Spectacular Week Long Croatian Vacation: Croatia’s Historical Sites & More

This morning, you will wake up to your first full day in Dubrovnik, where you will enjoy an in-depth, historical tour of the Old City. Although the jaw-dropping beauty of the architecture and seaside surroundings alone would make any visit to this unique enclave a pleasure, having your personal historian to guide you around and explain the fascinating backstory to each locale will truly make a difference. Under the lead of your guide, every landmark will become more meaningful, and you will soon understand why everyone refers to this dazzling destination as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

As you wander among the limestone-paved streets of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, everything from the architecture to the landmarks will come alive as you begin to view them in an entirely new perspective. You will even have the chance to witness Fort Revelin and Minceta Tower while hearing all about how the city defended itself in the past. You will also learn about Croatia’s dense political history, which will deepen your understanding of the infrastructure of this enigmatic and ancient city.

Directly from your discovery tour of the Old City, you will be provided with the unique opportunity to island-hop to Lokrum Island. This experience will be the perfect combination of a relaxing sail, gourmet dessert, and nightcap. After your private driver picks you up at the docks and returns you to your Dubrovnik hotel, you will be ready for a good night’s rest.

An exciting and enlightening day trip from Dubrovnik awaits you today. You will depart the Pearl of the Adriatic and venture to the Konavle Valley. While most people who visit this locale are instantly wowed by its remarkable beauty, they often never learn that it actually has quite a fascinating history. Nestled between gorgeous mountain ranges and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Konavle is indeed a sight for sore eyes, but there is also so much more to it than the eye can see.

This private, historical tour seeks to lead you on an exhilarating journey that will uncover Konavle’s origins layer by layer through tales of intrigue, political turmoil, agricultural struggles, and victories. As your knowledgeable guide leads you on an epic journey that details the history of this gorgeous area, you will be entertained with fascinating myths, legends, and treasured Croatian tales that have been passed on for generations.

From actual historical facts that enlighten you on the area’s turbulent past to epic accounts of mythical creatures, ghosts, and local heroes, each stop on this delicious tour has a wealth of mesmerizing secret spots and sacred places to explore, including Sokol Castle, St. Nicholas Church Square, Cilipi Village, and Cavtat, which is where you will enjoy a lovely stroll in the Old Town and down the promenade. You will then return to Dubrovnik for the evening in preparation for tomorrow’s exciting destination: Split.

Today will find you departing Dubrovnik and making your way to Split, where you will enjoy a full day’s tour of Split and Trogir. You will even have the opportunity to indulge in a quick side adventure to Salona. Split begins your historical hunt, and it is a perfect commencement because it is an official UNESCO Historical Site. While you stroll through the city, your expert guide will provide you with the inside scoop on all of the ancient history and age-old secrets of Split’s fascinating past. The highlight of your Split tour will be perusing Diocletian’s Palace, which is located in the center of the city. You can even say that it is the heart of the city, but your historical guide can fill you in on that once you are here.

You will then have a quick jaunt to nearby Salona, which was once a thriving Roman city. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the ancient ruins of this once bustling metropolis while also learning about the history that brought it to such a state. The town of Trogir, which is located on an island of its own and happens to be a treasure trove of historical gems, will complete your day’s tour. After visiting the center of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will have developed a whole new appreciation for both the country and this charming island enclave. After a full day, you will be returned to your luxurious accommodation in Split.

As you have been provided with the opportunity to be amazed by the fascinating history of Croatia thus far, today will allow you the rare treat of exploring the great outdoors of Croatia. Do not worry because there is plenty of history packed into this day as well. Today, you will depart Split in the morning and make your way to Plitvice National Park, which is a stunning locale that is near the top of every traveler’s list.

From the nearly endless waterfalls to the copious amounts of sparkling lakes that are filled with crystalline waters, you will feel as if you have stepped into a dreamworld of heavenly wonders. After wandering the forested paths over picturesque bridges through the park, you will understand why this blissful nook of nature is Croatia’s claim to fame. It truly will take your breath away.

After snapping the requisite photographs to preserve this priceless memory, you will then venture to the nearby village of Rastoke, which is a historian’s dream. From the charming main street that is reached by a trestle bridge to the watermills that dot nearly every nook and cranny of this idyllic enclave, Rastoke will attract you with its romantic aesthetic. Your time in Rastoke will culminate with a delightful dinner at the local village tavern, which will provide you with a delicious glimpse into the daily life of the locals. Upon finishing your meal, you will be returned to your luxurious accommodation.

Today, you will depart in the morning for Zagreb, which is a bustling metropolis that offers the perfect pairing of modernity and Old World charm. Aesthetically stunning and steeped in history, the iconic Upper Town is where you will explore first.

After spending the morning traveling by car, you will be grateful for the opportunity to stretch your legs on a stroll through one of the prettiest parts of Croatia on a private walking tour. As you make your way through the cobblestone streets and candy-colored buildings, you will feast your eyes on the nation’s best-known landmarks, including Ban Jelacic Square, Dolac Market, St. Mark’s Church, and Zagreb Cathedral. For those who adore learning the history behind such beautiful locales, this tour is right up your alley because each destination will be accompanied by an in-depth history that is offered by your expert guide. While offering historical facts, this expert also knows how to spin a tale, making learning the backstories behind such beautiful buildings a true pleasure and delight.

When the sun sets and you have explored to your heart’s content, you will have one last Croatian adventure to enjoy. You will end your evening on a sweet and savory note as you partake in a private cooking class. What is even more exciting is that this particular culinary tutorial has been perfectly catered to you as it delves into the cultural significance of the dish that you will create. As you enjoy your mouthwatering meal at the end of the class, it will be that much more enjoyable as each mouthful will have a history behind it.

You will then be returned to your hotel, armed with the recipe from the evening's savory dish. This will allow you to recreate this delicious memory whenever you desire.

As you wake up today, you will wonder where the week went and also be wishing that you had many more days to dive further into the eclectic history of Croatia. Before transferring to the airport, you will enjoy an authentic Croatian brunch and be gifted a special goodbye gift, which will be a small token to remind you of the magnificent week that you spent discovering this delightful country and its fascinating history.