Luxury Family Trip to Croatia: Roman History & Private Tours

Aerial view of Dubrovnik’s walled old town and harbor, highlighting Croatia’s coastal charm and architectural heritage.

When this family of four came to us with a challenge, we couldn’t wait to take it on: design a Croatia itinerary that balanced a father and son’s deep love of Roman history and architecture with the rest of the family’s desire for something more laid-back and coastal. The result? A private, custom journey through Croatia that blended archaeological wonder with Adriatic charm, from ancient amphitheaters to crystalline island coves. This 10-day itinerary wove together personal passions, thoughtful pacing, and exclusive experiences that elevated every stop—perfect for multigenerational travelers who don’t want to compromise on curiosity or comfort.

Trip Highlights

Walking tour through Roman history in Pula and Split, with private access to ancient amphitheaters, subterranean aqueducts, and UNESCO-protected sites guided by local historians.
Relaxation along the Adriatic coast, with stays in design-forward seaside hotels, leisurely market visits, and island-hopping days that balance culture with calm.
Experiencing Croatia’s natural beauty up close, from misty waterfall trails in Plitvice Lakes National Park to coastal sunsets viewed from historic hilltop towns.

“Thank you for a meticulously planned trip and nice touches. Everything was wonderful.”

Michael K.

Let us take you there by highlighting some of their unforgettable, custom experiential moments that highlight our ability to craft custom travel:

Roman amphitheater in Pula, Croatia, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by flowering trees at sunset.

Pula & Rovinj: A Roman Time Capsule by the Sea

Beneath the limestone arches of Pula’s Roman amphitheater—one of the best-preserved in the world—the father and son walked alongside a local curator who once worked on the site’s excavations. Here, the scent of sun-warmed stone mingled with the salt air as they stepped into the past, tracing the outlines of gladiator corridors and forgotten imperial corners. Afterward, the family wandered the cobbled streets of Rovinj, a coastal town of shuttered windows, laundry-strung balconies, and church towers peeking above terracotta roofs. Their hotel overlooked the sea and old town, the perfect place to relax with a glass of Croatian wine while watching fishing boats bob in the golden hour light.

A family walking along a wooden path through turquoise lakes and waterfalls at Plitvice National Park during a luxury family trip to Croatia.

Plitvice National Park: Waterfall Walks and Forest Stillness

On the drive south, the family stopped at Plitvice Lakes National Park, where elevated wooden paths carried them through a mosaic of cascading waterfalls and jade-colored lakes. The air was thick with pine and mist, dragonflies hovering above the water, and the hush of the forest surrounding them like a cathedral. A private guide helped them navigate the lower lakes, explaining the unique geology of travertine barriers and guiding them onto a boat that glided across the stillest water they’d ever seen. It was a peaceful interlude before returning to the coastline and the rhythm of city life.

Seaside view of Split, Croatia, with the bell tower of Diocletian’s Palace rising above red rooftops and palm-lined waterfront.

Diocletian’s Aqueduct: Roman Engineering Beneath the Surface

In Split, the family visited Diocletian’s Palace, a living relic built into the city's present-day streets. But it was what lay beneath that captured their imagination. Outfitted with helmets and headlamps, they entered a little-known section of the Diocletian Aqueduct, a subterranean marvel closed to mass tourism. Wading through the cool, damp air of this 1,700-year-old engineering feat, the father and son marveled at the precision and longevity of Roman design. For the rest of the family, the thrill of the underground experience offered a different kind of adventure—immersive, surprising, and entirely unforgettable.

Elevated view of Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops and historic dome architecture set against the Adriatic Sea.

Private Boats, Island Rhythms, and Seaside Heritage

From Split to Hvar to Korčula and finally to Dubrovnik, this portion of the journey was designed to let the family experience Croatia’s coastal character at their own pace. With private boats between islands, they avoided the crowds and embraced the rhythm of the sea—stopping to swim in hidden coves, dock in quiet harbors, and enjoy flexible schedules that worked for everyone. On Hvar, they stayed in a former palace turned heritage hotel, waking each morning to the scent of rosemary and sea breeze. In Dubrovnik, they arrived in cinematic fashion—by boat—gliding beneath the fortress walls just as medieval merchants once did. These transitions weren’t just logistical, they were part of the story, adding depth and ease to the journey.

Ready to Design Your Own Custom Journey?

This family trip to Croatia balanced ancient wonder with island ease, creating space for discovery, relaxation, and a deeper connection to the country’s history and coastline. Whether you're interested in Roman ruins or private boat days, UNESCO sites or secret swimming spots, our Travel Team can help design a journey that fits your unique family dynamic.

Start Your Journey Here