Compare Croatia: Islands & Mountains by Exodus Travels vs Discover Croatia by Great Value Vacations

Day 1 Start Dubrovnik

The tour starts in the fascinating old city of Dubrovnik. Situated right on the Adriatic Sea, the fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and the jumble of red-tiled roofs make this a truly enchanting place. In the evening, we may have the opportunity to take a walk around the city (subject to flight arrival time) and go out for an optional group meal where we will have a briefing about the tour. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Day 2 Walk from Gornji Obod to Strazisce Peak; transfer to Dubrovnik, explore the old town

After breakfast we take a short transfer (about 25 minutes) to the village of Gornji Obod. From here we follow a path that zig-zags up to the village of Velji Do. After a break, the walk continues up to Strazisce Peak; at the top we are rewarded with spectacular views back over Dubrovnik and can see the commemorative cross in memory of the US aircraft that crashed delivering aid in 1996. We return to Velji Do and then catch a bus back to Dubrovnik where we have the afternoon to enjoy the city. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, great care has been taken over the last decade to rebuild and the city has now returned to its former glory. The cobblestoned streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun – this is the main street and is covered in smooth shiny marble. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Day 3 Transfer up the coast to the Biokovo Massif; walk above the town of Makarska; transfer to Bol on the island of Brac

After breakfast, we will transfer by bus to Tucepi. This transfer takes about 3hr 30min, including a coffee break en route. Once in Tucepi we begin our walk to Makarska, through the Biokovo mountains. The Biokovo massif rises steeply above the Makarska Riviera in three spectacular shelves, providing hiking for all levels and fabulous views. Our destination of Makarska is a small but lively town, tastefully restored in stone after a devastating earthquake in 1962. It has a fantastic 1.2mi (2km) stretch of beach, so if we have a bit of time we can take a refreshing dip before we head for the island of Brac. We will catch the ferry from Makarska and transfer to Bol, by far the biggest draw on Brac. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)

Day 4 Climb Vidova Gora for views over Bol and Zlatni Rat, the Golden Beach; afternoon to relax on the beach

We start today with a 20-minute transfer to the small village of Gazul, where we begin our walk to the peak of Vidova Gora (2,559ft/780m above sea level). The first part of our walk will take us through woodland for around 90 minutes as we gradually ascend 755ft (230m) to the summit of the highest point on Brac. The views from the top of Vidova Gora are spectacular; we can see all the way to the island of Hvar in the distance and the 1,640ft (500m) long spit of Zlatni Rat jutting out to sea in the foreground – this view is one that features on many postcards in Croatia, so make sure to bring your camera. From here, our walk is downhill for around two hours towards the town of Bol. In the afternoon you can make the most of the glorious beach of Zlatni Rat. It is south-facing – ideal for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)

Day 5 Catch the ferry to Split and explore the old town before transferring to Krka National Park; visit the Skradinski Buk waterfalls

We begin with a morning ferry transfer to Split, the second biggest city in Croatia. The old centre is compact and easily explored on foot; many make a beeline to the best-known attraction, Diocletian’s Palace. The town as a whole is a lively and friendly place with a cafe culture. Stop, have a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. We then have a transfer (approximately 52mi/84km) by bus to Krka National Park. Here we begin our walk to Skradinski Buk, a series of waterfalls dropping down in 17 dramatic steps. The area is accessed by wooden walkways and forest paths. It’s also a fantastic spot for wildlife – an important sanctuary with several endemic species, some now extinct elsewhere in Europe. The walk will take around 2hr 30min and all on easy paths. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Starigrad Paklenica. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)

Day 6 Velika Paklenica National Park gorge walk via Ramici Village

In the morning we take a transfer to the western part of Paklenica National Park where we start our hiking tour passing old villages and fields, hidden among rocky towers and ridges of this limestone realm. After reaching the highest point of the day (approx. 760m), offering splendid views of Velika Paklenica Canyon from the west, we go down to the main canyon and descend to the entrance of the park, admiring the mighty walls of Velika Paklenica along the way. As one of the most popular climbing destinations in the region, Paklenica attracts climbers from all over the world. While hiking down the canyon, you will be able to admire the courage and determination of climbers whom we will see high above us in the vertical world of Paklenica cliffs. We end the hike at the park entrance and take a short (10min) transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)

Day 7 Another day in Paklenica National Park; walk to a meadow beneath Bojin Kuk peak before returning to Starigrad Paklenica in the afternoon

Today we have another opportunity to explore the wonderful wilderness of Paklenica National Park and complete the most challenging hike of the trip. We walk to the saddle of Pod Jaginim Kukom, which has a great view up to Bojin Kuk. The Bojinac group is made of a vast area of limestone, with the karst scenery forming towers of rock, furrowed limestone cliffs, caves and green meadows creating a contrast against the severe rock. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a walker’s paradise. Today's walk takes about five to six hours, the terrain is quite challenging and rocky and requires concentration, steady footing and good balance. En route, we pass the unusual Mirila graves. This afternoon, we return to Starigrad Paklenica in time for a swim and relaxation before leaving Croatia tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)

Day 8 End Zadar Airport

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel this morning, before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a little time to explore Zadar, home to Roman ruins and intriguing art installations, speak to your sales representative about extending your hotel stay.

Day 1 Welcome to Dubrovnik!

Welcome to the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to your first accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in this enchanting city, which served as the setting for King's Landing in "Game of Thrones."

Celebrate your first night in Croatia with a traditional Croatian meal. One of the most well-known dishes is peka, or meat and potatoes cooked in a bell-like dome under hot coals.

Day 2 Dubrovnik

Wake up today and enjoy a morning walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik! With the help of a local guide, you'll see the historic highlights that make up Old Town, from Rector's Palace to the Franciscan Monastery. 

After your tour, take the 4-minute cable car up to Mt Srđ. At the top, you will be treated to spectacular views of Old Town, the sparkling Adriatic sea, and several islands. Return to Old Town and enjoy a leisurely dinner while watching Croatian life pass you by.

Day 3 Dubrovnik - Split

Say goodbye to Dubrovnik this morning as you drive 148 miles to the city of Split, the second-largest city in Croatia after Zagreb. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the historic inner city including the UNESCO-certified Diocletian's Palace. 

After the tour, treat yourself to a refreshing aperitif and a stroll along the palm-tree-studded Riva waterfront promenade. This area makes for prime people watching in Split! 

Day 4 Split - Trogir - Zadar

Leave Split today and drive 20 miles north to the picturesque town of Trogir, built on a small island and connected to mainland Croatia by a stone bridge. This town is a real cultural treasure; stroll through its charming narrow streets and visit the beautiful St. Lawrence Cathedral.

After exploring Trogir, continue driving 96 miles to your second destination of Zadar. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour taking you to the Roman Forum and the Church of St. Donatus.

When the sun goes down, head to Zadar's waterfront to hear the sweet sounds of the sea organ and see the Sun Salutation light show!

Day 5 Zadar - Plitvice - Opatija

After breakfast, leave Zadar and drive 92 miles to Plitvice Lakes National Park (admission not included), a highlight of any trip to Croatia. Spend a few hours exploring the breathtaking scenery of the 16 terraced lakes that make up the park, and the surrounding wooded mountains and lush vegetation. 

From the park, drive 110 miles to Opatija, a seaside resort town on the beautiful bay of Kvarner. Enjoy a sunset stroll along the promenade as you admire the handsome Belle Epoque villas built during the hey-day of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Day 6 Opatija - Zagreb

Spend a leisurely morning in Opatija, then pack up one more time as you drive 106 miles to your last destination, Zagreb. Croatia's capital and largest city hums with exciting cultural institutions, intriguing history, and a modern dining and nightlife scene. 

Head to Zrinjevac Square, the verdant heart of Zagreb where there is always something going on. It's filled with stalls almost year round, and features festivals and events summer through winter.

Day 7 Zagreb

In the morning, set out on a walking tour of Zagreb's historical center, Gornji Grad, also known as Upper Town. With the help of a local guide, you'll visit St. Mark's Church, Parliament, and the Government Palace. After the tour, take the funicular connecting the Lower and Upper Towns of Zagreb. Fun fact: it happens to be the shortest funicular ride in the world!

Continue to Zagreb's quirkiest museum, the Museum of Broken Relationships, which houses personal objects from failed relationships donated by people from all over the world. If that doesn't strike your fancy, the Museum of Contemporary Art houses an exciting display of Croatian and international art. 

Day 8 Depart Croatia

Your self-drive Croatian vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, drive to Zagreb airport, drop off your rental car, and transfer to your departure gate for your flight home.