Europe private tour (COT005) Grand Croatia In-Depth Tour (8 Days 7 Nights)

Our Grand Croatia tour begins in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. See You Again Co., Ltd. welcomes you at Zagreb Airport before taking you to explore Zagreb and its surrounding areas. With a diverse cultural heritage dating back to prehistoric times, it is considered one of the most important cultural destinations in Europe.

Visit the fortified district of Kaptol on the upper hill, home to the bishop's seat, and continue to the lively Tradesmen's Gradec area. Stroll through the heart of Zagreb and enjoy your first evening relaxing in its charming cafes and restaurants.

Afterward, travel to Rijeka for an overnight stay.

In the morning, visit the beautiful coastal city of Rijeka, a prominent Croatian port and gateway to the islands of Croatia. The main Korzo promenade is lined with Habsburg-era buildings, and features the Ivan Zajc Croatian National Theatre with ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt, as well as the hilltop Trsat Castle with its historic religious shrine offering expansive views of Kvarner Bay.

Next, depart for Opatija, a Croatian seaside town on the Adriatic Sea filled with fashionable 19th-century resorts. Its highlights include Habsburg-era villas along the Lungomare coastal promenade, where you can enjoy views of the town and neighboring islands. Visit Villa Angiolina, a lovely villa dating back to the 1800s, and the 16th-century Church of St. Jacob, followed by free time to stroll around town at your leisure.

Then travel to the fishing port town of Rovinj, where the old town sits on a peninsula jutting into the sea, featuring densely packed seaside houses, cobblestone streets, and the hilltop Church of St. Euphemia whose steeple towers over the skyline. South of the old town lies Lone Bay, a pebble beach framed by coastal rocky shores.

Travel to stay overnight in Pula.

In the morning, visit Pula, a seaside city at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula known for its protected harbor, beaches, and Roman ruins. Settled since prehistoric times with significant strategic importance, Pula has been occupied, destroyed, and rebuilt many times. Its most famous Roman monument is the 1st-century amphitheater, the sixth largest in the Roman world, known as the Arena. It is remarkably well preserved and still used today for summer film festivals. We also stroll through the Old Town's narrow streets lined with medieval and Renaissance buildings.

Afterward, travel to hike in Plitvice Lakes National Park, world-famous for its 16 cascading lakes linked over a stretch of more than 5,000 meters in a lush forest of extraordinary natural beauty. The pristine lakes, wildlife, mountains, crisp air, and contrasting colors of autumn or spring along wooden boardwalks make this UNESCO World Heritage Site truly breathtaking.

According to legend, Plitvice Lakes was formed after a prolonged drought when people, animals, and nature prayed for rain. A mysterious Black Queen appeared in the valley with her retinue, and through her grace, fierce winds and thunderstorms swept over the land, bringing heavy rains that filled the valleys and formed the 16 breathtaking lakes.

We will visit Croatia's most stunning national park, Plitvice Lakes. Once called the "Devil's Garden," it is now an oasis blending shades of blue and green, where magnificent waterfalls meet untouched nature. You will be immersed in its stunning beauty—a true highlight of this trip.

Spend about 4-6 hours hiking, then stay overnight near the park.

In the morning, our Europe private tour takes you to Zadar, a city on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast famous for its Roman and Venetian ruins, with several Venetian gates set into the city walls. Surrounding the Roman Forum is the 11th-century St. Mary's Convent, featuring religious art dating back to the 8th century. Other highlights include the grand 12th-century St. Anastasia Cathedral and the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus. It is a wonderful town for an easy, pleasant stroll.

Next, travel to Sibenik, known as the gateway to Croatia's beautiful Kornati Islands. The city is home to a 15th-century stone cathedral adorned with 71 sculpted heads, as well as the Sibenik City Museum housed in the Prince's Palace, featuring exhibits from prehistoric times to the modern day. The white-stone St. Michael's Fortress features an open-air theater offering sweeping views of Sibenik Bay and the surrounding islands.

If time permits, you can stop to visit Trogir. The town is surrounded by historic walls, towers, and many other beautiful buildings. Its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque palaces make this UNESCO World Heritage Site remarkably well preserved and an important historic town in Central Europe. As an Adriatic port town, it has enjoyed 2,300 years of continuous cultural heritage under Greek, Roman, and Venetian influences.

In the heart of town, do not miss its 10 churches and numerous 13th-century buildings. The city gates and walls are a source of pride for the locals, and it is also one of the finest places to catch a gorgeous sunset.

When ready, continue to Split, Croatia for an overnight stay.

In the morning, take a ferry across to Hvar Island, a Croatian island well known as a summer resort destination. Highlights of the port town of Hvar include 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress, and the main town square anchored by the Renaissance Hvar Cathedral. The island also features beaches such as Dubovica and lavender fields. If desired, you can take a boat excursion to the nearby Pakleni Islands, known for their tranquil beaches and secluded bays.

In the evening, return to explore Split, Croatia, an essential travel destination in Croatia. Split is recognized as one of the "most beautiful cities in the world." Visit Diocletian's Palace in the heart of Split, a residential imperial palace from 1,700 years ago and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Split serves as the main city of the Dalmatia region and the second-largest city in Croatia. Split is also home to one of the three largest ports on the Mediterranean Sea. At the center of town stands Diocletian's Palace, constructed in the 4th century. This magnificent ancient palace is among the oldest and best preserved in the world.

Enjoy the city center of Split, set right along the seafront. Here you will experience an intimate, warm, and vibrant atmosphere. Stay overnight in Split.

hotel Overnight Split, Croatia (second night) or choose to stay overnight on Hvar Island

Today, take a boat to Brac Island, Croatia. The most iconic sight in Croatian tourism is found here: the white-sand beach of Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), a famous windsurfing destination. Explore Bol and Supetar, major towns on the island surrounded by lovely beaches, with the island also well known for its historic stone quarries.

Afterward, continue on to Dubrovnik and stay overnight in Dubrovnik. En route, cross the border via Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traveling south toward the Peljesac Peninsula. Stop by the charming coastal town of Ston, world-renowned for some of the best oysters anywhere, and visit a famous local winery on the Peljesac Peninsula.

hotel Overnight Dubrovnik

Today, spend a full day exploring Dubrovnik and stay overnight in Dubrovnik. Located in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik is the country's premier travel destination and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

In the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik was an independent maritime republic and a prominent rival to Venice, Italy. The old town is framed by magnificent defensive city walls constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries.

After breakfast, set out to explore Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic. Walk along the ancient city walls, take in the splendid palaces, aristocratic mansions, and charming residential stone homes. Enjoy breathtaking vistas from the towers, St. John Fortress, the historic city gates, and the Church of St. Blaise. This city offers endless charms, blessed with 250 sunny days a year and stunning beaches surrounding the area.

hotel Overnight Dubrovnik (second night)

Today's Dubrovnik tour takes you from Dubrovnik to Cavtat and the Konavle Valley, historic coastal settlements with rich heritage. Enjoy the final day of this journey, concluding an unforgettable 8-day trip filled with beauty and lasting memories. See You Again will transfer you to Dubrovnik Airport on schedule.