9-Day Croatia Discovery Tour

Zagreb • Opatija • Plitvice Lakes • Split • Zadar

Experience the beauty, culture, and history of Croatia on this immersive 9-day Croatia escorted tour. From the elegant capital of Zagreb to the spectacular Adriatic coast, this journey reveals Croatia’s most iconic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Explore charming seaside towns, wander through medieval streets, discover Roman architecture, and experience the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This tour perfectly combines culture, history, and natural beauty along the Adriatic.

Perfect for travelers seeking a Croatia cultural tour, Adriatic coast itinerary, and UNESCO heritage travel experience.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Monday | Depart for Croatia

Depart for Croatia, a country known for its spectacular coastline, medieval towns, and remarkable natural parks.

Day 2 – Tuesday | Arrive in Zagreb

Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital city.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

In the evening, meet your tour manager during an orientation meeting followed by a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Zagreb
Meals: Dinner

Day 3 – Wednesday | Zagreb City Tour & Travel to Opatija

Start your day exploring Zagreb’s historic Upper Town.

Visit lively Kaptol Square and admire the impressive Zagreb Cathedral, famous for its soaring twin spires.

Continue your walk across Kravi Most toward St. Mark’s Square, home to the iconic St. Mark’s Church Zagreb with its colorful tiled roof and nearby Parliament building.

Pass the elegant Church of St. Catherine Zagreb before reaching the bustling Ban Jelacic Square.

In the afternoon, travel to the beautiful seaside resort town of Opatija, once a favorite destination of Austro-Hungarian nobility.

Enjoy an orientation walk upon arrival.

Overnight: Opatija
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Thursday | Leisure Day in Opatija

Spend the day exploring Opatija, famous for its elegant seaside promenade, historic villas, and scenic coastal views.

Optional excursion:

Travel to Slovenia to visit the dramatic Predjama Castle, an extraordinary medieval fortress built directly into a towering limestone cliff.

Continue to the spectacular Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s largest and most visited cave systems. Ride the underground train and admire stunning stalactites and stalagmites inside this vast subterranean world.

Return to Opatija in the evening.

Optional Tour: Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle
Overnight: Opatija
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Friday | Plitvice Lakes National Park

Travel south to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Walk along scenic wooden pathways and discover turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. The park features 16 interconnected lakes linked by stunning waterfalls and streams.

After exploring the park, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Plitvice Lakes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Saturday | Split City Tour

Travel to the coastal city of Split, one of the most historic cities on the Adriatic coast.

Take a walking tour through the Old Town and explore the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed Roman palace built in the 4th century by Emperor Diocletian.

See the historic Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the ancient Temple of Jupiter Split, guarded by a mysterious black Egyptian sphinx.

Enjoy free time in Split to explore the lively waterfront promenade.

Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Sunday | Split Leisure Day & Optional Trogir

Spend the day exploring Split at your own pace.

Optional afternoon excursion to Trogir, a beautifully preserved medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk through the historic main square Trg Ivana Pavla II and visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. Lawrence Trogir.

End the evening with dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Dalmatian cuisine.

Optional Tour: Trogir with Dinner
Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Monday | Zadar & Return to Zagreb

Travel north toward Zagreb, stopping in the historic coastal city of Zadar.

Explore the Old Town and admire its fascinating blend of Roman ruins, medieval churches, and elegant Habsburg architecture.

Enjoy free time to walk along the scenic waterfront before continuing to Zagreb.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your tour manager.

Overnight: Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Tuesday | Depart Croatia

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

✔ Explore Zagreb’s historic Upper Town and Cathedral
✔ Visit the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park
✔ Discover Roman architecture at Diocletian’s Palace in Split
✔ Experience the seaside charm of Opatija
✔ Optional visit to Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle
✔ Explore the historic coastal city of Zadar

Package Includes

✔ Round-trip flights (select departures)
✔ 7 nights First Class accommodations
✔ 10 meals included
✔ Airport transfers
✔ Air-conditioned motor coach transportation
✔ English-speaking tour manager throughout
✔ Local expert guides
✔ Entrance fees per itinerary
✔ Wireless audio headsets for guided tours

Not Included

• Optional excursions
• Personal gratuities
• Travel insurance