Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
Croatia is a place to let your hair down, swim in the crystal clear blue waters, and enjoy the magnificent Mediterranean sunsets. When many think of Croatia, they think of the medieval fortress-like walls of Dubrovnik or perhaps the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.
Although both of these things truly make Croatia special, there is much more to see and experience in the country that is considered “Full of Life.” with many stunning national parks, enchanting cobblestone streets, and smiling locals, it’s almost impossible not to enjoy Croatia to the fullest.
Croatia is a geographically varied country in southeast Europe. The crescent-shaped nation is characterized by low mountains, highlands close to the Adriatic coastline, and flat plains that closely encircle the Hungarian border. Croatia is also home to 78 islands and a total of 1,244 natural land formations like reefs, cliffs, and very small islands.
The Mountainous areas of Croatia experience pleasant summers and chilly, snowy winters. The coastal regions of the nation experience moderate winters and bright, sunny summers, which is typical of the Mediterranean. The republic is also home to several diverse ethnic groups.
The majority of Croatia’s population is of Croat descent. The largest minority, the Serbs, comprise more than ten percent of the population, but after Croatia became independent, the amount of Serbs in the country dropped to less than half.
In terms of climate and geography, Croatia is considered very diverse, with a warm and sunny coast and a cooler climate with four seasons in the north. In the mountainous regions, it is always cool, with snowfall in the autumn and winter.
Croatia’s diverse animal life reflects its many geographic regions; the plains are home to rabbits, foxes, boars, wildcats, and wild sheep, while the inland forests are home to wolves and even bears. The Adriatic Sea is home to various coral reefs and underwater caverns, which support a diverse range of marine species.
In terms of places to visit in Croatia, there is something for everyone in almost every city. The Dalmatian coast is one of several popular tourist destinations. Many Europeans have vacation homes or take regular vacations there during the summer months. It is well known for its warm and sunny summers and its tropical feel, which many in the north crave regularly.
The country’s north is known for its mountainous regions, perfect for active hikers or mountain climbers. You will experience some of the freshest air in the world as you admire the view and immerse yourself solely in nature. Or perhaps stay inland and visit the capital city. Known for its unique architecture and intriguing nightlife.
Planning a trip to Croatia can be tough. There is so much to see and do within the Hrvatska Republic. Enjoy the warm beaches of the south and the intense natural beauty in the central to northern region, or enjoy the bigger cities and city life that many enjoy.
Planning, sorting out the logistics, and figuring out where you want to go can be difficult. It’s always best to let experts plan the trip of your dreams. Choosing an organized tour can also be tough. Choosing the right one that works for you is never easy, so here is a list of the top six tours you can take in Croatia!
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Local Living Croatia – Southern Dalmatia
G Adventures
It isn’t easy to truly understand Croatia’s medieval energy and charm. Now, try putting yourself in the shoes of a local, with an unlimited supply of the region’s wine and olive oil, having a farm villa to call home, and taking day trips to places like Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea, among other beautiful spots in the country.
On this seven-day trip to rural Croatia, you will experience true local life. You can explore Dubrovnik on foot, by bike, and by sail before spending the night in your traditional villa. Take advantage of the chance to see Croatian culture firsthand and create lifelong memories.
On this seven-day tour, you’ll start and finish your journey in Dubrovnik. This tour exclusively covers the Southern Dalamatia region with accommodation, meals, transportation, and an expert guide. Here’s a look at your full itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Arrive in Dubrovnik, where you’ll be transferred to your Villa in the Konavle Valley.
Day Two: Experience the Konavle wine route while learning everything there is to know about the production of wine, prosecco, and olive oil.
Day Three: Free morning to go on a walk, swim at a nearby beach, or relax at the villa. With the help of fresh products from the farm and the neighbors, take part in a hands-on cooking session with the locals.
Day Four: Take a daylong boat ride in the Adriatic Sea before spending the afternoon at a remote beach.
Day Five: Transfer to Dubrovnik, where you can tour the city’s walls and other attractions while meeting the CEO. Visit the G Adventures-supported Dea project, a nonprofit organization devoted to supporting and hiring local women.
Day Six: Take a half-day bike adventure through the area, stopping at the local winery for a picnic lunch. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Day Seven: Departure at any time, Transfer included.
This tour gives travelers the unique experience of staying away from the tourist traps and in what’s known as the “True Croatia.” When most visit Croatia, they stay in Dubrovnik, but to experience true Croatian life with the locals is a unique and memorable experience. G-Adventures offer this tour. With G Adventures, you can be sure to enjoy an authentic and rewarding experience.
G-Adventures is a proud partner of National Geographic, which is world-famous for its informative magazines and documentaries that give insight into life around the world. You can travel easily knowing G-Adventures only recruits the best of the best in terms of travel guides.
You will travel far and wide with eager and helpful directions to aid you during your journey to give you the best possible experience imaginable. In conclusion, this is a great tour to partake in if you’re looking for something different or a local experience.
Kvarner Bay Islands – from Opatija
Nature Trips
8 days and 7 nights of half-board travel across the stunning Kvarner Bay of Islands. Your journey will take you through Opatija and five other Croatian cities. Accommodation, meals, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide are included in your tour.
All you need to bring is a bathing suit, a few T-shirts and many good vibes! Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and explore the Adriatic Sea’s underwater beauty during the day. During your leisure time in the evenings, look for a good restaurant or explore historic churches or other sites.
Relax and enjoy the Croatian Coast exactly how it’s meant to be enjoyed, slowly, with care. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Departure at 13:00h with lunch on board, followed by a swim stop in the crystal clear sea en route to Krk island.
Day Two: After breakfast, cruise towards Rab Island.
Day Three: Morning cruise from Rab towards Zadar along Pag island with a swim stop on the tiny MAUN island.
Day Four: Early departure for Molat or Olib island, where you can sightsee for the day and enjoy Captain’s dinner party on board and spend the night in the islands.
Day Five: After breakfast and a morning swim, cruise towards Ilovik, the island of flowers, for a short stop before departing for island Lošinj. You’ll spend the night in Mali Lošinj.
Day Six: After a morning swim, leave for Cres Island and Spend the night in the harbor of this typical medieval town Cres.
Day Seven: After breakfast, we leave for Opatija. On route, we can experience the spectacular views of the famous Opatija Riviera. You’ll arrive in Opatija in the afternoon.
Day Eight: Departure at any time.
On this tour, you will get the ultimate cruising experience, all while exploring the untouched islands of Croatia and meeting new friends along the way. Enjoy some of the best spots in Croatia without the crowds and come in contact with the true spirit of Croatia. Nature Trips offer this Tour.
A newer tour operator is looking to introduce travelers to some of the best places to travel around the world. In April 2016, the Nature Trips project was officially underway. Omar Gubernati, the company’s founder, wants to spread his love for nature, true experiences, and the greenest and most untouched nations in Europe.
With that being said, each tour is crafted with locals and experts to give tourists the ultimate experience abroad. Overall this tour operator has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars and continues to produce fantastic itineraries for countries around the world. This is one of the best tours in Croatia.
Croatia Sailing Adventure
TruTravels
Croatia is the place to be for everything from beaches to tropical islands, national parks, and more. Live the good life for eight magnificent days as we cruise across Croatia’s islands on our very own yacht. You’ll start and end your journey in Split. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Mljet National Park, swim in the pristine waters off the coast of Brac Island, or party till dawn in Hvar.
The evenings are legendary, and the days are spectacular. Take in the rich culture, historical lore, and the Mediterranean way of life. It’s time to bring your aspirations to life. Your tour includes accommodation, an expert guide, transportation, meals, and more. Here is a full look at what you will be doing throughout your eight-day Croatian adventure.
Day One: Arrive in Split and board the Yacht.
Day Two: Hvars Towns, Spanish Fortress & Beach Club.
Day Three: Mljet National Park – Kayaking and Stunning Views.
Day Four: Day trip to Dubrovnik with free time to explore.
Day Five: Sail to Korcula and spend the day in town.
Day Six: Depart to Makarska and have a Floaty party on the way.
Day Seven: Enjoy Brac Island and the beaches.
Day Eight: Check out and depart at any time.
This ultimate sailing adventure is geared toward travelers looking for the ultimate experience on a world-class yacht. You’ll enjoy amazing cuisine, world-class destinations, and excursions, all while making memories and having the time of your life. TruTravels operate this tour. For those aged 18 and older, TruTravels organizes unforgettable group travel experiences!
With group tours in Asia, Europe, and Latin America, you can travel the world with TruTravels and experience those regions in detail. TruTravels is considered a platinum tour operator for their continued excellence, but they are also rated 4.6 out of five stars. The tour itself is rated 4.9 out of five stars. So we can confidently say this tour is one of the best tours in Croatia, without a doubt.
Escape to Zagreb 3 Days, Private Tour
Gulliver Travel
Join this brief getaway to Zagreb, a 900-year-old Mid-European city focused on reinventing itself as a chic spot to start your Croatian journey. Experience its fascinating past and modern, bustling present. With Saint Mark’s main plaza, which was once a trading hub and is now the political core, you may unwind and take it easy or explore the ancient district at your speed.
Start and finish your adventure in Zagreb! You get the chance to experience Zagreb to the fullest over the next three days. This tour comes with accommodation, transportation, meals, and more. Here’s a complete look at what your mini adventure to Zagreb would look like.
Day One: You will be met and welcomed by a representative of Gulliver Travel when you arrive at the Zagreb airport. Private transportation is provided to the hotel, with free time to explore Zagreb in the evening.
Day Two: After a lovely breakfast, spend the rest of the day at leisure or book our suggested optional extras (not included): Zagreb city tour. You will be taken to Zrinjevac Park, the Croatian National Theatre, Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac farmers market, and Lotrščak Tower with a hop on the funicular that will take you to medieval Upper Town.
Day Three: Enjoy your breakfast, and at the agreed time, transfer to the airport or train station.
Enjoy a short but pleasant trip to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. This is the perfect quick getaway for those looking to get an idea of the city. Gulliver Travels officially operate this tour. Gulliver Travels, established in 1973, Gulliver Travels has continued to be reliable, trusted, and exceptional.
Not only is this particular operator highly rated among travelers, but it is also a tour operator favored by airlines, cruise lines, and many more tourism organizations. Book with peace of mind; book your next adventure with Gulliver Travels. This tour is considered one of the best tours in Croatia because it is not only very highly rated among travelers, but it’s a great way to see the capital of Croatia in a short period.
Many who visit this beautiful nation stay only in Dubrovnik or the surrounding areas and never venture north. Take the opportunity and see some of the country that is not very popular yet. You won’t regret it. Overall this is one of the best tours in Croatia.
Walks and Coastal Towns of Croatia
Explore!
This exciting tour covers Croatia’s national parks, including the gorgeous Dalmatian peaks, deep gorges in Paklenica, and magnificent lakes and waterfalls in Plitvice. Keep in the city of Zagreb and wander the maze of cobblestone alleyways in Spilt, enjoying the warm air of the coast or the impressive historical sites.
On this tour, you’ll start in Zagreb and end in Split. With six different cities to explore and eight days to see it all, you will truly have the time of your life! You’ll have access to world-class accommodations, a local, professional guide, fantastic food, transportation, and many more amazing amenities. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this fun and exciting excursion!
Day One: Join the trip in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital
Day Two: City tour of Zagreb, drive to Plitvice National Park
Day Three: Walk around the lakes and waterfalls of the national park
Day Four: Hike part of the long-distance Premuziceva Trail
Day Five: Morning coastal walk, afternoon in Zadar
Day Six: Hike along the Paklenica Gorge
Day Seven: Explore Trogir and the Dalmatian city of Split
Day Eight: The trip ends in Split
Enjoy a trip to the capital of Croatia and the beautiful Adriatic coast on this eight-day tour through some of the most beautiful places in Croatia. As mentioned above, you’ll enjoy access to world-class amenities while having the time of your life. Explore offers on this tour! A highly-rated operator is waiting to share the world with you! For almost 40 years, Explore! Has organized adventure vacations for small groups.
With carefully chosen lodging that strikes a mix between comfort and location, our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of over 120 nations worldwide. Our average trip size is only 12 people, which is ideal for making new friends and seeing the heart of each destination offered. Not only is this tour operator reputable, but the tour itself is considered world-class and one of the best in Croatia.
Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling
Exodus Travels
Istria, frequently referred to be Croatia’s Tuscany, is the perfect destination for a weeklong cycling trip. Thanks to this self-guided approach, you are free to take your time discovering the area’s rich collection of traditional architecture and culture.
This leisurely cycling route has a definite cultural edge thanks to the amphitheater in Pula and the Unesco monuments in Rovinj and Porec. All of the hotels are oceanfront and offer unique local energy, allowing you to take in the ambiance of the harbors and the seaside sunsets.
On this tour, you’ll start your journey in Fazana and end in Porec. With eight days to cycle through some of the most beautiful parts of Croatia, you’ll see some truly remarkable sites with visits to 6 different Croatian cities. All amenities are included, like lodging, meals, transportation, etc. Here is a good look at where you’d be cycling to and your day-to-day itinerary.
Day One: Start in Fazana.
Day Two: Circular warm-up ride to Pula; visit the beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater.
Day Three: Cycle inland to Vodnjan village, brimming with architectural treats; return to Fazana.
Day Four: Picturesque rural riding to Bale; time for lunch in the old town; then on to Rovinj.
Day Five: Free day to explore Rovinj, swim in the sea, or enjoy a short optional ride.
Day Six: Pedal inland to Lim Fjord with a panoramic viewpoint; cycle back along the coast to Porec.
Day Seven: Visit the UNESCO Heritage Basilica of Euphrasius. Follow coastal cycle tracks, then loop back to Porec.
Day Eight: End in Porec; depart at any time.
Explore the incredible planet we all live on by learning about different nations, cultures, habitats, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, beaches, and rainforests. Start to get familiar with your sense of adventure as you discover new places and people on this Croatian cycling tour!
Exodus Travels officially operate this tour. Considered one of the best in the industry, Exodus works hard to give travelers a great sense of adventure while also relaxing and teaching travelers about their destination.
It is important to note that this is a biking tour, and those with certain health conditions like heart conditions, pregnancy, etc, are not advised to take this tour. Overall you can expect to have an amazing time exploring and riding through the highlights of Croatia. If you are a bike enthusiast, this is the best tour in Croatia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the top six best tours in Croatia. From cycling through the diverse landscapes of the south to enjoying a sailing tour of the islands, you can count on having the time of your life in Croatia. Croatia is often referred to as “Full of Life” and for very good reason. So pack your bags and get ready! You will have an amazing time!
Croatia – Full Of Life.
If none of these tours work for you in Croatia, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Croatia now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates, and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
