Timeless Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast

Get ready to savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of beautiful Croatia and its stunning Adriatic coast. Shoulder-season travel means fewer crowds and more opportunities to explore.

Your journey begins in Opatija,* a fashionable resort town on the Adriatic coast. As travelers’ arrival times will vary, we have not included any sightseeing today. If time allows, stroll along Opatija’s scenic Lungomare, a seaside promenade lined with Habsburg-era villas and sweeping Adriatic views. This evening, gather at a local restaurant and toast the beginning of a memorable journey.

This morning, discover the beauty of the Istrian peninsula as you journey to Pula, a seafront city rich in Roman heritage. Join a local guide and explore the UNESCO-listed Pula Arena, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Continue to the Arch of Sergius, then walk to the main Roman square to admire the Augustan Temple and medieval city hall. Enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Opatija. This afternoon, enjoy your time at leisure in this beautiful coastal gem.

Take advantage of a day at leisure to explore Opatija and its beautiful views of the Adriatic coast. Or perhaps you’ll join an optional tour of Slovenia, featuring the stunning Postojna caves and the vibrant capital city of Ljubljana.

Today, travel south to Zadar, where history and modern architecture meet. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before joining a guided city tour. Admire Roman ruins, Byzantine architecture, and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Anastasia. Interact with Zadar’s two most famous modern installations – the musical Sea Organ and the mesmerizing Greeting to the Sun. Later this afternoon, arrive in Split, a seaside city full of ancient heritage and scenic wonders. Settle in and enjoy an evening stroll with your Tour Manager.

This morning, explore Split on a guided walking tour featuring UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, built when Emperor Diocletian retired from Rome at the turn of the fourth century. Walk through the palace’s Peristyle and the Cathedral of St. Domnius, guarded by the Egyptian sphynxes. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Split, located within the former residential complex of Diocletian’s Palace, showcasing the traditional costumes, crafts, and culture of Split -OR- continue exploring more of Diocletian’s Palace on a visit to its substructures. Set below the imperial apartments, they represent some of the best-preserved ancient complexes in the world. As your city tour will end by 1:00 p.m., the rest of the day is yours to explore the city’s coastal charms on your own.

Depart Split and venture into the Dalmatian countryside to the Etno Village of Radošic, a protected cultural monument on a family-owned estate. Experience a warm welcome as you learn about village traditions, rural heritage, and daily life. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch made from homegrown ingredients and regional recipes. Continue north to legendary Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most extraordinary natural treasures. Settle into your hotel near the National park and relax for the evening surrounded by nature.

This morning, explore the breathtaking beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park** (UNESCO). Walk along wooden boardwalks and footpaths, surrounded by forest and terraced turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls and cascades. Enjoy a short boat ride within the park as you soak in the scenery of one of Europe’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Later, continue to Zagreb, Croatia’s lively capital. Join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll and orientation.

Step right into the history and culture of Zagreb on a city tour with a local guide. Explore the charming Upper Town and Lower Town neighborhoods on foot. Learn about the city’s centuries-old history, café culture, and vibrant everyday life. Our city tour will conclude around noon, and you are free to explore the city for the afternoon. This evening, we will celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with dinner at a local restaurant.

Your tour comes to an end this morning.