Country Roads of Croatia
From CAD $6325
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Discover Croatia’s rich heritage and stunning Dalmatian coastline—with fascinating itineraries curated by Local Experts. Charting a course through the cities of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, the journey pauses for sea-to-table oysters in Ston, a quaint coastal village. Croatia’s culinary delicacies are also the order of the day at Celebration Dinner in Dubrovnik paired with wine and grappa. Explore Plitviče Lakes National Park, one of Europe’s great natural wonders. On this Insight Choice, learn about local Tara Community folklore, or journey through the forest paths, alongside 16 interconnecting lakes.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitviče Lakes National Park and learn how ongoing studies monitor and protect its fragile lake and forest habitats. Hear about habitat restoration, low-impact visitor practices and work to safeguard local wildlife, as staff share village traditions and their own stories of living beside the park. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Visit the Tara Center, where income from tourism has funded a small community hub for the Tara Citizens’ Association, formed mainly by older women, many once refugees. Here they create traditional handicrafts that support their income and well-being, while sharing local customs and personal stories of the village. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Zagreb: Join your Travel Director and Small Group for dinner in Zagreb, enjoying traditional Croatian cuisine accompanied by local wine.
- Ston: Meet an oyster farmer and see how oysters grow on ropes suspended in the bay. You’ll learn about the Ston Bay environment, the harvesting process and taste freshly opened oysters or mussels paired with a glass of local Dalmatian wine.
- Dubrovnik: Come together with your Travel Director and Small Group to share a final meal. It’s a chance to look back on the journey from Zagreb to the coast and islands, swap favorite moments and say goodbye over Croatian dishes.
Insight Choice
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitviče Lakes National Park and learn how ongoing studies monitor and protect its fragile lake and forest habitats. Hear about habitat restoration, low-impact visitor practices and work to safeguard local wildlife, as staff share village traditions and their own stories of living beside the park. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Visit the Tara Center, where income from tourism has funded a small community hub for the Tara Citizens’ Association, formed mainly by older women, many once refugees. Here they create traditional handicrafts that support their income and well-being, while sharing local customs and personal stories of the village. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Top Rated Highlights
- Zagreb: Walk with your Local Expert from the 19th-century parks and facades of the Lower Town towards the older streets around the main square. Along the way, you’ll see key buildings such as the Art Pavilion and the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, setting out the city’s main landmarks.
- Zagreb: Ride one of the world’s shortest funiculars from the Lower Town up to Gornji Grad in under a minute. At the top, you’ll step out close to St Mark’s Church, known for its colored tiled roof, and Lotrščak Tower, the former city watchtower that still stands over the Upper Town.
- Postojna Cave: Explore Postojna Cave by underground train and on foot. This long-running show cave, first opened to visitors in the 19th century, reveals one of Europe’s largest karst systems, with galleries, dripstone formations and an underground habitat for the rare olm, or “human fish”.
- Pula: Join your Local Expert to explore one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres. Walk through ancient corridors, hear stories of gladiator battles, and learn how this impressive structure has stood for nearly 2,000 years, shaping the history of the region.
- Split: Cruise to the sunniest island of the country, Hvar, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy beautiful views and crystal waters on this two hour ferry crossing.
- Split: Sightseeing with your Local Expert continues through the old town. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to reach Narodni Trg, the center of Old Split. Continue to Trg Braće Radić, translated as the Square of the Radić brothers, but better known to the locals as Vocni Trg, or the Fruit Square.
- Split: Explore above and below the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. A Local Expert guides you through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, the Golden Gate and the Cellars.
- Hvar: On arrival, enjoy a panoramic orientation from the comfort of your coach as you travel from the ferry port in Stari Grad to your hotel in the heart of Hvar Town.
- Hvar: Cross the central Dalmatian channels with clear views of neighboring islands and the Pelješac Peninsula.
- Korčula: Follow your Local Expert through the walled Old Town, visit St. Mark’s Cathedral and cross the main square. You’ll pass the Town Museum, Bishop’s Palace and Town Hall, seeing how medieval fortifications and later Venetian details fit together on this small peninsula.
- Ston: Board a private boat to cross the bay towards Mali Ston, with clear views of the Pelješac shoreline and its vineyards. Sip a glass of traditional brandy and see how small boats, farms and villages are linked by this sheltered stretch of water.
- Dubrovnik: Walk the limestone Stradun with a Local Expert, stopping at Onofrio’s Fountain and St. Blaise’s Church. You’ll visit the cathedral and Franciscan Monastery and see how the compact, UNESCO-listed Old Town sits within its defensive walls beside the harbor.
- Dubrovnik: Sail across the bay to see the walled city, fortresses and coastline from the water. As the light changes, you’ll have time on deck for photos and a last look back at Dubrovnik before returning to shore for dinner.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 28127
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 32.83B
Starts: Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
Finishes: Dubrovnik, Croatia (Hrvatska)
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6325 ($452 /day)
Itinerary
Your Croatian adventure begins in the Capital, Zagreb. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Stross Promenade for your first views over the city. Join your Travel Director for dinner, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals: Dinner
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk to see the Art Pavilion, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, and pass by Zrinjevac Park. Then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, before walking back down through the Stone Gate and returning to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure—relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities, or perhaps take an Optional Experience to Kumrovec, the birthplace of Tito.
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast
Venture into Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-meter tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Return to Croatia in your hotel in Opatija.
Accommodation: Grand Adriatic, Opatija, Amadria Park Grand 4 Opatijska Cvijeta
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the heart-shaped peninsula to explore the Jewels of Istria with your Local Expert. Visit the well-preserved first-century arena at Pula, scene of brutal gladiatorial battles in Roman times. Continue to the charming old town of Rovinj, rising directly from the sea. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with tempting shops, pastel-colored bars and sidewalk cafes.
Accommodation: Grand Adriatic, Opatija, Amadria Park Grand 4 Opatijska Cvijeta
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy the scenery of the Adriatic coast in the morning, journey past sparkling deep blue seas, studded with rocky islands, before heading inland to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Explore Plitviče with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitviče Lakes National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet one of the women behind the Tara Community Center, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community.
Accommodation: Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The green forests of Plitviče Lakes National Park give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters. Walk through the Roman Ruins and market to see the sea organ of Zadar. Witness the dramatic change in landscape, as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to Trogir, a city founded by the Greeks in 3rd century BC. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace before continuing to the historic city of Solin. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity of dinner in a traditional konoba.
Accommodation: President Solin, Split
Meals: Breakfast
The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700-year-old palace cellars and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Golden Gate. Your island-hopping adventure begins here. Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic to spend two nights on Hvar, famed for being the sunniest island in the country and boasting an interior dotted with lofty mountain peaks and aromatic fields of lavender.
Accommodation: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a full day at leisure as you explore the hidden coves, secluded beaches and villages of Hvar Island. Spend time discovering Hvar Town, known for its elegant harbor, historic architecture and lively atmosphere. Wander the marble streets of the Old Town, climb to the Venetian Fortress for sweeping views over the Pakleni Islands, or relax by the waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant. You may also wish to explore the boutiques and cafes lining the yacht-filled marina, long a favorite playground of the rich and famous. For those looking to delve deeper, an Optional Experience invites you to uncover some of Croatia’s oldest settlements, including the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad and Vrboska, with a visit to a local wine cellar for a tasting complemented by local specialties.
Accommodation: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Cruise back to the mainland and continue your journey to the island of Korčula, known for its grace, history and rich culture. The perfect place for relaxing, the island is filled with quiet coves and small beaches that dot the south coastline. This evening, dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: Liburna, Korcula
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, join a knowledgeable Local Expert for a walking tour of the Old Town. Marvel at spectacular views of the mainland as you stroll towards the main square of Korčula where the Cathedral of St. Mark dominates the ancient skyline. Hear about local legends and history from your Local Expert, stopping by the Town Museum, the Bishop’s Palace with its treasury collection and the Town Hall. Visit the ruins of the house where according to local legend Marco Polo was born. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town.
Accommodation: Liburna, Korcula
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the beautiful southern slopes of the Pelješac Peninsula. Weather permitting, cruise the tranquil waters of the bay of Mali Ston and admire the surrounding untouched natural beauty, as you enjoy a glass of traditional Croatian brandy. Stop at a shellfish farm and meet a local oyster farmer, to learn about the cultivation and harvest of oysters. Enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of the fresh shellfish, accompanied by a glass of wine. Continue to the walled town of Dubrovnik, 'paradise on Earth' according to George Bernard Shaw. Join a walking exploration of the city, guided by a Local Expert. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th-century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see Saint Blaise’s Church, and marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoy the luxuries of the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, your home for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Dubrovnik Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Spend the day at your leisure or enjoy an optional visit to Montenegro, traveling along the coast to the pretty port town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A photographer's dream, capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay and learn about some of the compelling history of this area. Return to Dubrovnik and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Perhaps start at a trendy wine bar, followed by dinner at a romantic sidewalk cafe?
Accommodation: Dubrovnik Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Make the most of a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Relax by the pool, shop in the markets or perhaps take the opportunity to visit Cavtat, one of the most enchanting seaside resorts in Croatia. This evening, should weather permit, you're invited to embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Savor authentic flavors of local specialties over dinner with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Dubrovnik Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Beth F. - Traveled, April 2025
This was an amazing trip from start to finish! Our TD Orshi and driver Paolo were the BEST! Loved the hidden gems we got to see and experience and the highlights didn't disappoint. It was an on the go trip, so not much downtime, but there was nothing we would have wanted to leave off or miss!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
We did not need to contact customer service! A good balance of inland and coastal, historical, natural, culinary (oyster tasting/wineries, small towns, individual homes and larger cities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Pre-planning information was excellent and our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was extremely detailed which was perfect. Our coach driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a pro behind the wheel, gallant towards his passengers, and took obvious pride in his coach. Insight must be respected in the industry as hotels seemed welcoming towards having their clients stay there. A great way to experience Croatia. However, we feel that some of the optional experiences should be INCLUDED (specifically the lunch at the family-owned winery) and a little more time spent in the STON area would have been nice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Excellent tour director. Well informed and great hotels. Great insite on the places we we to. Some of the extra evening dinners we not worth it. Experience was good but could have been better. Overall trip was wonderful and would recommend to friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Colleen M. - Traveled, April 2025
Great guide and driver. Good to use WhatsApp to keep us informed. Since my trip I don't want to be inundated with emails. Weekly ok but not daily It has a good balance of land and islands. I also liked popping into Slovenia and Montenegro. I enjoyed the visit to the oyster and muscle farm. Spent enough time in Zagreb. Good to have the 3 days in Dubrovnik and I liked staying in some places more than one night. Good hotels
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Brian - Traveled, October 2025
Busy Itinerary, but a good way to see pretty well all of Croatia, including many areas and things you wouldn't get to on your own. 90% of the optional events/tours well worth it, but be aware of the impact on any free time you may want. Also, our tour director (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) was excellent, which makes a difference on your experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Karyn O. - Traveled, October 2024
Everything and everyone taken care of. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was our Tour Guude, very helpful, caring and knowledgeable. These tours are timed to perfection. A well oiled machine. This was my fourth tour with Insight. Everything and everyone so well taken care of. So many beautiful destinations and experiences on this tour. I loved Croatia, its people, culture and history. The old town of Dubrovnik and a book I read of a mother's experience of the 1991 war (in which she lost her nine year old son) has created a special place in my heart for this beautiful country and its people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Our tour director Greg was exceptional. He was extremely knowledgeable about Croatia and his passion for this country was evident. I learned so much about the history of this country and he could be relied on for suggestions for restaurants or things to do in free time. It included everything I had wanted to see in Croatia plus some in Slovenia and Montenegro.. Loved the hotels on the water. It was lovely to visit and stay on some of the islands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
This tour was well planned and professionally operated. The tour director and coach driver were excellent and clearly had a lot of experience in seamlessly resolving any issues that cropped up with travellers. The tour was well paced and the hotels were excellent. Learning about the culture and history of the country was important to me and the tour director was knowledgeable, sharing a lot of information and stories about the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
great travel director,bus driver. beautiful country.Great food, Friendly people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2025
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