Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

From Dalmatia to Istria
the Croatian Coast from South to North

Croatia - Dalmatia - Istria

Adriatic trip

Starting from between £2,570 to £3,395 per person for 15 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Work your way up the Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik to the Istrian peninsula

  • Combine historic cities with island getaways

  • Private hiking in Brac and kayaking in Istria are in the itinerary

  • You'll have access to our additional services, including our local Concierge
The western coast of Croatia, bordered by the Adriatic Sea, has a variety of landscapes and artistic heritage. This journey where you'll never venture far from the blue sea, will introduce you to it all. It begins in Dubrovnik, a UNESCO-listed site that it's easy to fall in love with. Your next stop is Bol, on the island of Brac . You can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and incredible architecture. Here, your hiking boots are your best friends. Next is the historic city of Split where you'll see numerous influences, from the Roman Diocletian Palace to the Austro-Hungarian administrative buildings. For those who have enjoyed the sun and the sea for several days, the freshwater waterfalls and woods of the Plitvice lakes provide a fresh contrast. The island of Krk can pass as the gateway to the Croatian north. You'll notice a change of scenery as the Mediterranean coastal feel gives way to mountains as you arrive in Istria, a splendid natural region and the cultural melting pot that is often overlooked in favour of the better-known Dalmatian coast. And yet... Located in Bale, between Rovinj and Pula, you will soon fall for its charms.

Your journey

We have organised transfers by car and hydrofoil ahead of time. Once here, you can get around easily by bicycle or using public transport. Pick up a hire car from Split for the second week and head to the island of Krk, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Car is the easiest way to travel the country, and the roads are excellent, and provide incredible views along the way. You hotel on Krk has an excellent location close to the sea, and historic areas, and is equipped with a swimming pool, sauna, and spa. You'll have plenty of opportunity to help you relax, rest and recharge your batteries. The itinerary includes a hike to the highest peak of the Adriatic - Vidova Gora - on the island of Brac, plus a kayak trip to the very tip of Istria. If you wish, we can also organise a tour of the ancient districts of Split, the island of Cres or the most beautiful agricultural estates of Istria with local private guides. If, along the way, you have a last-minute desire or a slight setback, you'll have access to our contact our local Concierge for support and advice.
Split - Croatia © rob_st/Fotolia
Split - Croatia © rob_st/Fotolia
Boats - Korcula - Croatia © Getty Images/iStockphoto
Boats - Korcula - Croatia © Getty Images/iStockphoto
Monastery Blaca - Brac - Croatia © Pavliha/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Monastery Blaca - Brac - Croatia © Pavliha/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Krk - Croatia © Hanson Quan/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Krk - Croatia © Hanson Quan/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Monastery Blaca - Brac - Croatia © JiriSebesta/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Monastery Blaca - Brac - Croatia © JiriSebesta/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Saint Mark's church - Zagreb - Croatia © laufer/stock.adobe.com
Saint Mark's church - Zagreb - Croatia © laufer/stock.adobe.com
Dubrovnik - Croatia © Nadtochiy/stock.adobe.com
Dubrovnik - Croatia © Nadtochiy/stock.adobe.com
Dubrovnik - Croatia © Nadtochiy/stock.adobe.com
Dubrovnik - Croatia © Nadtochiy/stock.adobe.com
Dubrovnik - Croatia © Nadtochiy/stock.adobe.com
Dubrovnik - Croatia © Nadtochiy/stock.adobe.com
Cres - Croatia © waldorf27/stock.adobe.com
Cres - Croatia © waldorf27/stock.adobe.com
Zagreb - Croatia © Lerner Vadim/stock.adobe.com
Zagreb - Croatia © Lerner Vadim/stock.adobe.com
Plitvice National Park - Plitvice - Croatia © Dario Bajurin/stock.adobe.com
Plitvice National Park - Plitvice - Croatia © Dario Bajurin/stock.adobe.com
Old street - Croatia © Halina Jasinska/stock.adobe.com
Old street - Croatia © Halina Jasinska/stock.adobe.com
Dubrovnik - Croatia © Viktor Pravdica/stock.adobe.com
Dubrovnik - Croatia © Viktor Pravdica/stock.adobe.com
Plitvice Lakes Nationa Park - Croatia © micheyk/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Plitvice Lakes Nationa Park - Croatia © micheyk/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Transfer. Two-night stay in a modern hotel. Your light and airy room is the perfect place to relax after a day's exploring, especially on the private balcony overlooking the sea. You'll also have access to the lovely common areas and facilities, with an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium and spa, indoor pool, sauna and three treatment rooms. When the sun is shining, eating on the terrace is a must, as you sample the chefs Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine. The beach is just a two-minute walk away, and a little further south, the trails of Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park are perfect for quiet, shady walks.

Transfer. Two-night stay in a modern hotel. Your light and airy room is the perfect place to relax after a day's exploring, especially on the private balcony overlooking the sea. You'll also have access to the lovely common areas and facilities, with an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium and spa, indoor pool, sauna and three treatment rooms. When the sun is shining, eating on the terrace is a must, as you sample the chefs Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine. The beach is just a two-minute walk away, and a little further south, the trails of Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park are perfect for quiet, shady walks.

Transfer to the port and take a sea crossing to Bol by hydrofoil. Transfer. Enjoy a three-night stay just minutes from the beach. The hotel is comfortable, with all of the modern facilities you need. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel looking out over the small garden with its swimming pool. Alternatively, you might want to enjoy a relaxing sauna after a day's bike ride on the hotel's bicycles.

It's hard to resist a lazy stroll by the sea, with a lunch of fresh, grilled fish after some exciting water sports. However, you can also explore Brac, its fragrant vegetation and white-stone villages. Beginning with Bol: the church of the Dominicans has a beautiful Apotheosis of St Dominica by Croatian painter Tripo Kokolja, 1713. The former Blaca Hermitage is an exceptional site; founded by Franciscan hermits in the 16th century, it was an important centre of Glagolitic culture (the Glagolitic alphabet was developed by Saints Cyril and Methodius for writing Old Slavic in the ninth century); the buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries; The village of Milna has a pretty little harbour.

Included in the itinerary - Hiking in Vidova Gora. At over 2,550ft, Vidova Gora is the highest peak in the Adriatic. From Bol, the elevation difference is just over 2,300ft. Although no trouble for experienced hikers, novices might find it a difficult trek, although the summit is worth it. When you get to the karst ridge with your private guide, you have a splendid view of the sea, Bol and its surroundings, including the peak of Zlatni Rat (which will be great to visit on the way back). While you're there, reward yourself with a feast at your table in the peak's restaurant.

Transfer to the port and cross over to Split by hydrofoil. Transfer. Enjoy a two-night stay in the central district, as well as in the countryside. Which means you are close to the old town, and the beach as well. Your lovely hotel will create a comfortable home-from-home, with friendly staff and excellent facilities.

Old Split was born from a single monumental ensemble: the palace that Roman Emperor Diocletian had built at the end of the third century to spend his retirement in the country. In the confines of the UNESCO-listed Dioklecijanova Palaca - or Diocletian's Palace - were residential buildings, a temple to Jupiter, baths and barracks, which are all interesting to visit still today. In the Middle Ages, with houses built inside and out, the palace was bursting at the seams and was transformed into a city. The Emperor's mausoleum was transformed into a Christian church with a 12th-century bell tower and a 17th-century choir, and it is now St Domnius Cathedral. Venetian architects also came here to practice their craft. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, plus hidden little spots to enjoy a maraschino and pancakes. Optional - Tour of the old town of Split with a private expert guide.

PIck up the hire car and drive to the Plitvice lakes. Enjoy an overnight stay on the edge of the park, in a cosy and traditional residence. Dig in to an organic breakfast in the dining room, or on the terrace, weather permitting. In the evening, you can have a nice glass of Croatian wine in the garden. The chain of lakes and waterfalls in the area are what makes this destination so popular, and you'll find out for yourself why on a trip out. Dense beech and fir forests are reflected in the turquoise waters,

Drive to the island of Krk via a spectacular arched bridge, built in the late 1970s by the Mostogradnja Belgrade company. Enjoy a three night stay in Baska to the south. The hotel is a short walk from the seaside promenade, and the beach is close by. This 19th century family home has experienced a serious makeover, so combines traditional with modern. The restaurant serves unpretentious Mediterranean cuisine that's best enjoyed under the pine trees of the sea view terrace. Numerous activities are available from the hotel, too, including snorkelling, diving, canoeing, hiking, and cycling.

In 1851, in the Church of St Lucia in Jurandvor near Baska, an important discovery for Croats took place: a tablet inscribed in Glagolitic, dated from about 1100, and bearing the oldest known mention of the word 'Croatia'. The original is now held in Zagreb, but the church keeps a copy. The village of Baska itself oozes charm and has several pebble beaches where you can enjoy the clear blue sea. The hinterland is a great destination for hikers. Driving to the village of Krk, you can admire the Frankopan Castle, erected in the 12th century, or the Saint-Donat church, which looks like a stone igloo, of the same period. There is no shortage of medieval ruins here in one of the oldest cities in the Adriatic. For a break from the delightful Mediterranean sun, visit the Biserujka Karst Cave. And then you have to taste the speciality, Krk's famous pasta. Optional - Tour of the island of Cres.

Drive to Bale. Enjoy a three-night stay in the town centre. Contemporary restoration of old buildings is now very fashionable and the contrast between rustic and modern design is refreshing. Your hotel is no exception, and the result is remarkable. You can enjoy the chic yet rustic feel while enjoying relaxation time in the modern spa pool, steam room and sauna. The cuisine is modern with traditional produce alongside contemporary flourishes.

Your Istria hotel is just four miles from the sea, so you have plenty water activities available, including snorkelling, diving, canoeing, plus the beach all within easy reach. Alternatively, explore the inland by car, bicycle or horse. You'll be able to see the footprint of Histriasaurus, a huge plant-crushing dinosaur from the Cretaceous period. With its circular walls around the parish church, Bale gives a true picture of how regional settlements used to be. The small church of the Holy Spirit from the 15th century has preserved beautiful Gothic frescoes. A little further away, you can discover many more things, such as the Pula amphitheatre from the 1st century, where many shows are put on in summer, or the pretty city of Rovinj which looks out from a height over the water. Optional - Gourmet Istria.

Included in the itinerary - Kayaking at Cape Kamenjak. Not far from Pula, Cape Kamenjak Landscape Park protects the southern tip of the peninsula. Green oaks, Aleppo pines, juniper trees and orchids are abundant in the area, and in the water, Posidonia marine grasslands are home to a diverse fauna. In summer, monk seals make their way to certain beaches. With a private instructor and guide, you'll embark on a five-hour kayak tour along cliffs, coves, and caves. You don't spend all this time paddling, of course, there are stops for snorkelling and swimming.

Return the car to Pula airport and catch return flight.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

Visit the Old Town of Split

accompanied by an expert guide, and enter a maze of small streets with flowery facades, squares, surprising Roman arches, shady cafes, churches, ramparts, and towers. As you explore the winding streets, learn about the history of the numerous cultures that have moved through the region.
Optional - two hours

Visit to Cres Island

West of Krk in Kvarner Bay, in Cres the traditional way of life seems to have remained unaltered by time. The untouched nature is everywhere, with forests and shrubs scenting the air with resin, myrtle, lavender and rosemary, turning every so often into fishing and farming villages. Bees buzz around enjoying the unspoiled nature, creating delicious local honey. With a private guide, you visit the medieval reliefs of Cres City and Beli, a weaver's workshop and an eco-centre dedicated to the preservation of the Tan Vulture, and you walk for an hour or two on the narrow paths of the heights, with amazing Mediterranean views to enjoy.
Optional - Day trip

Gourmet Istria

The inhabitants of Istria are quite rightly proud of their local produce and their culinary know-how. Spend the day with an expert guide to discover three basic components of local cuisine: vines, white truffles and olive trees. We begin with a winemaker's cellar, where you are briefed on the different white grape varieties - Malvoisie, Chardonnay, Pinot - and red - Teran, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. Then you can have a taste, before taking a walk in the forest following a truffle dog and its owner. Whether the quest is a success or not, it is followed by a truffle tasting. Finally, an olive oil producer will show you the subtle art of olive oil making. After that, you can tackle the restaurant menu like a connoisseur.
Optional

Why visit Croatia with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Croatia

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The estimated cost for this trip starts from £2,570 to £3,395 per person. and the final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost will vary according to several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £3,035 per person.
Included in this suggestion

  • Flight to Dubrovnik and return from Pula

  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge

  • Private transfers

  • The Dubrovnik/Bol hydrofoil crossing

  • The Bol/Split crossing by hydrofoil

  • In Split, seven-day car hire

  • Two-night stay in Dubrovnik in a double room with sea view and breakfast

  • Three-night stay in Bowl in a double room with breakfast

  • Two-night stay in Split in a double room with breakfast

  • Overnight stay among the Plitvicka lakes in a double room with breakfast

  • Three-night stay in Baska in a double room with breakfast

  • Three-night stay in Bale in a double room with breakfast

  • Bol: hiking in Vidova Gora, with a private guide

  • Bale: visit Cape Kamenjak by kayak, with a private guide

  • Our on-site Concierge service

  • A GPS navigation service accessible from our app, loaded with your itinerary, hotel details and places to visit

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