Discover the Essence of Croatia: A 12-Day Active Adventure
Experience a 12-day adventure through Croatia which explores its breathtaking natural beauty, its ancient landmarks and lively cultural heritage. The tour leads you through Zagreb's picturesque streets to the Adriatic Sea's sparkling waters where you can discover Croatia's premier natural attractions and architectural landmarks. Plitvice Lakes visitors can experience hiking through its scenic trails while Dubrovnik visitors can kayak. Additionally, you will visit Zlatni Rat Beach to cycle along its famous beach. The active tour provides personalized guides and handpicked activities which cater to travelers who want to experience both adventure and relaxation and cultural exploration.
What's included
Itinerary
Begin your Croatian adventure in Zagreb, the capital of the country!
Upon arrival at Zagreb Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your hotel in the city center. You will check in and take some time to rest before your guide welcomes you to explore the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad). St. Mark’s Church stands as a landmark because of its colorful tiled roof which you can see while you walk through the area to discover Tkalčićeva Street.
Your guide will provide information about Zagreb's historical background, cultural traditions and traditional practices of the local population while recommending dining establishments for your initial Croatian dining experience.
The rest of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby restaurant.
*Inclusions: Private airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel, Assistance with hotel check-in, Guided visit to Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church and Tkalčićeva Street*
Start your second day with an active adventure in Zagreb’s surrounding natural beauty. Meet your guide and visit the Medvednica Mountain, a calm nature reserve just outside the city. The summit at 1,035 meters offers breathtaking views of the city and forests which you can reach by following a scenic hiking trail.
Next stop after your hike is the Zagreb Zoo for a relaxed walk before you proceed to Zrinjevac Park which offers a park area for relaxation.
Spend some time enjoying the nature of the park before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Zagreb’s vibrant café culture is perfect for relaxing after a day of being active in nature.
*Inclusions: Private hotel pick-up and drop-off, Guided hike on Medvednica Mountain, Visit to Zagreb Zoo and Zrinjevac Park*
Today, you will enjoy yourself in the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes.
After you finish your breakfast, your driver will transfer you from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes (approximately 2 hours by car). Your guide will lead you to discover the park's beautiful walking trails which offer spectacular views of the waterfall cascades. Take a boat trip across Lake Kozjak to experience the peaceful atmosphere of this location.
After a day of exploration, spend the night near the park, where you can enjoy the peace of nature.
*Inclusions: Private hotel check-out and transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, Guided exploration of Plitvice Lakes National Park, including waterfalls and boat rides, Overnight stay near Plitvice Lakes*
The schedule of the day includes a trip to Zadar, a coastal city known for its rich history and vibrant waterfront!
After breakfast, your driver will take you from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy an active kayaking adventure along Zadar’s beautiful coastline, where you’ll paddle through the city’s crystal-clear waters. Otherwise, you can choose to have a trip to Krka National Park, where you can enjoy hiking and explore its stunning waterfalls.
You will return to Zadar for an overnight stay after your active exploration and you can spend your free time as you want for the rest of the day.
*Inclusions: Private hotel check-out and transfer from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar, Kayaking adventure around Zadar’s coast or a trip to Krka National Park*
Enjoy a full day of active exploration in Krka National Park, one of Croatia’s most famous natural reserves.
Your driver will escort you from Zadar to Krka National Park (about 1 hour drive) after breakfast. The park offers to explore its trails while you can also swim at the park's waterfall locations which include Skradinski Buk as their main attraction. The calm journey provides an ideal setting to experience natural beauty while you breathe in the clean outside atmosphere.
After a day of hiking and swimming, return to Zadar for an overnight stay.
*Inclusions: Private hotel pick-up and transfer from Zadar to Krka National Park, Hiking and swimming excursion in Krka National Park, Return transfer to Zadar*
Travel to Split, one of Croatia’s most historical cities once you are done with your breakfast.
Your private driver will wait and take you from Zadar to Split (approximately 2 hours). Your first stop will be a guided tour at Diocletian’s Palace which serves as a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 4th century. The Riva Promenade gives a peaceful walking experience after your visit because this waterfront destination has a lot of cafes and restaurants.
Marjan Hill offers active adventure seekers two options to choose from which include rock climbing and mountain biking. The top section provides you with breathtaking views which showcase Split and the Adriatic Sea.
After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
*Inclusions: Private hotel check-out and transfer from Zadar to Split, Guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace, Active adventure in Marjan Hill (rock climbing or mountain biking)*
Today, head to Brač Island, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Take a ferry from Split to Brač Island (approximately 1 hour).
Enjoy a hike or cycling tour around Bol and Zlatni Rat Beach, one of Croatia’s most famous beaches, once you are there. Explore the distinctive shape of Zlatni Rat, walk along the beach or swim in the clear waters. Spend the day enjoying the beauty of the island and the Mediterranean atmosphere, then overnight in Bol.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Split to Brač Island, Hiking or cycling around Bol and Zlatni Rat Beach*
The Croatian island of Hvar stands as one of the country's most beautiful destinations because it offers both an energetic vibe and breathtaking scenery. The ferry ride from Brač to Hvar takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Your first step should be to discover Hvar Town which offers both hiking and biking opportunities to reach Hvar Fortress for panoramic views of the entire town and nearby islands. The outdoor enthusiast and relaxation seeker will find their ideal destination in Hvar because of its lively environment and its beautiful natural scenery.
Relax in the evening with dinner overlooking the Adriatic before you return to your hotel for the night.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Brač to Hvar Island, Hike or bike ride to Hvar Fortress*
The city of Dubrovnik welcomes visitors through its ferry service which operates from Croatia to this historic destination that features its medieval walls and ancient heritage. The 3-hour ferry journey from Hvar will take you to Dubrovnik where you can discover its Old Town by following an energetic walking tour which explores the city walls.
After your walk, you’ll have time to relax and explore Dubrovnik further or simply take some time for yourself in a café with a view. Spend the evening in this beautiful city before heading back to your hotel.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Hvar to Dubrovnik, Active walking tour along the city walls*
Today, enjoy a day of active exploration in Dubrovnik, starting with kayaking around Lokrum Island. Paddle through the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the calmness of the island before returning to Dubrovnik.
In the afternoon, take the cable car to Mount Srd for a scenic hike, where you’ll be lucky to see beautiful views of the Old Town and the coastline around. After a day of adventure, return to your hotel and for a relaxing dinner overlooking the sea.
*Inclusions: Kayaking around Lokrum Island, Cable car ride to Mount Srd and hiking exploration*
Escape to the peaceful island of Mljet, known for its natural beauty and calmness. Take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Mljet Island (approximately 1.5 hours). Explore Mljet National Park, where you can hike or cycle around the island’s lakes, including the Big and Small Lakes.
The night will be spent in Mljet.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Mljet Island, Hiking and cycling in Mljet National Park*
Conclude your unforgettable adventure in Croatia with a relaxing morning in Mljet before taking the ferry back to Dubrovnik. Once in Dubrovnik, your private driver will transfer you to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight back home, bringing this incredible journey to a close.
Although this particular adventure is coming to an end, the motivation to explore further places with Tailored by Locals, we know that it’s already working to inspire your next experience.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Mljet to Dubrovnik, Departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport*
