Best of Croatia in 7 Days: Dubrovnik to Zagreb

Today, you will wake up refreshed and renewed before getting ready for a super day under the sun. Put on your favorite swimsuit and slather on that sunscreen before you venture out for a full day’s sailing tour. After your driver drops you off, your professional captain and guide will meet you and take you on a magical sea cruise aboard a state-of-the-art luxury cruise liner. You will spend your entire day escaping to the Elaphiti Islands. As you glide through the gorgeous, azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, you will stop at the three jaw-dropping islands of Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep, each of which offers its own unique charm.

Sit back and relax as you soak in the stunning scenery and let the busy world slip away. After arriving on each island, you will have some free time to explore amid all of the offerings. From satisfying your curiosity while winding your way through quaint, stone villages to taking in lovely landmarks that are steeped in rich history, these three tropical gems will leave a lasting imprint on your heart. Return just around sunset to witness a pastel evening sky as you are transferred back to your hotel via private transfer.

Day three is one that is filled with wonder and romance as you journey to a fairytale wonderland that is marked by stunning, natural beauty. You will wake up early and enjoy a private, air-conditioned transfer, which will take you straight Plitvice National Park. Arriving mid-day, you will have the entire rest of the day to delve into this world-famous locale. You will now be free to wander as you will be among seemingly endless waterfalls, idyllic crystal-clear lakes, and winding footpaths that will make you feel as if you have floated right into a fairyland.

A destination that should be on every single person’s ultimate bucket list, this UNESCO-listed national park is not only Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, but it is so absolutely stunning and pristine. It has also earned worldwide fame for its gorgeous and picturesque scenery. Imagine walking along lakeside trails that are flanked by flora and fauna as far as the eye can see. Amid a kaleidoscope of colors, including turquoise waters, vibrant flowers, spruce trees, and lush greenery, you will lose yourself and truly feel as if you are walking in a dream. With small ferries that connect the lakes with one another and offer easy access to the entire park, you will be able to casually stroll around and simply enjoy the scenery and remarkable sights, snapping pictures as you please that are sure to make all of your Instagram friends green with envy.

After every photo has been taken and you have had your fill of fairyland, at least for today, you will be picked up by your private driver and taken to your nearby accommodation.

The fairytale continues as you wake up and spend the morning at the nearby Rastoke Village. As it is so close to Plitvice National Park and the two parks share similar awe-inspiring natural water features, Rastoke is often even referred to as “the small Lakes of Plitvice.” You will truly understand the reason for this namesake as you arrive and witness the postcard-worthy watermills that are located under the village. Rastoke towers over a lovely river that meanders gently below an old-world style bridge that acts as the entrance to the village itself. As you pass over the trellises and take your first step into the one main street, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time, or more precisely, like you have stepped into a storybook. You will have the perfect amount of time to enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee at the charming cafe that is perched on the prettiest vantage point in all of Rastoke, looking directly at the watermill and down at the blue-ribbon river.

After a short two-hour drive, you will arrive in Croatia’s capital city where you will be dropped off at your luxury accommodation and given a brief moment to rest and regroup before your evening excursion. In the evening, you will indulge in a private cooking lesson and wine tasting with a master chef who will teach you how to prepare a mouthwatering meal that features an authentic Croatian dish of your choosing. You can choose from a menu with many offerings, each unique to the country. Then, after whipping it up with help from your culinary guru, you can taste the delicious fruits of your labor yourself. Armed with an authentic Croatian recipe and a full and satisfied stomach, you will return to your hotel via private transfer and call it a very successful and fun-filled day.

For your first full day in Zagreb, you will be treated to a private walking tour of the city’s best and most beloved landmarks and locales. After putting on your best sneakers, you will be taken to meet your private guide who will regale you with fascinating facts and intriguing stories about the culture and rich history behind everything that you see. Be sure to keep your camera handy for photo ops that cannot be missed at iconic destinations like St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb Cathedral, famed Dolac Market, and more.

Whether it is wandering through the cotton candy-colored houses of Gornji Grad, gazing up at the towering Zagreb Cathedral as its bells chime to announce the hour, or tasting your way through sun-ripened strawberries and just-picked produce at Dolac Market behind the Ban Jelacic square, this day’s tour will inspire and entice you to “accidentally” misplace your return ticket home. After your tour, you will take the funicular and watch the sunset from the observation deck from just above Dolac Market before dining at any of the numerous al fresco cafes that dot the most charming boulevards. After you have had your fill of the finest Croatian cuisine, your private transfer will return you to your hotel.

You will spend all of day six discovering one of the prettiest and photogenic cities in the country: Varazdin and its resident castle. You will then have the opportunity to visit Croatia’s most famous and popular castle: Trakoscan Castle. This private tour takes you first to Varazdin, which is an idyllic city that is known for its unique, Baroque-style architecture and old castle. Often called “Little Vienna,” Varazdin’s flower-lined streets and upbeat atmosphere, which are characterized by music wafting through the air and a general sense of happiness and ease, are evident everywhere, giving credence to the flattering moniker.

Bask in a stroll along the picturesque streets, visiting Varazdin Castle and window shopping along the idyllic main strip and side streets before heading on to Trakoscan Castle. After a tour of the stunning castle, you will have the chance to wander among the breathtaking grounds that are complete with a beautiful lake that will provide the perfect backdrop for your requisite photo op. After your tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel where you can enjoy one last authentic, Croatian dinner and glass of wine of your choosing before calling it a night.

You will spend your last morning in Zagreb, enjoying an authentic Croatian brunch before receiving a Croatian goodbye gift. As you ride to the airport via private transport, you will have had so much fun exploring Croatia that you will already be planning your return visit.