Luxury Croatia Tour: Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Zagreb hums with activity throughout the day. In the Archeological Museum, artifacts date back to 2,500 BC, and in the Museum of Broken Relationships, you can find the personal effects of uncoupling. Neo-Baroque art lines the streets and juxtaposes art deco buildings. Concrete walls that are reminiscent of Yugoslavia now shine with colorful murals. Your private transfer will meet you at Zagreb Airport and escort you to the comforts of your luxurious accommodation, where you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure. You can enjoy the vibrant life in the plazas or sip a refreshing coffee while watching the active street life.

This morning, you will find the aroma of strong coffee as you explore Zagreb with your private guide. In the Upper Town, you will discover the medieval Stone Gate, which dates back to the 13th century and houses a preserved painting of Mary and Jesus. Outside of the city, your private transfer will drive you to Plitvice National Park en route to Split. The stunning landscape possesses 16 glistening lakes that cover over 77 square miles. The sound of waterfalls that spill between the lakes creates a charming soundtrack that is accompanied by the aromas of evergreen trees.

Your day will begin with a private tour of Split, where the old walls create an atmosphere that encompasses thousands of years of history. Ancient Roman pillars frame elegant restaurants, and charming boutiques within the remains of Diocletian’s Palace are symbolic of the vibrant heart of the mazy city. You will continue to the island of Trogir to find a giant medieval wall and a series of bridges that connect to the mainland. You can wander the promenade and find shimmering marble streets that open to views of anchored yachts. At a private vineyard, you will sample delicious wines with aromas of green apple and mineral notes.

After sailing to Hvar, you will explore the Dalmatian island with your private guide. The main town overlooks the turquoise water with 13th-century walls that frame Gothic architecture and marble streets. You can stroll along picturesque lanes in a village founded in the 16th century. From the top of Saint Nicolas peak at 2,053 feet above sea level, you will find the soothing scents of lavender and rosemary that emanate from the fields below. You will also see vineyards as they cling to the steep hills that produce dynamic plavac reds, which are known for aromas of black cherry, pepper, and spice.

This morning, you will board your private speedboat and glide across the Adriatic Sea with your skipper. The aromas of fresh coffee and the briny water will fill the breeze as you venture to the Blue Cave. The grotto shimmers an ethereal cobalt color that stems from the meeting of water and light. You will have time to plunge into the refreshing water at a small cove on Stiniva before entering the Green Cave. The unique colors will, once again, stem from the combination of light and water, this time revealing a luminous seafoam hue.

Your culinary adventure will begin in a small settlement where narrow lanes lead to small squares that are by historic homes with wooden shutters. The aromas of olives will drift from the nearby grove, and your guide will introduce you to the culinary delights of the island within the organic garden that grows seasonal vegetables and herbs. Your cooking class will immerse you in the ingredients of the island from fish to oilseed cheese. The aromas of garlic and olive oil will fill the kitchen as you sample Dalmatian dishes, such as domestic prosciutto, and create cuisine like black risotto with cuttlefish ink.

After sailing back to mainland Croatia, you will venture to Hodilje for an oyster and mussel farming excursion. Your guide will explain the history of the family-owned farm and explain how they have cultivated oysters and mussels for generations. On a small island owned by the family, you will find the enticing aromas of olive oil, citrus-forward white wine, and the strong fruit brandy known as rakija. You will sample the traditional buzara sauce, which is made from white wine, that bursts with hints of seafood flavor before continuing to Dubrovnik. Here, you will have the evening at your leisure.

Your highlights tour of Dubrovnik will encompass the sights and cuisine of the medieval city that overlooks the Adriatic Sea. The Rector’s Palace evokes the grandeur of the city with Gothic-Renaissance design and restored opulent rooms. As your guide leads you along the winding cobbled lanes and beneath the preserved walls, you will discover four locations in the center that offer exclusive tastings of local culinary staples. The food of the city represents a heritage that dates back to the 10th century. This heritage is reflected in dishes like green stew and Ston cake.

Your private driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and lead you into the majestic mountains and along the stunning beaches of Montenegro. The aroma of wild herbs and flower blossoms will overtake the scent of the sea breeze. You will visit the town of Kotor to find streets that are nestled between dramatic mountains. An impenetrable wall winds along the edge of the lapping water and ascends into the surrounding slopes up to 3,937 feet above sea level. Wrought-iron balconies and marble lanes reside beneath the towers of St. Tryphon's Cathedral.

The picturesque pedestrian walkway of Stradun will be brimming with life in the morning as cafes open for business. The aromas of coffee and candied orange rind will drift out of the kitchens as locals open their doors above the returning city bustle. Your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast and escort you to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home, bringing an end to your luxurious exploration of Croatia.