CroatiaJourneys: Discover Croatia
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Welcome to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia known for a charming old city, complete with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local food and drink. There are also a number of museums to explore focusing on art, history, and archaeology. After the meeting, opt to head out for a meal in a local restaurant to get to know your Expedition Leader and travelling companions.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Zagreb Orientation Walk
Head out with your Expedition Leader to get your bearings in the vibrant city of Zagreb. Wander by some key sites and landmarks, and check out the amazing graffiti and street art along the way.
Enjoy an excursion to Plitviče Lakes National Park. Take in the splendor of the travertine barriers, which create gem-like natural pools, and wander past cascading waterfalls and towering karst formations on a guided walk along boardwalks. Learn about the diverse wildlife and unique bird population of this World Heritage Site – one of Croatia’s most famed wonders. Take some free time for lunch, then journey down the Adriatic coast to Split and settle in for the night. Entrance to the park is included and there are many opportunities for walking and relaxing in one of Croatia's most famed wonders.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plitviče Lakes National Park Walk
Enjoy a morning walk in the National Park, admiring the stunning karst rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning views that make the park a must-see for visitors.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
After breakfast, begin your exploration of this beautiful coastal city. Take a guided walk around Split’s historic Old Town, where you’ll discover the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace–dazzling Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built of luminous white stone imported from the nearby island of Braç. National Geographic writer Barbara A. Noe explored the “Gothic and Renaissance buildings incorporating the Roman remnants into their relatively “modern” styles, all within the palace’s original walls” for the article “In Diocletian’s Living Room.” Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Riva promenade – all while soaking in the rich history and stunning architecture of this unique city. Explore on your own with free time this afternoon. Wander the city at your leisure or join an optional excursion to the historic city of Trogir.
Walking Tour of Split with Local Guide
Explore Split's historic Old Town on a walking tour, where you'll discover the grandeur of Diocletian's Palace, stroll through charming cobblestone streets, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Riva promenade, all while soaking in the rich history and stunning architecture of this UNESCO-listed city.
Free Time
Opt to visit the Archaeology Museum or take an excursion to Trogir.
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Ready your sea legs as you board a Catamaran to Hvar town this morning, then set off for a walking tour with a local guide. Wander through the historical and cultural sites including the main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Fortica Fortress. Stroll leisurely along the Riva Promenade and enjoy views of the harbor and nearby islands. Join your guide on a walk back to the Citadel and continue your exploration with free time for lunch. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to fill however you’d like.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Walking Tour of Hvar with Local Guide
The walking tour of Hvar will takes you through the main historical and cultural sites of the town, including the main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Fortica Fortres.. The tour usually ends with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Riva Promenade, offering stunning views of the harbor and nearby islands.
Free Time
Take time to explore Hvar at your own pace.
Today, step back into history and embrace traditional Croatian culture. Meet your local guide before transferring to Stari Grad, an ancient Greek settlement that is one of the oldest towns in Europe, as well as a UNESCO-listed site at the Stari Grad Plain. National Geographic writer, Alex Crevar, notes that approximately 120 archaeologists have found remains of ancient and prehistoric buildings in the plains, leading to unparalleled historic significance. After, head to Brusje, a nearly abandoned, once-bustling shepherd's village where you’ll walk in ancient footsteps learning of the days gone by. Continue to Malo Grablje, a ghost town deserted since the 1960s, and wander through the haunting ruins of the town. Head to the only working restaurant at Berti's Konoba for a chat with the owner, then settle in for a traditional lunch. Return to Hvar after lunch and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Walking Tour Stari Grad
Join a local guide walking the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Stari Grad) while taking in the architecture of diverse worship. The Latin Bridge played an important role in the history of this area. This is the site where the Archduke of the Austro Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, leading to the beginning of World War I.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Brusje Guided Walk
Pass by key landmarks, including the historic parish church of St. George, the remnants of the old cooperative building, and the general store, before concluding at the local school and cemetery, silent witnesses to the generations that have called this place home.
Malo Grablje Walking Tour
Explore this quiet ghost town village where a beautifully preserved olive mill, an old church, a school, and a public well stand as testaments to its history. Our walk ends at Berti's Konoba, where you'll meet the owner and chat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Set out to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the historic Old Town's cobblestone streets, or take a short walk to a nearby pebble beach.
Cross the Neretva Channel by ferry and travel to Ston, famous for its defensive city walls and oyster farming. Here, enjoy a wine and oyster demonstration followed by a local lunch. Continue on to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic”. Set on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik has been an important maritime town in the region for centuries. Surrounded by medieval walls, it is rich in history and is a beautiful city to explore, filled with stunning architecture, museums, and fountains.
Ston Visit
Wander the town of Ston with your Expedition Leader and see the massive and historic city wall. Learn about oyster farming and the local customs with your Expedition Leader.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Dubrovnik Old Town Walk
Set off on a walk through old town with a local guide at the helm. Learn of the intricate history and enjoy the city walls up close and personal.
Visit a family-run agrotourism villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic. Join a local host on a spirited walk around the picturesque grounds, pick fresh fruits and vegetables in the gardens, and watch a baking demonstration. Then sit down together to share a traditional lunch of local ham, cheeses, and wine. Return to Dubrovnik for a self-guided visit at the Red History Museum–a unique place showcasing life in the former Yugoslavia. After, walk to the G Adventures-supported Maritimo Recycling project where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. This evening, join your group for an optional farewell dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Konavle Valley Agorturizam Walk and Lunch
With its lush, scenic landscapes, Croatia’s Konavle Valley is a must for any visitor to the region. Visit a family-run agroturizam villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Meet our local hosts (who’ll greet us with homemade liqueur) and walk through their beautiful property to learn about the history and culture of the valley. Explore the lush gardens and pick fresh fruits and vegetables before enjoying a baking demonstration. Then, sit down for a traditional lunch of local hams, cheeses, breads, and wines. Yum.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Red History Museum
Learn of the region's history and the daily life during socialist Yugoslavia from 1945 to 1991.
Your G for Good Moment: Maritimo Recycling
Check out the environmentally-focused Maritimo Recycling, which turns plastic waste from the Adriatic Sea into useful products like fishing lures, sunglasses, and jewelry. The proceeds from the 3D printed products fund future sea cleanups, to create more products, to fund more cleanups, to... well, you get the point!
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
