Discover Croatia
- 2025
- 2024
Vibrant Zagreb, the spa resort of Opatija, scenic Plitvice Lakes, Split & Diocletian's Palace & medieval Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic
Overview
Style | Value VacationTravel in larger groups than our Small Group tours, but at fantastic value prices. These group tour packages are operated by our carefully selected partners and may be shared with other English speaking passengers ensuring guaranteed departures. More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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Departures | April – December 2025 | Group Size | 24 travelers max |
Themes | History & Culture | ||
Activity Level | Moderate | ||
What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Croatia is a favorite destination for travelers seeking a European vacation package with a twist. It offers gorgeous scenery, historic cities, impressive architecture, charming villages, great food and wine, sparkling clean water, and plenty of hiking, sports, and activities for everyone.
Visit Croatia's most enticing areas, including Zagreb, the capital city, and Opatija, the playground of the Habsburgs. Spend the day in the Istrian Peninsula visiting Pula and its 2000-year-old Roman theater that will remind you of the Colosseum in Rome. Hike through the amazing Plitvice Lakes National Park, wander through the Adriatic Coast towns of Zadar, Split, and Trogir, and spend time in the timeless old town of Dubrovnik.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 8 nights accommodations in Superior hotels
- 13 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour director and local guides
- Wine tasting near Split and Dubrovnik
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
Why you'll love it
- Visit Zagreb's medieval Upper Town.
- Discover Pula's 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater.
- Sample a truffle, Motovun's most prized delicacy.
- Lace up your hiking shoes and explore Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- Listen to the mysterious sounds resonating from Zadar's famous Sea Organ.
- Indulge in a wine tasting and delectable tapas at a local winery in the Dalmatian hinterland.
- Explore Split's 4th-century palace where Emperor Diocletian spent his golden years.
- Admire the highlights of Trogir's Old Town and enjoy lunch at the renowned Tragos restaurant.
- Learn about the wine making process in Ston and savor the "Plavac Mali" wine.
- Walk through the old city of Dubrovnik on a guided tour.
Itinerary at a Glance
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight
- Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zagreb, Croatia
Day 2 Arrive Zagreb, Croatia
- Upon arrival in Zagreb, transfer to your hotel
- Meet your tour manager and traveling companions with a welcome drink and light dinner
Hotel Dubrovnik or similar Dinner
Full Day ItineraryUpon arrival in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, enjoy a welcome drink and light dinner at the hotel and meet your tour manager.
Day 3 Zagreb & Opatija
- Explore Zagreb during a walking tour, including St. Mark's Church and Parliament
- Journey to Opatija
Heritage Hotel Imperial, Hotel Admiral or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, embark on a walking tour of Zagreb with your guide. Explore the fortified, medieval Upper Town, where you’ll encounter some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Church with its vibrant tiled roof, Parliament, the government palace, and numerous historic buildings.
After sightseeing in Zagreb, journey to Opatija, located at picturesque Kvarner Bay. Known as the cradle of Croatian tourism, Opatija was once a favored spa resort for the Habsburgs and European aristocracy, attracting famous figures like Mahler, Chekhov, and Isadora Duncan.
Check-in at your hotel on the promenade. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 Opatija & Istria Peninsula
- Visit Pula and tour the 2000-year-old amphitheater
- Independently explore Rovinj, Istria's most picturesque city
- Venture to Motovun and sample the truffle
Heritage Hotel Imperial, Hotel Admiral or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryToday, enjoy a guided and enriching exploration of the Istrian Peninsula starting in Pula, where you'll be captivated by the grandeur of a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater, a testament to the region's rich history. Next, continue to the enchanting town of Rovinj, celebrated as Istria's most picturesque city and a muse for countless artists. Stroll through its idyllic streets and enjoy leisure time to soak in the serene beauty and vibrant atmosphere.
In the afternoon, venture to the medieval hilltop town of Motovun, where you will indulge in a gourmet experience, sampling the region's most prized delicacy – the truffle.
After this delectable culinary adventure, return to Opatija for a restful evening.
Day 5 Opatija, Plitvice Lakes & Zadar
- Hike through Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Continue to the historic town of Zadar
Hotel Kolovare or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItinerarySet out early this morning for an unforgettable journey to Croatia's most beautiful and oldest national park, Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This pristine wilderness is home to 16 terraced lakes, interconnected by a series of magnificent waterfalls. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the park's enchanting landscapes, and then sit back and relax as you enjoy a boat ride across the shimmering emerald-green Lake Kozjak, revealing breathtaking views and serene spots.
Afterward, continue your journey to the historic city of Zadar, where you will enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant and settle in for an overnight stay.
Day 6 Zadar & Split
- Listen to the famous Zadar Sea Organ
- Indulge in wine tastings and tapas at a local winery in the Dalmatian hinterland
Hotel Art or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryToday, explore the town of Zadar. Rich in cultural and historical treasures, Zadar boasts landmarks such as the 1st-century Roman Forum and the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus. A highlight of your visit will be the unique Zadar Sea Organ, an architectural marvel that produces music from the movement of the sea.
This afternoon, depart Zadar’s charming old town for the Dalmatian hinterland, where you’ll visit a local winery. Indulge in tasting authentic local wines and international cuvées, perfectly paired with delicious Croatian-style tapas.
In the afternoon, travel to the vibrant city of Split, where you will spend the night.
Day 7 Split & Trogir
- Walk through the old town and visit Diocletian’s Palace
- Enjoy a walking tour of Trogir’s old town
- Have lunch at the renowned Tragos Restaurant
Hotel Art or similar Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a guided tour of the Split. This ancient city is a testament to seventeen centuries of history, where 18th-century houses intersect with ancient Roman walls and fourth-century chambers now house modern apartments. At the heart of this evolving cityscape lies the palace built by Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century.
Continue to the nearby town of Trogir. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a continuous urban tradition spanning 2,300 years, shaped by the influences of ancient Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. With its high concentration of palaces, churches, towers, and fortresses on a small island, Trogir is often called the floating museum town. Admire the highlights of its old town during a walking tour before indulging in lunch at the renowned Tragos restaurant. Savor a traditional Dalmatian dish, "pasticada," braised beef cooked in a fragrant sweet and sour sauce. Return to Split and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Day 8 Split, Ston & Dubrovnik
- Visit a local winery for a tasting and presentation of the winemaking tradition
Hotel Lero or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryFollowing breakfast, enjoy a scenic journey from Split to Dubrovnik, with a delightful stop near the town of Ston to visit a renowned local winery. Savor the exquisite "Plavac Mali" wine, closely related to the famed Zinfandel. This winery, steeped in tradition, has been passing down the art of winemaking for generations, offering a captivating story that enriches your tasting experience. Enjoy an insightful presentation on the intricacies of the winemaking process, followed by a tasting session and a delectable snack.
Continue your journey to the historic city of Dubrovnik, where you will arrive in time for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9 Dubrovnik
- Enjoy a walking tour of the old city of Dubrovnik
- Spend the balance of the day at leisure
Hotel Lero or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryCompleted in the thirteenth century, the old city of Dubrovnik has remained virtually unchanged since. Its medieval ramparts encircle the Old Town, accessible through one of two historic gates. Cross a stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city's patron, Saint Blaise (Vlaho), and find yourself on the broad, stone-paved promenade known as Stradun. As you stroll through the city, you will recognize popular scenes from Game of Thrones, including the famous "Walk of Shame" staircase.
After a guided sightseeing tour, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Wander through its charming streets, discover hidden gems, and soak in this remarkable city's rich history and culture.
Spend overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 10 Depart Dubrovnik/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
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What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
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Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
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Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
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Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
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What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
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What should I know about Croatia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.