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A Week in Croatia: Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik

9 days |  11 days with Dubrovnik extension
9 days |  11 days with Dubrovnik extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.7 star rating

12
Physical activity
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Medieval cities and sparkling seascapes deliver major Mediterranean charm.

Simply put, this coastal Mediterranean country is a never-ending feast for the senses. When you spend a week in Croatia, you’ll hear the rush of waterfalls as you wander among them, marvel at colorful art in a trailblazing museum, and savor the flavors of traditional Croatian cuisine. Along the way, stroll atop Europe’s longest defensive city walls in Ston, and pause along the Adriatic in Zadar to appreciate the music that’s made when innovative art meets the sea.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 7 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
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Included highlights

  • Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Zadar
  • Sibenik
  • Ivan Mestrovic Gallery
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Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel Day

Board your overnight flight to Zagreb today.

Zagreb2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Zagreb
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Croatia! Gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Zagreb
Included meal: Breakfast

Meet up with a local guide, who will show you the best of Croatia’s capital city on a walking tour.

  • Pass by the Mestrovic Pavilion, Zrinjevac Park, fortified Lotrscak Tower, and Mirogoj Cemetery
  • Visit the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art to admire the simplistic beauty of works by artists who have had no formal training
  • Explore the interior of Zagreb Cathedral, which was built in the 11th century and features towering twin spires

Spend a free afternoon in Zagreb or add an excursion.

Kumrovec & Medieval Tabor with Dinner

From $95 per person

Plitvice1 night
Day 4: Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Plitvice today and take a guided walking tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its 16 levels of lakes nestled between Mount Mala Kapela and Mount Pljesevica.

  • Join your Tour Director as you explore the picturesque lower lakes area
  • Walk along boardwalks that crisscross atop the turquoise waters
  • Meet up with a local guide to walk through the upper lakes area
  • Admire the placid bodies of water, forests, caves, and waterfalls within the limestone canyon

Continue to your hotel in Plitvice, then sit down for an included dinner.

Split Region2 nights
Day 5: Split via Zadar & Sibenik
Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to Split today. Along the way, you’ll stop in two Dalmatian Coast towns for guided tours.

  • Join a local guide in the seaside town of Zadar
  • Explore Roman ruins and listen to soothing sounds created by the town’s one-of-a-kind Sea Organ, an architectural artwork that plays musical sounds as seawater flows into and out of its tubes
  • Visit Sibenik, the oldest Slavic town on the Croatian coast, and view the Cathedral of St. James
  • Enjoy free time to explore the charming town at your leisure

Continue on to your hotel in Split.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Split
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a guided tour of Split, a coastal city whose local culture seamlessly combines tradition and modernity.

  • Examine sculptures, drawings, and paintings at the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery
  • Enter Diocletian’s Palace, an enormous third-century palace complex
  • View monuments, including Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, Venetian fortifications, and an Egyptian sphinx, that showcase the city’s varied cultural influences

Spend a free afternoon in Split or add an excursion.

Trogir & Croatian Wine Tasting

From $119 per person

Dubrovnik2 nights
Day 7: Dubrovnik via Ston
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel south and stop on the Peljesac peninsula to visit the city of Ston.

  • View the city walls, which stretch for almost five miles and are some of the longest in Europe
  • Enjoy free time to explore the quaint, coastal city

Continue on to Dubrovnik, where you can enjoy a free evening or add an excursion.

Scenic Dubrovnik Coast Cruise & Dinner

From $79 per person

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Set on a peninsula on the Adriatic, Dubrovnik’s massive walls have served as the city’s calling card for centuries. Today, you’ll take a guided tour of the historic area.

  • Stop at a viewpoint to soak in panoramic views of the Old Town, coast, and nearby Lokrum Island
  • Pay a visit to the 13th-century Franciscan Monastery, which boasts the most extensive library in the region
  • Enter the impressive Rector’s Palace and the city’s ornate cathedral

Celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at tonight’s farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay to continue exploring Dubrovnik.

Extension to Dubrovnik
With its centuries-old stone walls, narrow lanes, and Baroque buildings—all set along hilly, tree-studded terrain at the edge of the sparkling sea—it’s no wonder Dubrovnik is known as the “the Pearl of the Adriatic.” However you feel like spending your time here, Dubrovnik’s world-class museums, laid-back restaurants, and dreamy coastal surroundings make it easy to do as you please.
Dubrovnik2 nights
Day 9: Free day in Dubrovnik
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day getting to know Dubrovnik at your leisure, or add an excursion.

Konavle Wine Tasting & Lunch

From $125 per person

Day 10: Free day in Dubrovnik
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Dubrovnik or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

A Day in Montenegro: Perast & Kotor

From $149 per person

Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 star rating

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 12 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    A great taste of Croatia!
    8/5/23 by 1st-time traveler Kathleen

    This trip was wonderful for my first EF Go Ahead Tour. It was so fun meeting the other travelers and getting to see so much of Croatia. I liked how we started in Zagreb and ended in Dubrovnik. You get to see a little bit of everything and learn a lot about the country. Milan our tour guide was the b...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 9/19/23

    Hi Kathleen! Thank you so much for your kind revie...

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    5.0 star rating

    8/5/23 by 2nd-time traveler Kimberley

    5.0 star rating

    Magical Croatia
    8/5/23 by 2nd-time traveler Mary

    EF tour of Croatia over the top great guides great itinerary and the beauty of the countryside WOW. Our tour guide through the trip was Milan wow again so knowledgeable funny positive energy and at our beck and call. Great hotels and food for breakfast was over the top at each. Vas a bus driver was ...

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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
    Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

    This traditional hotel is located in Zagreb’s Donji grad neighborhood. Guests enjoy a heated indoor pool, a spa, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll fi...

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    Lyra Hotel Plitvice
    Lyra Hotel Plitvice

    This modern hotel is located in the village of Licko Petrovo Selo in Plitvice. Guests enjoy a fitness hall, wellness area, and bar. Nearby you’ll find...

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    Atrium Hotel
    Atrium Hotel

    This modern hotel is located in Split. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and indoor pool. Nearby, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum Split,...

    Read more +
    Hotel LERO
    Hotel LERO

    This contemporary hotel is located in Lero, just outside of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Guests enjoy the Piano Bar, pool, and spa. Nearby you’ll find Bellev...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Croatia, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • Beginning in 2024, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2024, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code CRA.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Zagreb and depart from Dubrovnik. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code CRA.
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    Cuisine
    • In Croatia, you might like to try traditional Balkan dishes, such as duvec (vegetables and meat), moussaka (eggplant and minced meat), sarma (minced meat and rice), and raznjici (grilled veal or pork). Almost every region of the country produces its own varieties of wine, each of which is quite delicious.
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    Electricity & air-conditioning
    • Croatia operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air-conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air-conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Croatia is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
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    Currency
    • You will use the euro on tour.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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