Luxury Sustainable Croatia: The Rimac Supercar, Farm-to-Table Cuisine, & More

Begin your immersion into Zagreb's rich history at Penkala, a modest fountain-pen shop whose wooden panels are filled with the scents of ink and leatherbound journals. You may speak with the owner to learn about the shop’s history and the importance of the hand-repaired vintage pens that date back to 1906.

After exploring the main square with your guide and looking into the past, you can venture into the future at Rimac Automobili, Zagreb's electric hypercar factory. You may feel the thrum of high-tech energy as you watch spaceship-like vehicles take shape. Learn more about the special design, manufacturing, and implementation of fine Italian leather, while taking in the soft hum from electrical charging stations. This illuminating contrast of heritage and innovation captures the Zagreb spirit, where old-world character fuels futuristic innovation and sustainability.

In Pula, the scent of lavender and wild herbs wafts through the ancient columns of the spectacular Roman amphitheater. After breakfast, your private transfer will escort you in the Tesla to the charming town on the Istrian Peninsula. Wander the monumental ruin, where you can imagine gladiators battling two millennia ago. The smell of the briny Adriatic Sea sweeps through the Temple of Augustus, built in 2 BCE with an altar for sacrifices to the emperor.

Once in Rovinj, you can settle into the comforts of your gorgeous accommodations before strolling along the cobblestone streets and finding the aromas of wood-fired seafood. Witness ornate St. Euphemia Church and see the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the water as the church bells peel through the marina. You can easily lose yourself in Rovinj's web of narrow lanes before emerging at Balbi Arch to admire the shimmering sea and majestic Istrian sunset.

You can spend the day cycling through the undulating Istrian hills to find winding roads scented with lavender, wild sage, and rosemary. Stop to wander Motovun's medieval walls amid the scent of truffles. You can take a break to view the 13th-century bell tower of the Church of St. Stephen before continuing your ride through the elegant countryside.

You will reach a local winery and vineyard for lunch, where you can embrace the traditional flavors of local creations. At the table, you may find the oaky notes of Malvazija white paired with sheep's milk cheese. You can savor the blackberry and spice notes of a Teran red alongside local prosciutto known for its nutty sweetness. This active day perfectly captures Istria's rustic landscapes, historic elegance, and luxurious flavors.

Travel in your Tesla to the pristine island of Krk, where you can take in the invigorating scents of the Adriatic Sea, fragrant wildflowers, and olive trees. You may choose to explore the Baška tablet, an ancient stone monument that bears the oldest written mention of the Croatian name, or visit historic Frankopan Castle, a symbol of Krk's rich history with celebrated views over the turquoise Adriatic.

Delight in a culinary experience that embodies the essence of slow-food traditions with a tasting of Krk cheese. The island demonstrates a commitment to sustainable agriculture and preserving traditional artisan practices. You can savor the cheese’s herbaceous flavor and nutty undertones, in addition to other typical delicacies.

In the morning, you can travel to Plitvice National Park, where majestic waterfalls connect 16 emerald lakes. Follow the elevated boardwalks surrounded by forest as you enjoy the crisp scent of pine amid the sound of crashing water over stone. You can stand at the edge of glassy Galovac Lake amid tranquility broken by twittering birds.

At the Nikola Tesla Memorial Center in Smiljan, you may find inspiration charge the air as you explore the futuristic inventions of this Croatian innovator. Examine the exact replicas of Tesla’s groundbreaking contributions in his birthplace. Participate in a demonstration of the Tesla coil to learn how the electrical transformer can wirelessly create arcs of lightning.

Journey to alluring Pag Island, where the scent of aromatic herbs carries with the aroma of the salty breeze. Rocky and sepia-toned landscape juxtaposes the crystal-clear azure colors of the sea. Listen to bleating herds as you meet with a local artisan to sample tangy sheep's milk cheese. During a lacemaking workshop, you can admire the intricate, traditional handmade designs before browsing the charming galleries and boutiques of Pag town.

As the sun sets, you can relax in your family-owned accommodation for an evening surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Savor innovative takes on typical island cuisine incorporating herbs hand-picked from the property.

In the morning, you will transfer to Zadar, where you can lose yourself in labyrinthine Roman ruins, while church bells harmonize among the intriguing architectural acoustics. Stand on the glass viewing panels to view the solar-powered sea organ, where the push and pull of the waves move through the pipes beneath your feet to create unique melodies.

If you arrive in time for the bustling morning market, you can enjoy the scent of lavender honey and the spectacle of cured meats alongside freshly caught tuna among lively vendors offering samples. In the afternoon, continue to medieval Šibenik, where flower boxes decorate the cobbled alleys. You can enjoy the majestic St. James’s Cathedral to find the Renaissance dome crowning Croatia’s oldest native coastal town.

You can begin your day exploring Šibenik’s historic old town, weaving through winding alleys where hanging laundry flutters between weathered stone buildings. You may stop to admire the intricate sculpture and design of St. James’s Cathedral, absorbing the morning sunlight streaming through its enormous, arched windows. The 16th-century Renaissance City Hall creates a harmonious ambiance, with columns and arches decorating the facade.

Embark on an easy hike along Krka National Park’s lush riverside trails, crossing plank bridges to travel over bubbling water before reaching Skradinski Buk’s cascades, Croatia’s second-largest falls. You may find the aromas of flavorful smoked trout fresh from the river cooking at a local restaurant perched just above the stone-lined pools.

Escape for the day to car-free Zlarin Island, an unspoiled Adriatic jewel where you can embrace the beauty of sustainability. Wander the quiet cobblestone streets past 16th-century Venetian houses buried in flower blossoms without hearing a single motor. You may see local fishermen as they unload the morning catch.

At the coral museum, marvel at the tradition of coral harvesting, with artifacts from this island’s past in the form of jewelry and vibrant decorations. The custom has been guarded for centuries and passed down within the family for generations. You can take your time hiking the breezy coastal trails to find herbs and wildflowers blanketing the landscape. Then, find how the setting sun turns the village pink before returning to Šibenik for the evening.

Arrive in remarkable Trogir and trace your hand along the weathered stone walls of ancient buildings clustered tightly along medieval streets. You may be able to feel the cultural richness as you wander through the sea-facing city gate to glimpse sailing ships and far-off islands framing orthodox church spires and Romanesque towers. You can climb St. Lawrence Cathedral’s bell tower for an incredible panoramic view. Once in Split, you can feel the ambiance shift around the energetic crowds and colorful displays of Dioceltian’s Palace. The sprawling complex, built during the Roman Empire, retains ancient cellars and lofty cathedral bell towers built into the former emperor’s striking retirement villa. The unique combination of ancient history and architecture combines with the joys of contemporary life.

On your final full day in Croatia, you can visit celebrated Hvar, Brač, or Šolta. Venture to glamorous Hvar, the sunniest of all the Dalmatian Islands and famed for its UNESCO-protected fields of rosemary and lavender. You can stroll narrow paths through fragrant purple blooms before cooling off at jagged coves accessible only by the crystalline waters of the Adriatic. Or you could explore Brač’s beautiful stone villages, seemingly chiseled from the white cliffs. For a quieter escape, sail to peaceful Šolta, known for its sleepy harborfront lined with tiny cafés and bobbing fishing boats. Meander the island’s olive groves and tranquil trails, enjoying the aromatic herbs and scent of warm limestone. Before sunset, you may find the aromas of freshly grilled fish drifting out of the seaside restaurants and demonstrating a standing connection to a traditional way of life.

The scent of wild herbs, the calls of fishermen taking their daily catch to market, and the bordering greenery from the pine forest crowning Marjan Hill add to Split’s timeless beauty. After breakfast, your driver can escort you to the airport in your private Tesla. Instead of flying home, you could extend your time in Croatia with a new perspective on the country’s natural beauty.

Option 1:

Consider extending your idyllic journey through southern Dalmatia’s island paradises. Hop ferries to palm-fringed Hvar and its lavender fields, the awe-inspiring stone beauty of Brač, or Vis island’s legendary beaches and vineyards. Wander Korčula’s marble streets, said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, watch the sunset over Mljet’s saline lakes, or kayak to secluded coves and pirate caves.

Option 2:

Travel south to the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, surrounded by shimmering Adriatic vistas. Peer over famous red-tiled rooftops, trace the towering fortified walls, ride a cable car up emerald hillsides, and soak up history and culture in the iconic “Pearl of the Adriatic”, where Baroque facades and monumental churches create a scene straight from a fairytale.