A Road Trip in Croatia: Zagreb and the Dalmatian Coast

You have the Zagreb City Card travel pass and can travel around as much as you like. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and of the Saints Stephen and Ladislaus in Kaptol - whose two spires can be seen from all over Zagreb - is a monumental Gothic structure. The impressive glass cube of the National Library is also impressive, plus the city is full of museums, including archaeological, technical, historical and ethnographic, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is particularly good. In the inns, you can taste Malvoisie wine from Istria, subtle whites from Slavonia, or Dalmatian Plavac. The Croatian capital is a manageable size to explore on foot, and airy with plenty of green spaces.

Pick up your hire car and hit the road for Plitvicka Jezera. Enjoy a overnight stay in a park inn which has a fairy-tale, quirky, cosy, rustic-chic feel. The rustic feel is complimented with modern facilities such as a sauna, spa and gym.

Included in the itinerary - Plitvice Lakes National Park. The chain of lakes and waterfalls is beautiful. Dense beech and fir forests are reflected in the turquoise waters, and from small insects to the brown bear, wildlife takes full advantage of this beautiful place that is left to thrive under its protected UNESCO World Heritage status. Many hiking trails are available.
Road to Zadar. Enjoy a two-night stay in a modern villa overlooking the sea and islands. In addition to comfortable rooms and a lovely outdoor pool to rest and relax, the hotel has a lovely restaurant to enjoy dinners come evening.

Zadar's tragic history has made it possible to set up many public gardens, which give the small town a very trendy feel. Explore the surviving monuments such as the Roman Forum; the Byzantine Church of Saint-Donat from the ninth century; or the Cathedral of Saint Anastasy from the 12th and 13th centuries; plus its numerous boutiques. The sea organ on the shore promenade lets you hear the movements of the water.

Drive to Split. Enjoy a two-night stay about six miles from the city. Make use of the infinity pool, private beach, restaurants, impeccable spa with views of the blue sky and sea in this modern hotel, which contrasts with the ancient city of Split.

Old Split was born from a single monumental ensemble: the palace that Roman Emperor Diocletian had built at the end of the third century to spend his retirement in the country. There were residential buildings, a temple to Jupiter, baths and barracks. The Diocletian Palace still enhances the waterfront today. In the Middle Ages, houses were built inside and out, the palace was bursting at the seams and became a city. The Emperor's mausoleum was transformed into a Christian church (with a 12th-century bell tower and a 17th-century choir, it is now Saint Domnius Cathedral). Venetian architects also came here to practice their craft. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, plus hidden little spots to enjoy a maraschino and pancakes.

Take a ferry across to Korcula. Enjoy a two-night stay in a charming little hotel. The restaurant terrace overlooks the sea and provide the perfect backdrop to enjoying fresh fish and octopus.

The hotel's beach is made for lazy days under the sun. Yet the call of Korcula will get you moving: Marco Polo is said to have been born here. And a visit to the (supposed) family home of this merchant adviser is a must. In its ramparts, the old town is splendid. St Mark's Square, the Renaissance facades assemble around the cathedral at the beautiful Venetian gate. Island walks through the vineyards and olive groves are delicious and the coast is full of pleasant surprises.

Take a ferry across to Orebic and drive to Dubrovnik. Return the hire car. Enjoy a two-night stay in a cliffside location. The stylish hotel has a balcony overlooking the sea. The pool and spa are the perfect way to relax. In the kitchen, the chef and his team use fresh seafood and seasonal, locally-grown produce to create delicious Mediterranean dishes.

The damage of the country's history has been repaired, and Dubrovnik is now a beautiful place to discover where the architecture shines through, especially the old town with its winding alleyways and rooftops. The layout of the ramparts was designed in the 14th century. This remarkably preserved defence system has recently returned to service as the backdrop to the series Game of Thrones. Inside the walls, noble houses line up as if on parade. The little Renaissance St Saviour's Church is splendid. The 14th century Romanesque cloister of the Franciscan cathedral is a masterpiece. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque in parts, the fortified convent of the Dominicans is another major attraction, but the pleasure of walking along the well-planned streets alone is worth the visit. Not to mention the small beaches on the outskirts of the city.