Croatia — By Land, By Sea, By Travelive

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11 Nights / 12 Days

Picture this. You’ve set out to conquer Croatia. One of the most captivating destinations in Europe; maybe even the world. How would you do it?

Would you head through the lush, forested trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park on your way to scaling Dubrovnik’s legendary walls?

Would you set off across the Adriatic and plant your flag in islands like Brač, squeezing in a swim on the famous Zlatni Rat beach while you’re at it?

Or would you simply set up shop in a traditional konoba somewhere in Lastovo and eat fresh seafood until it’s time to go home?

Say, why not simply try all of the above? Which you can do with this brand-new journey from Croatia+ by Travelive!

  • 1 Night in Zagreb
  • 1 Night in Split
  • 7 Nights on Board a Luxury Boat
  • 2 Nights in Dubrovnik

Day 1 | Welcome to the Capital

Start by planting your feet on the ground in Zagreb, Croatia’s illustrious capital. Upon arrival, settle in and into its distinctive blend of elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture, historic streets, and lively café culture. Spend the rest of your first day exploring at your own pace, whether that means an obligatory stroll across Ban Jelačić Square or the equally quintessential first taste of Štrukli. Whichever it may be, there really is no wrong way to go about it. Although the Štrukli may be a slightly tastier one.

Day 2 | A Little Green

Before you set out to discover why Croatia is as beautiful as they say, spend your morning in Zagreb with a private guided sightseeing tour through its historic heart. Explore St. Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, and Ban Jelačić Square before bidding farewell to the capital and heading toward one of Croatia’s most breathtaking national parks.

Upon arrival at Plitvice Lakes National Park, wander its wooden pathways among serene turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and all the emerald shades of its lush, seemingly endless forest. Then, continue onward to Split, where the Adriatic shall be waiting to take you further.

Day 3 | Split Old Town & Setting Sail

It’s time to try another approach to discovering Croatia.

Head to Split, a city that blends coastal charm with Roman history in such a vivid way, it’ll make you feel like a legionnaire on leave. With your private guide, explore the extraordinary Diocletian’s Palace, wander through the Peristyle, admire the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and follow the atmospheric streets filled with echoes of the past.

Then, enjoy some free time for lunch and one final stroll through Split before heading to the marina, where you will spend a night aboard your luxury boat in anticipation of discovering Croatia by way of the Adriatic.

Day 4 | Trogir & Brač — Into the Adriatic

With anchor raised, the moment had come to set off on your seamless journey across the Adriatic.

Set sail toward Trogir, a beautifully preserved historic town where medieval walls, narrow stone streets, and centuries of history create an immersive first stop at sea. Wander through its historic center before continuing toward Brač, one of Croatia’s most celebrated islands, known for its dramatic coastline, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back Mediterranean character.

Arrive in Milna or Bobovišća, picturesque bays on the island’s western side, where you can take your first refreshing swim, relax on board, and let the Adriatic officially set the pace.

Wondering which Croatian island to include in your next voyage? Click to find the perfect Adriatic match!

Day 5 | Brač at Its Finest

Today, Brač solidifies its reputation as one of Croatia’s most popular islands with one of its most iconic experiences.

Head ashore in Bol, where the island’s beautiful waterfront leads you toward Zlatni Rat, the famous golden beach that juts dramatically into the Adriatic. Enjoy time to swim, stroll, or simply savor life on the shores of Brač before heading to Vidova Gora, the highest peak among the Adriatic islands. From the summit, take in sweeping views across Brač, the surrounding islands, and the most googleable perspective of Zlatni Rat below.

Then, return to the coast and continue across the sea in search of Šćedro Island, one of Croatia’s unsung hidden treasures.

Day 6 | Seek & You Shall Find

Well, you’ve found it. Your own Croatian paradise. And its name is Šćedro.

And what makes it so special? Perhaps the fact that this little island has remained largely untouched, offering the kind of secluded bays, crystal-clear waters, and unhurried atmosphere that can feel increasingly rare along the Adriatic.

Spend the day exactly as you please: swim, snorkel, relax on board, or simply explore a hidden corner or two. No crowds, no schedules, and nowhere else you need to be.

Day 7 | Korčula — Little Dubrovnik

Nicknames like “Little Dubrovnik” are not usually given out left and right. So, what makes Korčula so special?

Today, you shall find out as you step ashore in Korčula Town, where medieval stone streets, historic architecture, and the lively waterfront immediately justify its moniker. Explore its old town and legendary connections to Marco Polo before heading inland to Lumbarda, where vineyards stretch across the landscape.

Then, get to know the island a little better with a local wine tasting, discovering Korčula’s indigenous varieties and the traditions behind them. A little history, a little scenery, and a very good reason to raise another glass.

Learn More

The Curious Case of Grk

Lumbarda is home to Grk, one of Croatia’s most distinctive indigenous grape varieties. Grown in the area’s sandy vineyards, Grk is unusual for its functionally female flowers, which means it traditionally needs other grape varieties nearby to help with pollination. Its dry, distinctive character and slightly bitter finish make it a particularly memorable taste of Korčula. With its name making for some particularly good drinking conversation.

Day 8 | Lastovo — Island Hospitality

Once you’ve learned to say Grk, bid farewell to Korčula and set sail for an island that doesn’t need a nickname to stand out.

Head toward Lastovo, one of Croatia’s most remote and unspoiled islands, where rugged coastlines, traditional stone villages, and intensely blue waters offer a quieter side of the Adriatic, showcasing the destination at its most authentic.

Come evening, step ashore for a truly local experience at a traditional konoba, where freshly prepared seafood and regional wine provide a delicious taste of island life.

And somewhere between the catch of the day and your first sip of wine, you may realize that the quiet ones often have the best stories to tell.

Day 9 | Mljet — Croatia at Its Greenest

Just when you thought you’ve already seen Croatia at its greenest, it has some more flora up its sleeve.

Leave Lastovo behind and set sail for Mljet, one of Croatia’s lushest and most naturally beautiful islands. At Mljet National Park, dense pine forests, saltwater lakes, and peaceful surroundings offer a wonderfully different side of the Adriatic.

Then, trade the boat for two wheels and enjoy a leisurely bike ride around the lakes, stopping whenever the scenery demands it. There will also be time to swim, walk, or simply enjoy another day in paradise. Cue Phil Collins at will.

Day 10 | Dubrovnik — From Sea to Stone

After seven nights of discovering Croatia on water, it’s time to steer the rudder back toward the mainland.

And where better to make your final port of call than Dubrovnik, a city whose relationship with the sea stretches back across centuries of trade and exploration. After disembarking, settle into your hotel before doing as the sea travelers of old have done throughout time: venturing into its legendary Old Town. Of course, back then it was just…Town.

Take to the Stradun, admire its imposing stone walls, and watch the sun sink over the Adriatic from one of the city’s terraces.

Because while Dubrovnik may be known for its historical maritime power, it may be even more famous for its views.

Day 11 | Dubrovnik — Above the Adriatic

By now, you’ve seen Dubrovnik from the sea. Now it’s time to see it from above.

Begin the day with a private guided exploration of Dubrovnik Old Town, tracing the Stradun, Rector’s Palace, Onofrio’s Fountain, and the limestone streets enclosed within its UNESCO-listed walls.

Then, rise above it all aboard the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the summit of Mount Srđ, where sweeping views reveal the terracotta rooftops, deep-blue Adriatic, and surrounding islands in one unforgettable panorama.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps with a swim, some shopping, or another seaside drink.

Day 12 | Departure — Land, Sea & Everything In Between

Now that you’ve discovered Croatia by land and by sea (among other ways), it’s up to you to decide which worked best.

And if the memories of Zagreb’s historic streets, Plitvice’s emerald forests, Split’s Roman echoes, and all those Adriatic islands are any indication, then you’ll be heading to Dubrovnik Airport thinking it may just be all of them.

After all, why choose just one way to discover Croatia when you can experience it from every angle?

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