Croatia’s Captivating Past: Historical Tour of Croatia

The ancient walls of the Old City will beckon you as you wake to your first full day in Dubrovnik. Today, you will be provided with an in-depth walking tour of this treasure. As you meander among the labyrinth-like maze of narrow streets and iconic landmarks, you will marvel at the grandeur and beauty of this renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After departing the Old City, an afternoon on Lokrum Island awaits you. The moment that you step foot on the shores of this idyllic island, its slower-paced will surround and melt all of your stress away. After strolling around the stunning scenery and enjoying a gourmet dessert and nightcap at a local restaurant by the water, you will sail back to Dubrovnik and return to your hotel.

Today, you will venture south for today’s thrilling adventure, which will have you uncovering the origins of the captivating Konavle Valley on a full day’s private tour. As you travel to numerous destinations, your professional guide will regale you with fascinating facts and in addition to sharing sensational stories about the region’s remarkable past.

With stops including Sokol Castle, St. Nicholas Church Square, Cilipi Village, and Cavtat, your journey will be accompanied by epic tales of scandal, political turmoil, mystical myths and ancient legends that have been passed down through generations. This engaging tour is both exciting and enlightening, and after spending the entire day of being immersed in educating stories, you will return to your Dubrovnik hotel with a whole new appreciation for this vibrant valley.

The Elaphiti Islands will invite you to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland for a day as you sail away on an incredible replica of a Galleon Ghost Ship. This private luxury tour will lead you to all three Elaphiti Islands, and as you sail between Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, you will be delighted to discover how each one offers its own unique appeal and charm.

You professional guide will enlighten you about the history of each island, including the origin of the namesake of the islands, which used to be the favorite hunting grounds of residents and royalty alike. With ample time to explore each island and swim, snorkel, sunbath or hike to your heart’s content, you will sail back to Dubrovnik, where your private driver will be waiting to meet you and lead you back to your hotel.

As a new day begins, you will say goodbye to beautiful Dubrovnik and say hello to the stunning seaside city of Split. After settling into your luxurious hotel, your private driver you will deliver you to your first exciting excursion, which will be a private tour of the city’s must-see sights. The highlight of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly Diocletian’s Palace, which is nestled right in the heart of the city, and this will be the last stop on your tour.

Upon departing Diocletian’s Palace, you will venture to Salona, where your guide will enlighten you on the circumstances that brought this once-bustling city center to what is now a collection of ruins. Trogir and its city center is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Trogir will welcome you to finish your day with a stroll through its streets. After departing Trogir, you will be delivered back to your luxurious accommodation in Split.

Following your fun-filled stay in Split, today, you will transfer to Zadar, and after checking into your luxurious hotel, you will embark on a private tour of the architectural highlights of this remarkable city by the sea. After visiting famed locales like the Sea Organ, the Greeting to the Sun, the Roman Forum, the Church of St. Donates, Zadar Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, your tour will end at Zadar's Land City Gates.

Fast on the heels of a fascinating history walk through Zadar’s rich past, your evening excursion will offer a welcoming respite for both your body and mind as you sail away into the sunset on a luxury cruise. After dining on delicious Dalmatian dishes, sipping champagne, and gazing at the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, you will make your way back to Zadar and be returned to your hotel.

The fairytale world of Plitvice National Park will welcome you today as you depart Zadar and make your way to this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a dreamy world that is filled with cascading waterfalls, lakes that are connected by forested paths, arched bridges, and flora and fauna that will make you feel as if you have been transported to another realm.

The fairytale theme will continue as you depart Plitvice and transfer to the nearby Rastoke Village. This tiny enclave will immediately steal your heart with its charming streets, watermills, and rustic charm. After having some time to wander around, window shop, and walk the nature paths by the village’s resident river, a delicious dinner will be provided at the local tavern, where be provided with an authentic taste of village life. When dinner is finished, your driver will return you to your luxurious accommodation for the night.

Today will find you shifting gears and going from the idyllic fairytale worlds of Plitvice and Rastoke to traveling to Croatia’s capital and most exciting city of Zagreb. After arriving in Zagreb, you will check into your hotel and be provided with the opportunity to settle in before embarking on an enlightening walking tour of the city’s Upper Town. You will enjoy visiting the city’s numerous landmarks, including Ban Jelacic Square, Dolac Market, St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb Cathedral while being regaled with the fascinating histories behind each locale.

The evening will find you diving into another adventure, but this one will be of the culinary type. You will spend an entire evening of learning how to craft a delicious Croatian dish in addition to learning about the intriguing significance of the dish that you create. When your gourmet masterpiece is complete and you have indulged in the fruits of your labor, your private driver will return to your hotel. You will be given the recipe from the evening, so that you are able to recreate this delicious night whenever you desire.

Today, you will escape the big city on a getaway that is fit for royalty because you will travel to a pair of Croatian castles that will simply take your breath away. Your first stop will Trakoscan Castle, where your private guide will lead you on a tour of the castle and grounds while offering intriguing backstories to supplement the awe-inspiring beauty. Specifically, you will learn the history behind its namesake in addition to what was happening at the time when the castle was built in the 13th century.

Veliki Tabor Castle is your next dream-like destination. Much like Traskocan, Veliki Tabor has a fascinating history behind its beauty, and you will enjoy learning every detail about it as you wander around to your heart’s content. After a full day of exploring fairytale castles, you will be returned to your Zagreb accommodation for a well-earned night’s rest.

No trip to Croatia is complete without spending time exploring the romantic Istria region. Today will lead you on a private tour of the gems of this awe-inspiring area. You will first travel to Opatija, where you will adore exploring its immaculately landscaped parks and gardens, strolling down its charming streets, and gazing at its centuries-old, architectural wonders.  Your guide will even share inside stories about how the Austrian emperor Franz Joseph used to spend several months each year in this lovely town.

Hum, which is known as the smallest city in the world, will welcome you next. With the last count citing only 23 residents, Hum is a medieval town that is surrounded by a magical aura that instantly forces its visitors’ hearts. With only two small streets, the town still boasts a wealth of iconic wonders, including the Church of Mary’s Ascension, the Church of St. Jerome, and the famed Alley of Glagolitic. After sampling the town’s pride and joy, which is its homemade honey brandy, you will then head to Motovun. Motovun houses the best-preserved, medieval fortress in the entire region. After learning about the namesake of the city and many more interesting tidbits, you will return to your Zagreb hotel with a wealth of new knowledge and memories to cherish.

Your final day in Zagreb will offer you the rare opportunity to see the capital city from a unique perspective that most tourists do not have the luxury to indulge. Your morning excursion will provide you with the opportunity to exercise your mind and body as you are led a private bike tour that focuses on the political history of this intriguing nation. From riding along the scenic Sava River to cruising along the city streets that house the unique architecture of the Socialist era, reminders of Croatia’s political past will provide you with a more personal way of exploring the city while still allowing you to learn all about its fascinating political history.

After your bike adventure, the fun will continue as you board a private plane that will fly you above Zagreb. As you witness this gorgeous city from an entirely new perspective, you will admire the picturesque scenery and breathtaking landscapes that you may have otherwise not have seen on a standard city tour. Upon landing, your private driver will return you to your Zagreb hotel with your head still stuck in the clouds after such an exhilarating adventure.

Today will be your final morning in Croatia, and you will wake and feel grateful for your time spent here. After enjoying a delicious brunch, your private driver will lead you to the airport to catch your international flight home.