Unique 10-Day Itinerary: Exploring Croatia’s Storied History

The ancient Old City will be waiting for you as you wake to your first full day in Dubrovnik. You will begin your day with a historical tour of the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City. Led by your own historian guide, you will witness the city’s iconic landmarks, each one taking on new meaning in your heart and mind as your guide regales you with fascinating backstories and facts about them. After hearing these intriguing anecdotes and looking around at the sheer grandeur and beauty that surrounds you, you will have no reason to doubt that Dubrovnik has more than earned its moniker of the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

After departing the Old City, you will be lucky enough to leave the mainland behind for a moment of slower-paced serenity as you island-hop to Lokrum Island. This simple act of sailing to this idyllic enclave for an evening away will be the perfect remedy to all that ails you. Here, you can stroll around the island and greet the local wildlife, including resident peacocks rabbits, before finishing your day on a sweet note with a gourmet dessert and nightcap. You will then sail back to Dubrovnik, where your private driver will deliver you back to your hotel.

An exciting field trip into Croatian history awaits you as you make your way to the picturesque Konavle Valley. Situated between the luscious mountains and the stunning Adriatic Sea, this region has its own unique and storied past, which your private guide will lead you in discovering on a day that will be filled with adventure and intrigue.

While you travel from one destination to another, including stops at Sokol Castle, St. Nicholas Church Square, Cilipi Village, and Cavtat, your historian guide will share intimate details of the origins of the area from tales of scandal to political turmoil. You will even hear a few myths and legends that have been passed down through generations of Croatians. After your fun-filled day of wandering through this enigmatic valley, you will return to your luxurious accommodation with an entirely new perspective and appreciation for Konavle and the country as a whole.

Your final day in Dubrovnik will be no less inspiring and enlightening than the previous ones as you embark on a private sail to the ethereal Elaphiti Islands. An island getaway is already an exciting occasion, but when you make that a three-island getaway, it becomes even more of an adventure. Also adding to the uniqueness of your excursion will be the vessel that will be carrying you, which will be an authentic replica of a historical Galleon Ghost Ship. As you unleash the inner pirate, you will sail upon the seas to explore Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan.

As you visit the three islands, your expert guide will enlighten you on their histories and introduce you to the unique cuisine for which the area is famous. As you leave the boat on each island to explore, you will fall in love with everything from the luscious landscape to the charming villages and churches by the sea. After a full day of sailing, you will venture back to Dubrovnik, where your private driver will return you to your accommodation.

Upon departing Dubrovnik, you will make your way to Split, where a private tour of two amazing cities and one side stop awaits you. After checking in to your luxurious accommodation, you will meet your private guide, who will lead you on an exciting walking tour of Split. As Split is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, it will be no surprise that it offers an abundance of noteworthy landmarks and locales that you will visit. The highlight of the Split portion of your tour will be Diocletian’s Palace, which is nestled in the heart of the city.

After immersing yourself in the intriguing history of Split, you will stop by nearby Salona. Once a prosperous and bustling city, Salona is now a collection of ruins, and while you wander among them, your guide will regale you with the story behind what brought about such a drastic change in circumstance. Trogir and its city center, which is located on an island and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will provide the last leg of your tour. After strolling its streets, marveling at its sights, and being provided with stories of its remarkable history, you will step away with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for this Croatian treasure. You will then leave Trogir and be returned to your accommodation.

After your delightful stay in Split, you will now venture to Zadar for a private tour of the coastal city’s historical highlights. Specifically focusing on the communist era and how it influenced and molded the Croatia of today, you will hear fascinating facts of historical happenings in addition to inside details on what life was like under Tito’s rise to power during the Yugoslavian oppression.

After visiting some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Sea Organ, the Greeting to the Sun, the Roman Forum, the Church of St. Donates, Zadar Cathedral, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, you will even have the opportunity to stroll along one of the loveliest promenades in Eastern Europe. After crossing through the Main Square, your historical tour of Split will culminate at an awe-inspiring overlook that boasts a panoramic view of the iconic Zadar Land City Gates, which is where your guide will conclude your tour with a recounting of what exactly happened during WWII and the breakup of Yugoslavia.

After filling your head with intriguing history, it will be time to fill your spirit with some peaceful relaxation. Your evening excursion will offer this very thing as you embark on a sunset sail through the Zadar Channel. After a day of stepping back in time, you will feel very grateful for being in this present moment as you glide along the sparkling sea and gaze upon the city lights. Upon your return to the Zadar docks, your private driver will be returned you to your luxurious accommodation.

Day seven will find you saying goodbye to Zadar as you venture to a heavenly world that is full of fairytale-like features. Where you will be going is complete with nearly endless waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and enchanted forest paths that are dotted by arching bridges. After making your way to Plitvice National Park, you will step into a land of such natural beauty that you will feel as if you have been transported to another dimension. While you stroll among this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will have plenty of photo ops and jaw-dropping moments to keep you busy.

Once you have finished your whimsical exploration, you will be led to the equally charming Rastoke Village that is complete with an idyllic main street and working watermills. Still floating on a cloud, you will have the unique opportunity to dine at a local tavern, which will provide you with a taste of local cuisine. After finishing your meal, your private driver will return you to your luxurious accommodations, where you will have the remainder of the evening to spend at your leisure.

Fast on the heels of a dream day in two fairytale worlds, the bustling metropolis of Zagreb will be waiting for your adventure today. By departing in the morning, you will arrive in Croatia’s capital city in the early afternoon, where another batch of historical wonders will be waiting for you.

Upon arriving in Zagreb and checking in to your luxurious accommodation, you will be glad for the chance to stretch your legs on a stroll through one of Croatia’s most iconic areas: the Upper Town. As your private guide leads you through the pastel-colored buildings and introduces you to the world-famous landmarks, you will also be regaled with the fascinating histories behind each. After wandering through the city’s hub of Ban Jelacic Square, perusing the freshest produce around at Dolac Market, and stopping by St. Mark’s Church and much more, you will understand why Zagreb is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most desired destinations.

As night descends and you have witnessed another lovely Croatian sunset, it will be time for a palate-pleasing adventure as you indulge in a private cooking class with a master chef. Your master chef will teach you how to sift, simmer, and sauté your meal in addition to enlightening you on the intriguing significance of the dish that you will create. The best aspect of the class will come at the end, which is when you will delight in the fruits of your labor. After satisfying your appetite and your curiosity for more Croatian history, your private driver will return you to your luxurious accommodation for the evening.

Today’s field trip will provide you with the perfect culmination for your time in Croatia. You will visit two of the nation’s most beloved treasures: Trakoscan Castle and Veliki Tabor Castle. As you make your way to your first destination, the scenery will amaze and inspire you with its natural beauty. In fact, it is so lovely that by the time you reach Trakoscan Castle, you will already have had your heart stolen.

Although the grandeur of the castle will astound you, what is really enthralling about this tour is the in-depth histories that it provides with each castle. Regarding Traskocan, you will hear all about what was happening when it was built in the 13th century and how it received its unique namesake.

After departing Traskocan, you will make a stop in the tiny village, which is where the famed Yugoslav communist revolutionary, who was known as Tito, was born. Afterward, you will venture to your final destination of Veliki Tabor Castle. Once you have explored and been enlightened about this locale’s equally intriguing history, you will be returned to your luxurious accommodation in Zagreb.

After enjoying a week and a half full of wonder and historical discoveries, you will wake to your last morning in Croatia and feel reluctant to leave. Before heading to the airport, you will indulge in a final brunch before your private driver transfers you to the airport.