9 Day Croatia Uncovered Premium Small Group Tour

Welcome to Croatia! Upon your arrival in Zagreb, you'll be transferred to the hotel, where a welcome drink awaits to mark the beginning of your adventure. Once you've settled in, enjoy a warm welcome dinner as you start to soak in the excitement of the journey ahead. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, set out on a guided walking tour of Zagreb led by an expert English-speaking guide. As we explore the charming, fortified Upper Town, we'll encounter some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark's Church with its striking multicolored tiled roof, the Parliament building, the government palace, and a number of beautifully preserved historic structures. Following the tour, the journey continues to the scenic shores of Kvarner Bay, arriving in Opatija—a town often regarded as the birthplace of Croatian tourism. Once a beloved retreat of the Habsburgs and European aristocracy, Opatija was frequented by cultural figures such as Mahler, Chekhov, and Isadora Duncan. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in this elegant coastal town. Inspiring Highlights Zagreb Walking Tour Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Today offers a chance to explore the enchanting Istrian peninsula, beginning with a visit to the ancient city of Pula, home to a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre that has stood for over 2,000 years. From there, we'll continue to Rovinj—a coastal gem often considered the most beautiful town in Istria and a long-time muse for artists and creatives. After some free time to wander Rovinj's charming streets and soak in its vibrant atmosphere, the journey takes us inland to the hilltop town of Motovun. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample one of Istria's most celebrated culinary delights: the truffle. The day concludes with a return to Opatija for an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Istria Peninsula Highlights: Pula, Rovinj and Motovun Pula Amphitheatre Truffle Tasting Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

An early morning departure sets the tone for an unforgettable day as we journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park—Croatia's oldest and most renowned national park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the mountainous region of Lika, this natural wonder features a breathtaking network of 16 interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forested trails. Most of the park is explored on foot, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. A scenic boat ride across the emerald-green waters of Lake Kozjak adds to the experience, immersing you in the park's unique turquoise beauty. The visit lasts approximately three hours and offers countless moments of awe and reflection. Afterwards, we continue on to the historic coastal city of Zadar, where dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant, followed by an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Plitvice Lakes - UNESCO World Heritage Site Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, the day begins with a guided exploration of Zadar—a city steeped in history and cultural richness. Highlights include the impressive Roman Forum, dating back to the 1st century AD, and the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, a symbol of early medieval architecture. A true modern marvel awaits at the Zadar Sea Organ, an innovative installation that transforms the movement of the sea into hauntingly beautiful music—an experience unique to this coastal town. From Zadar's Old Town, we venture into the Dalmatian hinterland for a visit to a local winery. Here, you'll enjoy a tasting of authentic Dalmatian wines alongside refined international cuvées, paired with Croatian-style tapas—a delicious way to experience the region's culinary traditions. The day concludes with a scenic drive to Split, where we'll settle in for the night. Inspiring Highlights Guided tour of Zadar Wine and Croatian Tapas Tasting Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today offers a rich exploration of Split, a city shaped by seventeen centuries of continuous change. Here, history is ever-present—where 18th-century homes blend seamlessly with ancient Roman walls, and fourth-century chambers have evolved into modern-day apartments. At the heart of this layered urban tapestry stands Diocletian's Palace, built by the Roman emperor as his retirement residence in the early 4th century. This living monument remains the centerpiece of Split's old town and a remarkable symbol of the city's enduring legacy. Following our time in Split, we'll journey to the nearby town of Trogir for a special lunch featuring a traditional Dalmatian dish, served at the charming Tragos restaurant. Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts over 2,300 years of uninterrupted urban history, shaped by Greek, Roman, and Venetian influences. With its wealth of palaces, churches, towers, and a fortress all clustered on a small island, Trogir is often called a “floating museum”—a fitting description for a town that so beautifully preserves its storied past. Inspiring Highlights Diocletian Palace Trogir Visit - UNESCO World Heritage Site Traditional Dalmatian Lunch Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

As we make our way to Dubrovnik, our journey will make a stop near the historic town of Ston, where we'll visit a family-run winery renowned for producing “Plavac Mali,” a grape variety closely related to Zinfandel. This vineyard carries a rich heritage, with traditional winemaking techniques passed down through generations—each bottle telling a story of care, legacy, and deep connection to the land. During our visit, we'll enjoy a guided wine presentation that offers insight into the distinctive characteristics of the Plavac Mali grape and the winemaking process itself. The tasting will be accompanied by a selection of local snacks, allowing us to savour the full expression of the region's flavors. We then continue on to Dubrovnik, where we'll arrive in time for dinner and settle in for the night. Inspiring Highlights Winery visit with tasting and local snacks Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Step back in time as we explore the magnificent old city of Dubrovnik, a place where history and heritage have been remarkably preserved. Completed in the 13th century, the city's layout has remained largely unchanged, with its impressive medieval ramparts still fully enclosing the Old Town. Entry is through one of two historic gates, and as you cross the stone bridge beneath the gaze of Saint Blaise—Dubrovnik's revered patron—you'll be immersed in the city's enduring spirit. Our guided walk along the Stradun, the gleaming stone-paved promenade at the heart of the Old Town, will be complemented by a visit to the Franciscan Church and Monastery. This serene complex is home to one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, as well as an elegant cloister and rich collection of religious art—offering a quiet moment of reflection amid the city's lively streets. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace—whether that's visiting more historical landmarks, relaxing at a café, or taking in the views from the city walls. Inspiring Highlights Guided tour of Dubrovnik Franciscan Church and Monastery

After breakfast, your journey comes to a close—leaving you with lasting memories of Croatia's most treasured highlights. You will then be transferred to Dubrovnik Airport for your onward journey. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.