Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast
Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast
10 Days Starting and ending in Zagreb, Croatia
Visiting: Zagreb, Opatija, Pula, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16324
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Croatia with the "Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast" tour. Discover the enchanting beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the historic charm of Opatija, known as the "Old Dame" of the Adriatic. Delve into the ancient past at the Pula Arena and wander through the majestic Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Experience the unique sound and light installations of Zadar's Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Savor the rich flavors of Istrian and Dalmatian cuisine, including a traditional farm-to-table dinner. Conclude your adventure in Zagreb, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and culinary delights, promising an unforgettable Croatian winter escape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation Name: Liburnia Riviera Hotels
Get ready to savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of beautiful Croatia and its stunning Adriatic coast. Shoulder-season travel means fewer crowds and more opportunities to explore.
Day 2 : Opatija, Croatia
Location: Opatija
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Your journey begins in Opatija,* a fashionable resort town on the Adriatic coast. Later this afternoon, get to know this elegant town on a guided tour. Stroll along the scenic promenade of Lungomare, enjoying the views dotted with Habsburg-era villas, the beautiful sea, and rich coastal vegetation. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers in a local restaurant and toast the beginning of a memorable journey.
Day 3 : Opatija - Pula - Opatija
Location: Pula
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, discover the Istrian peninsula on your way to Pula, a seafront city well known for its urban landscapes. Its historic city walls include entrances dating back to the Roman era and architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. Join your local guide in discovering the Pula Arena (UNESCO), one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, and the Arch of Sergius, dating back to the first century BCE, which leads you to the main Roman square featuring an Augustan temple and medieval city hall. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own. Later, head inland to enjoy a true farm-to-table dinner at a family-owned restaurant. End your day sampling regional wines and classic Istrian delicacies.
Day 4 : Opatija
Location: Opatija
Accommodation Name: Hotel Corner
Take advantage of a morning at leisure to explore Opatija and its beautiful views of the Adriatic coast. Or perhaps you’ll join an optional tour of Slovenia, with visits to the capital city of Ljubljana and the stunning Postojna Caves.
Day 5 : Opatija - Zadar - Split
Location: Split
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Today, travel to Split. En route, stop in Zadar and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Explore the city’s irresistible blend of old and new on a guided tour. Roman ruins dating back to the first century BCE, Byzantine architecture from the ninth century, and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Anastasia all speak to Zadar’s rich history, while exciting modern art installations engage you in the present. Listen to the mystical warbling of the Sea Organ, whose sound comes from ocean water rushing through tubes below marble steps, and view the art installation Greeting to the Sun. Later this afternoon, arrive in Split, a seaside city full of ancient heritage and scenic wonders. Join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll.
Day 6 : Split - Etno Village Of Radošic - Split
Location: Split
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, set out on a walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO), one of the most significant monuments built by Emperor Diocletian when he left Rome at the turn of the fourth century. Explore its Peristyle and the Cathedral of St. Domnius. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Split, located in the former residential complex of Diocletian’s Palace, showcasing the traditional costumes, crafts, and culture of Split -OR- explore more of Diocletian’s Palace on a visit to its substructures. Set below the imperial apartments, they represent some of the best-preserved ancient complexes in the world. This afternoon, set off for the Dalmatian countryside. Spend the afternoon in Radošic, a village that’s now a protected cultural monument on a family estate. The family will share its traditions and cultural heritage as well as a freshly prepared dinner made from homegrown ingredients.
Day 7 : Split
Location: Split
Accommodation Name: Hotel International
This day is yours! Relax and explore Split’s coastal charms independently, or consider an optional trip to Dubrovnik, a city of twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops, rich in history and charm. Take in stunning sea views as you travel along winding coastal roads, hugging sheer cliffs that drop dramatically to the Adriatic Sea.
Day 8 : Split - Plitvice Lakes - Zagreb
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel
This morning, depart from Split and head to Zagreb. Spend time at Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the oldest and largest (73,000+ acres) national parks in Croatia. You’ll find incredible scenery at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel through the park’s dense forests and take a short cruise along terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and free-flowing cascades. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital.
Day 9 : Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Step right into the history and culture of Zagreb on a city tour with a local guide. Get acquainted with the city as you view landmarks on a scenic bus ride, then discover the Upper Town and Lower Town neighborhoods on foot. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10 : Zagreb - Tour Ends
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Your tour comes to an end this morning.
What's Included
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Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours in cities like Opatija, Pula, Zadar, and Zagreb.
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Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Liburnia Riviera Hotels in Zagreb, Hotel Corner in Opatija, and Hotel International in Split.
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Meals
Enjoy meals such as dinner in a local restaurant in Opatija, lunch in Zadar, and a farm-to-table dinner in Pula.
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Transport
Travel through Croatia's stunning landscapes with scenic bus rides between destinations.
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Cultural Experiences
Experience cultural highlights such as Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the Pula Arena.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions to Slovenia and Dubrovnik are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides and drivers are not included.
Experiences
Step back to ancient times in the famous Pula Arena.Stroll through Split and explore Diocletian’s Palace.Commune with sound and light at Zadar’s popular Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun art installations.
Options
Ljubljana: The Best of Slovenia Today, spend the day in Slovenia, the only country that has the word “love” in its name! Visit Ljubljana, the romantic capital city nestled along the banks of Ljubljanica River. A local expert will introduce you to its parks, sidewalk cafés, and lively central market. See Prešern Square, historic City Hall, and the city’s many bridges, including the beautiful Dragon Bridge, named for its several statues (the dragon is the city’s symbol). Enjoy free time for lunch, then travel to the enormous Postojna caves, one of the country’s most famed attractions. Venture to the Great Mountain caves by electric train and wander through caverns filled with unique pillars, columns, and huge icicles. A warm jacket and comfortable shoes are suggested for the cave visit, as the temperature there averages 50ºF/10ºC. Duration approximately 10 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Dubrovnik: Discover Dubrovnik the Pearl of the Adriatic Spend your morning taking in stunning seaside views as you travel down winding coastal roads in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Discover rich history and charm along the dramatic cliffs that drop into vibrant shades of aquamarine. Meet up with a local guide for a tour of “Old Dubrovnik”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll visit one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies in the Franciscan Monastery. See Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and Old Town’s famous main street, Stradun. After, enjoy free time to explore the marble streets and beautiful baroque buildings, or simply take in views from the famous Dubrovnik walls. Enjoy included lunch in a local restaurant. Duration approximately 12 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
Savor the best of Istrian cuisine.Enjoy a Dalmatian dinner prepared according to traditional recipes.Dine on continental favorites at a local restaurant in Zagreb.
Must See
Experience the wonder of cascading lakes at Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park.Spend 3 nights in Opatija, the “Old Dame” of the Adriatic.Discover the heritage and traditions of a Dalmatian village.
Choice Highlights
Opatija Located on the coast of the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, this harbour town's history was dominated by shipbuilding and monasteries. Once a favorite of the Austrian aristocracy, it was promoted as a health resort in the 19th century. Elegant promenades and parks weave their way between spacious villas and verdant public spaces.
Pula Amphitheater
Farm-to-Table Dinner Seafood is very popular in Istria, given its close proximity to the water. As a result of the peninsula possessing a long history, a lot of different cultures have left their marks on the area. One of the most prominent influences on Istria is Italy, which has definitely spread into the cuisine. Each section of Croatia practices their own culinary traditions, so what is eaten in Istria may not be found in Dalmatia. Enjoy the culinary delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula during dinner at a farm to table restaurant, where you’ll also be able to try regional wines!
Zadar
Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun
Split Split is one of the oldest cities in the region and is known for Diocletian’s Palace, a famous ancient fortress. One of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Emperor Diocletian chose the palace to be his retirement home because of the incomparable beauty of Split.
Choice on Tour Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Split, located in the former residential complex of Diocletian’s Palace. This captivating museum showcases exhibits on traditional costumes, crafts, and culture in Split including the surrounding areas from the past centuries -OR- explore more of Diocletian’s Palace during a visit to the cellars. These substructures, set below the imperial apartments, represent one of the best preserved ancient complexes of their kind in the world.
Traditions of a Dalmatian Village
Plitvice Lakes National Park The largest national park in Croatia is characterized by its 16 turquoise colored lakes inter-connected by a series of waterfalls. Its multiple trails in the woodland setting, which include steps, inclines, and wooden planks, also allows visitors to spot wildlife. The park is considered the country's top tourist attraction. Visitors unable to walk have an option of a shorter tour via shuttle.
Zagreb Located in the northwest of the country, Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb is a city with a rich history dating from the Roman times to the present day. Zagreb is the most important transport hub in Croatia. The city is known for its diverse economy, high quality of living, museums, sporting and entertainment events.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Croatia's stunning landscapes with ease, enjoying guided tours and scenic bus rides between destinations like Opatija, Pula, Split, and Zagreb, with opportunities for optional excursions to Slovenia and Dubrovnik.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Liburnia Riviera Hotels in Zagreb, Hotel Corner in Opatija, and Hotel International in Split, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm throughout your Croatian journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences can I expect in Zadar?
In Zadar, you can experience the unique Sea Organ, which produces mystical sounds from ocean water rushing through tubes below marble steps, and the Greeting to the Sun art installation, which engages you with sound and light.
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What is special about the Pula Arena?
The Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, offering a glimpse into ancient times with its historic architecture and significance.
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What can I expect during the visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park?
At Plitvice Lakes National Park, you will explore one of Croatia's oldest and largest national parks, featuring incredible scenery with terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and cascades. The visit includes a short cruise along the lakes.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour of Split?
In Split, you can explore Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and choose between visiting the Ethnographic Museum of Split or exploring the substructures of the palace, which are some of the best-preserved ancient complexes in the world.
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What dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of dining experiences such as savoring Istrian cuisine, enjoying a traditional Dalmatian dinner, and dining on continental favorites at a local restaurant in Zagreb.
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What optional excursions are available during the tour?
Optional excursions include a day trip to Slovenia, visiting Ljubljana and the Postojna Caves, and a trip to Dubrovnik, where you can explore the historic Old Town and enjoy stunning coastal views.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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