A journey through ancient palaces, island villages, UNESCO streets, and one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe.
Zagreb: Love It or Leave It
The capital of Croatia is Zagreb. Either people love it, or it is boring, and there is no in-between. My suggestion? Go and see it, and then you can form an opinion. You should have at least one day in Zagreb when you are compiling Croatia private tours. It is best to begin with Ban Jelacic Square, one of the city’s central points. Tkalciceva Street is a bustling thoroughfare in the town, particularly at night, as it is lined with bars and restaurants. Mirka Begovica Street is another street you should be aware of; it has cafes where you can sit and spend hours. Dolac Market, Zagreb Cathedral, Markov Square, and St. Mark’s Church should not be left off your list.
Zagreb boasts a museum you will never see anywhere else: the Museum of Broken Relationships. It collects souvenirs and personal tales of unsuccessful relationships that people around the world send. Until you are in it, it sounds queer. Another place of interest is the Lotrscak Tower, built in the Middle Ages. The top of the city is a great place to see.
Get Lost in Space and Time: Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see destination in every custom Croatia itinerary. The crystal lakes are 16 interconnected lakes of different sizes. You will never breathe fresher air when walking along it, past the falls and through the trees. It is lovely any time of the year, but winter is a different story. When all goes white, and the falls become sluggish, the entire place appears to be in a different world. The park is approximately one and a half hours’ drive from Zagreb and can be combined with a visit to the capital.
Split and the 1,700-Year-Old Palace
Consider the Palace of Diocletian in Split to be the centre of the city, as it is. Split is a city whose heart is within those old walls. It is truly surprising to be there and to observe how a 1,700-year-old building has stood the test of time. The first emperor to leave the throne voluntarily was Diocletian, for whom the palace was constructed in his honour. The legacy he left is now a living section of the city. There are great restaurants within the palace, such as Augubio, as well as very elegant boutiques. It is a place that you can never forget.
The Beautiful Bays of Vis Island
Vis is not the easiest island to get to, but it is absolutely worth the effort. The British armada anchored here during World War II, and Tito once ran his resistance against occupation from this island. It is now famous due to its beautiful bays and some of the finest beaches in Croatia, where people can swim. The church on the seashore, the old houses scattered across the island, and the pretty old stone houses all combine to make Vis look like a story. When you get hungry, go to Villa Kaliopa. It is a restaurant hidden inside lush gardens, and the seafood there is excellent.
Hvar: The Heart of Entertainment
Hvar is the place to be in Croatia when nightlife and entertainment are important. During the summer, all the places on the island are crowded with people seeking to have fun. The central square is Hvarska Pjaca, and the narrow streets with their endless stairs are exhausting, yet the historical atmosphere surrounding you makes it easy to forget how tired your legs are. Anyone putting together private tour Croatia experiences that combine history with a lively social scene should put Hvar near the top of the list. My personal favourite restaurant on the island is Garifu, right along the shore.
Get Your Ice Cream and Get Lost in the Streets of Trogir
Trogir Island is linked to the mainland through bridges. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list and has a historical texture unlike most places, so you know all you need to know. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence is magnificent, and at the centre of the island is a beautiful square. Their narrow streets are centuries old and appear to have been constructed just recently. Trogir also has its share of ice cream shops, and strolling the alleys with an ice cream is one of the more enjoyable ways of spending an afternoon. Do not forget to have a good meal at Restaurant Don Dino as well.
Korcula: The Island of Marco Polo
It is commonly thought that Marco Polo, the renowned explorer, was born on Korcula. The house, which he is believed to have resided in, has been converted into a museum, and it is among the more frequented places on the island. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the old houses of the 15th and 16th centuries, wear your swimsuit and go to Lumbarda to take a swim, and don’t forget to visit the Cukarin Bakery. It is known worldwide, and rightly so, for its desserts and sweets.
Cathedral, Church, a Monastery, a Mosque, a Synagogue: Dubrovski.
There are not a few religious monuments worth visiting in Dubrovnik. See the church of St. Blaise, a native of Sivas, and the town cathedral, just down the street. See the individual gallery of paintings by artists of the 15th and 16th centuries. The Franciscan Monastery cannot be overlooked in part because it has one of the oldest apothecaries in Europe. And when you are going, visit the mosque where the treaty of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror is kept. It is something you will not forget. This richness of history and culture is the reason why Dubrovnik features in so many Croatia luxury private tours. In terms of food, Mea Culpa is superb with Italian, Taj Mahal is a good choice with Bosnian food and Skola is a good choice with light meals.
The Palace That Imprisoned Rectors
While in Dubrovnik, visit the Sponza Palace facing Orlando’s Column and the Rector’s Palace next to it. The Gothic architecture alone makes it worth the visit. During the time when the city was known as the Ragusa Republic, rectors ran the city. But here is the part that surprises most people: rectors were not allowed to see their own families while in office, so that they would remain impartial and fair. They lived out their terms essentially as prisoners inside the palace. It is a strange and fascinating piece of history. On the food side, private tours for Croatia visitors tend to enjoy the variety here: Italian at Mea Culpa, Bosnian at Taj Mahal, or quick bites at Skola.
Dubrovnik from a Bird’s Eye View
Dubrovski is a city that must be viewed at least once from the top. There are two good alternatives. Ride the cable car to the top and see the city below you, as the lights come on, and have a coffee at the Panorama Restaurant at the top. Or take the longer path and walk the historic walls that encircle the city. Both are worth doing. When you come back down, head to Dolce Vita for ice cream and crepes, or find Buza Bar, built right into the cliff, and have a drink while watching the sun go down. It is the finest seat in one of the finest cities on the private Croatia tours circuit, and it should not be missed.
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