10 Nights / 11 Days
Do Spain and Croatia have anything in common? Why not find out for yourself? Discover two different yet equally captivating sides of the Mediterranean as you see this pair of European gems bond over their rich history, wondrous cities, and passionate love of wine. Feel like a monarch in the royal heart of Madrid. Peel back layers of history in Zagreb. And soak up some Adriatic splendor in Zadar. All on a trip that’s bound together by the sheer, undeniable magnetism of its destinations!
- 4 Nights in Madrid
- 3 Nights in Zagreb
- 3 Nights in Zadar
Day 1 — Arrival
Start off by gravitating toward the vibrant nature of Spain in none other than its regal capital of Madrid. Upon arrival, take a moment to settle in before stepping out into a city where grand boulevards meet lively plazas, and centuries of history mingle effortlessly with the rhythm of modern life. Don’t be shy. Wander through its welcoming neighborhoods. Grab a bite of its iconic tapas. And above all, savor the distinct flavor of a city whose own contrasts are as varied as those of the trip to come.
Day 2 — Royal Splendor & Fiery Rhythm
Behold the crown as you explore Madrid with a guided tour through its charming Old Town and elegant Salamanca District. Step inside the Royal Palace (Western Europe’s largest) and picture yourself ruling a nation from the grandeur of the Throne Room; hosting banquets at the Gala Dining Room; and making history in the Hall of Columns. Come evening, surrender to the passion of flamenco at Corral de la Morería, one of the world’s most renowned venues. Watch award-winning dancers and musicians set the stage ablaze. Delight your palate with a Michelin-starred dinner. And let the day conclude with the perfect pairing of royal elegance and fiery artistry.
Day 3 — Imperial Grandeur & Rustic Charm
Thread even more cultural variety into your trip with a visit to Toledo, the storied “City of Three Cultures,” where Gothic, Arabic, and Renaissance architecture stand side by side. Marvel at the Cathedral of Toledo, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic design, before venturing beyond the city walls for a 4WD adventure across a 12,000-acre royal estate. Discover native flora and fauna, breathe in the scent of the countryside, before sending your senses into overdrive with a lunch of Iberian ham paired with fine wine and a setting that feels just right.
Day 4 — A Vintage Journey Through Ribera del Duero
If anything can bring two cultures together, it’s wine. With that, commence your exploration of Mediterranean varieties in the heart of the legendary Ribera del Duero, where rolling vineyards and centuries-old cellars tell the story of Spain’s winemaking mastery. In La Aguilera, taste bold vintages straight from the barrel, their flavors as rich as the surrounding countryside views. Step into a 16th-century underground cellar in Alvides, meeting the family of winemakers whose craft runs across generations. Then, over a leisurely lunch paired with regional wines, let the day’s flavors linger in a perfect harmony of tradition, terroir, and timeless hospitality.
Day 5 — Crossing Borders, Blending Worlds
It’s time to answer the magnetic pull of Croatia. Bid a royal farewell to Madrid as you board a flight eastward towards Zagreb, where the charms of Central Europe await with leafy boulevards, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and a pace of life both graceful and unhurried. Feel the warm embrace of traditional Slavic hospitality upon settling in what locals call “a big town disguised as a small city”. Then spend the rest of the day watching this sentiment come to life as you stroll through lively squares, sip wine at a café terrace, or simply rest in anticipation of all its treasures.
Day 6 — Secrets of Zagreb Unveiled
If Madrid wowed you with its grandeur, Zagreb will charm you with its details. Lift the veil on its timeless intrigue as you wander its twin historic hills, Gradec and Kaptol. Marvel at the spires of the Cathedral, admire St. Mark’s iconic roof tiles, and climb Lotrščak Tower for sweeping city views. Take to the Strossmayer Promenade, browse the vibrant Dolac Market like a local, and pause in lively Ban Jelačić Square. End the day with a guided tasting of wines from the Zagreb Hills, which, while miles away from their Spanish counterparts, still speak the same language of passion, taste, and exclusivity.
Day 7 — Baroque Elegance & Medieval Legends
Go medieval on your journey by storming the stunning Trakošćan Castle, a 13th-century fortress turned museum, where towers, tapestries, and lake views capture the romance of Croatia’s storied past. With your knighthood intact, continue to Varaždin, a city famed for its Baroque and Rococo architecture, elegant palaces, and ornate churches whose bell towers still define its skyline. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town before strolling through the city’s cemetery, often hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful. Between castle legends and Baroque splendor, today is a fairytale in the making.
Day 8 – Nature’s Masterpiece on the Road to Zadar
Croatia draws you in with many forces, and today it shall be one of nature. On your way to trade the golden heart of Zagreb for the glittering coast of Zadar, make a stop at one of the country’s most dazzling wonders: the Plitvice Lakes. A patchwork of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, this natural park feels like a wondrous piece of a painter’s imagination. Step into nature’s gallery as you stroll wooden paths that wind above shimmering waters, or admire its watercolors with a boat ride amid its karst-carved beauty. Inspired, continue on to Zadar, where Adriatic breezes paint a masterpiece of coastal bliss.
Day 9 — A Taste of Dalmatia, Made by You
Can you taste the difference yet? You’re about to. Find yourself in Zadar’s lively People’s Square, where locals trade stories along with fresh fish and sun-ripened produce. Follow your guide through the bustling market, handpicking ingredients that will soon transform into your personal Dalmatian feast. With basket in hand, head to the kitchen, where an expert chef shall reveal the secrets behind time-honored recipes. Stir, season, and savor as your bounty transforms into coastal delicacies, each dish carrying the flavors of the Adriatic. Today isn’t just about tasting Croatia; it’s about getting to know it, one delicious bite at a time.
Day 10 – Adriatic Dreams Afloat
Answer the siren call of the sea as you set sail from Zadar to discover the dazzling waters of Kornati National Park. Glide past a maze of 89 islands, where secret coves spark fantasies and uninhabited shores await the flag of a curious explorer. Pause on Mana Island, bask on the white sands of Levrnaka’s Lojena Bay, and wander the wild beauty of Telašćica Nature Park, home to dramatic cliffs and playful dolphins. Whether diving beneath turquoise waves, gazing from the deck, or reflecting on the Spanish and Croatian wonders of your journey, today is pure Mediterranean poetry written across the horizon.
Day 11 — Departure
They may have their differences, but you can’t deny that together, they shine even brighter than apart. Now that you’ve witnessed their combined attraction of Spain and Croatia, you will be heading home with a new idea of the Mediterranean, one shaped by their shared passion, charm, and magnetism. For this journey proves that some opposites don’t just attract, they belong together.
