Journeys: Discover Croatia

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Duration: 8 days

Begins: Zagreb

Ends: Dubrovnik

Trip Code: ECZNG

From

£2,449 per person

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    Experience the beauty of Croatia on a journey that winds from the lively streets of Zagreb to the sun-drenched shores of Hvar and the historic walls of Dubrovnik. Discover breathtaking beauty at Plitvice Lakes National Park, feast on fresh oysters in Ston, and explore coastal towns steeped in tradition. With local connections, live music, and meaningful encounters, this is a trip that brings Croatia’s rich culture and natural wonders vividly to life.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    National Geographic Journeys
    Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
    Service Level
    Upgraded
    Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
    Physical Rating
    3 - Average
    Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Brusje Guided Walk, Brusje
    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Konavle Valley Agorturizam Walk and Lunch, Dubrovnik
    • Your G for Good Moment: Maritimo Recycling, Dubrovnik
    • Your Welcome Moment: Arrival Day and Morning Welcome Meeting
    • Plitvice National Parks walk
    • Split guided walking tour
    • Hvar guided walking tour
    • Stari Grad guided walking tour
    • Malo Grablje walk
    • Ston walk with oyster and wine tasting
    • Self guided Red History Museum visit
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD340-445 for meals not included.

    Itinerary Notes

    There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

    Day 1 : Zagreb

    Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.

    Welcome to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia known for a charming old city, complete with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local food and drink. There are also a number of museums to explore focusing on art, history, and archaeology.

    After the meeting, opt to head out for a meal in a local restaurant to get to know your CEO and travelling companions.

    Hotel check-in time is approximately 3:00pm. If you'd like to explore this city, consider booking a night or two of accommodations before the tour begins.

    Arrival Day and Morning Welcome Meeting

    Today, the adventure begins. Be sure to arrive in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip.

    Zagreb Orientation Walk

    Zagreb 0h30m - 1h

    Head out with your CEO to get your bearings in the vibrant city of Zagreb. Wander by some key sites and landmarks, and check out the amazing graffiti and street art along the way.

    Day 2 : Zagreb/Split

    Enjoy an excursion to Plitviče Lakes National Park. Take in the splendor of the travertine barriers, which create gem-like natural pools, and wander past cascading waterfalls and towering karst formations on a guided walk along boardwalks. Learn about the diverse wildlife and unique bird population of this World Heritage Site – one of Croatia’s most famed wonders. Take some free time for lunch, then journey down the Adriatic coast to Split and settle in for the night.

    Entrance to the park is included and there are many opportunities for walking and relaxing in one of Croatia's most famed wonders.

    Private Vehicle

    Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes National Park 3h - 3h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Plitviče Lakes National Park Walk

    Plitvice Lakes National Park 4h - 5h

    Enjoy a morning walk in the National Park, admiring the stunning karst rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning views that make the park a must-see for visitors.

    Private Vehicle

    Plitvice Lakes National Park - Split 3h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 3 : Split

    After breakfast, begin your exploration of this beautiful coastal city. Take a guided walk around Split’s historic Old Town, where you’ll discover the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace–dazzling Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built of luminous white stone imported from the nearby island of Braç. National Geographic writer Barbara A. Noe explored the “Gothic and Renaissance buildings incorporating the Roman remnants into their relatively “modern” styles, all within the palace’s original walls” for the article “In Diocletian’s Living Room.” Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Riva promenade – all while soaking in the rich history and stunning architecture of this unique city. Explore on your own with free time this afternoon. Wander the city at your leisure or join an optional excursion to the historic city of Trogir.

    Walking Tour of Split with Local Guide

    Split 1h30m

    Explore Split's historic Old Town on a walking tour, where you'll discover the grandeur of Diocletian's Palace, stroll through charming cobblestone streets, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Riva promenade, all while soaking in the rich history and stunning architecture of this UNESCO-listed city.

    Free time:

    Split Afternoon

    Opt to visit the Archaeology Museum or take an excursion to Trogir.

    Optional Activities - Day 3

    Trogir Excursion

    Trogir 4h - 6h

    Take an excursion to the historic city of Trogir, where the Old City core is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Found in the centre of Dalmatia on the eastern coastline of Adriatic sea, this pretty seaside town is a great place to walk and explore.

    Archaeology Museum

    Split 1h - 2h

    The Archaeological Museum is the oldest museum in Croatia, built in 1820. It showcases a wide range of artifacts, from prehistoric times through Greek colonization and the Roman, early Christian, and medieval ages.The collections include stone epitaphs from Salona, Greek Hellenistic ceramics, Roman glass, clay lamps, antique and medieval coins, and a variety of artifacts made of bone, metal, and gems.

    St Duje Cathedral Visit

    Split 1h

    The Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4 : Split/Hvar

    Ready your sea legs as you board a Catamaran to Hvar town this morning, then set off for a walking tour with a local guide. Wander through the historical and cultural sites including the main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Fortica Fortress. Stroll leisurely along the Riva Promenade and enjoy views of the harbor and nearby islands.
    Join your guide on a walk back to the Citadel and continue your exploration with free time for lunch. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to fill however you’d like.

    Ferry

    Split - Hvar 1h

    Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

    Walking Tour of Hvar with Local Guide

    Hvar 2h

    The walking tour of Hvar will takes you through the main historical and cultural sites of the town, including the main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Fortica Fortress.. The tour usually ends with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Riva Promenade, offering stunning views of the harbor and nearby islands.

    Free time:

    Hvar Evening

    Take time to explore Hvar at your own pace.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 5 : Hvar

    Today, step back into history and embrace traditional Croatian culture. Meet your local guide before transferring to Stari Grad, an ancient Greek settlement that is one of the oldest towns in Europe, as well as a UNESCO-listed site at the Stari Grad Plain.National Geographic writer, Alex Crevar, notes that approximately 120 archaeologists have found remains of ancient and prehistoric buildings in the plains, leading to unparalleled historic significance. After, head to Brusje, a nearly abandoned, once-bustling shepherd's village where you’ll walk in ancient footsteps learning of the days gone by. Continue to Malo Grablje, a ghost town deserted since the 1960s, and wander through the haunting ruins of the town. Head to the only working restaurant at Berti's Konoba for a chat with the owner, then settle in for a traditional lunch. Return to Hvar after lunch and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

    Private Vehicle

    Hvar - Stari Grad 0h30m 22km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Guided Walking Tour Stari Grad

    Stari Grad 0h15m - 0h30m 1km

    Join a local guide walking the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Stari Grad) while taking in the architecture of diverse worship. The Latin Bridge played an important role in the history of this area. This is the site where the Archduke of the Austro Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, leading to the beginning of World War I.

    Brusje Guided Walk

    Brusje 0h30m - 0h45m 1km

    Pass by key landmarks, including the historic parish church of St. George, the remnants of the old cooperative building, and the general store, before concluding at the local school and cemetery, silent witnesses to the generations that have called this place home.

    Malo Grablje Walking Tour

    Malo Grablje 0h45m 1km

    Explore this quiet ghost town village where a beautifully preserved olive mill, an old church, a school, and a public well stand as testaments to its history. Our walk ends at Berti's Konoba, where you'll meet the owner and chat.

    Private Vehicle

    Malo Grablje - Hvar 0h30m 1km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Free time:

    Hvar Afternoon

    Set out to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the historic Old Town's cobblestone streets, or take a short walk to a nearby pebble beach.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 6 : Hvar/Dubrovnik

    Cross the Neretva Channel by ferry and travel to Ston, famous for its defensive city walls and oyster farming. Here, enjoy a wine and oyster demonstration followed by a local lunch. Continue on to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic”. Set on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik has been an important maritime town in the region for centuries. Surrounded by medieval walls, it is rich in history and is a beautiful city to explore, filled with stunning architecture, museums, and fountains.

    Private Vehicle

    Hvar - Drvenik 1h 77km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Ferry

    Drvenik - Sućuraj 0h30m - 0h45m 11km

    Get to the next spot on your route aboard a ferry boat.

    Private Vehicle

    Sućuraj - Ston 1h30m 77km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Ston Visit

    Ston 0h30m 1km

    Wander the town of Ston with your CEO and see the massive and historic city wall. Learn about oyster farming and the local customs with your CEO.

    Private Vehicle

    Ston - Dubrovnik 1h 60km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Dubrovnik Old Town Walk

    Dubrovnik 1h - 2h 1km

    Set off on a walk through old town with a local guide at the helm. Learn of the intricate history and enjoy the city walls up close and personal.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 7 : Dubrovnik

    Visit a family-run agrotourism villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic. Join a local host on a spirited walk around the picturesque grounds, pick fresh fruits and vegetables in the gardens, and watch a baking demonstration. Then sit down together to share a traditional lunch of local ham, cheeses, and wine. Return to Dubrovnik for a self-guided visit at the Red History Museum–a unique place showcasing life in the former Yugoslavia. After, walk to the G Adventures-supported Maritimo Recycling project where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. This evening, join your group for an optional farewell dinner.

    Private Vehicle

    Dubrovnik - Konavle 0h30m 33km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Konavle Valley Agorturizam Walk and Lunch

    Dubrovnik

    With its lush, scenic landscapes, Croatia’s Konavle Valley is a must for any visitor to the region. Visit a family-run agroturizam villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Meet our local hosts (who’ll greet us with homemade liqueur) and walk through their beautiful property to learn about the history and culture of the valley. Explore the lush gardens and pick fresh fruits and vegetables before enjoying a baking demonstration. Then, sit down for a traditional lunch of local hams, cheeses, breads, and wines. Yum.

    Private Vehicle

    Konavle - Dubrovnik 0h30m 30km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Red History Museum

    Dubrovnik 0h30m

    Learn of the region's history and the daily life during socialist Yugoslavia from 1945 to 1991.

    Maritimo Recycling

    Dubrovnik

    Check out the environmentally-focused Maritimo Recycling, which turns plastic waste from the Adriatic Sea into useful products like fishing lures, sunglasses, and jewelry. The proceeds from the 3D printed products fund future sea cleanups, to create more products, to fund more cleanups, to... well, you get the point!

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 8 : Dubrovnik

    Depart at any time.

    Departure Day

    Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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