At a Glance
Over 8 unforgettable days, tick off your Croatia bucket list as you journey from the capital of Zagreb to the historic walls of Dubrovnik. This tour is your chance to see the very best of Croatia, from exploring the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park, uncovering ancient history in Split to savouring Croatia’s wine heritage on the Pelješac Peninsula. With every essential Croatian experience included, this 8-day adventure ensures you witness the country's most iconic sights from waterfalls, world renowned wines, sweeping coastlines and wild national parks.
Your adventure begins in Zagreb, where you embark on a walking tour. Travel to Rastoke and continue to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Journey to the Adriatic and arrive in Zadar, where we go on a guided tour. Set out for Krka ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights of accommodations in deluxe hotels on a twin-share basis
- Immersive itinerary with all transport (private bus) and listed activities
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
- Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
- 8x breakfast, 1x dinner
Itinerary
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Kick off 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. You’ll stay at The Westin Zagreb, a 5 star hotel, where panoramic city views greet you from a landmark skyscraper nestled in the heart of Croatia's vibrant capital. Indulge your senses with exquisite local and international cuisine at its diverse restaurants, or rejuvenate your mind and body at the magnificent World Class Health Academy, which features a sun-drenched 17-meter pool and an expansive wellness oasis. Want more time in Zagreb? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. |
The Westin Zagreb, or similar (5*) 
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We begin today’s adventures with a guided walking tour of Zagreb, where cobblestone streets, bustling markets, and ancient landmarks reveal the city's character. Afterward, we go on a drive (1hr 30min) to Rastoke, a village where waterfalls plunge between old wooden watermills. After exploring, continue for 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 take in the park’s karst landscape, spot wildlife, and discover the famous chain of 16 terrace lakes, connected by tumbling waterfalls. Later, we journey for two hours towards the Adriatic, arriving in Zadar, home to Roman ruins, medieval churches, and modern art installations, and continue to Hotel A’mare Zadar, our home for tonight. Our accommodation is renowned for its prime location, which puts it close to attractions such as Maestrala Beach and the Palace of the Governor General. Settle in and enjoy the views from your room until it's time to convene for our sumptuous welcome dinner in the evening. Note: Upgrade to a Deluxe Room, please contact us. |
Hotel A’mare Zadar, Zadar or similar
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Our morning starts 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, of about two hours, along wooden walkways provides 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 historic town was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, and its exceptional location means we’re in the quieter part of Split, with easy access to the historic centre. Head to your stay for the next few days, our 4-star boutique resort, Hotel Salona Palace. It sits majestically next to the entrance to the Salona Archaeological Park and offers a serene historical setting away from the main city rush. Unwind at the pool and wellness spa before dinner. |
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For dinner, if you’re up for some fine dining, you visit the hotel’s restaurant, the Restaurant Tusculum, which serves traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a Roman twist, accompanied by a romantic and intimate atmosphere. However, if you’re in the mood for something more casual, there are nearby spots like the Konoba Gurman or the River Pizzeria Konoba. Thinking of more options for the next few days? Feel free to ask your tour leader for recommendations. Note: Upgrade to a Deluxe Room, please contact us. |
Hotel Salona Palace, Split or similar
Breakfast  |
Our day begins with a guided morning tour through the historic heart of Split, where we explore the magnificent Diocletian's Palace. This vast and opulent complex was built as a lavish retirement residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the fourth century, and its well-preserved cellars, grand squares, and ancient walls now form the vibrant core of the city. Next, we journey inland for a 30-minute drive to the family-run Stella Croatica estate, a place dedicated to preserving the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. Here, you are invited to immerse yourself in local history through a delightful tasting of artisanal olive oils and handmade sweets, all set within the serene surroundings of a vast botanical garden. |
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A 45-minute transfer then brings us to the enchanting town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on a small island connected to the mainland by bridges. As you wander through its narrow, cobbled alleys, you'll discover a treasure trove of Venetian-inspired palaces and Romanesque churches that narrate centuries of maritime trade and history. After a full day of discovery, we return to Split in the early evening, a 45-minute drive back to our hotel. Note: Upgrade to a Superior Room, please contact us. |
Hotel Salona Palace, Split or similar
Breakfast  |
You have today to enjoy Split at your own pace. You can choose to take a stroll along the Riva promenade, stopping at cafes to gaze over the Adriatic, or take a short hike up Marjan Hill for a panorama across the harbor and nearby island. You can also check out the Archaeological Museum or the Gallery of Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s most celebrate sculptor. Another activity you should definitely consider is a boat trip to the islands of Brač or Hvar, popular for their beaches, lavender fields, and medieval towns. Note: Upgrade to a Superior Room, please contact us. |
Hotel Salona Palace, Split or similar
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Take (2hr 20min) the scenic Dalmatian coast south to the Pelješac Peninsula, well-known for oyster farming, wine production, and salt harvesting. Our first stop is Ston, a town where medieval fortifications once protected valuable salt pans. We visit the ancient Ston Saltworks to learn about the 4,000-year-old method of harvesting. From here, we hop on a boat on Mali Ston Bay to sample freshly harvested oysters with an expert. We then head to a winery for a food-and-wine pairing, where Mediterranean bites are paired with four of the peninsula’s finest wines, including the renowned Plavac Mali. To elevate the experience, we explore the cellar and learn about the production process and the region's wine history. |
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Later in the afternoon, we drive (one hour) to Dubrovnik, where we settle into our hotel. Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lapad Bay, you’ll stay at Hotel Vis. Unwind on its private pebble beach and savour enchanting sunsets from your sea-view balcony. Delight in authentic Dalmatian cuisine at the main restaurant or sip cocktails at the Lido Bar, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Adriatic coast. |
Hotel Vis, Dubrovnik or similar
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Embark on a guided walking tour through Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, a living museum of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Wander along the gleaming marble expanse of the Stradun, the city's main thoroughfare, and lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow side streets where history whispers from every stone. Admire the intricate facades of its baroque churches and palaces, and gaze up at the mighty stone walls that have encircled and protected this republic for centuries. This afternoon is yours to discover the city at your own pace. Perhaps you will take the cable car to the summit of Mount Srđ, where breathtaking panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and the shimmering Elaphiti Islands await. Alternatively, you might prefer a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. |
Hotel Vis, Dubrovnik or similar
Breakfast  |
You’ve walked through Zagreb’s ancient streets, navigated boardwalks past the waterfalls of Plitvice and Krka, and stood on Dubrovnik’s historic walls. Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. Bid your farewells for your onward journey. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay longer, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Breakfast More Info
- The departure point is Zagreb
- The finish point is Dubrovnik
- The closest airport to Zagreb is Zagreb Airport (ZAG), also known as Franjo Tuđman Airport.
- Airport transfers are only included with scheduled group transfers from Zagreb Airport (ZAG). We provide one group transfer from the Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Alternatively, joining location starts in your accommodation in Zagreb making your own arrangements there. The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Zagreb Airport. Airport transfers can also be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are notoriously free from rain. We generally travel off-season, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly in July, averaging around 30C (86F).
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.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
