Next, your Croatia and Italy travel experience continues by private vehicle to Rovinj on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. After a scenic drive, arrive in this charming coastal town and receive a warm welcome from the “Rovinj Lady.” Then, explore the Batana Eco-Museum, followed by a sunset boat ride to view the Old Town from the water. Conclude the day with a gourmet dinner paired with local wines.

The following day, head inland to central Istria for a private truffle hunt with a local family and trained dogs. Enjoy a truffle-focused lunch, then visit a family-owned winery for a guided tasting with the estate sommelier. 

After your time in Rovinj, depart for Split, stopping en route at Plitvice Lakes National Park. While there, walk alongside cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. It all concludes with picnic before continuing onward to Split and your upgraded rooms at Hotel Ambasador. 

The next morning, explore Diocletian’s Palace and Split’s historic center on a private guided walking tour. You will also visit Trogir for a guided tour of its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, visit Sikuli Winery for a curated wine and food pairing.

The highlight of most Italy and Croatia tours, however, is a day trip to Hvar Island by private yacht. Cruise across the Adriatic’s sparkling waters, then explore Hvar Town and nearby villages. Next, visit Duboković Winery for wine and olive oil tastings.

After a traditional lunch, return by yacht to Split. 

Next, transfer down the Adriatic coast to Dubrovnik along the scenic Pelješac Peninsula. Along the way, stop in Ston to tour its historic salt mines. Also visit an oyster farm in Mali Ston Bay for a tasting and seafood lunch. You will eventually continue to Dubrovnik and check in to Villa Dubrovnik.

The following day, explore Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with a local guide. Begin at the Cathedral and Rector’s Palace and walk the city walls for panoramic views. Later, ride the cable car to Mount Srđ for sweeping vistas of the Adriatic Sea. In the evening, conclude with a special “Dinner in the Sky” experience -- a Ker & Downey exclusive.

Finally, continue with the Croatia and Montenegro portion of your luxury Adriatic tour. Cruise from Dubrovnik into Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor and stop at Our Lady of the Rocks en route. Also explore Perast before continuing to Kotor for a private Old Town tour. 

After settling in to your boutique hotel in Budva, enjoy brunch hosted by a local culinary guide. Then, drive to Skadar Lake National Park for a private boat ride on the Balkans’ largest freshwater lake. Afterward, walk through Virpazar and visit Besac Fortress.

On your last full day, discover the coastal towns of Bar and Ulcinj. Enjoy an olive oil tasting in Bar, followed by a tour of Ulcinj’s medieval Old Town and Venetian-era landmarks. These experiences complement curated Montenegro tours and further enhance your exploration of Croatia and Montenegro.