Croatia is the best of Europe, where grand Roman monuments meet world-renowned wines and sweeping coastlines meet wild national parks. This adventure from Zagreb to Dubrovnik unites the country’s highlights, with every day bringing a new wonder. Hike around the jaw-dropping Plitvice Lakes, discover Diocletian’s Palace in Dubrovnik, taste freshly caught oysters in Ston and sip local wines on the Pelješac Peninsula. And with your local tour leader guiding the way, each experience will be deeper, more beautiful and more authentic.
- All breakfasts and one dinner - All accommodation - All transport and listed activities - Tour leader throughout - Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
- Travel insurance - Single accommodation (available on request) - Visas or vaccinations - Local bus tickets in Dubrovnik
Accommodation Information
- Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels) - Travel by private bus - Group normally 6 to 16, plus tour leader. Minimum age: 16
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure starts in Zagreb
Begin your adventure in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, where Austro-Hungarian architecture meets a lively cafe culture and leafy squares.
As many flights arrive late into Zagreb Airport, we have our welcome briefing tomorrow morning.
Want more time in Zagreb? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Day 2 Explore the landmarks of Zagreb • Visit the old watermills of Rastoke • Discover Plitvice Lakes • To Zadar
Begin our adventures with a guided walking tour of Zagreb, where cobblestone streets, lively markets and historic landmarks unveil the character of the capital.
After, we drive (1hr 30min) to Rastoke, a village where waterfalls tumble between old wooden watermills. After time to explore, continue (30 minutes) to Plitvice Lakes National Park. With our expert tour leader guiding the way, we embark on a four-hour hike along the wooden boardwalks and trails to admire the park’s karst landscape, spot wildlife, and discover the famous chain of 16 terraced lakes, connected by tumbling waterfalls.
Later, we journey (two hours) towards the Adriatic, arriving in Zadar, home to Roman ruins, medieval churches and contemporary art installations, gathering for our welcome dinner in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel A’mare Zadar (or similar)
Day 3 Tour Zadar • Visit Krka National Park • Travel to Salona
Our morning begins with a guided tour of Zadar, a city of Roman forums, Venetian gates and 20th-century modernism. Highlights include St Donatus’ Church and the musical Sea Organ, which transforms the rhythm of the waves into sound.
We then travel (1hr 15min) to Krka National Park. A guided hike (around four hours) along wooden walkways provides time to enjoy the cascades, travertine pools and riverside forests.
From here, continue (1hr 45min) along the Dalmatian coast to Salona in the Split suburbs. The ancient town was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, while the excellent location means we're in a quieter part of Split but with easy access to the historic centre.
Accommodation: Hotel Salona Palace Split (or similar)
Day 4 Uncover Diocletian’s Palace • Taste local produce at Stella Croatica • Visit Trogir
A guided morning tour introduces us to the historic core of Split, centred on the fourth-century Diocletian’s Palace, the luxurious and imposing retirement villa for the Roman empire after whom it is named.
We then drive (30 minutes) inland to Stella Croatica, a family-run estate where Mediterranean traditions are preserved through food. Dive into that history with tastings of olive oils and handmade sweets, set among a vast botanical garden.
A 45-minute transfer then takes us to Trogir, a UNESCO-listed town on a small island linked by bridges. Venetian palaces and narrow alleys tell the story of centuries of trade and conquest. We return (45 minutes) to Split in the early evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Salona Palace Split (or similar)
Day 5 Explore Split and beyond
Today is free to enjoy Split at your own pace. You might choose to:
Stroll along the Riva promenade, stopping at cafes to gaze over the Adriatic.
Take a short hike up Marjan Hill for views across the harbour and nearby islands.
Visit the Archaeological Museum or the Gallery of Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s most celebrated sculptor.
Join an optional boat trip to the islands of Brač or Hvar, famed for their beaches, lavender fields and medieval towns.
Accommodation: Hotel Salona Palace Split (or similar)
Day 6 Travel along the Dalmatian coast • Taste oysters and wine on the Pelješac Peninsula • Arrive in Dubrovnik
Follow (2hr 20min) the scenic Dalmatian coast south to the Pelješac Peninsula, renowned for oyster farming, wine production and salt harvesting. Our first stop is the town of Ston, where medieval fortifications once protected valuable salt pans. We visit the historic Ston Saltworks to learn about the 4,000-year-old method of harvesting.
From here, we take a boat ride on Mali Ston Bay to sample freshly harvested oysters with an expert. Later, we continue to a winery for a food and wine pairing, where Mediterranean bites are matched with four of the peninsula’s finest wines, including the renowned plavac mali. To elevate the experience, we explore the cellar and learn all about the production process and history of wine in the region.
In the late afternoon, we drive (one hour) to Dubrovnik, where we settle into our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Day 7 Walk Dubrovnik’s Old Town • Afternoon at leisure
A guided walking tour introduces Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Stroll along its marble streets, admire the baroque churches, and take in the view of its mighty stone walls that have protected the city for centuries.
The afternoon is free. You may wish to take the cable car up Mount Srđ for sweeping views of the terracotta rooftops and Elaphiti Islands or enjoy a swim in the Adriatic.
Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Day 8 Adventure ends in Dubrovnik
You’ve walked through Zagreb’s historic streets, followed boardwalks past the waterfalls of Plitvice and Krka, and stood on Dubrovnik’s ancient walls – but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
