A refined private journey through the many faces of Croatia, where culture, history, nature, and gastronomy reveal themselves at an unhurried pace. From the Austro-Hungarian elegance of Zagreb and the emerald lakes of Plitvice to the Roman heart of Split and the timeless beauty of Dubrovnik, each day opens onto a different side of the country.

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 | Welcome to Zagreb
• DAY 2 | Discovering Zagreb
• DAY 3 | Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
• DAY 4 | Plitvice Lakes to Split
• DAY 5 | Islands of Dalmatia by Sea
• DAY 6 | Split to Dubrovnik via the Pelješac Peninsula
• DAY 7 | Dubrovnik Old Town
• DAY 8 | Dubrovnik at Leisure
• DAY 9 | Dubrovnik at Your Own Pace
• DAY 10 | Departure

DAY ONE: WELCOME TO ZAGREB

Arrive in Croatia's capital, where a private chauffeur greets you and transfers you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival, ease into the rhythm of the city — wandering the Upper Town, discovering hidden courtyards, and pausing for coffee at a lively café. Should you wish, an optional welcome dinner of traditional Croatian cuisine and local wines rounds off your first evening.

DAY TWO: DISCOVERING ZAGREB

Meet your private guide for a walking tour of the historic centre, taking in St. Mark's Square, the Stone Gate, Dolac Market, and the atmospheric streets of the Upper Town, before continuing along Tkalčićeva Street, the social heart of the city. In the afternoon, join a local chef for a cooking class and wine tasting inspired by traditional Zagreb cuisine, preparing regional dishes from ingredients gathered at Dolac Market and pairing them with carefully chosen Croatian wines. The evening is yours.

DAY THREE: ZAGREB TO PLITVICE LAKES

Depart the capital and travel through scenic countryside toward Plitvice Lakes National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice is renowned for its sixteen interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, and wooden walkways threading through pristine forest. Following a guided exploration on foot, continue to your hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon unfolds at leisure amid peaceful surroundings.

DAY FOUR: PLITVICE LAKES TO SPLIT

Continue south toward the Adriatic, arriving in Split around midday. Meet your private guide for a walking tour of Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world, then wind through ancient streets to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Temple of Jupiter, and the lively Riva promenade. The day closes at Uje Oil Bar with a tasting of premium Croatian olive oils, Dalmatian specialties, and local wines.

DAY FIVE: ISLANDS OF DALMATIA BY SEA

The day belongs to the Adriatic. Board a private boat to explore Dalmatia's most beautiful islands and hidden bays — conditions permitting, the Pakleni Islands, secluded swimming coves, and the elegant island of Hvar, with its refined architecture and Mediterranean charm. Time drifts between swimming, coastal villages, and quiet moments on the water before you return to Split in the late afternoon.

DAY SIX: SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK VIA THE PELJEŠAC PENINSULA

Travel south along one of Croatia's most scenic coastal routes. Along the way, an optional stop in Ston or Mali Ston invites you to sample freshly harvested oysters paired with local Pelješac wines, or to linger over a leisurely lunch above the bay. Continue to Dubrovnik, arriving in the afternoon with time to settle in before your first evening in the city.

DAY SEVEN: DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN

Meet your local guide for a private tour of Dubrovnik's magnificent Old Town. Trace centuries of history along the Stradun, past the Rector's Palace, Sponza Palace, and the city's elegant squares and stone-paved lanes, learning of Dubrovnik's storied past as a powerful maritime republic — and recognizing, perhaps, the streets that stood in as King's Landing. The afternoon is free to explore as you please. Among the optional experiences: a walk along the famed city walls, a boat crossing to Lokrum Island, a ride on the cable car to the heights of Mount Srđ, or a sunset cruise beneath the fortifications.

DAY EIGHT: DUBROVNIK AT LEISURE

A day to enjoy at your own pace — hidden corners of the Old Town, beach hours along the Adriatic, galleries and boutiques. For those inclined to venture further, an optional full-day excursion crosses into neighbouring Montenegro to the Bay of Kotor, one of Europe's most beautiful natural harbours, with the charming town of Perast, the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, and the UNESCO-listed medieval town of Kotor.

DAY NINE: DUBROVNIK AT YOUR OWN PACE

Your final full day remains entirely open. Relax on Banje Beach, savour lunch overlooking the sea, or revisit favourite corners of the Old Town. For the more active, a range of optional experiences awaits: sea kayaking beneath the city walls, sunset kayaking paired with a wine tasting, a buggy safari on Mount Srđ, a private wine tasting, or a boat excursion to the Elaphiti Islands — before a last evening in Dubrovnik.

DAY TEN: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, your private chauffeur transfers you to Dubrovnik Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Croatian journey to a graceful close, with memories of emerald lakes, ancient cities, and the timeless beauty of the Adriatic.

ACCOMMODATIONS 

• Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (Zagreb)

Zagreb's most storied address, opened in 1925 to receive passengers of the Orient Express and now celebrating its centenary as the city's grande dame. Its Art Deco interiors, marble bathrooms, and award-winning dining sit steps from the historic centre, sustained by a century of impeccable, personalized service.

• Fenomen Plitvice (Plitvice Lakes)

An intimate resort set within the national park itself, its handful of studios, suites, and timber lodges blending contemporary comfort with rustic-chic character amid untouched forest. Natural materials, a spa with Finnish sauna and Jacuzzi, and a fireside restaurant make for a serene, immersive stay just moments from the lakes.

• Hotel Ambasador (Split)

A contemporary five-star retreat on Split's West Coast promenade, overlooking the Adriatic with Marjan hill rising behind and the Old Town a short stroll away. Light-filled rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, the Hacelia spa, and the Mediterranean cuisine of Restaurant Méditerranée define a stay of relaxed, design-led luxury.

• Hotel Excelsior (Dubrovnik)

Set on the seafront just five minutes from the Old Town walls, this landmark of the Adriatic has welcomed royalty and celebrated guests since 1913. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it pairs a historic royal villa with a sleek modern wing, offering cinematic vistas of the fortifications and Lokrum Island, a private beach, indoor pool, spa, and three sea-view restaurants.