8-Day Croatia Adventure: From Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Your first day of the trip starts with your arrival at Zagreb Airport, where your private driver will be expecting to transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the capital. Your driver will share insights about the city’s history and provide you with useful tips for your stay in Zagreb.

Once you’ve checked in and had some time to rest a bit, you can start on an introductory guided walk around Ban Jelačić Square, the city’s main square. You’ll continue your exploration through the beautiful Tkalčićeva Street. Your guide will offer insights into the architecture, local customs and hidden gems of the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), where the city’s history comes to life. If you have enough time and energy, you can make your way up in the medieval stone walls and the iconic St. Mark’s Church, with its colorful tiled roof, to enjoy the views they are offering.

As evening falls, enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of Zagreb’s local restaurants, as your first experience of the traditional Croatian cuisine. Otherwise, feel free to walk around the city and discover your neighborhood. The night is yours to enjoy at your own rhythm either by exploring more or just resting and saving energy for the rest of the trip.

Inclusions:
- Private airport pick-up from Zagreb
- Comfortable transfer to your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Assistance with hotel check-in
- Optional leisurely orientation walk around Ban Jelačić Square, Tkalčićeva Street and Upper Town (time permitting)

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, your private driver will pick you up for a 2.5-hour journey to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey will reveal Croatia's untouched natural beauty through its combination of hills, forests and natural landscapes. Your expert guide will welcome you at the start of your visit to lead you through the park's stunning lakes, waterfalls and beautiful natural surroundings.

The natural beauty of Plitvice attracts all visitors who love nature because it features lakes with clear water, multiple plant species and various animal populations. Your guide will present interesting information about the park's special environment, waterfall origins and native wildlife during your park exploration. The tour will provide you with multiple stops to observe the scenery because each location provides distinct views of this natural attraction. Whether you choose to explore the park on foot or by boat, every corner reveals something magical.

After a full day of exploration, your driver will take you back to Zagreb, where you can relax after an unforgettable day surrounded by nature. The evening is yours to spend it as you feel like.

Inclusions:
- Private transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Expert-guided tour of the park’s lakes, waterfalls and scenic trails
- Return transfer to Zagreb

This morning, depart from Zagreb for an approximately three hour drive to Zadar, a coastal city with a rich history over two millennia. You will meet your guide in Zadar to introduce you to this fascinating city, where Romans, Venetians and modern art has influenced it.

Your first stop should be the Roman Forum which stands as one of the oldest and most intact ancient forums that exist in Croatia. Your tour will proceed to the Sea Organ, a waterfront installation that produces musical sounds when ocean waves pass through it. The city of Zadar features this distinctive attraction which unites artistic elements with natural beauty to create an experience like no other. The Greeting to the Sun stands as a contemporary artwork which uses solar panels to generate power from sunlight during daytime hours before it displays nighttime light shows.

Afterward, enjoy some free time to walk through the Old Town, visit the local markets or relax at a café overlooking the sea.

Inclusions:
- Private transfer from Zagreb to Zadar
- Guided tour of Zadar’s Roman Forum, Sea Organ, and Greeting to the Sun
- Free time to explore Zadar Old Town and its historic charm

Your journey continues to Split which stands as one of the most lively cities of the Adriatic Sea. The journey from Zadar to Split takes approximately 2 hours before you reach your destination where your guide will show you the ancient Roman sites of Split. Your tour of Diocletian’s Palace which holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status will guide you through the extensive palace grounds that feature its ancient walls, temples and courtyards from the 4th century.

Your tour will include the palace as well as Peristyle Square which serves as the central area of Diocletian's Palace. Additionally, you will visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius which stands as one of the oldest and most well-conserved Christian buildings globally. Your guide will explain the importance of these sites while showing their relationship to the Roman Empire which will make historical events appear real to your sight.

After the tour, enjoy some free time to walk around the Riva Promenade, full with cafés, shops and beautiful views of the Adriatic. You might also want to have a look at the nearby beaches or try some local delicacies.

Inclusions:
- Private transfer from Zadar to Split
- Guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace, Peristyle Square, and Cathedral of St. Domnius
- Free time to explore Split at your own pace

Today, you’ll take a ferry from Split to Hvar, a city known for its cute medieval streets and beautiful landscapes. Your guide will meet you upon arrival and take you through Hvar Town. Your first visit, it will be the Hvar Fortress for its views over the town and the Adriatic Sea.

Hvar Town requires you to walk through its tight streets which lead to various shops, markets and beautiful public spaces. The beach area provides visitors with opportunities to relax while they can also browse local shops for handmade items and discover the historical landmarks of the island. The island presents itself as a place of outstanding natural beauty which visitors should experience through walking between town buildings and visiting various observation points.

After a day on the island, return to Split by ferry for an evening at your leisure.

Inclusions:
- Ferry ride from Split to Hvar
- Guided tour of Hvar Town and Hvar Fortress
- Free time to relax on the beach or explore the island
- Return ferry to Split

After a four hour drive, the schedule continues with another UNESCO World Heritage-listed city visit, Dubrovnik, known also as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Dubrovnik is famous for its cute Old Town, amazing city walls and historical landmarks. You will start exploring with a guided tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where the city walls provide a walking path allowing you to experience stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

Stradun Street serves as the city center which allows you to witness local buildings while experiencing the energetic atmosphere of the city. The Rector’s Palace stands as a Gothic-Renaissance architectural masterpiece which today serves as the home for the Dubrovnik History Museum. You can spend your free time after the tour to discover Old Town by yourself while you can choose to sit at a cozy café or stroll through its small streets.

Inclusions:
- Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik
- Guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town, including the city walls and Rector’s Palace
- Free time to explore Dubrovnik

The day begins by experiencing some of the best views of Dubrovnik with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the top of Mount Srd. 

Afterward, take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island, a nature reserve just off the coast of Dubrovnik. The island is home to botanical gardens, historical ruins and peaceful beaches.

Moreover, you have free time to spend discovering the island's natural attractions which include both the historic monastery and the coastal fort that provides a sea view. You can also explore the beautiful gardens or relax at one of the private beach areas. Nevertheless, the day finished with your return to Dubrovnik to spend your free time discovering more of the city or resting at the hotel.

Inclusions:
- Cable car ride to Mount Srd
- Boat trip to Lokrum Island
- Free time at Dubrovnik’s beaches and nature reserve

Enjoy your last morning in Dubrovnik at your own pace. Whether you choose to take a final walk around the Old Town or simply relax at your hotel, your driver will be ready to take you to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure.

Although this particular adventure is coming to an end, the motivation to explore further places with Tailored by Locals will be ready to come back to life whenever you are.