Croatia: Natural Wonders

Wander through Zagreb’s cobblestone streets while you explore its lovely architecture, cafes and museums! With a local guide by your side, discover the secrets behind the 18th and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian buildings and learn why the Zagrebcani (the locals) hear the Gric Cannon each day at noon. Walk through the charming hidden courtyards of the old town while you listen to ancient stories about the Golden Bull and the struggle of Gradec and the Capitol. Visit Dolac Market and watch people bustling to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Pick up a bottle of locally produced honey or a quaint handmade craft for your loved one back home. Take a peaceful ride on the funicular and stroll through the Lenuzzi Green Horseshoe on foot to admire its artistic parks and buildings. Stop over to explore the beautiful tree-lined cemetery of Mirogoj, also called the ‘Westminster Abbey of Croatia.’ Finish the tour with a visit to two more notable landmarks – the elegant 19th-century National Theatre and the reputed Zagreb University. (Half Day; Flexible Timings; Private Activity & No Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Meals Not Included; Funicular Ride Included; Please wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget your camera)

Explore the magical beauty of 16 lakes interconnected by a chain of waterfalls at the Plitvice Lakes National Park en route to Zadar on this day-long tour. Discover how centuries of flowing water have excavated a unique landscape that is today declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along the woodland trails of this sweeping national park and discover the rich flora and fauna. Spot rare birds nesting in the trees and learn all about them from your guide. Through it all, don’t forget to capture the spectacular surroundings around you on your camera. (Enroute Activity; Full day; Private Activity & Transfers including 3.45 hr transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice to Zadar: Included: Entrance fee to Plitvice National Park and guide; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that you will need to walk some distance; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and hats; Don’t forget your cameras and binoculars.)

Discover incredible natural beauty in the diverse terrain of Paklenica National Park on Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline. Witness unique geomorphological forms such as karst rock formations, the dramatic canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica, and caves. Explore caves deep underground and observe unique animal life within them. Throughout your hike, lookout for a variety of native flora, including black-pine forests. Expect to come across some rare animals, the park being home to around 4,000 animal species! Don’t forget to take a breather at the many viewpoints on your route. (Duration: 8 hrs, including the 45-min Zadar-Paklenica transfer; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Moderate; Includes an English-speaking driver, licensed local guide, and entrance fee to the national park. Please wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Also, bring bottled water.)

Explore Krka National Park and a winery while traveling to Split. Travel by private vehicle to the national park that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. You could set off on a leisurely hike along the many trails that wind their way around stone houses, workshops and watermills. Take in splendid views of the cascading waterfalls and enjoy a boat ride on the river, if you like. Later, head to the town of Skradin located near the park entrance. Stop at one of the wineries here to learn about wine-making and sample some of their flavorful vintages. You could go swimming at one of the sandy beaches in the area before driving to your destination. (En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Available Mon-Sat; Entrance fees to Krka National Park and wine tastings included; This activity involves some walking; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hats and swimwear)

Spend a day out along the fascinating coast of the Adriatic Sea, exploring natural features, beautiful islands and lovely little fishing villages. Reach Split harbor bright and early to catch your speed boat for the day’s trip. Admire the pretty harbor and surrounding coastal landscape as you sail towards Biševo Island, home to the famous Blue Cave. Explore the unique cave, before visiting the charming little fishing village of Komiža near Vis Island. Learn about the local community’s traditional culture, which has been painstakingly preserved by generations. Enjoy your afternoon at a lovely cove, lazing on the beach and snorkeling in the clear blue sea. Spend another hour or so swimming in the Blue Lagoon nearby. The lagoon is a tropical paradise, wedged between lovely little islets on Budikovac Island. Take a break at the beach café and restaurant, if you wish. Visit the harbor town of Hvar on Hvar Island, exploring the local culture and heritage at your leisure, before returning to Split. (Full Day, from 07:30 hrs; Shared Activity; Group size: 12 guests max; snorkel equipment, wind jacket, bottled water & tickets for cave visit available with the tour; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring bathing suit & towel).

Embrace adventure as you row a raft and soar through the skies on a zipline in the Cetina Canyon! Upon reaching Omis, get into position on a raft as you listen to the skipper’s instructions. Propel your way through 10 kilometers of the foaming Cetina river for a good 3-4 hours. Take on the many rapids, and enjoy mesmerizing views of waterfalls, caves, and lush forests up close. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds and animals that may dart by. Next, gear up for an exhilarating zipline ride. This time, be ready for dramatic aerial views of the forested canyon and the river running through it. Descend down eight steel wires stretched across the canyon, one by one under the safety of a harness. (Duration: 8 hrs, including a 40-min transfer from Split to Omis; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Moderate; Includes rafting equipment, zip-line equipment, and quick tutorials. Please wear casual clothes, and bring a swimming suit. Please note that no previous experience is necessary for rafting or zip-line. Group size: 12 guests max)

Explore the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) in the South of Croatia with a local guide! Stroll on this medieval city’s walls which offer some spectacular views of the coast. Witness ancient fortresses and other scenic locations said to have been filming spots for the Game of Thrones series. Walk along cobblestone streets with their charming red-roofed houses and wander into the Old Town, filled with narrow lanes, restaurants, and small boutiques. Learn about the history and culture of the city which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a cable car ride up Srd Hill and be enchanted with a bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the many surrounding islands. At the end of your tour, relax with a drink at one of the Old Town’s cafes. (2.5hrs; Flexible Timings; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; City Fee and Return Cable Car Ticket Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes, shoes, sunglasses, and sunhat. Don’t forget your camera.)

Set out on an exciting kayaking adventure at Lokrum Island! Get away from the crowded, urban area of Dubrovnik and take a boat ride east from the ancient town port to the beautiful, forested environment of Lokrum Island. Try your hand at kayaking in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic with constant rest breaks to regain your strength. Enjoy stunning views of Dubrovnik from the sea and of the Benedictine monastery on the island. Witness how the lush, evergreen flora covering the island contrasts beautifully with the white stone of the Old Town. A relaxing walk afterward in the cloister garden of the monastery and a bite to eat in its in-house restaurant makes for a nice end to this adventurous tour! (Half Day; Flexible Timings; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; Lokrum Island Entrance Fee Included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable clothes, shoes, sunglasses and sunhat. Please note that the hotel to port transfer duration is 10 minutes.)