Current as of: October 24, 2025 - 11:37
Discover Croatia Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Croatia
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: ADS
Trip Overview
Experience Croatia at its finest, from waterfalls and renowned wines to Roman ruins and the Plitvice Lakes
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.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels)
- Travel by private bus
- Group normally 6 to 16, plus tour leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Experience the true magic of Croatia with the help of an expert local guide
- Walk through centuries of history in Zagreb, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik
- Discover waterfalls and riverside forests in Krka National Park
- Sample Croatia’s wine heritage with two guided tastings
- Savour freshly harvested oysters in Ston
- Explore old wooden watermills in Rastoke and Venetian palaces in Trogir
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Suitability: This is a relaxed itinerary focusing on sightseeing and exploring. There is a fair amount of walking around towns and cities, plus a four-hour hike in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The walks are suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Zagreb
- End City: Dubrovnik
Land Only Itinerary
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 during the travel time from Zagreb to our first stop Rastoke.
Want more time in Zagreb? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: The Westin (or similar)
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 three-hour walk 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)
Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
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 boat ride and guided walk (around two hours) along wooden walkways provide time to enjoy the lake, 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)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
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)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
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)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
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)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
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)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
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.
Accommodation
A selection of hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Upgrades are available on Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.
Worth knowing
- Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Single supplement from £ 555
Food & Drink
Croatian cuisine reflects a blend of Mediterranean, Central European and Balkan influences. Along the coast, seafood dominates, prepared simply with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Local specialties include peka (meat or seafood slow-cooked under an iron dome), ćevapi, and cheeses. Fresh produce, wine, and olive oil are staples, while pastries, such as strudels and fritule, highlight the diverse culinary heritage of the country.
Transport
Transfers are in a private minibus.
Weather & Seasonality
Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe. We generally travel outside the high season, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly on the July and August departures.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: The Westin Zagreb, Krsnjavoga 1, 10000, Zagreb
Phone: +385 52 808 896
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today
Airport: Zagreb Airport (ZAG)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Zagreb
Location end: Dubrovnik
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Small backpack for water, camera and snacks
- Guidebook for walking or sightseeing
- Water bottle
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable pair of walking shoes – although the paths are not difficult some sections are rocky
- Towel and swimwear
- Warm jacket or fleece for cool evenings
- Some waterproofs and warm clothes
Practical Information
Visa
Croatia
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Croatia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/croatia
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/croatia
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html
Vaccinations and Health
Croatia
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Croatia's time zone: Europe/Zagreb (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Croatia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Croatia's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs and banks are available throughout the trip. You can use credit cards in most shops and restaurants in Croatia. However, we recommend taking some cash with you for smaller purchases, such as drinks, snacks and souvenirs.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow €45 per day for simple lunches and dinners, consisting of a soup, main course and salad. It is possible to spend a lot more, depending on what you choose to eat.
The bus into Dubrovnik town centre is not included. Please allow €8 (€2 per journey). The Dubrovnik Card is a cost-effective way to explore the city and if you purchase one of these you can travel on the buses for free. The card also gives you discounts at some attractions and restaurants. Visit www.dubrovnikcard.com for more details. Your leader can assist you in getting one of these.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. Tipping is at your discretion, but many wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the trip. We suggest €20-€25 per person for the guide and €7-€13 for the driver. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week with two separate envelopes (one for the leader and one for the driver). This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
