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Signature Journey

Essence of Croatia

Croatia's highlights in one unforgettable tour

Duration8 Days / 7 Nights

Your Journey

Day 1

Zagreb

Upon arrival to Zagreb Airport your chauffeur will be waiting for private transfer to Hotel Esplanade 5*, located in the heart of Zagreb city center. Settle in, relax after long flight and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure

Zagreb Croatia - Hotel Esplanade 5-star luxury welcome
Day 2

Trakošćan Castle & Varaždin

After breakfast meet up with your local guide for guided tour of Zagreb. Zagreb traces its roots to the Middle Ages, when it was made up of two neighboring settlements - Kaptol and Gradec - now forming the historic Gornji Grad (Upper Town). Kaptol grew around the cathedral as a center of faith, while Gradec flourished with merchants and craftsmen. Known collectively as Zagreb ("behind the hill"), the two were officially united in 1850. The city continued to grow rapidly in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railway and the development of Donji Grad (Lower Town). Following Zagreb tour, head with your chauffeur and guide to charming Zagorje region - a landscape of rolling hills adorned with medieval fortresses, Renaissance manors, and elegant Baroque castles. Most famous of them, Trakošćan Castle, dating back to the 13th century, stands on a hill overlooking a serene lake, offering a glimpse into Croatia's noble past and stunning romantic architecture. The journey continues to Varaždin, once the country's capital and still one of its best - preserved Baroque towns. A walk through its old center reveals grand facades, noble residences, serene parks, and the impressive Old Castle - a true highlight of this cultural and historical excursion. Return to Zagreb in the late afternoon hours. Enjoy evening at leisure.

Trakošćan Castle Croatia - Medieval fortress on serene lake
Day 3

Plitvice Lakes & Split

Check out after breakfast and head with your chauffeur to the Croatian most famous National Park - Plitvice Lakes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most famous natural wonder in Croatia. The park is renowned for its chain of 16 terraced lakes, connected by a series of cascading waterfalls that flow through lush forests. The colors of the lakes shift from emerald green to deep blue, depending on the light, minerals, and organisms in the water, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle in every season. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the park on wooden footbridges and scenic walking trails that wind along the lakes and waterfalls, or by boat across the crystal - clear waters. After the tour continue to Split. Upon arrival in the evening hours, check in to Hotel Ambasador 5* - exclusive hotel, located on a waterfront promenade, with splendid views of Split port and the islands. Historic old town, restaurants and bars are just a few steps away from your hotel.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia - UNESCO cascading waterfalls
Day 4

Split & Trogir

Meet your local guide after breakfast for a pleasant walk through Split and its Diocletian's Palace, exploring the bustling markets and charming shops. The palace, the ancient heart of present - day Split, is one of the best - preserved examples of a Roman imperial residence and was originally Emperor Diocletian's summer home. Split developed as a city after the Roman capital of Dalmatia, Salona, was invaded. More than 3,000 people continue to live within these ancient walls. Split is a "living ruin," offering not only historical treasures but also the vibrant Dalmatian way of life. Your guide will bring the city to life with fascinating stories and insights from its rich history and culture. Continue with your guide and chauffeur to Trogir, a beautiful coastal town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just 30 minutes north of Split. Unlike Roman Split, Trogir has Greek roots. Its crown jewel is the spectacular 13th - century Cathedral of St. Lawrence, whose elaborate portal, carved in 1280, hints at the wonders within. Return to Split in the afternoon hours and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Split Croatia - UNESCO Diocletian's Palace Roman architecture
Day 5

Hvar

After breakfast meet you chauffeur for a short drive to Split ferry port where you will embark ferry for Hvar Island. Upon arrival you will be meet by your local guide for a full day exploration of Croatian sunniest island. During your guided walking tour, you will encounter numerous hidden gems, including the 550 - year - old Franciscan Monastery and the Benedictine Convent, where nuns continue the delicate tradition of lace - making from agave fibers - a craft recognized as one of Hvar's four UNESCO cultural heritages. Your visit culminates at the Spanish Fortress, offering sweeping panoramic views of the town and the glittering Pakleni Islands stretching across the harbor. The UNESCO legacy continues as you journey eastward to the Stari Grad Plain, an 80 - hectare agricultural expanse founded by the Ancient Greeks in 384 BC. Enjoy traditional lunch in an abandoned village of Malo Grablje - once a bustling agricultural settlement, it was abandoned in the early 20th century when residents moved closer to the coast for better opportunities. Today, its stone houses and narrow streets stand frozen in time, offering a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Hvar's rural past. Return to Hvar port in the afternoon hours and board a ferry for Split. Enjoy evening in Split at your leisure.

Hvar Island Croatia - Pakleni Islands panoramic view from Spanish Fortress
Day 6

Ston & Dubrovnik

After breakfast and check out, head with your chauffeur to Dubrovnik with en route stop in Ston bay. The villages of Ston and Mali Ston are renowned for their outstanding local specialties - oysters, mussels, olive oils, and wines - a true celebration of Dalmatian flavors. A short boat ride will take you to the oyster farms tucked into the sheltered bays. Enjoy oysters pulled straight from the sea, opened and savored on the spot. Your host's family has been dedicated to oyster farming for generations, carrying on traditions and skills passed down over the years. Afterward, unwind in the shade and indulge in a spread of fresh oysters, mussels, local olive oil and wine. After lunch continue to Dubrovnik and check in to Hotel Excelsior 5* - hotel with impeccable service and priviledged location, next to the Ploče gates of Old town. In the afternoon hours meet your local guide for a private guided tour. A magnificent city with its incredible fortified Old Town, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Croatia's most popular destinations. Stroll along the main pedestrian thoroughfare - Stradun, where centuries of wear have smoothed the white stone, creating a beautiful promenade lined with cafés, shops, and historic landmarks at either end. Marvel at splendid churches, monasteries, and museums adorned with intricately carved stone facades, reflecting the city's eventful history and vibrant artistic tradition. Return to your hotel on your own after the tour and enjoy evening at leisure.

Ston Croatia - Fresh oyster farming in Adriatic bay
Day 7

Dubrovnik on your own

Enjoy day at leisure, exploring Dubrovnik on your own. We recommend to visit City Walls, Lokrum Island, take a cable car and go to the top of Srd hill for a spectacular view of the town and islands. You can also have a lunch at Panorama restaurant before return to the town.

Dubrovnik Croatia - UNESCO Old Town fortified walls and Adriatic sea
Day 8

Departure Day

Breakfast and check out. Meet your chauffeur for private transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.

Dubrovnik Airport Croatia - Departure after Essence of Croatia tour

What's Included

2 nights in Zagreb, Hotel Esplanade 5*

3 nights in Split, Hotel Ambasador 5*

2 nights in Dubrovnik, Hotel Excelsior 5*

All taxes and VAT, breakfast daily

Basic Insurance

24-Hour-Emergency assistance

Professional English speaking chauffeurs

Professional English speaking local guides

Private airport transfers

Private guided walking tour of Zagreb and Zagorje region

Private transfer from Zagreb to Split

Private guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Private guided walking tour of Split and Trogir

Fast ferry tickets Split - Hvar - Split

Private guided cultural tour of Hvar island with

Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik

Oyster harvesting presentation with oyster tasting & sea food lunch

Private guided walking tour of Dubrovnik

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

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