Alexander+Roberts
OFFER ID 1462412
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
Let our engaging resident guides bring you deeper inside the stories, cultural traditions and scenic wonders of their homeland. Carefully designed to encompass more of Croatia's rich diversity from Zagreb and the Istrian Peninsula to the islands of the Dalmatian Coast, our immersive Original Journey is enhanced by fine deluxe hotels, chauffeured transportation and our signature privately guided services.
11 nights from $6,999 per person
Alexander+Roberts
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb
On arrival at the airport, you'll be met and chauffeured to the Hotel Esplanade. Situated in an elegant 1925 landmark building originally constructed to accommodate passengers on the storied Orient-Express Train, our deluxe hotel offers a sophisticated welcome in the heart of this vibrant city.
Day 2: Privately Guided Walking Tour
After a leisurely breakfast, join your private guide for a narrated walking tour through this cultured city. Begin with the important architectural landmarks of Kaptol Square and the nearby Zagreb Cathedral, easily recognized by its twin Gothic spires. Then mingle with local residents at the bustling Dolac Market for a glimpse into daily life. See the medieval Stone Gate, once the main entrance to the city, and admire the beautifully tiled roof of St. Mark's Church, one of Zagreb's architectural crown jewels! Then hop aboard the funicular that connects Upper to Lower Tower, finishing your tour at the Flower Market and Ban Jelacic Square, the lively hub of the capital. Return to your hotel by chauffeured vehicle and enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals B?A note to our travelers: Please be advised that the Zagreb Funicular is currently closed for necessary maintenance and will remain out of service until Spring 2026.
Day 3: Personalize Your Stay in Zagreb
With its rich history and vibrant 21st-century ambiance, Zagreb is an easy and rewarding city to explore at your own pace. Beyond the capital, there are incredible natural wonders and important historical sites to discover. This entire day is free so you can pursue your own interests at your own pace. Meals B
Day 4: Onward to Opatija
Leave Zagreb behind this morning and enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel by chauffeured vehicle to the northern shores of the Adriatic—where the Istrian Peninsula sits nestled against the Slovenian border. On arrival in the lovely seaside enclave of Opatija, you'll check in to the sophisticated Hotel Navis where a sea-view guestroom has been reserved for you. Later this afternoon, you'll enjoy a walking tour.Situated on forested slopes that descend gently to Kvarner Bay, Opatija is an elegant coastal town that has welcomed its share of celebrity visitors over the decades, from James Joyce to Isadora Duncan. With keen cultural insights and entertaining historical facts from your personal guide, your narrated tour will show you lovely parks and gardens as well as beautiful buildings that reflect a variety of architectural styles including Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau. Meals B
Day 5: A Free Day in Istria
A fashionable seaside resort during the early 19th century, Opatija is filled with Habsburg-era villas and carefully tended public gardens. The Lungomare is an inviting promenade that winds along the coastline for several miles, offering captivating vistas of the town and offshore islands. Take this free day to enjoy these myriad charms at your own pace. Meals B
Day 6: Discover Zadar + Travel to Hvar
This morning's chauffeured journey brings you to Zadar for a guided walking tour. Set along the Dalmatian coast, Zadar's intriguing Old Town is set on a peninsula and renowned for its ancient landmarks including the remains of the 2,000-year-old Roman Forum, the 9th-century St. Donatus Church and the Land Gate—the old main entrance to the city, designed by a Venetian architect in 1543. After sightseeing in Zadar, continue to Split and board the catamaran ferry bound for Hvar. Upon arrival on the island, you'll be escorted to the Hotel Adriana. Settle in to your superior sea-view room and enjoy a relaxing evening. Meals B
Day 7: A Day in Hvar
Meet your guide this morning for a private walking tour through the historic coastal town of Hvar, an important harbor for Venice's mighty Adriatic fleet from the 12th through 18th centuries. See the imposing walled fortress overlooking the harbor and take in the grandeur of Hvar Square as you learn about its impressive landmarks including the Cathedral of St. Stephen, built in the early 1600's on the site of an earlier 9th-century church! From the old town, a chauffeured vehicle will bring you and your guide up in to the hills above Hvar to visit the Fortica Fortress. Dating back to the 16th century when Hvar was ruled by the Venetians, its commanding location offers breathtaking views of the port, the Adriatic Sea and Pakleni Islands. Returning to your hotel in town, the balance of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Meals B
Day 8: Tailor Your Stay on Hvar
In addition to Hvar Square and the town's historic landmarks that you learned about yesterday, this inviting port is filled with cobblestone streets that lead to inviting cafes, boutiques and waterfront vistas. Take this day to explore and enjoy more of Hvar at your own pace. Meals B
Day 9: Discover Trogir + Split
After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the pier to board the catamaran back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Split, you'll enjoy a privately guided tour beginning inside the remarkably well-preserved cellars of Emperor Diocletian's magnificent palace #WHS#. A startling portion of this 4th-century palatial complex is remarkably well preserved, and it is widely regarded as the most valuable example of ancient Roman architecture on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. Your tour also includes the Cathedral of St. Domnius, an octagonal landmark that was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Diocletian but converted to a church about 100 years after his death.Just up the coast along the Split Riviera, you'll explore Trogir #WHS#. Situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, this well-preserved old town boasts a wonderful ensemble of Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance landmarks - most of them constructed of stone. Enjoy a narrated walking tour and visit St. Lawrence Cathedral, an architectural treasure that dates back nearly 1,000 years. After sightseeing, return to Split and settle in to your room at the Hotel Cornaro. Meals B
Day 10: Personalize Your Time in Split
With its inviting waterfront promenade and charming piazzas filled with restaurants and cafes, Split is a delightful town to explore at your leisure. And with our hotel's prime location close to the old town center and waterfront, it's easy to enjoy Split's myriad charms on your own. Meals B
Day 11: Depart Split
After breakfast, you'll be chauffeured to the airport for your onward journey. Or why not extend your travels with us to Dubrovnik! Our 4-day extension is perfectly planned with all transportation, privately guided sightseeing and deluxe hotel accommodations. Meals B
This tour starts with a short transfer to the marvelous location of this amazing dinner. You will take a picturesque old road through ancient, charming hamlets for your first wine tasting. Then, you will porceed to the hilltop village of Selca, for the wonderful dinner at the local winery of Lacman family. For more than two decades Ante Lacman has been the heart and soul of authentic Hvar tourism at its very best. Together with his wife, their family and friends, Ante has built his own winery just a short 20 minute scenic, lavender field drive from Hvar town in the sweet, little hilltop village of Selca. Specially prepared just for you, this dinner will include some of the amazing traditional local delicacies and wines.
Highlights:
Hvar: The Island of Hvar - 4 hours
Considered to be the most beautiful of the islands of Dalmatia (and known to be the sunniest), Hvar, with its wealth of wild flowers and bountiful fields of scented lavender and rosemary, is a nature-lover’s paradise. The town of Hvar is situated in a picturesque natural setting, facing the south, the sun and the sea. After centuries of unforgettable and amazing history, Hvar is today a main tourist centre of the island and one of the best loved resorts on the Dalmatian Riviera. In Hvar Town, a combination of Renaissance palaces, ancient monasteries and an elegant marina has created the most chic resort on the Adriatic. Visit the old theatre built in 1612, the arsenal, and the old patrician palaces from the 15th century. The town is best known for its medieval buildings which are the legacy of Venetian rule. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, the gleaming white limestone walls of the Spanjol Fortress afford breathtaking views for those that take the time to climb up to the top.
Highlights:
Hvar: Hiking the Lost Villages of Hvar - 4 hours
The tour starts in Hvar town where you meet with the guide and travel to the village of V.Grablje, which is approx. 14km from Hvar town. The road to the starting point will offer amazing views of the surrounding islands. Hike through villages where you would see the traditional architecture and way of living, learn about medical herbs and much more. Meet with one of the locals who is a lavender producer and will explain about the tradition of lavender on the island.
Walk towards Malo Grablje following the old trail which in medieval time used to be the main road connecting Hvar with Stari Grad on the north side of the island. The entire trail is downhill, starting with approx. 20 long steps and continuing as a small trail for approx. 1.5km. After that part we continue our walk to Malo Grablje.
Stop for lunch (payable locally) at a small traditional tavern hidded in the Ghost village. After we continue walking for about 45minutes on a wide, gravelly road to Milna. A walk from Milna back to Hvar follows a small, rocky trail and it lasts approximately 1.30h
Highlights:
Some 2400 years ago, the Ancient Greeks sailed into the harbour of modern-day Stari Grad from the island of Paros. Cycle along its long promenade outlining the deep protected bay.
From Stari Grad we have numerous options where to go, so your day can be anything from 10-50km. Depending on the route you take you will pass through some small traditional villages in the interior of the island. Our guides will decide about the route depending on the group and their fitness level.
On our way back to Stari Grad stop on a small local farm situated at the Stari Grad Plain. As well as growing a range of organic produce, Zuvela’s range of Hora wines is a byword for authenticity and quality. Croatia has more than 130 indigenous grape varieties and only grown on the island.
Highlights:
Today is perfect for a half day wine tour containing two premium wineries visits and a lot of great food and fine wine tasting. After just a 25-minute drive from Hvar town, you will get to see the beautiful vineyards with colorful grapes.
In order to truly understand Hvar and its wine - it is important to hear the history, to visit the vineyards and olive groves. Its modern winemakers are becoming increasingly internationally recognized – exported as far away as California and served in 3-star Michelin restaurants in the Netherlands.
In both wineries, you will be able to degustate some of the best wine produced in the region and to truly experience the autochthonous taste of island Hvar and its wine-making legacy. Cheers!
Notes: please let us know in advance if you have any food dislikes or allergies
Highlights:
Discover the natural beauty and history of Hvar and learn about the town’s citadel, its medieval walls, monasteries and palaces. This tour will let you discover the most interesting museums and sites of Hvar Old Town. You will have an oportunity to choose between different sites this beautigul city has to offer such as the Renaissance-style loggia and its clock tower, the Theatre in the Arsenal building, St Stephen’s Square and the Cathedral. Feel free to walk through the Old streets of Hvar and visit the Lace Museum in the Benedictine nunnery, where nuns keep the secret of their unique handicraft which is now a part of UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity - lace making of agave threads.
Highlights:
Kayaking adventure around Pakleni archipelago
Outstanding Pakleni archipelago, off the coast of town Hvar - and its untouched natural side will reward you today as you embark on a guided kayaking tour. Twenty small islands, “showing off” in all its beauty will let you in their passages and hidden coves, allowing you to combine this active kayaking tour with an occasional swim or snorkeling. Just imagine the excitement of active exploring of pebbled shores and narrow straits, while cruising around with your kayak. It is believed that the archipelago came into existence as a result of a secret love between Poseidon – the God of the sea, and a nymph. Well, we are sure that today another version of a secret love will be formed. Between you and Pakleni islands.
Something extra Hvar city tour
This tour will unveil the historical legacy of town Hvar, step by step. You will explore this amazing old gem, alongside your private, professional guide. This journey into discovery of Hvar will begin with a car transfer to Fortica castle. Fortica castle is the best place for enjoying a perfect view of the entire town and surrounding Pakleni archipelago. You will then gently stroll down the serpentine paths of agave park leading the way to old part of the town called Groda. During the tour, you will learn about the town’s citadel, its medieval walls, its monasteries and palaces.
Highlights:
Considered to be the most beautiful and sunniest of the islands of Dalmatia, Hvar with its wealth of wild flowers and bountiful fields of scented lavender and rosemary, is a nature-lover’s paradise. In Hvar Town itself, a combination of Renaissance palaces, ancient monasteries and an elegant marina, has created one of the most chic resorts on the Adriatic Sea. The town is best known for its medieval buildings which are the legacy of Venetian rule. On your walking tour, visit the old theatre, built in 1612, the arsenal, and the old patrician palaces from the 15th century. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, the gleaming white limestone walls of the Spanjol Fortress afford breath-taking views out across the glimmering Adriatic Sea and Hvar Town.
This afternoon, journey along the coast of the island to the villages in the central area which have a long tradition of viticulture and winemaking. Throughout the centuries, people on Hvar cultivated their vineyards with great skill and care, blessed with the warm Mediterranean climate. Some of the finest grape varieties are grown in this area, but it still remains a challenge to turn this agricultural bounty into great wines. The wines from this area have the reputation of being the best of Hvar, with the Plavac red being especially favoured. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch (at leisure) here before exploring Vrboska village, the UNESCO protected world heritage site. Stroll through the many narrow streets and cross stone bridges before returning to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
Hvar: Island Jeep Safari - 4 hours
Today’s fun jeep safari takes you on a short drive along a dirt road to Malo Grablje, a small village abandoned decades ago. Upon arrival, take a short walk through this picturesque 16th-century village. Continue on your journey, stopping in Vidikovac, which boasts a perfect view of the deepest bay on the island. Learn about the oldest town in Croatia and how it was founded by ancient Greeks. Next, drive to the highest peak of the island, Saint Nicholas, to enjoy a 360-degree unobstructed view all the way across to the islands of Brac, Korcula and Vis. Below the highest point of St Nicholas, on a sloping sunny hillside, lies Sveta Nedija, a village surrounded with steep vineyards which are very difficult to tend. These vineyards are renowned for high-quality red wine, produced from plavac grapes. Driving downhill, you are constantly surprised by the sheer variety of Hvar’s landscapes: vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and undulating fields of rosemary and lavender. Return to the port late afternoon.
Highlights:
Sail into the sunset on Hvar island
This sailing trip offers you the perfect afternoon experience of sunset sailing. Enjoy the beauty of a sunset and enjoy nature's farewell kiss for the night. Sunset sailing to Pakleni Islands is a tour designed perfectly to fit all your plans to embrace the beauty of Hvar and near by islands. If you are not an early bird, or just prefer to spend this time of the day on board, this tour will fit all your needs and expectations. As the summer days are long, and this tour starts in the afternoon, you will have enough time to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water, snorkeling and sunbathing. As you sail back to the island of Hvar have a glass of delicious wine with the magic of experiencing sunset on board as you cruise along. The Pakleni Islands are popular with boaters and sun-seekers, the islands offer secluded beaches, vibrant marine life, and charming beach bars.
Highlights:
In the first part of this tour you will discover an ancient town with history full of interesting stories and legends. You will visit the most famous Split’s sights - Diocletian’s Palace, Underground halls, the Cathedral, Vestibul, Peristil and more. Just relax and enjoy a walk-through history with your guide. In the second part of your day –continue in a „gastro tone“ – enjoy in fine wine tasting. This gastro end of the day will sink in perfectly after a walking tour, just in time to refresh both you and your taste buds! You will proceed to a local wine bar with variety of different awarded wine and enjoy in couple of glasses of local Dalmatian wine. Nothing can compare to a moment of relaxing in a beautiful setting of the Old Town Split!
Highlights:
Marvelous, one of a kind Split! Today’s tour will let you experience all the magical features this amazing city has, and let you fully explore all the best hidden parts of its cultural heritage. This pleasant stroll through the city along with your guide, will introduce you to magnificent Diocletian’s Palace which is an architectural masterpiece. After the Roman Empire disintegrated, the city gradually started to evolve and built itself outisde but also inside the palace. Today, you can see a bank or a mini market situated in some areas of the palace. The palace actually is Old Town Split and the other way around. You will also visit its underground halls, Vestibul, Peristil, the Cathedral and many more breath-taking sightseeing spots.
Highlights:
Tour Duration: up to 3h
Tour can operate: Morning or Evening
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Not Included:
Start the walking tour with an exploration of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian which lies at the heart of Split, this palace was built in 295 BC. See Peristil Square where the Emperor made his speeches as well as the mausoleum of the Roman Emperor which been transformed into a Catholic church. After visiting the palace, immediately outside you will see many charming "piazzas". Explore the old town with its many interesting sights. At the end of the city tour you will also see Riva, a coastal walk with palm trees where you can relax in the sun and enjoy a beautiful view of the port and close-by islands.
Highlights:
Split: Krka Waterfalls & Trogir - 8 hours
Your English-speaking guide will take you in a private vehicle for a full day excursion (8 hours) to visit the Krka Waterfalls National Park first. You will tour the area of the waterfalls and take a boat ride to the isle of Visovac to visit the Franciscan Monastery. Proceed towards Trogir, a picturesque medieval town, including a visit to the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its magnificent Romanesque portal. Return to your ship in Split after the tour.
Highlights:
Split: Salona, Split & Trogir - 8 hours
Enjoy a full day tour of the city of Split and the surrounding area by private vehicle with a qualified English-speaking guide. Your tour starts with a visit to the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian; this palace was first built in the 3rd century AD, and its outline still forms the heart of the old city today. Also see Peristil Square where Diocletian made his speeches, and the imperial mausoleum that has now been converted into a Catholic church. Outside the palace you will see many charming piazzas. At the end of this tour, you may visit Riva, a coastal walk with palm trees where you can relax in the sun and enjoy a beautiful view of the port and islands nearby.
This afternoon, your guide will take you to visit ancient Roman Salona, the largest archaeological site of Roman and Early Christian ruins in Croatia. You will also see the seven ‘Kaštela’; these buildings were fortifications built for protection from Turkish attacks. Finally you will visit Trogir, known as the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’. The city is renowned for the beauty of its buildings and fortifications, and is considered to be the best preserved Romano-Gothic complex in Central Europe. Notable structures of Trogir are the City Hall, the C'ipiko Palace, the Loggia and St. Lawrence’s Cathedral whose portal is a masterpiece of medieval sculpture.
Highlights:
Split sightseeing and Foodie tour
This exclusive tour pairs amazing food with historical sightseeing. Do you sometime feel like numerous alleys filled with restaurants make it difficult to find the real authentic place to go to? Well, we have a solution for you today. You will be guided to visit the outstanding restaurants where passion, expertise and artisan food „collide“. This is a historic tour of the city with stops on the way (there are several stops, it is not just one meal). All dishes are preordered, and you will enjoy a comfortable sit-down tasting experience. You don’t have to eat before or after the tour as it is designed to be a full and satisfying meal. You will feel the positive energy of Mediterranean lifestyle.
Highlights:
Today you will get a chance to enjoy the most beautiful part of Krka National Park. Discover picturesque nature and waterfalls as well as one of the most important cultural values in central Dalmatia, the Visovac island with its monastery that has stood there since 1445. After you explore land portion of the National Park where old mills are, you will get a chance to enjoy in beautiful boat ride to Visovac Island, one of the most valuable natural and cultural values (boat ride is not private).
Highlights:
Split tour and Olive oil tasting
Discover one of the most famous Croatian products – precious „liquid gold“ – olive oil! In the first part of this tour you will discover an ancient town with history full of interesting stories and legends. During the tour you will see the most famous Split’s sights like Diocletian’s Palace, Underground halls, the Cathedral, Vestibul, Peristil and many more. Just relax and enjoy a walk-through history with your guide. In the second part of your day –continue in a „gastro tone“ – enjoy in a tasting of five olive oils. Postira Brac, San Canzian, Brachia and two other flavoured sorts paired with fleur de sal, aged red wine vinegar, homemahe bread, green olive tapenade, salted anchovies and skuta cheese drizzled in honey and dry fig jam.
Highlights:
Sightseeing of Split and Trogir
Today you will discover all the marvels of the UNESCO protected town of Trogir. Take a walk through the narrow streets that will take you back in history as you pass stone houses, churches, palaces, monasteries and the city walls. One of many things you will get to see will be the St. Lawrence Cathedral and its Romanesque portal created by a local artist Radovan in the 13th century. Afterwards you will be transferred back to Split for a private sightseeing of this charming Mediterranean town. Enjoy discovering another ancient town, full of interesting stories. During the tour you will see the most famous Split’s sights like Diocletian’s Palace, its Underground halls, The Cathedral, Vestibul, Peristil and many more.
Highlights:
Split tour with emphases on Jewish heritage
Today, you will start an interesting exploration of unique city of Split, with a private guide. This sightseeing tour will focus on the history of Jewish heritage in Split. Not only will you enjoy the monuments of great importance but also listen to interesting stories about the little people, and their lives. You will visit the old synagogue that was built in the 16th century, in a part of the town that was once Jewish ghetto. Along the way you will learn about Jewish people who owned various establishments and influenced the development of the city in a great way. You will then proceed to Marjan hill, just 10 minutes walk from the city centre, where you will visit old Jewish cemetery, that will be unlocked for you to explore.
Highlights:
This unique tour will leave a memorable culinary experience in the preparation and tasting of the Poljicki soparnik. On this tour you will visit some of the most important sites of the Republic of Poljica and the city of Omis. Driving through the rural countryside, you will stop at a local family farm and participate in preparing this local delight Soparnik followed by a tasting in a beautiful green surrounding. In 2007 Poljicki soparnik was listed by UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture as a protected intangible cultural heritage. Together with your guide you will continue to visit the historic little town Omis. This charming city will enchant you with its narrow streets, old churches and the impressive city fortress Mirabella.
Highlights:
This exciting tour will first lead you through the most interesting ancient locations in Split and then through the city of Salona. This combination will show you the details of everyday life back in the times of Roman Empire. Split, headquarters of Diocletian’s retirement palace, has so much to offer regarding historical monuments. You will visit all of them and explore off the beaten track. Later, you will visit Salona, once an important locus of Roman culture and a capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. It was a very modern city for its time, containing forum, theatres, amphitheatres, public baths and aquaducts. This guided tour is a great way to understand the wider picture of Dalmatian province at the time of the Romans.
Highlights:
Zagreb uncovered: WWII and communist era walking tour
Upon meeting with your private guide prepare yourself to learn the fascinating and intriguing history of Croatia's capital city of Zagreb during WWII and under the communist regime. The Zagreb WWII and Communism Tour takes you on a historical journey through Zagreb's turbulent 20th century. Explore the city’s key landmarks while learning about the impact of World War II and the communist era in Yugoslavia. The tour covers events like the Nazi occupation, the rise of Tito's Partisans, and the shaping of post-war communist rule. You'll visit memorials, underground bunkers, and significant sites that highlight Croatia’s complex past, giving you a deeper understanding of the resilience and transformation of the city and its people.
Highlights:
A visit to ethno village Kumrovec and monastery Olimje
Today’s adventure will take you to the Ethno village Kumrovec where Marshal Tito, former President of Yugoslavia, was born. You will be able to observe how the peasants' and their families' everyday lives were like as well as some traditional crafts. After an interesting little sightseeing of Ethno village, you will head to Olimje, a 16th-century castle, which was turned into a monastery with a baroque church. One of its most intriguing features is an antique pharmacy inside the monastery that is decorated with lovely murals. There, you may get a variety of herbal remedies for almost every disease or health issue. The last stop of this interesting tour is reserved for lunch.
Highlights:
Zagreb sightseeing with funicular ride and Museum of lost tales
Explore Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, on a tour of its historic Upper and Lower Towns, rich in architecture and lush parks dating back to the Austro-Hungarian era. With a private guide, ride the funicular up to the Upper Town to see landmarks like the Croatian Parliament, notable for its unique roof. Stroll through the city to visit the Cathedral, Stone Gate, National Theatre, Zrinjevac Park, and more. You will then visit the Museum of Lost Tales, a magical space of Croatian folklore created by multimedia artist Zdenko Basic. Through six themed rooms, you’ll journey among scenes filled with mythical figures—fairies, dragons, witches, and other creatures. Become an explorer and part of this enchanting story that brings Croatia’s forgotten heritage to life.
Duration: approx. 4h
Inclusions: guide, funicular ride, museum tickets
Exclusions: food, drinks, gratuities, items purchased for personal use
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Vacations by Joann
FST: ST-15787 | CST: 2099063-40 | WA SOT: #603152607
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