BEST OF CROATIA
Award- Winning Signature Trip
Best to travel from April to October
16 days / 15 nights
Croatia
All excursions are on private basis
24/7 service
Discover Croatia at it's best!
This journey takes you through Croatia’s most enchanting highlights, blending history, nature, and the art of slow living.
Begin in Zagreb, where cobbled streets and lively markets reveal the soul of the capital on a private gourmet tour. Continue to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a wonderland of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, paired with horseback riding through open meadows and kayaking on the crystal-clear Mrežnica River.
Discover the coastal charm of Zadar, then escape to the Kornati Archipelago, where a scattering of islands and hidden coves invite pure serenity. In Šibenik, explore the medieval old town before pedaling through Krka National Park on an e-bike and venturing inland for a thrilling quad ride.
Step into living history in Split, wandering the marble streets of Diocletian’s Palace. Then, embrace island life on Brač and Hvar—from peaceful bays and timeless stone villages to lavender fields and lively harbors.
End in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” where you’ll stroll ancient walls, soak in sweeping sea views, and sail to the quiet Elafiti Islands—a perfect finale to your Croatian adventure.
Award-Winning Experience!
This program was recognized in 2024 by the Croatian Tourist Board as one of the country’s best travel itineraries. Organized in partnership with the Croatian Tourist Board, this journey is a seamless blend of exploration, relaxation, and indulgence —promising memories to last a lifetime.
DAY 1 – 2: ZAGREB
CULINARY CITY TOUR with private guide
DAY 2 - 4: PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK
PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK WALKING TOUR with private guide
HORSE-RIDING TREK TOUR with private guide
KAYAKING ON RIVER MREŽNICA group tour
DAY 4 – 7: ZADAR & KORNATI NATIONAL PARK
PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT TOURS with private guide
DAY 7 – 9: ŠIBENIK
NP KRKA e-BIKE TOUR with private guide
QUAD BIKE TOUR with private guide
DAY 9 - 10: SPLIT
SPLIT WALKING TOUR with private guide
DAY 10 – 14: LUXURIOUS ISLAND STAY
relaxing stay on islands Brač and Hvar
PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT TOUR with private guide
DAY 14 – 16: DUBROVNIK
DUBROVNIK WALKING TOUR with private guide
SPEEDBOAT TOUR TO ELAPHITI ISLANDS with private guide
DAY 1 - 2
ZAGREB
Your Croatian adventure begins in Zagreb, a city where Central European elegance meets Mediterranean ease. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Upper Town, past colorful baroque facades, hidden courtyards, and lively cafés. Your private gourmet tour is a delicious introduction to Croatia: visit the bustling Dolac market, where farmers still bring fresh produce every morning, sample artisan cheeses and cured meats, taste wines from continental Croatia, and enjoy the rich tradition of coffee culture on one of the city’s charming squares. Along the way, your guide will weave in stories of history and daily life — how Austro-Hungarian traditions shaped Zagreb’s pastries, and why locals never skip their weekend špica (coffee ritual).
DAY 2 - 4
NATIONAL PARK PLITVICE
Trade the city for nature at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Wooden paths lead you past 16 interconnected lakes and countless waterfalls — each more breathtaking than the last. With your private guide, discover hidden corners away from the crowds, and learn how this pristine landscape has inspired generations.
Balance serenity with adventure: saddle up for horseback riding through meadows and forests, and paddle down the emerald waters of the Mrežnica River on a kayaking tour. This region is where nature shows its most playful side.
DAY 4 - 7
ZADAR & KORNATI ARCHIPELAGO
In Zadar, ancient history blends with modern creativity. On a private city walk, explore Roman forums and medieval churches, then pause to listen to the Sea Organ, an art installation that transforms the movement of waves into haunting melodies. As evening falls, don’t miss the Greeting to the Sun, a solar-powered installation that lights up in sync with the sea organ’s song.
From here, your adventure continues to the sea. Base yourself on the remote island of Žut, surrounded by nothing but nature and waves. Set out on private boat tours: marvel at the towering cliffs and saltwater lake of Telašćica Nature Park, and navigate the scattered jewels of the Kornati Islands — an archipelago of more than 80 islets, once described by a writer as “God’s tears, scattered across the sea.”
DAY 7 - 9
ŠIBENIK
Arrive in Šibenik, a coastal gem famous for its stone labyrinth of narrow alleys and the magnificent Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site built entirely of stone. From here, nature calls again. Pedal along shaded trails on a private e-bike tour through Krka National Park, where waterfalls plunge into turquoise basins. Then, get your adrenaline fix on a quad biking tour into the Dalmatian hinterland, a rugged land of olive groves, vineyards, and sleepy villages that still keep their old traditions alive.
DAY 9 - 10
SPLIT
Step into history in Split, a city that grew inside the walls of a Roman palace. The mighty Diocletian’s Palace, built more than 1,700 years ago, is still the beating heart of the city. On your private walking tour, wander marble-paved streets, where laundry flutters above ancient columns and locals sip espresso in sun-drenched courtyards. Discover underground chambers, medieval chapels, and lively squares buzzing with cafés and wine bars. Split is also a city of flavors: don’t miss the chance to try Dalmatian specialties like grilled fish, octopus salad, and local wines from nearby islands. Here, the past and present live side by side, and every corner has a story.
DAY 10 - 14
ISLANDS BRAČ AND HVAR
Unwind on the island of Brač, where pine forests meet pebble beaches, and white stone from local quarries was used to build palaces from Venice to Washington. Slow down and soak in the rhythms of island life before moving on to Hvar, known for its lively harbor, lavender fields, and Venetian architecture. Stroll through the elegant main square, climb up to the Spanish Fortress for panoramic views, and explore the pristine Pakleni Islands just offshore. Between Brač and Hvar, life is all about the sun, the sea, and savoring each moment.
DAY 14 - 16
DUBROVNIK
End your journey in Dubrovnik, the legendary “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Enclosed by mighty medieval walls, this UNESCO World Heritage city is a masterpiece of stone and sea. On your private city tour, walk the marble streets where merchants and sailors once traded, admire Gothic palaces and Baroque churches, and climb the ancient walls for unforgettable views over the Adriatic. Dubrovnik is also a city of flavors — from fresh seafood and oysters to fine wines from the Pelješac Peninsula nearby.
To complete your stay, escape the crowds on a private boat tour to the Elafiti Islands, a serene archipelago of pine-scented islets, sandy coves, and sleepy fishing villages. It’s the perfect finale to your Croatian adventure.
START PLANNING.
We tailor make every trip and that is not an empty phrase. We design your trip from scratch and no two holidays are the same.
Do you have a bucket list or do you want to be surprised? What is your balance between nature and culture? Do you want to be active or do you prefer a more laid back trip? Tell us about your special interests, hobby’s, passions.
The best trips are often those that intelligently combine different elements into a balanced holiday. And the more we know about you, the easier it is for us to make sure your trip will be the perfect mix.
Looking for inspiration?
For more travel insight from Local Heroes' specialists take a look at our travel journal and discover beautiful places in Croatia, Montenegro & Slovenia!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
We’re always on-hand to help you plan your bespoke trip.
A good starting point is to send an email or submit your online request form, so we get a good idea of what you are looking for. After that we can discuss the details over a phone- or video call. We get to know each other, share ideas and discuss the various options, putting human interaction back in the world.
All our contact details can be found here.