19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Croatia
Croatia is more than just a Mediterranean destination; it is a tapestry of Roman history, Venetian architecture, and some of the world’s most pristine waters. This 19-day epic journey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to blend adventurous exploration with the refined comforts of five-star hospitality and private experiences.
From the continental charm of Zagreb to the glitz of the Dalmatian islands, you will traverse the country using premium private transfers and high-speed catamarans. Prepare for a curated sequence of truffle hunting in Istria, wine tasting on the Pelješac Peninsula, and sunset sailing in Dubrovnik, all while staying at the nation’s most prestigious heritage hotels.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Zagreb, Croatia - Arrival in the Capital
Luxury Transfer to Esplanade Zagreb
Begin your journey with a private chauffeur from Franjo Tuđman Airport to the historic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, a landmark of Art Deco elegance once frequented by Orient Express passengers.
Upper Town Architectural Walk
Meet your private guide for an introductory stroll through the Gornji Grad (Upper Town). Visit the iconic St. Mark’s Church with its colorful tiled roof and take in the panoramic views from the Gradec plateau.
Fine Dining at Zinfandel's
Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Zinfandel's Restaurant, where local Croatian ingredients are transformed into avant-garde culinary masterpieces in a grand ballroom setting.
Nightcap at Esplanade Bar
Wind down with a signature cocktail or a glass of local Malvazija wine at the hotel’s classic bar before retiring to your suite.
Day 2: Zagreb, Croatia - Cultural Heritage
Museum of Broken Relationships
Visit this globally acclaimed, quirky museum in the Upper Town. It offers a poignant and fascinating look at human connections through everyday objects donated by people from around the world.
Dolac Market Gastronomy
Explore the 'Belly of Zagreb,' the open-air Dolac Market. Sample local Sir i Vrhnje (cottage cheese and cream) and artisanal honey under the famous red umbrellas.
Mirogoj Cemetery Tour
Take a short drive to Mirogoj, one of Europe’s most beautiful cemeteries. Its majestic arcades and ivy-covered walls house the resting places of Croatia's most prominent historical figures.
Michelin-Starred Dinner at Noel
Dine at Noel, Zagreb’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, for a high-end tasting menu that pairs innovative techniques with deep-rooted Croatian traditions.
Day 3: Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia - Into the Wild
Private Transfer to Lika Region
Depart Zagreb in a luxury SUV for a scenic two-hour drive toward the Lika highlands, stopping briefly at the fairytale village of Rastoke to see the historic watermills.
Check-in at Fenomen Plitvice
Settle into your luxury lodge at Fenomen Plitvice, a resort that combines rustic mountain charm with high-end amenities, located just minutes from the park entrance.
Lower Lakes Afternoon Hike
Enter Plitvice Lakes National Park through a VIP entrance. Walk the wooden boardwalks around the Lower Lakes to see the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap) when the crowds have thinned.
Lika Gastronomy Experience
Enjoy a hearty, upscale dinner featuring traditional Lika lamb and locally sourced trout, prepared with a modern twist at the resort’s private restaurant.
Day 4: Plitvice to Rovinj, Croatia - Coastal Transition
Early Morning Upper Lakes Boat
Beat the day-trippers with an early morning electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak to explore the Upper Lakes, known for their mesmerizing turquoise waters and lush cascades.
Luxury Drive to Istria
Your private driver will take you on a 3-hour journey across the Gorski Kotar mountains down to the Istrian Peninsula, arriving in the Venetian-style town of Rovinj.
Check-in at Hotel Monte Mulini
Arrive at Hotel Monte Mulini, an adults-exclusive luxury boutique hotel overlooking the Lone Bay. Enjoy a welcome drink on your private balcony with sea views.
Seafood Dinner at Puntulina
Dine at Puntulina, a restaurant carved into the rocks of Rovinj’s Old Town, where you can watch the sunset while enjoying fresh Adriatic seafood.
Day 5: Rovinj, Croatia - Venetian Charm
Old Town Guided Heritage Walk
Walk the cobblestone streets of Rovinj’s historic center. Ascend to the Church of St. Euphemia, whose bell tower was modeled after St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice.
Lunch at Cap Aureo
Experience a glass-walled culinary journey at Cap Aureo Signature Restaurant, located in the Grand Park Hotel, offering one of the best views of the Rovinj skyline.
Golden Cape Leisure
Take a private bike or a leisurely stroll through the Zlatni Rt (Golden Cape) Forest Park, a protected nature reserve with ancient cedar and cypress trees.
Wine Tasting at Monte Mulini
Attend an exclusive tasting session in the hotel's wine vault, featuring rare Istrian Teran and Malvazija vintages led by an expert sommelier.
Day 6: Istria, Croatia - Truffles & Hilltops
Private Truffle Hunting in Motovun
Venture into the Motovun Forest with a professional hunter and their trained dogs to search for the elusive Istrian white or black truffles.
Truffle-Themed Lunch
Enjoy a multi-course lunch in a hilltop estate, featuring the truffles you helped find, paired with local olive oils and wines.
Kozlović Winery Tour
Visit the modern architectural marvel of the Kozlović Winery in Momjan for a premium tasting of award-winning white wines overlooking the vineyards.
Grožnjan Arts Village
Make a quick stop in Grožnjan, the "City of Artists," to explore its narrow alleys filled with galleries and jazz music before returning to Rovinj.
Day 7: Rovinj to Zadar, Croatia - Coastal Drive
Departure for the Dalmatian Coast
A long but beautiful 4-hour drive south takes you along the Adriatic Highway. Stop at the historic city of Senj to view the Nehaj Fortress, a 16th-century pirate stronghold.
Arrival in Zadar
Check into the Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel, a boutique gem located in a 19th-century building in the heart of Zadar’s Old Town.
Sea Organ & Sun Salutation
Experience Zadar’s unique modern installations. Listen to the haunting melodies of the Sea Organ and watch the Greeting to the Sun light up as the stars appear.
Dinner at Foša
Enjoy high-end Dalmatian cuisine at Foša, located in a former 16th-century port house, specializing in raw seafood and modern Mediterranean dishes.
Day 8: Zadar, Croatia - Kornati Islands Sailing
Private Yacht Charter
Board a luxury yacht for a private excursion to the Kornati Islands National Park, an archipelago of 89 uninhabited islands and islets known for their raw beauty.
Swimming in Hidden Coves
Anchor in a secluded bay with crystal-clear water for snorkeling and paddleboarding away from the mainland crowds.
Lunch at Konoba Žakan
Dine at this legendary island restaurant, accessible only by boat, famous for its lobster and freshly caught fish served in an upscale rustic setting.
Sunset Return to Zadar
Cruise back to the Zadar harbor as the sun dips below the horizon, offering a perfect view of the city’s Venetian fortifications.
Day 9: Zadar to Split, Croatia - Dalmatian Heritage
Drive to Šibenik
Travel 1.5 hours south to Šibenik. Visit the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, a Renaissance masterpiece built entirely of stone without any mortar.
Lunch at Pelegrini
Indulge in a meal at Pelegrini, Šibenik’s Michelin-starred pride, overlooking the cathedral. It is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Croatia.
Check-in at Hotel Park Split
Continue to Split and check into the legendary Hotel Park, a heritage hotel near Bačvice Beach known for its first-class service since 1921.
Evening Walk in Diocletian’s Palace
Enjoy a relaxed evening stroll through the palace complex as the Roman stones glow under the streetlamps.
Day 10: Split, Croatia - Emperor’s Legacy
Private Palace Underground Tour
Explore the cellars and substructures of Diocletian's Palace with a private historian, learning about the engineering marvels of the Roman Empire.
Marjan Hill Panorama
Hike or take a private transfer to the Vidilica viewpoint on Marjan Hill for the most iconic panoramic view of Split and the surrounding islands.
Ivan Meštrović Gallery
Visit the gallery dedicated to Croatia's greatest sculptor, housed in his former residential villa, featuring an incredible collection of bronze and marble works.
Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine
Dine at this chic establishment in the Old Town, which celebrates the connection between the Zinfandel grape and its Croatian ancestor, Crljenak Kaštelanski.
Day 11: Split to Hvar, Croatia - Island Glamour
Private Speedboat to Hvar
Skip the public ferry and take a private speedboat transfer directly from the Split Riva to the Hvar Town harbor, a 50-minute exhilarating ride.
Check-in at Palace Elisabeth
Check into Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel, the oldest hotel on the island, located in a stunning landmark building overlooking the main square.
Pakleni Islands Cruise
Spend the afternoon exploring the Pakleni archipelago by boat. Visit Palmižana for its exotic gardens and upscale beach bars like Laganini.
Dinner at Gariful
Eat at Gariful, Hvar’s most famous seafood restaurant, often frequented by celebrities and jet-setters. Their aquarium floor and fresh catch are legendary.
Day 12: Hvar, Croatia - Fortresses & Lavender
Fortica Fortress Climb
Walk up to the Spanish Fortress (Fortica) for a bird’s-eye view of the Hvar archipelago and the town’s red-tiled roofs.
Island Interior Jeep Safari
Embark on a 4x4 Jeep tour of the island’s interior. Visit abandoned stone villages, ancient olive groves, and the fragrant lavender fields of Brusje.
Wine Tasting in Jelsa
Head to the coastal town of Jelsa to visit the Duboković Winery, where you can taste premium red wines like '2718' in a candlelit cellar.
Sunset at Hula Hula
Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail at Hula Hula Hvar as the sun sets, before heading back for a quiet dinner in the hotel’s garden.
Day 13: Hvar to Korčula, Croatia - The Emerald Isle
Catamaran to Korčula
Board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic 1.5-hour journey to Korčula Town, often called "Little Dubrovnik" for its medieval walls and layout.
Check-in at Lesic Dimitri Palace
Experience ultimate luxury at Lesic Dimitri, a Relais & Châteaux property consisting of five restored palaces inspired by Marco Polo's travels.
Marco Polo House Visit
Explore the purported birthplace of the famous explorer and wander the town’s streets, which are laid out in a herringbone pattern to protect against wind.
Michelin-Starred Dining at LD Terrace
Enjoy an exquisite meal on the terrace of your hotel, where Chef Marko Gajski creates refined dishes using local island produce.
Day 14: Korčula, Croatia - Vineyards of Lumbarda
Cycling to Lumbarda
Take a gentle bike ride through the pine forests to the village of Lumbarda, home to the unique Grk grape variety that only grows in this sandy soil.
Wine Tasting at Bire Winery
Visit the Bire Winery for a private tasting of Grk and Plavac Mali, accompanied by artisanal goat cheese and home-cured pršut (prosciutto).
Beach Time at Pržina
Relax on the sandy shores of Vela Pržina Beach, one of the few sandy beaches in Croatia, known for its warm, shallow waters.
Moreška Sword Dance
Attend a performance of the Moreška, a traditional mock-battle sword dance that has been performed in Korčula for centuries.
Day 15: Korčula to Dubrovnik, Croatia - Pelješac Delights
Ferry and Pelješac Drive
Cross the short channel to Orebić and drive down the Pelješac Peninsula. This region is famous for the Dingač wine region and its steep, seaside vineyards.
Oyster Tasting in Ston
Stop in Mali Ston for a private boat ride to an oyster farm. Sample fresh oysters pulled directly from the sea, paired with a glass of local white wine.
The Walls of Ston
View the "European Great Wall of China," a 5.5km defensive wall connecting Ston and Mali Ston, before continuing the drive to Dubrovnik.
Arrival at Villa Orsula
Check into Villa Orsula, Dubrovnik’s most prestigious boutique hotel, offering unparalleled views of the Old City and the island of Lokrum.
Day 16: Dubrovnik, Croatia - The Pearl of the Adriatic
Early Morning City Walls Walk
Walk the full 2km circuit of the city walls as soon as they open to avoid the heat and the cruise ship crowds. The views of the Adriatic are breathtaking.
Rector's Palace & Cathedral
Visit the Rector's Palace, a beautiful blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and the Baroque Cathedral, which houses a gold-covered treasury.
Lunch at Nautika
Dine at Nautika, located on the edge of the sea at Pile Gate. It is consistently ranked as one of the world's most romantic restaurants.
Mount Srđ Sunset Cable Car
Take the cable car to the summit of Mount Srđ for a panoramic sunset view over the city, followed by a cocktail at Panorama Bar.
Day 17: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Island Escapes
Lokrum Island Excursion
Take a short ferry ride to Lokrum Island. Visit the Botanical Garden, the Benedictine Monastery, and the 'Dead Sea' salt lake for a swim.
Picnic at the Royal Fort
Have your hotel pack a gourmet picnic to enjoy at the highest point of Lokrum, offering a unique perspective of Dubrovnik’s fortifications.
Private Kayaking Tour
Join a private sunset kayaking tour around the city walls and into the Betina Cave, accessible only from the sea.
Dinner at Restaurant 360
Conclude your day at Dubrovnik's Michelin-starred Restaurant 360, set inside the city walls, featuring high-end Mediterranean fusion.
Day 18: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Elaphiti Islands Cruise
Full-Day Elaphiti Private Cruise
Charter a luxury motorboat for a full day exploring the Elaphiti Islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Visit the famous Sunj Beach on Lopud.
Lunch at Bowa, Šipan
Experience 'barefoot luxury' at Bowa on Šipan island, where you dine in private wooden cabanas over the water on fresh, island-grown ingredients.
Swimming in Blue Cave
Stop at the Blue Cave on Koločep for a private swimming session in the iridescent blue waters before heading back to the mainland.
Farewell Dinner at Victoria
Celebrate your final night with a Peruvian-Adriatic fusion meal at Victoria Restaurant, located on the vine-covered terrace of Villa Orsula.
Day 19: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Final Farewells
Souvenir Shopping in the Old Town
Pick up high-quality Croatian lace, lavender oils, or a traditional silk tie (the cravat originated in Croatia) from boutique shops in the Stradun.
Cavtat Coastal Stroll
Take a 20-minute drive to the charming town of Cavtat near the airport. Walk the palm-fringed promenade and visit the Bukovac House museum.
Lunch in Konavle Valley
Enjoy a final traditional meal at Koraceva Kuca in the Konavle valley, known for its rural charm and authentic hospitality.
Departure from Dubrovnik Airport
Transfer to Čilipi Airport (DBV) for your international flight home, marking the end of your luxury Croatian odyssey.
Best Time to Visit Croatia
The ideal time for a luxury tour of Croatia is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny (averaging 22-26°C), the Adriatic is clear for swimming, and the crowds are significantly smaller than in July and August. September is particularly excellent for foodies as it coincides with the truffle and wine harvest seasons in Istria and Dalmatia.
Currency & Money
Croatia joined the Eurozone on January 1, 2023, and the official currency is now the Euro (€). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, high-end restaurants, and most shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller island cafes, local markets, or tipping. Tipping is customary in Croatia; 10-15% is standard for excellent service in restaurants, while rounding up the bill is common for cafes and taxis.
Getting Around Croatia
For a luxury itinerary, the best way to move between major cities like Zagreb and Rovinj or Zadar is via private chauffeur-driven SUVs, which offer flexibility and comfort. To traverse the islands (Split to Hvar, Korčula, and Dubrovnik), high-speed catamarans are the standard, but private speedboat transfers offer a more exclusive and time-efficient alternative. While Croatia has a rail network, it is generally slow and not recommended for this style of trip; instead, domestic flights via Croatia Airlines can bridge the gap between Zagreb and the southern coast in under an hour.
