Lightly-tailored trips

Best of Croatia’s Nature

Q: 7. Pre-departure call

We will then set-up a pre-departure call 7-10 days before your arrival so that we can go over your final itinerary and any last questions you have.

7-day itinerary

Discover Croatia’s breathtaking natural landscapes on a journey designed for travelers who love the outdoors, with the flexibility to explore by self-drive or relax with private transfers. From the emerald lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice and Krka National Parks to the rugged vineyards and coastline of the Pelješac peninsula, this itinerary immerses you in some of the country’s most extraordinary wilderness. Along the way, you’ll also experience Croatia’s rich cultural tapestry — wandering medieval towns like Šibenik, exploring Split’s ancient Roman palace, and uncovering Dubrovnik’s legendary Old Town. Taste the country’s coastal cuisine through optional food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and fresh oysters pulled straight from the sea. Blending nature, culture, history, and cuisine, this trip captures the soul of Croatia from its forests and waterfalls to its iconic Adriatic cities. It’s the ideal adventure for travelers seeking immersive landscapes with meaningful cultural connections.

Prices starting at 2,500 Euro per person

Best for

Adventure and nature lovers,
hikers, roadtrippers

Best months

April-October
(Best in spring or fall)

Activity level

Moderate
to advanced options

Transport

Self-drive or private transfers

Inclusions:

Hotels

7 nights in 4-star hotels with daily breakfast included, within our network of hotels across Croatia

National Park tickets

Park entrance to Plitvice National Park and Krka National Park including a short boat ride for each person

Attraction passes

Attraction passes including Šibenik fortresses pass for 1-day Dubrovnik 1-day sightseeing pass, including Dubrovnik city walls

Unique experiences

Includes peka dinner experience, and private walking tours in select locations with historical guides

Tailored itinerary

Self-drive itinerary with all your travel details, plus personalized recommendations included in your itinerary.

Local support

Pre-departure call and virtual concierge via Whatsapp with our team for the full duration of your trip in Croatia

Full itinerary:

(Optional to do itinerary in reverse)

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia! Your journey begins in Zagreb, the country’s vibrant capital. Dive into its eclectic culture with a short city break before heading into Croatia’s untouched nature.

Pick up your rental car at the airport for the self-drive itinerary, or opt for seamless private transfers arranged by us. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours. Add a private Zagreb walking tour with our local guide to learn more about the Austro-Hungarian influences of Croatia that influence the cultural background of Croatia today.

Hotel: Hotel Dubrovnik (or upgrade option available)
Transport options: Self-drive with rental car OR private airport transfer
Optional add-on experience: Zagreb walking tour

Day 2: Drive to Plitvice Lakes, then Šibenik

Today you will wake up and head toward the majestic Plitvice Lakes — Croatia’s most iconic national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 2.5-hour drive can include stops in fairy-tale towns along the way, all detailed in your self-guided driving guide. Prefer to relax? Upgrade to private transfers for a stress-free ride.

We’ll pre-purchase your entrance tickets and recommend the ideal walking route based on your interests. Expect to spend 3–6 hours exploring Plitvice’s emerald lakes and cascading waterfalls.

Continue with a 2-hour drive to the Dalmatian coast and check in to Šibenik — a charming historical gem that is still undiscovered compared to Split or Zadar. You will check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure

Hotel: Hotel Armerun or similar (upgrade option available)
Transport options: Self-drive with rental car OR private transfer

Day 3: Free day in Šibenik

Today invites you to slow down and savor the charm of Šibenik, a coastal town layered with centuries of history. After a relaxed breakfast, wander through its narrow stone alleys, sun-drenched squares, and lively waterfront promenade — each corner revealing a mix of Mediterranean soul and medieval heritage.

Your private walking tour will bring Šibenik’s past to life, including a visit to the magnificent St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Croatia’s most extraordinary architectural achievements. As you explore, you’ll hear stories of Illyrians, Venetians, and local artisans who shaped the city you see today.

With your included pass to Šibenik’s three iconic fortresses — St. Michael’s, Barone, and St. John — you’ll enjoy sweeping views over red rooftops and the shimmering archipelago. Spend the evening discovering the town’s vibrant food scene with our curated recommendations.

Hotel: Hotel Armerun or similar (upgrade option available)
Optional add-on: Šibenik walking tour

Day 4: Drive to Krka National Park, then Split

This morning you’ll venture to Krka National Park, a lush river valley famous for its emerald pools, cascading waterfalls, and extraordinary biodiversity. After a short drive, a scenic boat ride will carry you across tranquil waters to the start of the walking trail.
Your 1.5–2 hour stroll along wooden boardwalks offers a peaceful immersion into nature — surrounded by waterfalls, forest canopies, and the soothing sound of rushing water. As you explore, you’ll learn about Krka’s unique ecosystem and its role in powering Europe’s first hydroelectric plant.
After leaving the park, enjoy lunch in the charming town of Skradin or continue directly to Split. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind with our local dining and sunset recommendations along the Riva waterfront.

Hotel: Hotel Marvie or similar (upgrade option available)
Transport options: Self-drive with rental car OR private transfer

Day 5: Free day in Split

Today is yours to enjoy Split at your own pace. Wander through the palm-lined Riva, sip coffee by the sea, and explore the passages of Diocletian’s Palace, where Roman ruins blend seamlessly with modern cafés, boutiques, and hidden courtyards.
History enthusiasts can elevate their experience with a private walking tour that dives deeper into the life of Emperor Diocletian, the evolution of Split, and its vibrant living culture.

Foodies can choose between a Split food tour or a Dalmatian cooking class — both intimate, small-group experiences. Taste local specialties at local restaurants or learn to prepare dishes like black risotto, octopus salad, and seabass at a cooking class
Your evening is free to stroll through the town, soak up the “Split state of mind.”

Hotel: Hotel Marvie or similar (upgrade option available)
Optional add-on experiences: Split cooking class, Split food tour, OR Split walking tour

Day 6: Drive to Pelješac and Dubrovnik

Today you will head further south towards Dubrovnik, which is about a 3.5 hour drive from Split. Along the way, you will stop on the Pelješac peninsula. This region is known for 3 things: wine, sea salt, and oysters. In the town of Ston, you can hike the 2^nd longest preserved fortress walls in the world, next to the great wall of China!

Continue along Pelješac’s dramatic landscapes into the heart of Croatia’s wine country, producing celebrated varietals like Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Dingač. You may choose to add a boutique wine tasting or visit a small, family-run oyster farm, where you’ll take a boat out to a floating platform and enjoy fresh oysters and cooked mussels pulled straight from the sea, paired with local wine.

After your Pelješac experience, drive another 1 hour and 15 minutes to Dubrovnik. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the city with our recommendations.

Hotel: Hotel Mlini or similar (upgrade option available)
Optional add-on experiences: Oyster & mussel farm OR wine tasting
Transport options: Self-drive with rental car OR private transfer

Day 7: Dubrovnik sightseeing + peka dinner

Today you’ll step into the enchanting world of Dubrovnik, the sparkling “Pearl of the Adriatic.” During your private walking tour, your guide will unravel the city’s maritime legacy, legendary rivalries, and enduring spirit as you explore the UNESCO-protected Old Town. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, filming locations can be effortlessly woven into your route.

With your 1-day Dubrovnik Pass, you can continue exploring at your own pace. Walk atop the iconic city walls, visit Fort Lovrijenac, or dip into museums showcasing Dubrovnik’s cultural and seafaring history. Every corner reveals cinematic views of terracotta rooftops, limestone streets, and the deep blue Adriatic.

This evening, you’ll enjoy a truly special farewell: a traditional peka dinner hosted by Alex and Domeniko in their charming seaside village. Dine al fresco in the garden of their 300-year-old family home, savoring dishes slow-cooked “under the bell” and ending your Croatian journey with heartfelt hospitality.

Hotel: Hotel Mlini or similar (upgrade option available)

Day 8: Departure

Today you will depart from Dubrovnik, and you can drive to the airport with your rental car and drop it off at the airport. Otherwise, if you picked the self-drive version of this itinerary, you will also have an airport transfer.

Should you choose to extend your trip in Dubrovnik by 1 or 2 days, we can assist with add-on experiences such as: Elafiti islands by private speed boat or yacht, a day trip to Mostar and Medugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or a day trip into Konavle valley with a wine tasting.

Transport options: Self-drive with rental car OR private airport transfer

(Optional to add 1 or 2 days on either end of your trip)

Upgrades + add-ons:

5-star hotels

Upgrade to 5-star hotels in select destinations, and/or upgrade to a suite in select hotels

Walking tours

Choice of adding private walking tours in Zagreb or Split with local guides with an emphasis on history and culture.

Private transfers

Rather not drive? No worries, we’ll arrange private airport and transfer between destinations for you

Experiences

Choice of adding cooking class or food tour in Split, OR oyster farm or wine tasting on Pelješac

Book a call to get started:

What is the planning process like?

1. Discovery call

We’ll jump on a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to get a better understanding of the itinerary options you are interested in, and refine with our recommendations.

2. Follow-up quote

We’ll follow the call with a quote in accordanced with your wishes. Then you can decide if you’d like to move forward together.

3. Trip confirmation

To confirm your trip, we will send over an agreement to sign. Then we will confirm a few last details to confirm your accommodation preferences and add-on experiences.

5. Final trip price

Once we’ve finalized the above, we will provide you with your final trip price in Euro. Once you approve you’ll then pay in accordance with our payment plan and schedule (see below FAQS).

6. Finishing touches

Along the way, we’ll make sure to add in some personalized recommendations for you so that your itinerary is still personalized.

7. Pre-departure call

We will then set-up a pre-departure call 7-10 days before your arrival so that we can go over your final itinerary and any last questions you have.

8. On-the-ground support

Before your arrival in Croatia, we’ll create a Whatsapp group to ensure your arrival and every detail of your trip goes smoothly. Consider us your friends in Croatia with you every step of the way.

Testimonials

Your travel planners:

Alexandra Schmidt

Alex is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has Croatian roots through her grandfather. She studied political science and journalism at Loyola University Chicago, and met Domeniko during a semester abroad in Dubrovnik. Alex also runs her award-winning travel blog, and Instagram account about her life in Croatia. She loves to hangout by the sea with her friends and dogs, and travel around Croatia.

Domeniko Hajdić

Domeniko is born and raised in Dubrovnik, Croatia. He has worked in tourism his entire life, and studied diplomacy and international business at Dubrovnik International University, where he met Alex. In addition to running Mindful Travel Croatia, he helps run his family’s rental apartments and hosts a peka dinner Airbnb experience. He loves to cook, swim in the Adriatic sea, and sing Klapa music with friends all night long!

FAQs:

How far in advance do I need to book my trip?

We recommend that you reach out at least 3 months before your desired trip dates, ideally 4-5 months in advance. If you reach out less than 3 months before your trip dates it is still possible, but will be subject to suppliers availability.

What is not included in packaged pricing?

Transportation with a rental car is not included in the price of this particular itinerary. We can provide recommendations for booking a rental car, or we can arrange private transfers for you instead.

Meals (outside of daily breakfasts in hotels or other booked activities), flights, independent activities, tipping, and souvenirs are what not included in your quote.

Do you also book flights?

While we don’t book flights for you, we can help provide recommendations based on your itinerary. For business and first-class travelers, we can refer you to our partners for flight bookings.

Do children get a discounted rate?

You can expect that the price per person will be reduced if one or more members of your party are under 12 years old. This will also dependent on if they want a separate hotelroom or if you want to add an extra room to your room.
Please note that conjoining rooms or family rooms with two queen beds are not as common in Croatia.

I’ve never had someone plan my travel. What can I expect?

Many of our clients have never worked with a professional travel planning service like ours, but opt to for their trip to Croatia due to lack of time and bandwidth. Plus, they see the value in having an all-in-one package that includes our local knowledge and personalized service.

Our lightly-tailored trips are designed for seamless planning – all you have to do is answer a few questions, hop on a call, and let us walk you throw the rest. We’ll take care of the rest of the travel planning for you, as well as offer pre-departure support and virtual concierge while you’re in Croatia.

What can I expect on a discovery call?

Once you set-up a time via Calendly, we will have a 30-minute discovery video call where we discuss your questionaire and get a feel for your travel style, needs, desired pace, and overall goal of this trip. This is a friendly, informal call where we see if this is a good fit for both parties and we see how we can best assist you. After the call we follow up with a proposed itinerary and quote for your trip so you can decide if you’d like to move forward.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.

What is your payment policy?

After signing our agreement, we will then proceed with giving you your final trip price in Euros. If you agree, then we will proceed with the following payment policy.

– 25% of trip total: Due upon providing final trip price (non-refundable)
– 75% remaining of trip total: Due 60 days before trip start date (non-refundable)

Prices are listed in Euro as this is Croatia’s currency, but final pricing will be sent in USD via invoice in accordance with updated currency conversion.

Can I split payment with a friend or family?

Yes, it is possible that we can invoice individuals separately, given the circumstances.