7-Day Croatia Private Tour: Zagreb, Plitvice, Split & Dubrovnik

Summary

Croatia Highlights Tour with Local Guides and Door-to-Door Comfort

You’ll taste real Croatian life—from Zagreb’s markets to island coves near Hvar—and skip all travel headaches thanks to private guides and smooth transfers. This tour packs history, food, scenery (and even a dash of Bosnia) into one week without ever feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

First morning in Zagreb, the air felt crisp—bit of a chill even in late spring. We started at the Cathedral, its twin spires poking above the city’s rooftops. Our guide Ana pointed out tiny details on the façade I’d never have noticed alone. Just a few blocks away, Dolac Market was already buzzing. Red umbrellas everywhere, locals haggling over strawberries and cheese. I tried ‘sir i vrhnje’—fresh cheese with cream—right from a vendor who smiled when I stumbled over my Croatian. Wandering through Upper Town’s narrow lanes, you catch snippets of church bells and the smell of fresh bread drifting from Pekara Dubravica. Later, Mirogoj Cemetery surprised me; it’s peaceful under those arcades, birds chirping between old gravestones. The Green Horseshoe drive showed off Zagreb’s grand parks and Austro-Hungarian facades—felt like Vienna but more relaxed.

Leaving Zagreb behind, we made a quick stop at Rastoke Village—wooden mills perched over little waterfalls—and then on to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The water really is that blue-green you see in photos. We walked wooden paths right above rushing streams; at one point I got sprayed by a tiny waterfall (bring a light jacket). The electric boat across Lake Kozjak was quiet except for ducks paddling by. After the panoramic train ride back up, we drove south to Split just as the sun dipped low—perfect timing for an easy stroll along the Riva promenade and into Diocletian’s Palace as locals headed out for their evening walk.

The next day was all about islands. Early start for a boat trip out to Biševo’s Blue Cave—the light inside is unreal, almost glowing blue under the surface. Hvar Town felt lively but not crowded; we climbed up to the Spanish Fortress for views over red roofs and boats bobbing below. Lunch was simple—grilled fish near the harbor—before sailing past Pakleni Islands’ hidden coves where you can swim or just float on your back listening to cicadas in the pines. On Vis Island we found quiet beaches and vineyards rolling down toward empty bays; Palmižana Beach had soft pebbles and smelled faintly of rosemary from nearby bushes.

Onward to Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina—a different vibe entirely. Our local guide led us through Ottoman-era streets lined with copper shops and baklava stands. Crossing Stari Most bridge felt surreal; you can hear river water rushing below and sometimes spot kids daring each other to jump off (don’t try it). Koski Pasha Mosque offered city views if you don’t mind steep steps up the minaret. Driving through Neretva Valley after lunch, citrus groves flashed by outside—the scent of mandarins even seeped into our van—and roadside stalls sold bags of fruit stacked high.

Arriving in Dubrovnik late afternoon meant golden light on marble streets—a good time for walking the city walls or grabbing gelato on Stradun while people-watching. Sveti Jakov Beach is close enough for an evening dip if you want some quiet away from Old Town crowds.

Dubrovnik itself is best explored with someone who knows its stories—a local guide took us past Onofrio’s Fountain and Rector’s Palace while sharing tales about pirates and old merchant families. Free time meant wandering side alleys or sitting by the sea with a cold drink as church bells echoed off stone walls.

If you’ve got energy left, there’s an optional day trip into Montenegro: Kotor’s medieval Old Town has cats lounging everywhere (locals say they’re lucky), St Tryphon Cathedral glows in late morning sun, and Budva offers seaside cafés perfect for slow lunches overlooking fishing boats bobbing in the bay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zagreb City Highlights

• Visit Zagreb Cathedral
• Explore Dolac Market
• Walk Old Town streets
• Visit Mirogoj Cemetery
• Panoramic Green Horseshoe tour

Day 2 — Rastoke, Plitvice, Split Arrival

• Visit Rastoke Village
• Tour Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Evening walk in Split Old Town

Day 3 — Hvar and Islands Boat Trip

• Boat trip to Blue Cave and islands
• Explore Hvar Old Town and Spanish Fortress
• Visit Vis Island
• Relax on Palmižana beach
• Evening in Split, stroll Riva and palace

Day 4 — Mostar and Dubrovnik Drive

• Mostar city tour and Stari Most
• Scenic drive through Neretva Valley
• Arrive and stroll Dubrovnik city walls

Day 5 — Dubrovnik Old Town Tour

• Dubrovnik Old Town guided tour
• Free afternoon in Dubrovnik

Day 6 — Optional Montenegro Day Trip

• Kotor Old Town city tour
• Explore Budva Old Town and lunch

Day 7 — Tour Conclusion and Departure

• Tour ends; airport transfers available

Top questions

Is this Croatia tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Some walks require moderate fitness but there are plenty of breaks and flexible pacing.

Are entrance fees included for Plitvice Lakes National Park?

All national park fees are covered—you won’t need to worry about tickets or waiting in line anywhere on this itinerary.

Can I extend my stay in Dubrovnik after the tour ends?

Absolutely! You’re free to add extra nights in Dubrovnik or arrange airport transfers to any Croatian airport after your tour finishes.

Will there be free time during each day?

Yes, there’s always some downtime built in so you can explore at your own pace or relax between guided activities.

What’s included

Your private tour covers hotel pickups/drop-offs every day, all transport by comfy air-conditioned minivan, bottled water en route, skip-the-line entry at key sites (including Plitvice Lakes), expert local guides throughout Croatia (and Bosnia/Montenegro if you choose), plus all national park fees taken care of so you can just enjoy each moment without worrying about logistics.