A Taste of Croatia

After breakfast, depart Zagreb and travel west to the Adriatic Riviera. Our destination is Opatija - the Habsburg Empire's favourite seaside retreat, where grand 19th-century villas and lush gardens line a stunning promenade above the crystal-blue Kvarner Gulf. An afternoon walking tour reveals why Austro-Hungarian aristocracy fell in love with this elegant town. Breathe the pine-scented air, admire the Belle Époque architecture, and feel time slow down. Dinner follows at the hotel or a local restaurant, with the sea shimmering just beyond the windows.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

A full day exploring the sun-drenched Istrian Peninsula awaits. In Pula, stand in awe before a superbly preserved Roman amphitheatre - one of the largest in the world - and wander streets layered with 2,000 years of history. En route to Rovinj, enjoy an olive oil tasting at a local producer, savoring the flavours of Istria. Rovinj is simply magical: a Venetian-inspired fishing town tumbling down a hill to the sea, crowned by the church of St Euphemia. Our guide reveals its artistic soul and hidden alleys. Return to Opatija for dinner and overnight.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Depart for Croatia's crown jewel - Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of breathtaking beauty. Sixteen terraced lakes cascade into one another via spectacular waterfalls, all set within ancient beech and fir forest. A local guide leads those wishing to explore the full trail network, while the tour leader accompanies guests on a shorter scenic route - ensuring everyone enjoys the magic at their own pace. Afterwards, continue south to Zadar, arriving in time for a relaxing dinner at our hotel. The Adriatic breeze signals the Dalmatian coast is near

Breakfast & Dinner

Zadar's Old Town - a UNESCO-listed peninsula - greets us this morning with its remarkable Roman Forum, Byzantine church of St Donatus, and the iconic Sun Salutation and Sea Organ installations that harness solar and wave energy into art. Continue south to Šibenik, where a guided tour takes in the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James, the fortress of St Nicholas, and sweeping views across the Adriatic. By evening, arrive in Split, Croatia's vibrant second city, dramatically set between mountains and sea. Dinner at our hotel.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

The morning belongs to Split's extraordinary Old Town, built within the walls of Roman Emperor Diocletian's vast 4th-century palace - a living, breathing UNESCO World Heritage Site where cafés, boutiques and apartments occupy ancient chambers and colonnaded halls. Our local guide illuminates the layered history: Roman, medieval, Venetian and beyond. The afternoon is ours to explore the waterfront Riva promenade, browse local markets, or simply soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant - an opportunity to taste Split's celebrated cuisine.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Today we board a fast catamaran from Split Harbour for the short crossing to Hvar - Croatia's sunniest island and arguably its most glamorous. A guided walking tour of Hvar Town reveals its Venetian architecture, the majestic St Stephen's Cathedral and Square, and a hilltop fortress with panoramic views across the scattered Pakleni Islands. Lavender fields, stone villages and turquoise coves complete the picture. After free time to browse the boutiques or linger over a coffee, re-board the catamaran for the return to Split.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Depart Split and travel the scenic southern Dalmatian coast toward Dubrovnik, with a memorable stopover in the medieval walled town of Ston. Famous for its extraordinary 5km defensive walls - the longest in Europe - Ston also boasts ancient saltpans and Mali Ston Bay's legendary oyster beds, widely regarded as among the finest in the world. Browse local eateries for lunch at our own pace before continuing to Dubrovnik. Arrive in the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' and enjoy a relaxed dinner in a local restaurant near the old town.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Today is devoted to discovering Dubrovnik - arguably the most beautiful city on the Mediterranean. Our expert local guide leads us through the UNESCO-listed Old Town: along the famous Stradun promenade, past the Rector's Palace, into the ancient Franciscan Monastery with its historic pharmacy, and up to the city walls for panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and Adriatic horizon. Once a powerful maritime republic, Dubrovnik's architectural legacy is extraordinary. The afternoon is free to explore independently. Dinner tonight is it our hotel.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Venture south of Dubrovnik to Cavtat, a charming coastal town with a picturesque harbour, stone promenade and Renaissance heritage. A guided walk introduces its cultural landmarks and breathtaking Adriatic views. The journey continues inland to Konavle - a tranquil valley of vineyards, meadows and traditional stone villages that offers an authentic glimpse of rural Dalmatian life. Visit a traditional family estate and enjoy a warm tasting of locally produced wines, spirits and delicacies. Return to Dubrovnik for a free afternoon, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Our final full day is a gift of freedom in one of the world's most celebrated cities. We might walk Dubrovnik's mighty city walls for breathtaking views over terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic, wander the limestone Stradun, or visit the Rector's Palace and Franciscan Monastery. For a different perspective, we can ride the cable car up Mount Srđ or take a boat trip to tranquil Lokrum Island. This evening, we might enjoy a relaxed final dinner, as the sun sets over the Old Town.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

After a final breakfast at our hotel, our memorable journey comes to a close in Dubrovnik. Depending on our onward plans, there may be time for one last stroll through the Old Town, pausing for a coffee on the Stradun or gazing out over the glittering Adriatic from the Old Port. Perhaps we pick up a final souvenir, from locally made lavender and olive oil to handcrafted jewellery. We farewell our guide and fellow travellers, taking home memories of sun-drenched coastlines, ancient walled towns and friendships forged along the way.

Daily: Breakfast