Croatia’s Historic and Culture Trails

Day 1: Arrive Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia – upon arrival, your Sky Vacations ambassador will meet and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind. 

Day 2: Zagreb & Varaždin with Trakošćan Castle

Take a walking tour of Zagreb with a local guide. Explore Zagreb’s Upper Town and Lower Town districts, experiencing both the modern, vibrant capital and the historic, cultural city. Next, continue to Trakošćan Castle, with its well-presented museum and attractive grounds. The castle features three floors of exhibits, displaying the family’s original furniture, numerous portraits, and an armament collection of swords. The rooms range in style from neo-Renaissance to Gothic and baroque. Finally, visit Varaždin, the former capital of Croatia. Overnight at the hotel in Zagreb.

Day 3: Zagreb – Motovun – Poreč – Pula – Opatija

Continue the journey to enchanting Istria, which retains its Venetian heritage, and explore its lesser-known inland region of delightful medieval hilltop villages. Stop in Motovun, a small hilltop town in Croatia, renowned for its proximity to truffle-rich forests. Enjoy free time to have a typical Istrian lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the package price). Continue to the town of Poreč and visit the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. In Pula, the largest city in Istria, enjoy a guided city tour starting from the Amphitheatre Arena, stopping by Hercules Gate, the Cathedral, and ending at the Temple of Augustus. Finally, proceed to Opatija, located on the beautiful Gulf of Kvarner. Overnight in Opatija.

Day 4: Opatija – Plitvice National Park

Today, discover one of Croatia’s most astounding natural sites: the cascading lakes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice National Park. Walking trails hug the lakes, allowing for an immersive experience as the water transforms from emerald green to azure blue. Overnight in the Plitvice Lakes area.

Day 5: Plitvice National Park – Zadar

After breakfast, proceed to Zadar. The historic center of Zadar is one of Croatia’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites. Marvel at the Greeting to the Sun and Sea Organs art installations, explore the Roman ruins of Forum Square, the Byzantine-era Church of St. Donatus, and the bustling People’s Square. Overnight in Zadar.

Day 6: Zadar – Šibenik – Trogir – Split

Continue to the seaside city of Šibenik to see its main attractions, including St. James’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue south along the coast to the artist’s town of Trogir, where scholars gather to study and paint. Explore the Old Town and see the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Finally, explore the historic inner city of Split, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Immerse yourself in Roman history as you see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. Overnight in Split.

Day 7: Split – Hvar – Split

Travel by public ferry to Hvar Island, known as the “Queen of the Dalmatian Islands,” and considered one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world. Hvar receives more sunshine than anywhere else in Croatia, earning the nickname “Island of the Sun.” The island’s history dates back to the Greeks in the 4th century BC. In the 13th century, the capital moved to the town of Hvar, prospering during centuries of Venetian rule. Enjoy a walking tour through narrow streets, visit the old rectory, view St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and see the Arsenal. Return by ferry to Split. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Split.

Day 8: Split – Dubrovnik

After breakfast, head south along the scenic Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, the beauty of the old town is always breathtaking. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 9: Dubrovnik

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Old Dubrovnik, including views of Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, and the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, the latter of which boasts one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. The afternoon is free for leisure. Consider trying the local seafood for lunch, such as stewed mussels or fresh oysters. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 10 – Farewell Croatia

Your morning is at leisure followed by transfer to the airport for your onward journey. 

Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.

Day 1: Arrive Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia – upon arrival, your Sky Vacations ambassador will meet and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind. 

Day 2: Zagreb & Varaždin with Trakošćan Castle

Take a walking tour of Zagreb with a local guide. Explore Zagreb’s Upper Town and Lower Town districts, experiencing both the modern, vibrant capital and the historic, cultural city. Next, continue to Trakošćan Castle, with its well-presented museum and attractive grounds. The castle features three floors of exhibits, displaying the family’s original furniture, numerous portraits, and an armament collection of swords. The rooms range in style from neo-Renaissance to Gothic and baroque. Finally, visit Varaždin, the former capital of Croatia. Overnight at the hotel in Zagreb.

Day 3: Zagreb – Motovun – Poreč – Pula – Opatija

Continue the journey to enchanting Istria, which retains its Venetian heritage, and explore its lesser-known inland region of delightful medieval hilltop villages. Stop in Motovun, a small hilltop town in Croatia, renowned for its proximity to truffle-rich forests. Enjoy free time to have a typical Istrian lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the package price). Continue to the town of Poreč and visit the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. In Pula, the largest city in Istria, enjoy a guided city tour starting from the Amphitheatre Arena, stopping by Hercules Gate, the Cathedral, and ending at the Temple of Augustus. Finally, proceed to Opatija, located on the beautiful Gulf of Kvarner. Overnight in Opatija.

Day 4: Opatija – Plitvice National Park

Today, discover one of Croatia’s most astounding natural sites: the cascading lakes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice National Park. Walking trails hug the lakes, allowing for an immersive experience as the water transforms from emerald green to azure blue. Overnight in the Plitvice Lakes area.

Day 5: Plitvice National Park – Zadar

After breakfast, proceed to Zadar. The historic center of Zadar is one of Croatia’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites. Marvel at the Greeting to the Sun and Sea Organs art installations, explore the Roman ruins of Forum Square, the Byzantine-era Church of St. Donatus, and the bustling People’s Square. Overnight in Zadar.

Day 6: Zadar – Šibenik – Trogir – Split

Continue to the seaside city of Šibenik to see its main attractions, including St. James’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue south along the coast to the artist’s town of Trogir, where scholars gather to study and paint. Explore the Old Town and see the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Finally, explore the historic inner city of Split, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Immerse yourself in Roman history as you see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. Overnight in Split.

Day 7: Split – Hvar – Split

Travel by public ferry to Hvar Island, known as the “Queen of the Dalmatian Islands,” and considered one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world. Hvar receives more sunshine than anywhere else in Croatia, earning the nickname “Island of the Sun.” The island’s history dates back to the Greeks in the 4th century BC. In the 13th century, the capital moved to the town of Hvar, prospering during centuries of Venetian rule. Enjoy a walking tour through narrow streets, visit the old rectory, view St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and see the Arsenal. Return by ferry to Split. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Split.

Day 8: Split – Dubrovnik

After breakfast, head south along the scenic Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, the beauty of the old town is always breathtaking. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 9: Dubrovnik

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Old Dubrovnik, including views of Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, and the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, the latter of which boasts one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. The afternoon is free for leisure. Consider trying the local seafood for lunch, such as stewed mussels or fresh oysters. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 10 – Farewell Croatia

Your morning is at leisure followed by transfer to the airport for your onward journey. 

Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.