An 8-day overland route from the capital, Zagreb, south to the Adriatic, taking in Plitvice Lakes National Park, the island of Hvar, and the historic walls of Dubrovnik.
This route traces a classic Croatian transect, from the continental capital of Zagreb to the Adriatic port of Dubrovnik. It's structured for travelers seeking a deeper context beyond the coastal highlights, connecting the karstic landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park with the Roman and Venetian history of Split and the maritime republic of Dubrovnik. The itinerary prioritizes specific cultural encounters, from oyster farming in Ston to traditional agriculture in the Konavle Valley, framing the journey through a lens of ecology and local history.
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From $3,299 USD · 8 days · max 16 travelers · Upgraded hotels + private transport + select meals trip code ECZNGPrices in USD. Your local currency is shown on G Adventures.
Each leg of the journey mapped out — where the day takes you, what's actually on the ground, and things to consider when planning this tour.
Day 1 of 8
Zagreb
Arrival in Zagreb
Arrive at any time in Zagreb, Croatia's inland capital. The city's core is a study in contrasts, with grand Austro-Hungarian architecture in the Lower Town (Donji Grad) giving way to the medieval cobblestone alleys and red-tiled roofs of the Upper Town (Gornji Grad). An initial orientation walk is the best way to get your bearings.
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Day at a glance
Arrive in Zagreb and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria
Take an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city.
Explore the medieval Upper Town and the 19th-century Lower Town.
Day 2 of 8
Plitviče Lakes National Park / Split
Plitviče Lakes & the Dalmatian Coast
The day begins with an overland journey south to Plitviče Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park protects a series of 16 terraced lakes connected by cascades and waterfalls. The distinctive turquoise color of the water is a result of dissolved calcium carbonate precipitating out onto the lakebeds, a process which forms the porous travertine rock that creates the natural dams.
A network of wooden boardwalks and footpaths allows for an extended walk through the heart of the park, crossing directly over the water in many sections. After exploring the lakes, the route continues south, descending from the Dinaric Alps to the Adriatic coast and the ancient port city of Split.
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Day at a glance
Guided walk through Plitviče Lakes National Park (4-5h).
Observe the park's distinctive travertine rock formations and waterfalls.
Overland journey from Zagreb to Plitviče, and then on to Split.
Accommodation: Hotel Corner
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 of 8
Split
The Palace of Diocletian
Split's historic core is not just a site but a living city built within the walls of a Roman palace. A guided walk explores the immense Diocletian's Palace, constructed at the turn of the 4th century AD for the retiring emperor. Built from luminous white limestone quarried on the nearby island of Brač, the complex is a dense palimpsest of history, where Roman walls and courtyards are interwoven with Gothic and Renaissance buildings. The afternoon is free to explore the palace's subterranean cellars, climb the bell tower for a view over the city, or walk the modern Riva promenade. The nearby town of Trogir, another UNESCO site, is a feasible half-day trip.
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Day at a glance
Guided walking tour of Split's Old Town and Diocletian's Palace.
Free afternoon for independent exploration.
Optional excursion to the historic city of Trogir.
Accommodation: Hotel Corner
Meals: Breakfast
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Book Journeys: Discover Croatia by G Adventures.
From $3,299 USD · 8 days · max 16 travelers · Upgraded hotels + private transport + select meals
