Adriatic Pearls Luxury: 10 Days — Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar, Split & Zadar with Plitvice

Tour Overview

Experience the stunning beauty of the Adriatic coast on this 10-day luxury journey through Croatia, from the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik to the beautiful island of Korčula (the birthplace of Marco Polo), the glamorous island of Hvar, the ancient Roman city of Split (with its stunning Diocletian’s Palace), the historic city of Zadar, and the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning lakes and waterfalls). Croatia, a beautiful country on the Adriatic coast, is famous for its stunning coastline, its beautiful islands, its ancient cities, its delicious cuisine, and its warm hospitality.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik

Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport (Dubrovnik, Croatia). Transfer to your luxury hotel. Explore Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic, a magnificent walled city on the Adriatic coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning medieval walls, its beautiful old town, its historic buildings, and its beautiful setting on the Adriatic Sea. Walk along the famous city walls (the magnificent medieval walls of Dubrovnik, over 2 kilometers long, with stunning views of the old town, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands). Visit the old town of Dubrovnik: the Stradun (the main street of the old town, a beautiful limestone-paved street with its historic buildings, shops, and cafes), the Rector’s Palace (a beautiful Gothic-Renaissance palace, the former seat of the Rector of Dubrovnik, now a museum), the Sponza Palace (a beautiful Renaissance palace, now housing the National Archives), the Dubrovnik Cathedral (a beautiful Baroque cathedral with its stunning architecture and the Treasury with its collection of religious artifacts), the Franciscan Monastery (with its beautiful cloister and the famous pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe), the Dominican Monastery (with its beautiful cloister and museum), the Onofrio’s Fountain (a beautiful 15th-century fountain), and the various other historic buildings and churches. Visit the nearby Lokrum Island (a beautiful nature reserve island just off the coast of Dubrovnik, with its beautiful gardens, beaches, and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery). Evening welcome dinner with Croatian cuisine including fresh seafood, Dalmatian prosciutto, Pag cheese, olive oil, and local wines. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 2: Dubrovnik & Cavtat

Morning continue exploring Dubrovnik. Visit the Dubrovnik Cable Car (take the cable car up to Mount Srđ for stunning panoramic views of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands). Visit the Fort Lovrijenac (a beautiful medieval fortress on a cliff overlooking the sea, famous as the location for the Battle of Blackwater in Game of Thrones). Visit the old port and the nearby beaches. After lunch, drive to Cavtat (approximately 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik), a beautiful coastal town on the Adriatic, with its beautiful waterfront, its historic buildings, its beautiful beaches, and its stunning views of the sea. Explore Cavtat: visit the old town, the Rector’s Palace, the various churches, the beautiful waterfront promenade, and the nearby beaches. Visit the nearby Konavle Valley (a beautiful rural valley south of Dubrovnik, with its vineyards, olive groves, traditional villages, and beautiful countryside). Visit a local winery and enjoy a wine tasting of the local wines. Visit a traditional village and learn about the local culture and cuisine. Evening return to Dubrovnik. Dinner with Croatian cuisine and local wines. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 3: Dubrovnik to Korčula Island

Morning drive from Dubrovnik to Korčula (approximately 2.5-3 hours, including a ferry crossing), a beautiful island on the Adriatic coast, famous as the birthplace of Marco Polo (the famous Venetian explorer), with its beautiful old town (a mini Dubrovnik, with its medieval walls, its historic buildings, and its beautiful setting on a small peninsula), its beautiful beaches, its vineyards, and its delicious wine (the famous Grk wine, grown only on Korčula). Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore the old town of Korčula: visit the medieval walls, the Marco Polo House (the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, with its museum and the tower with stunning views), the St. Mark’s Cathedral (a beautiful Gothic-Renaissance cathedral with its stunning architecture and the beautiful paintings by Tintoretto and other Venetian masters), the various churches and historic buildings, the beautiful streets and alleys (laid out in a herringbone pattern to protect from the wind), and the beautiful waterfront. Visit the nearby beaches and go for a swim. After lunch, visit a local winery and enjoy a wine tasting of the famous Grk wine and other local wines. Visit the nearby villages and the beautiful countryside of Korčula. Visit the nearby Badija Island (a beautiful island with its Franciscan monastery and beautiful beaches). Evening enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Adriatic. Dinner with Korčula cuisine and local wines. Overnight in Korčula.

Day 4: Korčula to Hvar Island

Morning ferry from Korčula to Hvar (approximately 2-3 hours, with a stop in Split or direct). Hvar is one of the most beautiful and glamorous islands in the Adriatic, famous for its beautiful old town, its stunning fortress, its beautiful beaches, its lavender fields, its vineyards, its vibrant nightlife, and its delicious wine (the famous Plavac Mali wine). Upon arrival, check into your luxury hotel. Explore the old town of Hvar: visit the St. Stephen’s Square (the beautiful main square of Hvar, with the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Arsenal, and the various historic buildings), the St. Stephen’s Cathedral (a beautiful Renaissance cathedral with its stunning architecture and beautiful interior), the Hvar Arsenal (a beautiful historic building, now housing a theater, one of the oldest theaters in Europe), the Franciscan Monastery (with its beautiful cloister, museum, and the famous painting of the Last Supper), the various churches and historic buildings, and the beautiful waterfront with its yachts and boats. Visit the Fortica (the Spanish Fortress, a beautiful 16th-century fortress on a hill above the old town, with stunning panoramic views of Hvar, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands). After lunch, visit the nearby beaches including the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn, a beautiful pebble beach on the nearby island of Brač, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia, with its unique shape that changes with the currents) and the various beaches on Hvar. Visit the nearby Pakleni Islands (a group of beautiful small islands just off the coast of Hvar, with their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and stunning coves, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing). Take a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands and enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water. Evening enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Hvar (Hvar is famous for its nightlife, with its beach clubs, bars, and restaurants). Dinner with Hvar cuisine and local wines. Overnight in Hvar.

Day 5: Hvar to Split

Morning ferry from Hvar to Split (approximately 1-2 hours). Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, a beautiful ancient city on the Adriatic coast, famous for its stunning Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a massive Roman palace built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, now the heart of the old town of Split, with its narrow streets, shops, restaurants, and homes inside the palace walls). Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore Split: visit Diocletian’s Palace (the magnificent Roman palace, with its Peristyle (the central courtyard of the palace, with its beautiful columns and the Cathedral of St. Domnius), the Cathedral of St. Domnius (a beautiful cathedral built inside the ancient Roman mausoleum of Diocletian, with its stunning bell tower offering panoramic views of Split), the Substructures (the beautiful underground halls of the palace, with their stunning Roman architecture), the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate, the Iron Gate, the Bronze Gate (the four gates of the palace), the various temples (including the Temple of Jupiter, now a baptistery), and the various other Roman structures. Visit the Riva (the beautiful waterfront promenade of Split, with its palm trees, cafes, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands). Visit the Marjan Hill (a beautiful park on a hill overlooking Split, with its hiking trails, its beautiful beaches, and its stunning panoramic views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands). After lunch, visit the nearby town of Trogir (approximately 30 minutes from Split, a beautiful medieval town on a small island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its stunning cathedral, its medieval streets, its historic buildings, and its beautiful waterfront). Explore Trogir: visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence (a beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with its stunning Radovan’s Portal, one of the most beautiful Romanesque portals in Europe), the various churches and historic buildings, the medieval streets and alleys, the Kamerlengo Fortress, and the beautiful waterfront. Visit the nearby town of Omiš (approximately 30 minutes from Split, a beautiful town at the mouth of the Cetina River, famous for its beautiful beaches, its canyon, and its pirate history). Evening return to Split. Dinner with Split cuisine and local wines. Overnight in Split.

Day 6: Split to Zadar (via Krka Waterfalls)

Morning drive from Split to Zadar (approximately 2 hours), with a stop at Krka National Park (approximately 1 hour from Split, a beautiful national park with its stunning waterfalls, the most famous being Skradinski Buk (a beautiful series of waterfalls with a total height of 45 meters, with its beautiful travertine formations and the crystal-clear water), and the various other waterfalls and lakes in the park). Visit Krka National Park: take a walk along the boardwalks through the park, enjoying the beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and lush vegetation. Visit Skradinski Buk, the most famous waterfall in the park, with its beautiful series of cascades and the beautiful natural pools (you can swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall in summer). Visit the nearby Visovac Island (a beautiful small island in the middle of the Krka River, with its beautiful Franciscan monastery and church, accessible by boat). Visit the nearby town of Skradin (a beautiful small town at the entrance to the national park, with its beautiful waterfront and its historic buildings). After lunch, continue to Zadar (approximately 1.5 hours). Zadar is a beautiful ancient city on the Adriatic coast, famous for its stunning Roman ruins, its beautiful old town, its famous Sea Organ (a unique musical instrument that plays music using the waves of the sea), its beautiful sunsets (Zadar is famous for having some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, as described by Alfred Hitchcock), and its nearby national parks. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore Zadar: visit the old town with its Roman ruins (the Roman Forum, the largest Roman forum on the eastern side of the Adriatic), the St. Donatus’ Church (a beautiful pre-Romanesque circular church, one of the most iconic landmarks of Zadar), the Cathedral of St. Anastasia (a beautiful Romanesque cathedral), the various other churches and historic buildings, the medieval streets and alleys, and the beautiful waterfront. Visit the famous Sea Organ (a unique architectural installation on the waterfront, with a series of tubes under the marble steps that play music using the waves of the sea, creating a unique and beautiful musical experience). Visit the nearby Greeting to the Sun (a beautiful circular solar-powered installation on the waterfront, next to the Sea Organ, that lights up at night with beautiful colors). Evening enjoy the famous Zadar sunset (one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world) from the waterfront. Dinner with Zadar cuisine and local wines. Overnight in Zadar.

Day 7: Zadar & Plitvice Lakes National Park

Morning drive from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park (approximately 2 hours), one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning series of 16 terraced lakes connected by beautiful waterfalls, with its crystal-clear water (in shades of blue, green, and turquoise), its lush forests, its diverse wildlife, and its beautiful wooden walkways and boardwalks. The park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia and is considered one of the most beautiful natural sites in Europe. Spend the day exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park: take a walk along the wooden boardwalks through the park, enjoying the beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Visit the Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera, with its 12 lakes, including the beautiful Prošćansko Jezero, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, and the various other lakes, with their beautiful waterfalls and crystal-clear water). Visit the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera, with its 4 lakes, including the beautiful Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and the famous Veliki Slap (the Great Waterfall, the largest waterfall in the park, with a height of 78 meters). Visit the various waterfalls, including the famous Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall), the Milanovac waterfalls, and the various other cascades and waterfalls. Take a boat ride across Lake Kozjak (the largest lake in the park, with its beautiful crystal-clear water and the stunning views of the surrounding lakes and waterfalls). Take the panoramic train (a small electric train that runs through the park, offering beautiful views of the lakes and waterfalls). Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the diverse wildlife (the park is home to bears, wolves, deer, wild boar, and a variety of birds, including the rare white-throated dipper). After a full day of exploring the park, drive to your hotel near the park or in the nearby town. Evening dinner with Croatian cuisine and local wines. Overnight near Plitvice Lakes.

Day 8: Plitvice to Zagreb (via Rastoke)

Morning visit the nearby village of Rastoke (approximately 30 minutes from Plitvice, a beautiful historic village known as the Small Lakes of Plitvice, with its beautiful waterfalls, its historic watermills, its beautiful houses on the banks of the Slunjčica River, and its stunning scenery). Explore Rastoke: visit the historic watermills, the beautiful houses, the waterfalls, and the beautiful scenery. Walk along the river and enjoy the beautiful views. After lunch, drive to Zagreb (approximately 2 hours), the capital and largest city of Croatia, a beautiful city with its stunning Austro-Hungarian architecture, its beautiful old town, its vibrant cafes and restaurants, its museums, and its beautiful parks. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore Zagreb: visit the Upper Town (Gornji Grad, the historic old town of Zagreb, with its beautiful medieval streets, its historic buildings, its churches, and its stunning views). Visit the St. Mark’s Square (the beautiful main square of the Upper Town, with the stunning St. Mark’s Church with its famous colorful tiled roof depicting the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and the city of Zagreb), the Croatian Parliament, the Government Palace, and the various other historic buildings. Visit the Lotrščak Tower (a beautiful medieval tower in the Upper Town, with its famous Grič cannon that fires every day at noon, and the stunning views of Zagreb from the top). Visit the Zagreb Cathedral (a beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral, the tallest building in Croatia, with its stunning architecture and beautiful interior). Visit the Ban Jelačić Square (the main square of Zagreb, with its statue of Ban Jelačić, the various historic buildings, and the vibrant atmosphere). Visit the Dolac Market (a bustling open-air market in the center of Zagreb, with its fresh produce, flowers, crafts, and local food). Visit the various museums including the Mimara Museum (with its excellent collection of art), the Croatian History Museum, and the various other museums. Visit the beautiful parks including Zrinjevac Park and the Maksimir Park. Evening welcome dinner in Zagreb with Croatian cuisine and local wines. Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 9: Zagreb & Surroundings

Morning continue exploring Zagreb. Visit the beautiful Upper Town and the various historic sites. Visit the Croatian National Theatre (a beautiful neo-Baroque theater building with its stunning architecture). Visit the Art Pavilion (a beautiful exhibition hall with its stunning yellow facade). Visit the various galleries and museums. Visit the nearby town of Samobor (approximately 30 minutes from Zagreb, a beautiful small town with its historic old town, its beautiful castle ruins, its famous cream cake (kremšnita), and its beautiful countryside). Explore Samobor: visit the old town, the castle ruins, the beautiful streets, and enjoy the famous kremšnita (cream cake). Visit the nearby countryside and enjoy the beautiful scenery. After lunch, visit the nearby town of Krapina (approximately 1 hour from Zagreb, famous for the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe, where the remains of over 75 Neanderthals were discovered in the late 19th century). Visit the Krapina Neanderthal Museum and learn about the Neanderthals who lived in this area over 100,000 years ago. Visit the nearby Krapinica River and the beautiful surrounding area. Evening return to Zagreb. Farewell dinner with Croatian cuisine and local wines, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the 10-day Adriatic luxury journey. Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 10: Zagreb & Departure

Morning free for last-minute exploration of Zagreb or shopping for Croatian products including wine, olive oil, lavender products, traditional crafts, textiles, and local products. Visit the Dolac Market or the various shops for souvenirs. Visit the museums for a final look, or relax at a café in the beautiful Upper Town. After lunch, transfer to Zagreb Airport for your departure flight. Concluding your 10-day Adriatic pearls luxury journey through Croatia.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses