9 day Grand Croatian Tour from Zagreb to Dubrovnik
from 1599 €
Doing this sweet thing called traveling to Croatia. Tell a Grand story after Grand Croatian Tour from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. This is an in-depth tour of Croatia that includes the Croatian coast as well as the Croatian mainland. From Zagreb on the North, Plitvice lakes, Dalmatia with Split and the island of Hvar, to Dubrovnik on the South, you see a magnificent Diversity of Croatia.
SHORT ITINERARY
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Country: Croatia
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Type of Travel: escorted, with local guides
Group Size: max 8
Recommended for: families, couples, individuals, friends – private groups that want Safe travel
When to travel: throughout the year
Transportation: modern A/C van
Inclusive: main entrances
Accommodation: 4* hotels
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Physical Rating:
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Taste Croatia on a Zagreb Food Tour
Northern Croatia with romantic Trakoscan castle and the baroque town of Varazdin
Istrian peninsula with a picturesque town of Rovinj and Ancient Arena in Pula
Hike in Plitvice Lakes, one of Europe’s great natural wonders
City tour of Split and Diocletian’s palace, Explore Trogir and its well preserved old town
Full day on the island of Hvar with a City tour of Hvar town
Visit Ston, famous for the longest city walls in Europe, City tour of Dubrovnik, Scenic drive on Adriatic coastal road
Countryside of Dubrovnik or Sunset dinner cruise around Dubrovnik or Elafiti islands or Montenegro with Kotor or Bosnia with Mostar
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ZAGREB, CROATIA
Highlights: Zagreb Food Tour and Zagreb City Tour in one
Welcome to Croatia! Your tour starts in the afternoon when you meet your Travel Director who will take you on a Zagreb Food Tour with your Private Local Guide in Zagreb. Experience the capital of Croatia and get familiar with the rich and diverse gastronomy of the country. Zagreb is a trendy city with roots in Central European urban culture, enriched by Mediterranean and Balkan traditions. It is also a city of green parks and walks. During the Zagreb Food Tour, you will visit all the main attractions such as Zagreb’s central square ‘Trg Jelacica’, the Upper Town with a ‘Lotrscak Tower’ where a cannon is fired every day at noon. Take a picture of Zagreb’s most photographed multi-colored tile roof of St Mark’s church, pass by Parliament ‘Sabor’ and presidential palace ‘Ban’s palace’, and see people praying in front of the shrine of Virgin Mary at Stone Gate. Stroll at Tkalciceva street filled with ‘bohemian’ cafes, visit a fruit and vegetable market at ‘Dolac’, and complete the tour at the Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary. Zagreb Food Tour includes four stops to taste the Croatian delights from all the regions.
Meals: Lunch/dinner on a Zagreb Food Tour
Overnight: Zagreb
DAY 2: ZAGREB – TRAKOSCAN CASTLE – VARAZDIN TOWN – ZAGREB
After breakfast, we go to northern Croatia, a region called Zagorje. Our first stop will be at the Trakoscan castle, the most romantic castle in Croatia. Located on a small hill and surrounded by a large park and forest, the scenery will take your breath away. A rich interior and 800-year history of the castle will simply seduce you. We will continue our journey north towards Varazdin, also known as “Little Vienna.” One of the oldest and prettiest European cities with baroque architecture. Our Varazdin local guide will take us on a stroll through Varazdin’s well-preserved old town with stunning monuments, art, and the oldest city hall in Europe. Some free time before heading back to Zagreb and evening at leisure.
Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Zagreb
DAY 3: ZAGREB – ROVINJ – PULA – OPATIJA
Today we visit the Western part of the Croatian coast – a peninsula of Istria, famous for countless beaches, historical sights, nature, truffles, and wine. Our first stop will be in one of the most popular coastal towns, Rovinj. The romantic town of Rovinj is situated on the small peninsula and it attracts people with its Venetian legacy, charming streets, and cuisine. Free time for exploring Rovinj’s cobble streets and lunch on own. Perhaps a lunch suggestion: Pasta with truffles. In the afternoon, we drive to the town of Pula. Located on the southwestern tip of the Istrian peninsula, Pula is an exhilarating mix of urban grit and Roman antiquities. Two parted, private city tour of Pula will start with the visit of the 6th largest Roman Amphitheatre, also called the Pula Arena. Step into the stories of the Roman engineering and gladiator fights. The second part of the city tour in Pula will take us to the old town of Pula, where Romans, Venetians, Austrians, Italians, and of course Croatians left their mark. Return to Opatija and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Opatija
DAY 4: OPATIJA – PLITVICE LAKES – SPLIT
After breakfast, we will drive to the biggest and most famous Croatian National Park – Plitvice Lakes, one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Get ready for a beautiful experience in nature, with zig-zagging timber footbridges over azure-colored lakes. The Lakes of Plitvice are a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnected lakes, flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. The green forests of the park give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters. After the hike in the Plitvice Lakes National park, we drive towards the Adriatic sea. Witness a dramatic change in landscape, as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to the second largest Croatian town, called Split. Late afternoon arrival to our hotel and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Split
DAY 5: SPLIT – TROGIR – SPLIT
Highlights: City tour of Split and Diocletian’s palace, Explore Trogir and its well preserved old town
Split is Croatian 2nd largest town, the hub of the Croatian region called Dalmatia, from its origins in Roman times up to the modern era. Split local guide will take us on a journey back in time to discover the story of the famous Roman emperor Diocletian who build a palace for his retirement in Split. We will see how the palace was later integrated into the medieval town. Diocletian palace’s well-preserved substructures, Jupiter temple, and St. Duje cathedral are just some of many interesting points which you can find on the streets and squares, while you meet locals doing their everyday errands and enjoying a break in many cafes. After a lunch break and free time, we drive to Trogir, another Croatian pearl, protected by UNESCO World Heritage. Trogir, situated on a small island between the Croatian mainland and the island of Čiovo, is considered by many to be an open-air museum. Trogir’s island settlement boosts with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Perhaps climb to the bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Lawrence (St. Lovro) to get the best view of the town of Trogir and its surrounding area. Old Trogir will delight lovers of art, original architecture, and atmospheric streets. Late afternoon return to Split and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Split
DAY 6: SPLIT – HVAR – SPLIT
After breakfast, we go to the port of Split to board a ferry to one of the most popular islands in Croatia – Hvar. After only an hour, we arrive in the town of Hvar, another gem hidden in time. Located on the sunniest island in the Adriatic, rich with history and architecture, it is no wonder it became so popular. We will enjoy a private city tour of the Hvar town, learn about Hvar’s rich history and the life of the locals. Perhaps ascend to the Fortress to get some fabulous panoramic views. Did you know Hvar has the oldest theatre in Europe? Or that nuns from the Benedictine nunnery keep the secret of their unique handicraft, now a part of UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity – lace making from agave threads? If we may, we suggest a gelato with lavender after you take a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. On-your request, we can also take a panoramic drive across the island to see more of the island, olive trees, lavender fields, and UNESCO-protected Stari grad fields. Late afternoon, a fast ferry takes us back to Split. Evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Split
DAY 7: SPLIT – STON – DUBROVNIK
This day we drive to the south of Croatia, on the most attractive part of the Adriatic coastal road. We stop in the small town of Ston, famous for the longest city walls in Europe and the oldest salt pans in Europe. Here we can taste the local specialty – raw oysters. The scenic road brings us to Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic. Our local guide will show us the old town of Dubrovnik, ‘paradise on earth’ according to George Bernard Shaw. In a walking exploration of the “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will get a glimpse into local life, as you will explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th-century bastions of the Old Town. A city tour will pass Pile Gate, Onofrio’s Fountain, we will visit Europe’s oldest pharmacy in the Franciscan Monastery, admire Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. We suggest ascending on top of the City Walls to see the town’s hidden spots, like stone ramparts, gates, bastions, forts, and towers that connect span nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). From every point, the walls give visitors a glimpse into the city’s construction and centuries of defense. The medieval fortress makes for a memorable workout, that is for sure. Evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Dubrovnik
DAY 8: DUBROVNIK – day at leisure or optional toursavailable
Highlights: It is not going to be easy to choose between optional tours selection. Island hopping in car-free Elafiti islands or Countryside of Dubrovnik in Konavle valley with lunch. Or a visit to Mostar and Medjugorje in Bosnia? Or Montenegro – scenic drive in Boka bay, island church, and UNESCO town of Kotor?
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing day at the pool or explore the region. Choose between optional day tours from Dubrovnik; Elafiti islands or Konavle Valley with lunch. Why not visit another country? The UNESCO protected town of Mostar and a famous pilgrimage site of Medjugorje, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Another suggestion is Montenegro, a country south of Croatia with a scenic drive in Boka bay, a visit to the island church and UNESCO town of Kotor. Or join a romantic sunset dinner cruise around Dubrovnik walls in the evening.
Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Optional Nm 1: Elafiti islands hopping (full day)
Optional Nm 2: Konavle Valley with lunch (half day)
Optional Nm 3: Mostar and Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina (full day)
Optional Nm 4: Kotor bay and Kotor town in Montenegro (full day)
Optional Nm 5: Dinner cruise around Dubrovnik walls (evening)
*Find a detailed description of optional tours under the price section
DAY 9: DUBROVNIK – tour ends
Possible transfer to the airport. Safe travels!
Meals: breakfast
Important message: If you need a transfer to the airport or want to continue with extension travel to neighboring countries, let us know – we will handle everything for you.
PRICE: from 1599 € per person
Included in the price:
- Small groups of maximum 8 travelers
- All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern A/C van
- Return fast ferry Split-Hvar
- 8 nights First Class accommodation (2 nights in Zagreb, 1 night in Opatija, 3 nights in Split, 2 nights in Dubrovnik)
- City hotel taxes, Tourist taxes
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, lunch on a Croatian food tour in Zagreb
- Entrance fees: funicular in Zagreb, Trakoščan castle entrance, Pula arena, National Park Plitvice Lakes, Diocletian’s cellars, Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik
- Services of local English-speaking Tour guide throughout
- Services of local guides in Zagreb, Pula, Varaždin, Split, Hvar town and Dubrovnik
- Comprehensive, guided sightseeing
- Active itinerary with unique features
Not included in the price:
- Transfer from/to the airport (from 29 EUR per person one way)
- Everything that is not listed in the ‘Included in the price’ sector
- Personal expenses (meals, drinks, shopping, etc.)
- Optional tour Elafiti islands hopping (full day)
- Optional tour Konavle Valley with lunch (half day)
- Optional tour Mostar and Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina (full day)
- Optional tour Kotor bay and Kotor town in Montenegro (full day)
- Optional tour Dinner cruise around Dubrovnik walls (evening)
- Gratuities
- Supplement for single room from 290 EUR (per person per tour)
For groups bigger than 8, please contact us.
OPTIONAL DAY TOURS FROM DUBROVNIK
DAY 8 – Optional Nm 1: Elafiti islands hopping (full day)
Take a private speedboat to Elafiti islands, one of the country’s most popular destinations and a popular day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. A cluster of 14 islands along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast makes it a popular day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. We will visit the archipelago’s largest three, car-free islets, Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, stop for swimming and snorkeling.
DAY 8 – Optional Nm 2: Konavle Valley with lunch (half day)
Konavle valley is often compared to Tuscany, a must-visit destination for lovers of nature and foodies. We will visit an ancient fort on a cliff, Sokol tower, that was most likely used for military purposes. The countryside of Dubrovnik offers peaceful surroundings, breathtaking scenery, and excellent restaurants serving great local wines. Delicious lunch included.
DAY 8 – Optional Nm 3: Mostar and Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina (full day)
Why not visit another country? The UNESCO protected town of Mostar and a famous pilgrimage site of Medjugorje, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This makes a great day trip for you to get a look into an oriental flavored Mostar and an important Roman catholic religious site of Medjugorje. We will have an orientation tour in Mostar and Medjugorje.
DAY 8 – Optional Nm 4: Kotor bay and Kotor town in Montenegro (full day)
Visit Montenegro, a country south of Croatia, offering magnificent views while driving on the coastal road in UNESCO protected Boka bay. Visit the only artificial island in Adriatic, Our lady of the rocks, and explore another UNESCO-protected town of Kotor, hidden behind the centuries-old walls. We will make several photo stops in Boka bay, visit the island church and enjoy free time in the town of Kotor.
DAY 8 – Optional Nm 5: Dinner cruise around Dubrovnik walls (evening)
When sunset begins, we sail out and take a tour around Dubrovnik. A dinner cruise is an authentic Dubrovnik-style experience that you can’t miss! Approximately two hours of cruising, a romantic dinner at sunset, and the view of the town walls from the sea is a once in a lifetime experience.
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