20-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Croatia
Croatia is a jewel of the Mediterranean that offers much more than just stunning beaches. This 20-day itinerary is meticulously designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the perfect balance of historical depth, natural wonder, and uncompromised luxury. From the Austro-Hungarian grandeur of Zagreb to the Venetian charm of Rovinj and the medieval majesty of Dubrovnik, you will experience the very best of the Adriatic coast.
Traveling in style means private transfers, executive catamaran suites, and stays at some of Europe's most prestigious boutique hotels. Whether you are truffle hunting in Istria or sipping vintage Plavac Mali on a private yacht in Hvar, this epic journey ensures every moment is draped in comfort and exclusivity.
Day 1: Zagreb, Croatia - Capital Grandeur
Arrival at Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport
Begin your journey with a seamless private chauffeur transfer from the airport to your luxury accommodation in the heart of the city.
Check-in at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Check into the city's most historic hotel, originally built for passengers of the Orient Express, and enjoy a welcome drink on the Oleander Terrace.
Upper Town Private Walking Tour
Explore the historic Gornji Grad with a private guide, visiting the iconic St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower.
Fine Dining at Zinfandel's
Experience innovative Croatian cuisine at one of the country's most celebrated restaurants located within your hotel.
Day 2: Zagreb, Croatia - Cultural Immersion
Museum of Broken Relationships
Visit this world-famous, unique museum that offers an emotional and artistic look at human connections in the Lower Town.
Dolac Market Gastronomy
Join a local chef for a private tour of the 'Belly of Zagreb' to sample artisan cheeses and seasonal produce.
Mirogoj Cemetery Visit
Marvel at the architectural beauty of one of Europe's most beautiful cemeteries, known for its grand arcades and lush gardens.
Dinner at Noel
Savor a Michelin-starred tasting menu at Noel, Zagreb’s premier destination for contemporary culinary arts.
Day 3: Rovinj, Croatia - Istrian Coastal Charm
Private Transfer to Istria
Depart Zagreb in a luxury sedan for a scenic three-hour drive to the Istrian peninsula, the 'Tuscany of Croatia'.
Lunch in the Old Town
Dine at a waterfront bistro in Rovinj's historic center, overlooking the colorful Venetian-style houses.
Church of St. Euphemia
Climb the bell tower of this Baroque church for panoramic views of the Rovinj archipelago and the Adriatic Sea.
Golden Cape Sunset Walk
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Zlatni Rat forest park, an area of pristine nature perfect for a pre-dinner walk.
Day 4: Rovinj, Croatia - Truffles & Wine
Motovun Truffle Hunting
Head inland to the hilltop town of Motovun for an exclusive truffle hunting experience with a local family and their trained dogs.
Gourmet Truffle Lunch
Feast on handmade pasta with freshly foraged truffles paired with local Malvasia wine.
Meneghetti Wine Tasting
Visit the prestigious Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery for a private tasting of their award-winning olive oils and reds.
Dinner at Cap Aureo
Enjoy a vegetable-forward signature dinner at Grand Park Hotel, overlooking the Rovinj marina.
Day 5: Rovinj, Croatia - Brijuni Islands
Private Boat to Brijuni
Board a private speedboat for a short trip to the Brijuni National Park, once the private summer residence of Josip Broz Tito.
Safari Park & Roman Ruins
Explore the island's diverse wildlife and well-preserved Roman villa ruins in the Verige Bay with a private guide.
Mediterranean Garden Relaxation
Unwind in the Brijuni Mediterranean Garden, home to over 160 species of native and exotic plants.
Seafood Dinner in Fažana
Return to the mainland for a fresh seafood feast in the charming fishing village of Fažana.
Day 6: Plitvice Lakes, Croatia - Emerald Waters
Transfer to Plitvice Lakes
Travel through the mountainous Gorski Kotar region to reach Croatia's most famous National Park.
VIP Guided Park Tour
Avoid the crowds with a private guide who will lead you through the best trails of the Upper and Lower Lakes.
Electric Boat Ride on Kozjak
Cross the park's largest lake on a silent electric boat, admiring the turquoise waters and cascading falls.
Rustic Luxury Dinner
Enjoy traditional Lika cuisine, including spit-roasted lamb, at the high-end Lička Kuća restaurant.
Day 7: Zadar, Croatia - Ancient Modernism
Drive to Zadar
Descend from the mountains to the Dalmatian coast, arriving in the historic city of Zadar by noon.
Roman Forum Exploration
Visit the largest Roman Forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic and the circular St. Donatus Church.
Gold and Silver Museum
See the Benedictine Monastery’s stunning collection of religious artifacts and precious metals.
Sea Organ Sunset
Listen to the music of the waves at the Sea Organ and watch the Sun Salutation light show as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 8: Zadar, Croatia - Kornati Archipelago
Private Yacht Charter
Spend the day sailing through the Kornati Islands National Park, an archipelago of 89 uninhabited islands and reefs.
Hidden Bay Swimming
Anchor in a secluded bay with crystal clear water for a private swim and snorkeling session.
Island Tavern Lunch
Enjoy a lunch of grilled fish and local vegetables at a remote 'konoba' accessible only by boat.
Evening at leisure in Zadar
Wander the narrow marble streets of Zadar and enjoy artisanal gelato from Donat Sladoledi.
Day 9: Split, Croatia - Diocletian’s Legacy
Private Coastal Transfer
Drive south along the scenic Adriatic highway to Split, the vibrant heart of Dalmatia.
Lunch on the Riva
Dine at Brasserie on 7 for modern Mediterranean flavors with a view of the bustling harbor.
Diocletian's Palace Tour
Take a private tour of the 4th-century Roman palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that forms the city's living core.
Wine Tasting at Paradox
Sample rare Dalmatian wines paired with artisanal cheeses at the city's most renowned wine bar.
Day 10: Split, Croatia - Medieval Trogir
Private Boat to Trogir
Take a private water taxi to the island-town of Trogir, another UNESCO gem famous for its Romanesque-Gothic architecture.
St. Lawrence Cathedral
Admire the intricate portal carved by Master Radovan, a masterpiece of Croatian medieval art.
Lunch at Konoba Tragos
Enjoy traditional Peka (slow-cooked meat or octopus) in a courtyard setting that feels like a film set.
Klis Fortress Sunset
On the way back, stop at Klis Fortress to see where Game of Thrones was filmed and enjoy views over Split.
Day 11: Split, Croatia - Krka Waterfalls
Krka National Park Excursion
Take a private day trip to Krka, famous for its series of seven cascading waterfalls and the Visovac Monastery.
Skradinski Buk Walk
Walk the wooden boardwalks through the lush vegetation surrounding the park's largest waterfall.
Wine & Dine in Skradin
Stop in the town of Skradin for a legendary Skradin Risotto, which takes 12 hours to prepare.
Return to Split
Relax at your hotel or enjoy a spa treatment after a day in nature.
Day 12: Hvar, Croatia - Island Glamour
Executive Catamaran to Hvar
Board a high-speed catamaran for the one-hour crossing to the sunniest island in Croatia.
Lunch at Passarola
Dine in the heart of Hvar town at this upscale restaurant known for its creative seafood dishes.
Spanish Fortress Hike
Walk up to the Fortica (Spanish Fortress) for the most iconic view of Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands.
Cocktails at Carpe Diem
Experience the sophisticated nightlife of Hvar at one of the Adriatic’s most famous bars.
Day 13: Hvar, Croatia - Blue Cave & Beyond
Private Speedboat Tour
Embark on a full-day private boat tour to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island, where the sun creates a magical blue glow.
Stiniva Cove Swim
Visit the hidden Stiniva beach on Vis island, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Palmižana Bay Lunch
Stop at the Pakleni Islands for a bohemian-chic lunch at Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House.
Evening in Stari Grad
Take a private transfer to the quieter side of the island to explore the ancient Stari Grad Plain.
Day 14: Hvar, Croatia - Lavender & Vineyards
Island Jeep Safari
Take a private 4x4 tour through the interior of Hvar, visiting abandoned villages and lavender fields.
Wine Tasting at Zlatan Otok
Visit the underwater wine cellar in Sveta Nedjelja to taste some of Croatia's best Plavac Mali.
Relaxation at Beach Club Hvar
Spend your final afternoon on Hvar enjoying the premium amenities of this exclusive beach club.
Dinner at Gariful
Enjoy the freshest catch of the day at Hvar's premier seafood restaurant, a favorite among visiting celebrities.
Day 15: Korčula, Croatia - Little Dubrovnik
Catamaran to Korčula
Take a morning ferry to the island reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.
Old Town Walking Tour
Explore the fishbone-shaped streets of the medieval walled city with a private guide.
Marco Polo House
Visit the museum dedicated to the famous explorer and climb the tower for views of the Pelješac Channel.
LD Terrace Michelin Dining
Experience world-class dining at the Michelin-starred restaurant of the Lešić Dimitri Palace.
Day 16: Korčula, Croatia - The Grk Experience
Lumbarda Biking & Wine
Take a private bike tour to the sandy vineyards of Lumbarda to taste 'Grk', a rare white wine grown only here.
Tasting at Bire Winery
Sample the finest Grk and Plavac Mali alongside local smoked ham and goat cheese.
Kayaking the Archipelago
Paddle around the small islets in the Korčula archipelago, stopping for a swim at Badija Island.
Traditional Moreška Performance
Watch the traditional sword dance performance, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage of Korčula.
Day 17: Dubrovnik, Croatia - The Pearl of the Adriatic
Catamaran to Dubrovnik
Enjoy the final scenic sea leg of your journey as you approach the iconic city walls of Dubrovnik.
Lunch at Nautika
Dine at one of the world's most romantic restaurants, located right at the edge of the sea at Pile Gate.
Walk the City Walls
Experience the 2km circuit of the massive stone walls that have protected the city for centuries.
Rector's Palace Visit
Explore the Gothic-Renaissance palace that once housed the government and rector of the Dubrovnik Republic.
Day 18: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Views and Vines
Dubrovnik Cable Car
Ascend Mount Srđ for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the city and the Elafiti Islands.
Pelješac Peninsula Tour
Take a private car for a half-day trip to the Pelješac peninsula, Croatia's premier red wine region.
Oyster Tasting in Ston
Sample world-famous oysters straight from the sea in the bay of Mali Ston.
Dinner at Restaurant 360
Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal set directly into the historic city walls, overlooking the old harbor.
Day 19: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Elaphite Island Escape
Private Yacht to the Elaphites
Spend your penultimate day cruising the islands of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan on a private motor yacht.
Lunch at Bowa
Dine at this exclusive beach club on Šipan island, where tables are located in private cabanas over the water.
Sunj Beach Relaxation
Visit the rare sandy beach of Sunj on Lopud island for a final relaxing dip in the Adriatic.
Farewell Dinner in the Old Port
Celebrate your final night with a gourmet seafood dinner at Proto, a local institution since 1886.
Day 20: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Departure
Leisurely Stradun Walk
Enjoy a final morning coffee on the main street (Stradun) and pick up some artisan souvenirs from the pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery.
Private Transfer to Airport
Your chauffeur will collect you from your hotel for the 30-minute drive to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).
Duty-Free Shopping
Pick up some final Croatian delicacies like fig jam or Maraschino liqueur before boarding.
Departure
Board your flight, concluding your 20-day epic journey through the heart of Croatia.
Best Time to Visit Croatia
The best time to experience this luxury itinerary is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm (22-26°C), the Adriatic is clear for swimming, and the crowds are significantly smaller than in the peak months of July and August. Late September is particularly excellent for food lovers as it coincides with the truffle and grape harvests in Istria and Dalmatia.
Currency & Money
As of January 2023, Croatia uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and most shops. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash for smaller cafes, local markets, or tips. Tipping is customary in Croatia; for excellent service in restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is standard. For private guides and drivers, a tip of €20-€50 per day is appreciated.
Getting Around Croatia
For a luxury 20-day trip, the best way to travel between cities is via private chauffeur transfers, which allow you to enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving. For island hopping between Split, Hvar, Korčula, and Dubrovnik, high-speed catamarans or private motorboats are the preferred methods. While there are domestic flights between Zagreb and the coast (Split/Dubrovnik) via Croatia Airlines, the scenic drives and sea crossings are often more rewarding for an epic journey.
