Tour description
This carefully designed journey takes you through some of Croatia’s most beautiful natural and cultural landscapes, from Zagreb and the green regions of continental Croatia, through Plitvice Lakes and Velebit, all the way to the island of Pag and the Dalmatian coast. Through private tours, selected culinary experiences, and carefully chosen accommodation, the journey brings together nature, culture, tradition, and contemporary luxury into a unique whole.
The journey begins in Zagreb, where, following a personal welcome and private transfer, you will discover the city through its historic centre, Dolac Market, and local way of life. The evening concludes at Zinfandel’s restaurant, where Croatian gastronomy is presented through a contemporary interpretation of traditional flavours.
From Zagreb, the journey continues to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most famous natural phenomena and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A private guided tour reveals the park’s lakes, waterfalls, and forest landscapes, while lunch at Lička kuća offers an authentic encounter with the traditional cuisine of Lika.
The following stages lead towards Velebit and Zadar. In Paklenica National Park, you will discover dramatic canyons, mountain trails, and the natural power of Velebit, while a private tour of Zadar reveals its rich history and Mediterranean character.
A special part of the journey is dedicated to the island of Pag and its contrasts. Rocky landscapes, centuries-old olive trees in Lun, and a boat excursion to Zavratnica and Rab reveal the natural diversity of the island and the surrounding archipelago, while your stay at Boškinac brings together island tradition, wine, and contemporary gastronomy. A Michelin dinner represents the culinary highlight of the stay, while the Life on Mars trail, a visit to Gligora Cheese Dairy, and lunch at the Prtorić family farm reveal different layers of the island’s local heritage and gastronomy.
The journey then continues towards Dalmatia, through Krka National Park and historic Šibenik, where the natural heritage of the river meets the city’s rich cultural tradition. The journey concludes in Split, where a private tour of Diocletian’s Palace with an art historian reveals layers of history that are still part of everyday city life. Lunch at ZOI restaurant, located within the historic setting of the palace, provides the final culinary experience of the journey.
From the green landscapes of continental Croatia to the rocky scenery of Pag, from ancient urban centres to peaceful island landscapes, this journey connects the different faces of Croatia into an experience that is authentic, refined, and personal. Each stage is designed to bring Croatia closer through nature, culture, gastronomy, and local traditions in a way that goes beyond a conventional introduction to the destination.
Travel program
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN ZAGREB
Upon arrival in Zagreb, your journey through Croatia begins. A private transfer takes you to the carefully selected Garden Hill accommodation, situated in a peaceful and green setting overlooking the Croatian capital. After a personal welcome, there is time to relax and discover the first flavours of Croatia through a selection of local welcome products.
A combination of comfort, privacy, and a homely atmosphere provides a pleasant introduction to the journey, far from the conventional hotel experience. In a relaxed setting, you begin discovering Croatia, its hospitality, and local flavours, with the feeling that every detail has been carefully selected for you.
Overnight stay: Hotel Garden Hill (1/1)
DAY 2 – SIGHTSEEING OF ZAGREB, SHOPPING AND DINNER AT ZINFANDEL'S RESTAURANT
The day begins with a private tour of Zagreb accompanied by a local guide, through which you will discover the city’s historic centre and its most important landmarks from a local perspective. The walk also takes you to the lively Dolac Market, one of the places where Zagreb’s everyday rhythm can best be experienced, with an opportunity to discover local products and the Zagreb way of life.
After the sightseeing tour, there is time for shopping and independent exploration of the city before an evening reserved for a culinary experience at Zinfandel’s restaurant. In the elegant setting of the restaurant, traditional Croatian flavours receive a contemporary interpretation, creating a refined conclusion to a day dedicated to discovering Zagreb through its history, everyday life, and gastronomy.
After dinner, the journey continues towards Plitvice and accommodation at Hotel Lyra, continuing the exploration of Croatia’s natural and cultural landscapes.
Overnight stay: Hotel Lyra Plitvice (1/1)
DAY 3 – PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK AND LUNCH AT LIČKA KUĆA
The day is dedicated to one of Croatia’s most famous natural phenomena – Plitvice Lakes National Park, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by a private guide, you will explore its enchanting system of lakes, waterfalls, and forest trails, with stories revealing the natural characteristics of the area as well as the traditions and way of life of Lika.
After the tour, lunch is served at Lička kuća, a rustic restaurant located within the national park. Here, dishes are prepared according to original Lika recipes, using traditional ingredients and flavours characteristic of the region. In the authentic setting of Lička kuća, gastronomy becomes a continuation of the Lika experience and an opportunity to discover its rich culinary tradition through its flavours.
After lunch, the journey continues towards Zadar, where accommodation awaits at Hyatt Regency Zadar. Arrival at the hotel provides an opportunity to rest after a day spent in nature and prepare for the continuation of the journey along the Adriatic coast.
Overnight stay: Hyatt Regency Zadar, 1/3
DAY 4 – PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK – EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL POWER OF VELEBIT
After Plitvice, the journey continues towards Velebit and Paklenica National Park, an area characterized by dramatic canyons, steep cliffs, and untouched mountain landscapes. Accompanied by a private guide, you will explore one of the most impressive parts of the park, with an opportunity to discover hidden hiking trails and the rich climbing tradition of the area.
Paklenica offers a unique combination of mountain wilderness and proximity to the sea. As the trails lead through the powerful rocks and canyons of Velebit, views towards the Adriatic remind us of the diversity of the Croatian landscape – a place where mountains and sea meet within just a few kilometres.
After an active day in nature, we return towards Zadar and accommodation at Hyatt Regency Zadar, where the natural power of Velebit gives way to contemporary luxury, elegant design, and views towards the Adriatic horizon.
Overnight stay: Hyatt Regency Zadar, 2/3
DAY 5 – SIGHTSEEING OF ZADAR
The day is dedicated to Zadar, a city where thousands of years of history meet a contemporary Mediterranean way of life. Accompanied by a private guide, you will walk through the historic old town and discover its most important landmarks, while experiencing a special atmosphere at the Greeting to the Sun and Sea Organ installations, where architecture, sound, light, and the sea merge into a unique experience.
After the sightseeing and lunch, return to the hotel and free time for relaxation, enjoying the hotel facilities, or independently exploring the city.
Overnight stay: Hyatt Regency Zadar, 3/3
DAY 6 – FREE DAY IN ZADAR – SHOPPING AND ARRIVAL ON PAG
After several days filled with exploration and activities, the day begins at a more relaxed pace, with free time for rest, independent exploration of Zadar, or shopping at the Supernova shopping centre. The slower pace provides an opportunity to enjoy the city at your own rhythm before continuing the journey towards the island of Pag.
Upon arriving on Pag, the landscape and atmosphere change. The busy city rhythm gives way to tranquillity, rocky landscapes, and characteristic island nature. Accommodation at Boškinac offers a different experience of the island – a combination of traditional surroundings, contemporary comfort, gastronomy, and its own wine story.
In this special setting, the island part of the journey begins, dedicated to hedonism, local flavours, and discovering Pag through its nature and traditions.
Overnight stay: Boškinac, 1/3
DAY 7 – LUN OLIVE GROVE, BOAT EXCURSION TO ZAVRATNICA AND RAB, MICHELIN DINNER AT BOŠKINAC
The day begins with a visit to the unique Lun Olive Grove in the northern part of the island of Pag, known for its thousand-year-old olive trees. In the peaceful island landscape, you will discover the tradition of olive cultivation that has been practiced in this area for generations, revealing another authentic side of Pag and its connection with nature.
The island experience continues with a boat excursion to Zavratnica Cove, one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in this part of the Adriatic. The narrow bay surrounded by steep rocky cliffs offers a special experience of an untouched coastline, after which the journey continues towards the island of Rab. Time spent at sea and on the islands provides a different perspective of the Adriatic landscape, away from the usual tourist routes.
Returning to Boškinac brings the day to a gastronomic conclusion. The Michelin dinner represents the culinary culmination of the island experience, bringing together local ingredients, the traditions of Pag, and contemporary gastronomy in a carefully designed culinary experience.
Overnight stay: Boškinac, 2/3
DAY 8 – LIFE ON MARS, GLIGORA CHEESE DAIRY AND PRtorić FAMILY FARM
The day brings a gentle adventure through one of the most recognizable landscapes of the island of Pag. The Life on Mars trail leads through a rugged and almost surreal landscape of rocks, stone, and sea, creating the impression of walking across the surface of the Moon. Accompanied by a guide, you will discover this unique landscape and explore the natural characteristics of the island from a different perspective.
After spending time in nature, we encounter one of Pag’s best-known gastronomic traditions – Pag cheese. A visit to Gligora Cheese Dairy offers the opportunity to learn about the production of this highly valued local product and taste its different varieties, accompanied by stories about the traditions and local ingredients behind its distinctive flavour.
The day concludes with lunch at the Prtorić family farm, where traditional products are prepared according to old recipes and in a way that preserves the authentic flavours of the island. The combination of simple island cuisine, local ingredients, and family tradition completes the gastronomic experience of Pag.
After lunch, return to Boškinac and free time for rest and enjoyment of the peaceful island surroundings.
Overnight stay: Boškinac, 3/3
DAY 9 – KRKA NATIONAL PARK AND ŠIBENIK – LUNCH AT KONOBA VINKO
The journey continues towards Dalmatia and Krka National Park, where, accompanied by a local guide, you will discover the picturesque waterfalls, river, and lush nature that shape this unique landscape. A walk through the park provides an opportunity to enjoy nature while also learning about the stories of people whose lives have been connected with the Krka River for centuries.
After the tour, we continue towards Šibenik and its historic centre. You will walk along the city’s stone streets and discover its rich cultural heritage, with stories about tradition, everyday life, and the Mediterranean character of Šibenik.
Lunch is planned at Konoba Vinko, known for its homemade recipes, local ingredients, and warm family-style hospitality. In an authentic Dalmatian setting, traditional cuisine takes centre stage, providing another direct encounter with the flavours and gastronomic heritage of Dalmatia.
After lunch and sightseeing in Šibenik, the journey continues towards Trogir. Accommodation at Hotel Trogir Palace provides a pleasant end to the day and an opportunity to relax with a view towards the historic city centre.
Overnight stay: Hotel Trogir Palace, 1/2
DAY 10 – SIGHTSEEING OF SPLIT AND LUNCH AT ZOI RESTAURANT
The day is dedicated to Split and its exceptional historical heritage. Accompanied by an art historian, you will take a private tour of Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most important monuments of Roman architecture on the Croatian coast. During the walk through the palace, you will discover layers of history that are still an integral part of everyday city life – from ancient walls and squares to lively streets and contemporary Split.
After the tour, lunch follows at ZOI restaurant, located within the historic setting of Diocletian’s Palace. The sea view and cuisine inspired by Dalmatian traditions create a special combination of history, local ingredients, and a contemporary approach to gastronomy, providing a fitting conclusion to the journey.
After lunch, return towards Trogir and free time to enjoy the final evening of the journey, with the option to relax at the hotel or independently explore the historic centre.
Overnight stay: Hotel Trogir Palace, 2/2
DAY 11 – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
After breakfast, a private transfer to the airport concludes your journey through Croatia. A comfortable and organized transfer provides a peaceful end to the journey, following eleven days filled with natural beauty, cultural heritage, local traditions, and gastronomic experiences.