This 15-day private tour of Croatia provides an in-depth exploration of the country's capital Zagreb, Istria region including truffle hunting, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka Waterfalls, and Split. The tour then spends a week sailing between islands such as Hvar, Vis, Korčula, and Mljet, experiencing coastal towns and activities, before concluding in Dubrovnik. Guests stay in comfortable 4-star hotels and a traditional gulet sailboat, with daily breakfast and many meals included. Activities range from guided city tours and national parks to wine tasting, horseback riding, and swimming. Pricing starts at $5,250 per person depending on season and boat selected
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1. Grand Tour of Croatia
It’s not every day you get to embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of Croatia,
whipping you from the capital to the coast with the country’s most important
culinary regions in between.
But because Croatia should be explored beyond the borders many tours will take you today;
we have carefully crafted a Croatian holiday unlike the rest, with a meticulously
thought-out itinerary that ensures none of the country’s beauty goes unnoticed.
Our private tour is an intimate intermission from your everyday life, allowing you to uncover
Zagreb, Istria, and the Dalmatian coast, where our gulet sailboat comfortably cruises
you from one island to the next.
From capital city attractions to truffle hunting, wine tasting to national parks,
UNESCO heritage to Michelin restaurants, and several authentic experiences,
you’ll be hard-pressed to board another journey as exceptional as this.
**This private tour can accommodate 4-36 people.
Itinerary suggestion
DAY 1: Zagreb
Your adventure begins in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city, located in the country's northwest.
After you arrive, we’ll take you to your accommodation at the 4-star Academia hotel in the
heart of town, allowing you to tick off many of the city’s most essential sights after you settle in.
Because we don’t want to push you too hard (but make sure you see just enough), we’ll explore
the highlights of the center, from the bustling Ban Jeličić Square to the vibrant Dolac Market;
hop on the funicular to the Upper Town and take in 360° views of the city’s Austro-Hungarian
architecture from the famous observation deck. Zagreb is a thriving metropolis abounding in many
international flavors - head out for a bite after the tour, then back to the hotel to unwind for day 2!
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: 4-star Academia hotel
Inclusions: Breakfast, guided tour of Zagreb
2. DAY 2: Istria
After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and make our way to Croatia’s famous truffle region
- Istria. After about 3 hours of driving, we’ll arrive at the 4-star Roxanich hotel in Motovun.
You’ll have some time to relax once we check in because you’ll need to save all the energy you
can for truffle hunting at Karlic Tartufi, just 25 minutes away. The helpful hosts will tell you
everything you need to know about truffles, the truffle hunting traditions in the area, and their
unique truffle hunting dogs.
You’ll have the chance to taste their truffle products in the stunning Istrian surroundings and even
take some home if you find something you like at their shop! Various truffle appetizers, traditional
truffle fritaja, wine, and water are included.
After our truffle adventure, we’ll have the chance to stroll around Motovun, a historic hilltop town
overlooking the Mirna River valley. Next up is Poreč, less than 50 minutes away, where we’ll have
a guided tour of the historic old town, the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, and Byzantine mosaics.
And just another 50 minutes away from Poreč is the romantic Rovinj, an old town that stands on a
headland with colorful houses snug on its seafront. Another guided tour will lead on the cobblestone
labyrinth to the hilltop St. Euphemia church and its imposing steeple, which dominates the Rovinj
skyline.
After the tour, there will be free time to have dinner (not included), or we can return to the hotel.
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Roxanich
Inclusions: Truffle hunting, guided tours of Rovinj and Poreč, accommodation with breakfast
3. DAY 3: Istria
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the mesmerizing Medulin just one hour away, where we’ll spend
the morning horseback riding and cruising on ATV quads! The group will be divided into two so
that everyone will be able to enjoy both experiences.
Around noon we’ll head to Vodnjan (30 minutes away) to visit the Medea Winery tasting room - or
if weather permits, we’ll enjoy our wine in the olive grove, where local appetizers will also be served.
At 2 pm, we’ll make our way to Pula, one of Croatia’s coastal charms located on the tip of the
Istrian Peninsula. While it’s known for its protected harbor, breathtaking beaches, and Roman
ruins, you may know it best for its Arena - the only remaining Roman amphitheater with four
side towers entirely preserved!
Our day concludes with dinner at Batelina, one of Istria’s most popular restaurants led by famous
Croatian chef David Skoko. We’ll travel back to Roxanich hotel after dinner.
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Roxanich
Inclusions: Horseback riding, ATV quad ride, Pula visit, wine tasting, Batelina dinner
4. DAY 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park
After we pack up and excite our palates with one last Istrian breakfast, we make our way to the
Plitvice Lakes region, about 3 hours away. Our Lika Retreat offers 4 cozy houses that can
accommodate 2 to 8 guests each. A traditional display of cured meats, cheeses, pies, and pastries
will greet you upon arrival before we depart for Plitvice Lakes, just one hour away. We’ll spend the
afternoon exploring Croatia’s largest national park and its famous cascading waterfalls while a
traditional dinner awaits you once we arrive back at our retreat.
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Lika Retreat
Inclusions: Plitvice lakes tour, traditional Lika region snack and dinner
5. DAY 5: Plitvice Lakes / Zadar or Kornati archipelago
Option 1:
After breakfast, we can continue exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park and visit the coastal town
of Zadar in the afternoon (about 1 hour away). Dinner will be served at the retreat once we return.
Option 2:
If you feel like you’ve seen enough of Plitvice Lakes, let’s explore the nautical paradise of the
Kornati archipelago!
We’ll drive to Zadar in the morning, where we’ll have breakfast before boarding two speedboats.
The Kornati Islands archipelago comprises 140 uninhabited islands, islets, and reefs covering
300 sqm, while we’ll get to tour the old heritage and untouched nature of 89 archipelago islands
within the Kornati Islands National Park and its remarkable cliffs. We’ll also see Telašćica Nature
Park located in the southeastern part of Dugi Otok Island, with 13 islands, islets, and rocks.
Once back on dry land, we’ll take a short tour of Zadar, mainly visiting the Monument to the Sun
and Sea Organ, both products of Croatia's most famous architect and Zadar native Nikola Bašić.
A traditional dinner awaits us once we arrive back at our retreat.
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Lika Retreat
Inclusions: Plitvice Lakes and Zadar, or Zadar and Kornati speed boat tour
(with lunch on one of the islands)
6. DAY 6: Krka Waterfalls / Šibenik / Pelegrini dinner
It’s time to leave our Lika Retreat and make our way south to Heritage Hotel Maskovica Han in
the coastal town of Pakoštane, just 1.5 hours away. We’ll have time to unwind after checking into
the hotel before visiting the magnificent Krka National Park and its waterfalls just 35 minutes away.
After touring Krka, we’ll make our way to the only town in Croatia with two UNESCO protections
- Šibenik. Just 15 minutes away from Krka, a guided tour will lead you to Šibenik’s fortresses,
one of Croatia’s most significant and beautiful architectural achievements - St. James Cathedral,
and the medieval part of the town. Our day ends with dinner at 1* Michelin masterpiece Pelegrini.
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Maskovica Han
Inclusions: Krka waterfalls, Šibenik guided tour, Pelegrini dinner
DAY 7: Drive to Split / Stops in Primošten & Trogir
We’ll pack our things, eat breakfast, and continue making our way down south by car with a few
stops along the way. First up is the picturesque town of Primošten just an hour from Šibenik,
where we’ll have some time to walk around this former fishing village and enjoy its romantic old
town. We’ll hop back in the car to drive down to Trogir, a UNESCO-protected museum town just
40 minutes away.
Once we’re done exploring the historic town and yacht-heavy harbor, we’ll head to our final
destination of the day just 30 minutes away - Split. We’ll check into a heritage hotel in the center
of the old town where you can settle in and take the evening at your own pace.
7. DAY 8: Split / Board Gulet sailboat / Milna (overnight)
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll want to make sure that your bags are packed and ready to go
before we kick off our guided tour around the city to explore the 1700-year-old remains of Roman
Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Sit down for lunch on your own accord or delight in shopping after
the tour, but be sure that you’re back with us by 4 pm as we’re heading to our home for the next
week - a traditional gulet sailboat! Check-in is at 5 pm.
After everyone has settled into their cabin, welcome drinks and a standout dinner will be served
on board, while the captain will set sail to the town of Milna on the island of Brač where the boat
is moored for the night.
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Gulet sailboat
Inclusions: Breakfast at the hotel, Split guided tour, welcome drinks & dinner
Traditional Gulet Sailboat: The sailing part of our tour takes place on a traditional gulet sailboat.
Accommodating 10-14 passengers in 5-7 cabins, our gulet sailboat includes a plush furnished
saloon, en-suite bathrooms, large sunbathing areas at the stern and bow, and is fully crewed by
an expert team of seafarers.
Meals On Board: This tour includes half board (breakfast and lunch) and an all-inclusive
domestic drinks package. Guests will indulge in the morning with eggs, cold cuts, cheeses,
granola, and fresh fruits, while lunch features premium Adriatic fish and meats adapted to local
cuisine. As always, should you have any dietary requirements, kindly inform us when booking.
8. DAY 9: Milna - Vis (overnight)
•
Take in the Milna view with your morning meal as we’ll be heading to another island after
breakfast - Vis! The farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland is known for its once
vibrant fishing industry, incredible WW2 military history, quaint towns, and indigenous wines.
We’ll stop to swim in a hidden cove on our way there, enjoy lunch on board, and overnight in
the town of Vis or Komiža where you’ll have time on your own to delve into these island centers.
*Guests will also have the option to visit the Blue Cave, a natural phenomenon located on
Biševo Island just off the town of Komiža. Weather permitting.
•
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Gulet sailboat
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 10: Vis - Hvar (overnight)
•
From the laid-back Vis to the glitz and glamor of Hvar town, we’ll make another morning
departure to yet another island - this time one of the Adriatic’s most popular.
Don’t skip out on breakfast as you’ll need all of your energy saved for swimming around the
Pakleni archipelago, a chain of rocky and ravishing islands off the southwest coast of Hvar.
We’ll recharge with lunch on board before you can explore the sights of the bustling Hvar town
on a guided tour, or set off into the town on your own and post up at one of its many charming
restaurants. Feel free to indulge in a bit of Hvar nightlife in the evening, often rated the best in
Croatia!
•
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Gulet sailboat
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, optional guided tour
9. DAY 11: Hvar - Korčula (overnight)
•
While it’s hard to beat breakfast with a morning view of Hvar, it’s equally as hard to compete with
our next breathtaking destination - the island of Korčula. The supposed birthplace of Venetian
merchant and explorer Marco Polo, we’ll set off to the medieval walled Korčula town, but not
before locking in a swim around the most impressive and largest island in the Korčula Archipelago
- Badija.
•
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Gulet sailboat
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, optional guided tour of Korčula town
DAY 12: Korčula - Mljet (Pomena or Polače) overnight
•
From the ancient architecture of Korčula to the greenest island in Croatia, we’ll head to Mljet in
the morning to explore the flawless natural beauty of this heavily forested island.
We’ll set sail for a swim near the village of Pomena, also known for having the largest and safest
bay on the whole island. A visit to Mljet National Park is also in order, where we’ll uncover
submerged bays, sea caves, saltwater lakes, archaeological discoveries, and several natural and
cultural attractions!
•
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Gulet sailboat
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, Mljet National Park
10. DAY 13: Mljet - Ston (overnight)
•
Did you know that Croatia is home to the ‘European Great Wall of China’? Or that the same town
is famous for its saltworks AND the country’s best oysters? We’ll sail from Mljet to Ston, a town
situated on the isthmus that connects the Pelješac Peninsula with the mainland.
We’ll swim around the pristine Pelješac before lunch on board, head out for a tour of the Ston
Saltworks and town at 5 pm, and adventure into the oyster farming traditions in the neighboring
Mali Ston at 6:30 pm. Our evening ends with a sumptuous Captain’s dinner on board!
•
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Gulet sailboat
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, Captain’s dinner, Ston Saltworks and oyster tour
DAY 14: Šipan - Dubrovnik (overnight)
•
Our final full day of sailing continues south to the Elaphiti Island archipelago and one gem in
particular - Šipan. Once we’re done with breakfast, we’ll depart for the largest of the Elaphiti
Islands, decorated by palm trees and
Medieval charm. We’ll have a mandatory swimming break, lunch on board, and then head to
our final destination and the Adriatic’s most precious pearl - Dubrovnik.
We'll stay overnight in this outstanding walled city, where you'll have time to delve into its historic
old town, steep cobblestone alleyways, and magical Mediterranean surroundings as it thrives in
the evening hours.
•
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Gulet sailboat
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
11. DAY 15: Check out or trip extension
Option 1:
After an early breakfast, we’ll check out and head off the boat by 9 am. We’ll transfer you to the
hotel if you’re extending your trip (see below) or to the airport if you are continuing your journey
outside of Croatia.
Option 2:
Guests can choose to extend their stay with us and take advantage of another day or two in
Dubrovnik.
Option 3:
Guests can choose to extend their stay with us and continue down the coast to Kotor in the
neighboring Montenegro.
To learn more about both options, get in touch with us directly at info@explorer-club.hr.
Pricing (per person):
May and October: 5.250,00 USD
June and September: 5.450,00 USD
July and August: 5.850,00 USD
The total price depends on the type of boat selected.
The pricing chart on the left displays the cost per person
for specific boat (i.e., Gulet Linda, based on 14 pax).
Our trip ideas are flexible, and we encourage you to
enquire to discuss with us what you wish to include in
your itinerary.....................................................................
Our holidays prices are displayed excluding flights
unless indicated otherwise.
Price includes
All Prices Include VAT
7 nights accommodation with breakfast in a 4 star heritage or boutique hotels. 7 nights on a gulet
type sailboat (with breakfast and lunch included).
All transfers (airport pick up and drop off, to all the activities and tours) by air-conditioned minibus
with expert English-speaking local guides and driver
Zagreb city tour (day 1), truffle hunting, Motovun, Rovinj and Porec guided tours (day 2).
Horseback and quads riding, Medea wine tasting, guided tour of Pula, Batelina dinner (day 3).
Plitvice lakes tour, traditional dinner at Lika retreat (day 4). Plitvice Lakes and Zadar, or Zadar
and Kornati speed boat tour (with lunch on one of the islands - day 5). Krka waterfalls, Šibenik
guided tour, Pelegrini dinner (day 6).Primosten, Trogir and Split guided tours (day 7 & 8).
Ston saltworks and oyster farm visit (day 13)
Price does not include
Flights
Personal expense
Insurance (we can offer you insurance policy that includes health insurance and risk of
cancellation; please advise)
Gratuites