International airfare

Car rental (self-guided); options can be provided

Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed

Tips to your local guides and drivers

Alcohol or other drinks, unless specified

Required travel insurance

Arrive at Zagreb international airport (ZAG). Upon arrival at the airport, group trip participants will be transferred to our boutique hotel nestled in the forest to join your new travel mates and guide for the week. If you’re doing self-guided, you’ll pick up your vehicle at the airport and make the easy drive to the hotel will parking on site.

Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city is alive with culture, arts, and gastronomy. On the group trip we’ll walk into town and enjoy a 3-course Welcome Dinner of modern traditional Croatian specialties made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Meals: D (group trip)

We’ll start our explorations with a 3-ish hour guided walking tour starting at Jelacic Square, learning about the rich history of the two old towns that now make up the city of Zagreb as we pass by famous landmarks such as Lotrscak Tower and St. Mark’s Church. Our local guide will give recommendations for myriad cultural and gastronomical options for your free afternoon and evening. Consider visiting the Homeland War Museum or The Museum of Broken Hearts, or stroll through the city center, enjoying 17th Neo-Baroque architecture found at the Zagreb's Art Pavilion and Croatian National Theater. Rest and relax in one of Zagreb’s many lush city parks, such as Maksimir, and make time to grab a coffee and people watch at one of the city’s many cafes. We’ll also weave in a stop at the famous Dolac Market to stock up on picnic snacks for tomorrow’s hike!

Meals: B

Self-Guided Inclusions: 3-hour walking tour

Today we’ll visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO heritage site with 16 natural lakes of stunning turquoise waters. Here are some of the most breathtaking views of all of Croatia and we will spend a few hours hiking, exploring and enjoying a picnic-style lunch. We’ll also stop today at the charming village of Rastoke along the Slunjčica River. The town is known for its folklore, its historic role during Yugoslav times, and also cats!

Our post-adventure drive takes us through the beautiful countryside en route to Zadar, where you will have time to settle in before a traditional seafood feast from this part of the Dalmatian Coast!

Meals: B, D (group trip only)

Self-Guided Inclusions: Plitvice entry tickets

Hiking Note: Our hike will be about 10-15 km (6-8 miles) over 3-4 hours in low intermediate terrain (there is elevation but it is not too technical). Plan to wear good hiking shoes or boots with adequate tread or trail running shoes and bring rain gear in case of drizzles. If you wish to hike only a portion, we can provide options to relax at a coffee shop while the rest of the group hikes.

Rise & shine in Zadar, an ancient Roman city and the historical center of the Dalmatian Coast, famous for its picturesque coastline full of islands and vibrant blue waters. Enjoy a morning walk around the city and be sure to visit the Sea Organ, a unique seaside audio installation that makes sound by a combination of the waves and the wind.

We’ll then start making our way toward Split with a stop at one of our favorite establishments, a family-owned estate that showcases fresh, local and organic olives, figs, wines and traditional delicacies like cheeses and cured meats. We’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing on to Split.

Once we arrive in Split, we’ll check into our accommodations then enjoy a short orientation tour that takes us through Diocletian’s Palace, along the riva, and to the market. You might stock up on some local specialties such as spinach-filled burek or meats, cheese & fruit then head up Marjan hill for spectacular sunset views. You can also choose from myriad restaurants for locally sourced cuisine and a variety of botanical rakija infusions.

Meals: B, L

Self-guided inclusions: Diocletian’s Palace tour

This morning we’ll have a special treat over breakfast: We’ll be joined by our Community Partner, Greensail! We will learn about local initiatives in sustainable tourism practices to protect coastal communities and natural resources and how tourism can plan an important role in preserving these.

Afterwards, you’ll have a free day to choose from a variety of options. Opt for an in-depth tour of Diocletian’s Palace (perfect for the history buffs!) or head up to the medieval Klis Fortress, a stronghold during the Ottoman invasion in the 16th century that is situated in the hills above Split. Or, have a leisurely day at one of Split’s beautiful beaches. Our local host will help arrange everyone’s preferred activities as well as recommend spot for dinner, including some of our favorite seafood and Italian-inspired Dalmatian specialties.

Meals: B

Enjoy breakfast on the town before we take our coastal drive toward Dubrovnik, which is split by a section of land belonging to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Stop for a few hours in Ston, a beautiful little town known for its salt production, famed oysters and 14th century fortress walls, which you can hike up.

In the afternoon, we’ll stop for one of our favorites - wine tasting! You’ll enjoy some Croatian specialties paired with a selection of cheese & charcuterie, all locally produced. We’ll depart early evening for our last leg, a short drive to Dubrovnik, where you’ll have time for an evening stroll, dinner and perhaps a stop for gelato.

Meals: wine tasting & charcuterie

After breakfast we’ll head to the Stari Grad (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former independent republic of Dubrovnik, for a 3-ish hour walking tour. We’ll learn about several important sites, and from there you can choose to take the 2-hour walk around the old fortress wall with unbelievable views overlooking the charming old town and Dalmatian coast. You’ll have the rest of the morning and afternoon to wander through the cobblestone streets, do some shopping and enjoy local cuisine. Or, consider a hike up Mt. Srj for spectacular views.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head a bit outside of the city for a special treat: A Peka dinner experience! You’ll enjoy four courses of food, local wine and learning about life as a local in a Croatian village.

Meals: B, D

Self-guided inclusions: Dubrovnik historic walk, Peka dinner

Depart any time today from the Dubrovnik airport (DBV) or continue your journey with our 5-day Montenegro itinerary.

Trip price based on double occupancy. You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.

$3495 per person - double occupancy

+$595 single occupancy 'My own room' option

Trip price based on double occupancy. Single rooms will require the single supplement. Minimum 2 people to book this tour

$1995 per person, double occupancy

+$595 single occupancy

High Season Surcharge: June-July-August starting at +$150 per person

Holiday Surcharge: If your dates fall +/- 5 days around US Thanksgiving, December 25th, or January 1st there will be a holiday surcharge of $150 per person.

Car rental - Quotes provided on request for easy pick up in Zadar and drop off in Dubrovnik

Private driver for whole route (self-guided) - Price varies by group size and vehicle, starting at approximately $1195

5-day Montenegro tour info here - starting at $1495 per person

Shoulder season in spring (March-May) and fall (Sept/Oct) is our favorite time to visit for fewer crowds and less heat. You can also visit in the winter if you don't mind a bit of rain!

If you're tired or not feeling up for the Plitvice hike, there is an option to stay back at the information center café.

YES! Some of the best travel is done by yourself and we have no doubt you’ll leave with friends!