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Croatia off Season
TRAVEL TO CROATIA WITHOUT CROWDS
Out of the main tourist season, Croatia’s top destinations shed their thick summer skin, leaving the
visitor to relish in their beauty unveiled: without rubbing too many shoulders, without sweating in the heat, and powered by the Earth’s rotation that adds color even to the coastal palette of evergreens.
In this 10-day luxury travel itinerary in Croatia, you will marvel at diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of the north to vine-laden peninsulas and the craggy shores of the Adriatic coast, from the capital of Zagreb to the Istrian peninsula down the coast to Dubrovnik. This itinerary is available year-round, but timing your visit to Croatia in the fall or spring will add a unique local feel, the kind that will give second-time visitors a new perspective, and the first-time travelers a genuine first impression.
PROGRAM IN BRIEF
Highlights
Stories of Zagreb
Castles of Zagorje and Varaždin
Pula and Rovinj discovery
Truffle hunting in Istria
Admire Plitvice Lakes
The charming Split and Šibenik
Cooking class in Trogir
The majestic Dubrovnik
Exploring Dubrovnik countryside
Included Basics
Private transfers throughout
Entrance tickets to all attractions
Tastings and meals per itinerary
English-speaking guides
English-speaking chauffeurs
24/7 phone support
Budget
The suggested itinerary starts at 3.000 Euro per person.
The final price of this custom tour depends on the group size, travel dates, final route and preferred level of comfort.
Contact us for custom itineraries or fill out our Trip request form.
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
Explore all of Croatia, traveling at an unrushed pace during the unrushed time of year. From the hotspots like Dubrovnik to well-kept secrets like Šibenik: going off-season means having more of Croatia to yourself!
Zagreb Walking Tour
Castles of Zagorje Tour
Travel To Istria
Istrian Truffles & Olive Oils
Plitvice National Park Hike
Šibenik Old Town
Diocletian's Palace in Split
Dubrovnik Old Town
A selection of Croatia’s prime establishments, each with a unique story, distinguished style, and fantastic views will put you within arm’s reach of all the main sights.
Hotel Esplanade 5*, Zagreb
Housed in an elegant and distinguished building, built originally in 1925 and designed to accommodate passengers from the Orient Express, the Hotel Esplanade is known for its impeccable service, high-quality restaurant offer, and luxurious accommodation. Esplanade is one of the finest hotels in the region and has received numerous awards for consistent quality.
Hotel Monte Mulini 5*, Rovinj
High-end accommodation, excellent service supported by experience, expertise and best amenities create a perfect blend with the surroundings making this hotel and resort an ideal choice for an active holiday, a wellness & spa retreat, weekend getaway or a business trip. All rooms and suites have balconies with panoramic views of the picturesque cove and protected Zlatni rt park forest.
Hotel Bastion 4*, Zadar
Built on the remains of the 13th-century medieval fortress “Kaštela”, this unique boutique hotel sits in Zadar’s historical core, minutes away from the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Comprising luxuriously equipped rooms, an assortment of gastronomic delicacies, a wellness center and a videoconference room, Bastion charms with a world-class feel of an intimate atmosphere.
Hotel Judita Palace 4*, Split
Judita Palace Hotel is a place for lovers of culture: the facades of this extensive four-story building display the fundamental historical and cultural periods of medieval and modern Split. But Judita is not only a building, it is a boutique hotel of the finest service and most welcoming staff. Its unbeatable central location on Split’s main square makes it ideal for exploring Split’s historical quarters!
Hotel Villa Dubrovnik 5*, Dubrovnik
Hotel Villa Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most exclusive and most awarded boutique hotels. Prominently positioned on the cliffs by Dubrovnik’s favorite St. Jacob’s beach, Villa Dubrovnik is minutes away from the beauty of the Old Town and a few steps from everything that Dubrovnik offers to its guests. Villa Dubrovnik provides exceptional service as it embodies contemporary luxury and refined elegance.
Get the most out of each day with custom-tailored private tours that showcase unique local experiences and people. Even the transfers between destinations are a chance to visit Croatia’s national parks or marvel at UNESCO heritage.
Day 1
Discover Zagreb
Welcome to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia! Your private chauffeur will welcome you at the airport and take you to the iconic Hotel Esplanade. In the afternoon, join your private guide and discover the charms of Zagreb: the historic Upper Town with narrow alleyways leading to the Gothic Cathedral and St. Mark’s church with a colorful roof, and the Lower Town, brimming with life, history and charming parks.
Day 2
Castles of Zagorje and Varaždin
Set out to the bucolic region of Zagorje, dotted with Medieval and Renaissance fortresses, castles and family-run farms. Discover the remarkable Trakošćan Castle, perched on a cloud-high hilltop overlooking a lake. Then continue to Croatia’s former capital, the town of Varaždin and enjoy the full splendor of Baroque and Rococo as you contrast its nobleman’s palaces to austere feudal forts. Savor a hearty traditional lunch before heading back to Zagreb.
Day 3
Discover Pula and Rovinj
Head down to the Istria peninsula. First, explore Pula, its largest town with a history of 3.000 years and many Roman stunners: the wonderfully preserve Arena amphitheater, the Triumphal Arch of the Sergii and others. Continue to Rovinj, and roam its old town, a romantic masterpiece of art and architecture, clustered on a small islet. After the tour, check in to the beautiful Hotel Monte Mulini 5*, then enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 4
Truffle hunting in Istria
Venture with your guide and chauffeur to discover the tiny hilltop towns that dot Istria’s bucolic landscape: the artsy Grožnjan, boasting stunning views of Mirna River valley; then Motovun, a fortified medieval gem. Finally, head into the dense Motovun Forest for a unique adventure: truffle hunt with local truffle hunters. Round off the day with a feast of truffle specialties.
Day 5
Admire Plitvice Lakes
Head to Zadar. Along the way, visit Plitvice Lakes, UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and
Croatian National Park. Accompanied by an expert guide, explore its 16 cascading lakes and the mighty waterfalls. In Zadar, check into the historic hotel Bastion 4*. Relax on your own, perhaps admiring the sunset from Zadar’s fascinating contemporary installation Sea Organ, where the waves create music!
Day 6
Travel to Split and admire Šibenik
Relax in the morning, then meet your private chauffer to travel to Split. Take a break to admire Šibenik in a private walking tour, marveling at its UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James and the medieval gardens in the monastery of St. Lawrence. After arriving to Split, get settled in the heritage hotel Judita Palace 4*, known for its unique architectural details, a vibrant history and superb service.
Day 7
Cook in Trogir and explore Split
Embark on an exclusive Secret Dalmatia experience: a cooking class in Trogir! With Tatjana, a charismatic home chef, roam Trogir’s markets, then head to her 13th-century palace-home to master preparing and savoring local specialties. Return to Split and join a local guide for a stroll around the Diocletian’s Palace. Once built as the retirement palace for a Roman emperor, this unique complex of Roman, Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance heritage, today houses some 3.000 people!
Day 8
Visit Dubrovnik
Travel from Split to Dubrovnik, admiring constellations of islands whizz by as you ride along the Adriatic coast. Get settled in the lavish boutique hotel Villa Dubrovnik 5*. In the afternoon, venture inside Dubrovnik’s mighty stone walls and explore the UNESCO-listed old town with a local guide. Roam its medieval grid and let Baroque palaces, Renaissance churches, and fountains bedazzle you at every corner. Enjoy an evening on own.
Day 9
Take in the Dubrovnik countryside
Immerse in nature, arts and traditions of the Konavle region, a fertile valley some 30-minute-drive from Dubrovnik. Stroll the seafront and the bougainvillea-splashed alleys of the quaint town of Cavtat, then venture out further to a local home in Gruda village to learn about the centuries-long tradition of silk-making. Round off the day with a traditional lunch made of homegrown ingredients at a family estate deep in the countryside.
Day 10
Departure day
Wave the Dubrovnik Old Town goodbye from the breakfast terrace of Villa Dubrovnik. Then
meet your private chauffeur and enjoy the last glances at the Adriatic coast as you travel to the
Dubrovnik International Airport for your outbound flight. Doviđenja, until we meet again!
SOUNDS INTERESTING?
Diversity of Croatia is perfect to explore outside the hot summer months. From fantastic hikes in Dinaric Alps to exploring archaeological heritage, Croatia is fantastic out of season!
BEFORE YOU GO
Itinerary Creation
Take this opportunity to discover Croatia away from the crowds. Croatia is as exciting off season as it is during summer. In fact, this is the perfect time to visit the cultural sites, do a genealogy research or join an archaeology dig, or even charter a yacht to enjoy the peaceful bliss of the Adriatic. Feel free to contact us and together we will come up with a memorable off-season trip including all the highlights and experiences that match your own needs and preferences.
When to Travel
The ideal period for this itinerary is from November through April, although this may be further modified and arranged for any period that suits you. While Zagreb is lively year-round, coastal cities are fairly quiet out of main traveling season but still offer fantastic cultural experiences. This is not the time to visit the islands as most of the hotels and restaurants are closed for the winter, but if you enjoy that specific Mediterranean melancholy and silence, they make for a perfect getaway!
Payments
50% deposit payment is due upon booking of this program. After we have received the payment, you will be sent an official confirmation to your mail. Balance payment is due one month prior to arrival. We accept wire transfer and major credit cards through our secure payment gateway (Visa, Amex, Mastercard). In case of significant changes after finalizing the trip, there will be a 250€ surcharge. For more information on Payments, visit our Terms and Conditions page.
Travel Agents
Secret Dalmatia’s team of travel designers is dedicated to creating custom-made itineraries that perfectly suit your clients’ interests. Providing exclusive experiences with our close-knit network of fascinating locals, experienced chauffeurs, and skippers, we aspire to provide unforgettable journeys in Croatia, and beyond. We remain at your clients’ disposal 24/7 over phone as your company representative, securing your relationship with your clients and making sure they are taken care of at all times.