day can be completely shaped by your interests, so have a chat with your guide and create a fun-filled itinerary together.
There’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do in this city. The good news is that it’s a manageable size to explore on foot, with plenty of green space for a quick sightseeing break.
Visit Zagreb Cathedral, a monumental Gothic structure, whose two spires can be seen from across the city. Or, for a contrasting design, the glass cube of the National and University Library is just as impressive. Keen to connect with your inner creative? Zagreb boasts plenty of engaging museums, with the Museum of Contemporary Art being a particular standout.
Wake up bright and early, you have a busy day ahead. Today, you’ll pick up your hire car and hit the road, bound for Plitvice Lakes National Park. Settle in for the drive, which takes just under two hours.
The park is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s made up of 16 lakes, linked by cascading waterfalls and flowing streams, surrounded by beech and fir forests – a paradise for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Your home for the night is a chalet-style house on the edge of the park, with a terrace and garden that are perfect for sipping a glass of Croatian wine as the day winds down.
After a delicious breakfast, with swoon-worthy views to match, hop back in your hire car and set off on the hour-and-a-half drive to Zadar. Tune into our destination-specific playlist to pass the time, or simply marvel at your scenic surroundings.
Your base in Zadar for the next two nights is an apartment in an 18th-century building – a rare gem from that period in a city that was heavily bombed during the Second World War.
Spend the rest of the day settling into your new surroundings or relaxing, as you wish. Come evening, a short stroll through the pretty neighbourhood reveals plenty of spots for drinks and dinner.
Today is yours to explore Zadar at your leisure. It’s a small, walkable city with lovely public gardens that emerged from the post-war rubble, and reliably blue skies that make a city stroll a delight.
Historic highlights include surviving monuments such as the Roman Forum, the Byzantine Church of Saint-Donat from the ninth century and the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia from the 12th and 13th centuries. The morske orgulje (sea organ) on the edge of the promenade is a must. It’s a masterpiece of engineering that uses underwater pipes to create melodies as the waves wash up the steps.
Shopaholics will also be in heaven in Zadar. The city is known as the fashion hub of the coast because of its many boutiques, and thanks to your car boot, you have plenty of space for your new purchases...
After a hearty breakfast, wave goodbye to Zadar and make the journey down to Split, which takes about an hour and a half.
Your home for the next two nights is a warm, welcoming hotel between the Old Town and the beach. If you’re feeling stiff from all that driving, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage or unwind with a cooling dip in the pool? While the city awaits those who want to begin exploring.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning to help you beat your daily step count goals as you explore Split.
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. There were residential buildings, a temple to Jupiter, baths and barracks. The Diocletian Palace still enhances the waterfront today.
During the Middle Ages, houses were built inside and outside the palace walls, transforming the palace into a bustling city. The Emperor's mausoleum became a Christian church (with a 12th-century bell tower and a 17th-century choir, it’s now Saint Domnius Cathedral). Venetian architects also left their mark on Split over the centuries.
The result? A city filled with nooks and crannies waiting to be explored. After a day of wandering, keep an eye out for little hidden spots to enjoy maraschino (Croatian cherry liqueur) and pancakes.
We hope you like the sea breeze in your hair, as today you’re swapping the road for the sea. The ferry journey to the Port of Vela Luka on Korcula takes roughly four hours. Once you’ve disembarked, drive about 40 minutes across the verdant island to the Old Town.
For the next two nights, you’ll be staying in a charming hotel just south of the marina. This evening, enjoy sweeping sea views as you dine al fresco; we’re sure fresh fish and octopus will be on the menu.
You may fancy doing absolutely nothing today: the nearby beach is made for lazy days under the sun.
But if you’re keen to answer the call of Korcula, we have you covered. Marco Polo is said to have been born here, and a visit to the (supposed) family home of this merchant adviser is a must. Architecture fans will love St Mark's Square, where Renaissance facades are assembled around the cathedral, clustering at the beautiful Venetian gate. While scenic strolls through the sprawling vineyards and lush olive groves are equally delightful.
Just a hop, skip and a jump across the water is Orebic, back on the Croatian mainland. Today you’ll take a quick 20-minute ferry there before setting off on the just under two-hour drive to Dubrovnik. When you arrive, it’s time to wave goodbye to your trusty hire car and check into a contemporary hotel overlooking the sea.
This spot is built for relaxation, with plenty of ways to unwind during your stay. When it comes to dining, think fresh, seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, featuring seafood and locally grown produce.
And the beach? Just a short walk away. A little further south, the trails of the Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park are perfect for pleasant, shaded walks.
It’s the last full day of your Croatian adventure, and it’s going to be a good one: a private tour of the city is on the cards.
Dubrovnik was severely damaged in the Croatian War of Independence, but has since been rebuilt and is now an enchanting spot to visit, especially the Old Town with its winding alleyways and sun-drenched rooftops. Its remarkably preserved defence system has been used as a backdrop to the Game of Thrones series. Inside the walls, noble houses line up as if on parade.
The little Renaissance St Saviour Church is splendid, as is the 14th-century Romanesque cloister of the Franciscan convent and church. A blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, the fortified Dominican Monastery is another major attraction. But the simple pleasure of wandering the streets is reason enough to visit, not to mention the small beaches on the outskirts of the city.
Your guide can give you the insider tour, sharing historical facts along the way, depending on what you’d like to learn more about.
Sadly, your Croatian road trip has come to an end. After one last sun-soaked breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport to catch your three-hour flight back to the UK, with an overflowing camera roll and suitcase of souvenirs in tow.
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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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 checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
