Ultimate Croatia & Dalmatian Coast Expedition: From Istria to Dubrovnik

Explore the vibrant Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and visit St. Mark's Church, famous for its colorful tiled roof depicting the coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia.

Take a short day trip north of Zagreb to visit Trakošćan Castle, a picturesque 13th-century neo-Gothic fortress surrounded by a tranquil lake and forest park.

Stop in the medieval town of Samobor, renowned for its charming Baroque architecture, quiet river paths, and famous traditional cottage cheese cake (Štrukli) and Samoborska Kremšnita.

Head into Istria to visit Motovun, a walled hilltop medieval village towering over the Mirna River Valley, celebrated as the world capital of truffle hunting.

Wander through Grožnjan, an artistic stone village filled with independent galleries, music academies, and sweeping views of Istrian olive groves.

Visit Pula to stand inside the ancient Pula Arena, one of the six largest remaining Roman amphitheaters in the world.

Drive to the southern tip of Istria at Cape Kamenjak, a protected nature park featuring rugged coastal cliffs, hidden coves, and fossilized dinosaur footprints.

Stop at Rastoke Village, a fairytale settlement built directly above rushing waterfalls and historic watermills at the confluence of the Slunjčica and Korana rivers.

Spend the day exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, traversing wooden boardwalks across 16 terraced emerald-blue lakes connected by cascading waterfalls.

Discover the hidden Krupa River Canyon, where emerald-green river waters flow beneath the historic stone Kuda's Bridge surrounded by towering canyon walls.

Take a scenic boat ride through Krka National Park to visit Visovac Island, home to a serene 15th-century Franciscan monastery set in the middle of a river lake.

Explore Šibenik's St. Michael's Fortress, a hilltop stone stronghold that has been converted into a world-class open-air concert venue with panoramas of the Adriatic coast.

Drive south to the Primošten Vineyards, where ancient dry-stone wall geometric grid patterns crisscross coastal hillsides producing famous local Babić red wine.

Wander the island-like stone streets of UNESCO-listed Trogir Old Town, renowned for its Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture and lively waterfront promenade.

Step back into Roman history in Split by walking into the Diocletian's Palace Substructure cellars, an ancient underground labyrinth that supported the Emperor's palace above.

Hike up Marjan Hill and enjoy an espresso at Teraca Vidilica, a terrace café offering panoramic postcard views over Split's red roofs and the harbor.

Relax in Sustipan Park, a peaceful stone-lined park set high on dramatic cliffs overlooking the harbor and passing yachts.

Escape the city crowd at Kašjuni Beach, a scenic pebble cove framed by pine trees at the base of the Marjan peninsula.

Take an early boat excursion to Vis Island to experience Stiniva Cove, a hidden pebble beach enclosed by towering cliff walls with a narrow 4-meter gap to the open sea.

Board a small boat into the Blue Cave on Biševo Island to see the glowing blue light created by sunlight reflecting off the white sandy seabed through an underwater opening.

Ferry to sunny Hvar Island and hike or scooter up to Fortica Fortress for sweeping views over Hvar Town harbor and the off-shore islets.

Rent a kayak or water taxi to explore the Pakleni Islands, a wooded island chain off Hvar filled with clear coves and secluded beach clubs.

Explore Korčula Town, a medieval fortified town famous for stone alleyways, legendary Marco Polo heritage, and local Grk and Pošip white wines.

Visit Mljet National Park to walk or rent bicycles around two saltwater lakes surrounding a 12th-century Benedictine monastery on St. Mary's Island.

Walk along the 5km Walls of Ston before visiting Mali Ston to sample fresh, briny oysters straight from local bay farms.

Stroll under ancient plane trees at Trsteno Arboretum, a 15th-century cliffside botanical garden overlooking the sea.

Walk the ancient stone Dubrovnik City Walls for unmatched elevated views over Stradun and the Adriatic Sea.

Take a relaxed evening walk along Cavtat Promenade, a palm-lined seaside walkway located just south of Dubrovnik.

Catch a car-free day ferry to Lopud Island and relax on the golden sands of Šunj Beach.