Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast

Get ready to savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of beautiful Croatia and its stunning Adriatic coast. Shoulder-season travel means fewer crowds and more opportunities to explore.

Your journey begins in Opatija,* a fashionable resort town on the Adriatic coast. Later this afternoon, get to know this elegant town on a guided tour. Stroll along the scenic promenade of Lungomare, enjoying the views dotted with Habsburg-era villas, the beautiful sea, and rich coastal vegetation. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers in a local restaurant and toast the beginning of a memorable journey.

This morning, discover the Istrian peninsula on your way to Pula, a seafront city well known for its urban landscapes. Its historic city walls include entrances dating back to the Roman era and architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. Join your local guide in discovering the Pula Arena (UNESCO), one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, and the Arch of Sergius, dating back to the first century BCE, which leads you to the main Roman square featuring an Augustan temple and medieval city hall. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own. Later, head inland to enjoy a true farm-to-table dinner at a family-owned restaurant. End your day sampling regional wines and classic Istrian delicacies.

Take advantage of a morning at leisure to explore Opatija and its beautiful views of the Adriatic coast. Or perhaps you’ll join an optional tour of Slovenia, with visits to the capital city of Ljubljana and the stunning Postojna Caves.

Today, travel to Split. En route, stop in Zadar and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Explore the city’s irresistible blend of old and new on a guided tour. Roman ruins dating back to the first century BCE, Byzantine architecture from the ninth century, and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Anastasia all speak to Zadar’s rich history, while exciting modern art installations engage you in the present. Listen to the mystical warbling of the Sea Organ, whose sound comes from ocean water rushing through tubes below marble steps, and view the art installation Greeting to the Sun. Later this afternoon, arrive in Split, a seaside city full of ancient heritage and scenic wonders. Join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll.

This morning, set out on a walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO), one of the most significant monuments built by Emperor Diocletian when he left Rome at the turn of the fourth century. Explore its Peristyle and the Cathedral of St. Domnius. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Split, located in the former residential complex of Diocletian’s Palace, showcasing the traditional costumes, crafts, and culture of Split -OR- explore more of Diocletian’s Palace on a visit to its substructures. Set below the imperial apartments, they represent some of the best-preserved ancient complexes in the world. This afternoon, set off for the Dalmatian countryside. Spend the afternoon in Radošic, a village that’s now a protected cultural monument on a family estate. The family will share its traditions and cultural heritage as well as a freshly prepared dinner made from homegrown ingredients.

This day is yours! Relax and explore Split’s coastal charms independently, or consider an optional trip to Dubrovnik, a city of twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops, rich in history and charm. Take in stunning sea views as you travel along winding coastal roads, hugging sheer cliffs that drop dramatically to the Adriatic Sea.

This morning, depart from Split and head to Zagreb. Spend time at Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the oldest and largest (73,000+ acres) national parks in Croatia. You’ll find incredible scenery at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel through the park’s dense forests and take a short cruise along terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and free-flowing cascades. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital.

Step right into the history and culture of Zagreb on a city tour with a local guide. Get acquainted with the city as you view landmarks on a scenic bus ride, then discover the Upper Town and Lower Town neighborhoods on foot. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with dinner at a local restaurant.

Your tour comes to an end this morning.