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Croatia

Croatia: Treasure of the Adriatic Coast at a Slower Pace

Program No. 25627RJ
Enjoy a spectacular learning adventure through Croatia at a relaxed pace. Take it slow and breathe in the history, beauty and local life of this fascinating country.
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  • Waterfalls cascade down a lush, green cliff into a clear turquoise lake with a wooden boardwalk in the foreground.
  • A scenic view of the historic town of Trogir, Croatia, with its red-roofed buildings surrounding a bustling harbor filled with boats.
  • An aerial view of the Zagreb skyline with its red-tiled roofs and cathedral spires under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
  • An aerial view of the coastal town of Lovran in Croatia, with its red-roofed buildings lining the deep blue Kvarner Bay.
  • The historic walled city of Dubrovnik, with its red-tiled roofs, sits on a rocky coast next to the clear blue sea.
  • Tourists gather in the sunny, stone courtyard of Diocletian's Palace, surrounded by large Roman columns and archways.
  • A tour group sits on wooden pews listening to a guide inside the ornate, historic interior of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split.
  • A tour guide in a polka dot dress points to a large wall map while explaining it to three tourists inside a stone room.
  • A high-angle view of the historic walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, on the bright blue Adriatic Sea coast.
  • A low-angle view of two people climbing a metal staircase inside the sunlit stone bell tower of a historic cathedral.
  • Ornate and intricately carved dark wood choir stalls with a matching lectern inside a stone cathedral next to a bishop statue.
  • A tour group holds up a Croatian flag while posing for a photo on stone steps in front of a historic tower in Korcula.
  • A scenic view of the historic walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, overlooking the bright blue Adriatic Sea from a grassy hill.
  • A scenic view of the old city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with its stone walls and red-tiled roofs overlooking a calm blue bay.
New
Length
14 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
5,799
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
14 days
13 nights
What's Included
27 meals ( 12B, 7L, 8D )
3 expert-led lectures
15 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Check-in available from 3:00 PM.
Dinner:
In the local restaurant we’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
This program is not suitable for participants using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers. Today’s activities include up to 3 miles of walking, with periods of up to 2 – 3 hours standing. There are some inclines without railings.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning we will have an expert-led lecture - region overview you have visited on your program. After lecture we will explore the historic city of Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia. During the excursion we will explore both the “upper town” and “lower town” of the city. The Upper Town encompasses the oldest historic center of Zagreb, which was first settled in the 11th century. Located between the hills of Gradec and Kaptol, the two distinct cores of medieval Zagreb, the Upper Town is mostly known for its small, winding streets and its 17th and 18th century buildings. Contrastingly, the Lower Town is the more modern portion of Zagreb, which holds wider and airier streets and layout. One of the best ways to explore the lower town is to take a walk through the city’s famous “Green Horseshoe”, a u-shaped network of public parks, squares and monuments - during your free time.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities will include up to 1.5 hour of walking. Distance between Zagreb and Rijeka is approximately 100 miles.The drive from Zagreb to Rijeka is approximately 2.5 hours, it is then another 45 minutes to Opatija, and another 10 minutes to Lovran.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning we will check out from the hotel after breakfast to drive to the nearby Nikola Tesla technical Museum Zagreb, for a visit and a presentation. Nikola Tesla was born in Croatia in the 19th century and was one of the greatest inventors and scientist in technological development of his time. He is best known for invention of the alternating current electricity supply system. We’ll also discover many more inventions by this engineer, scientist, futurist, and physicist as we explore on site. In the museum we will see the models of some of his researches and we hear the lecture on his work. Today his name is associated mainly with Tesla cars but we will learn much more. After our museum visit, we will drive towards our next destination, Lovran. We will first drive for a panoramic visit of Rijeka. Rijeka is the most important transportation hub in the region and the third largest city in Croatia. It is administrative and cultural center with rich history and very important strategic point for Croatia.
Lunch:
En route, at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will head towards Opatija and enjoy a walk of the city. Located on the Adriatic coast surrounded by woods of bay laurel, Opatija is mostly known as a seaside and winter resort town. This history dates back to the 19th century, as Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I used to spend several winter months living in Opatija and hosting royal guests from other kingdoms and empires of Europe. Because of this, Opatija is a treasure trove of 19th century luxury architecture and villas. After our visit, we will transfer via motorcoach to neighboring Lovran, where we will check-in to our new hotel. Lovran got its name after plant laurel that is common to find in the area. It was one of the first settlements on the Eastern slopes of Istrian peninsula and has a long urban history.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 2 hours, ( 2, 5 miles) of walking during the day on cobblestone streets, including longer periods of standing. Drive from Lovran to Porec is approximately 1.5 hours, it is then another 1 hour to local family compound and another 1.5 hours back to Lovran.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Today we will explore the biggest Croatian peninsula, enchanting Istrian Peninsula, a region known for its breathtaking coastline, rolling vineyards, and medieval hilltop towns. Once part of Italy until World War II, Istria retains a strong Italian influence, evident in its language, cuisine, and architecture, earning it the nickname ‘Little Tuscany.’ Our first stop will be Porec, where we will take a walking field trip of the town center. Porec is best known for the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 6th century, featuring well-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The town has a population of around 17,000 and is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its blend of Roman, Venetian, and Austrian influences. Porec’s old town retains its Roman street layout, with remnants of ancient temples and medieval fortifications
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
With the Group Leader, we will explore the serene Istrian countryside, where village life continues to thrive amid rolling hills, stone houses, and fertile valleys. Often called the “Tuscany of Croatia,” rural Istria is a region where agriculture and tradition are woven into everyday life. Olive groves, vineyards, and family-run farms shape the landscape, reflecting a lifestyle that has been preserved for generations. Visiting a local agrotourism farm or family compound, we will get a glimpse of Istrian rural life—from the production of olive oil and cheese to the rhythms of daily farming. Here, nature, culture, and heritage come together, offering an authentic experience of Croatia’s countryside.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to an hour and half (up to 2 miles) of walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park area. The drive from Lovran to Plitvice is approximately 3 hours. The distance between Lovran and Plitvice is approximately 110 miles.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check-out of our hotel and make our way to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatia’s first national park, Plitvice Lakes was established in 1949 and encompasses 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) of breathtaking natural splendor. The park features a grand collection of waterfalls, lakes, forests and diverse wildlife. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, which change based on the minerals and organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. This park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 due to its outstanding series of tufa lakes, caves and waterfalls.
Lunch:
At the park, on your own
Afternoon:
After short panoramic walk in the park we will continue towards educational center, where we will learn from experts about the park and conservation. Take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today we will have up to 1 hour of walking on mainly flat terrain. The drive from Plitvice to Solin is approximately 3 hours, 150 miles long with a stops.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel on our way to Solin, we will drive to Poljica, small village close to the shore where we are going to visit a family run compound and learn about their village life. They work in agriculture and also have a little manufacture of fig products. They will prepare and join us for family lunch in their home. After lunch we will head towards Solin that will be our home for next three days.
Lunch:
At family compound.
Afternoon:
Upon our arrival to Solin, we will check-in to our new hotel. Our GL will take you for a short orientation walk. Enjoy some free time to relax and settle into your rooms before dinner.
Dinner:
At hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up 2.5 miles of walking on busy city streets, with some periods of standing. Several stairs, some without railings.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board the motorcoach for a short drive to Split. Upon arrival, we will start with an expert-led field trip of the city of Split. We will begin at Diocletian’s Palace, a palace and fortress built by Roman Emperor Diocletian shortly after abdicating his throne at the turn of the 4th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this palace is considered one of the most significant monuments of the Roman Era. It’s remains lie on what is considered the old town of Split, after our visit, we will continue our exploration of the old town by visiting the Peristyle, the Cathedral, and some of the majestic statues of Ivan Mestrovic – the greatest Croatian sculptor of the 20th century.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore Split on your own. We have organized transfer back to the hotel. You are free to stay in Split longer on your own and explore local transportation back to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking, some standing at the museum. There are over 60 steps from the entrance to the house of the Mestrovic Gallery, with more stairs to the upper floors of the museum. The drive from Solin to Trogir is approximately 1 hour, it is then another hour back to Solin.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board the motorcoach for a short drive to Trogir. Upon arrival, we will start with an expert-led walking excursion in the World Heritage Site and charming medieval town of Trogir. This city is situated on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a bridge, and is full of rich Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. During our field trip, we will explore the Saint Lawrence Cathedral, the Duke’s Palace, and pass by the city walls and gates.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will drive to Split from Trogir and visit the Mestrovic Gallery, situated in the villa where sculptor Ivan Mestrovic used to live overlooking the blue Adriatic Sea. Known as the greatest 20th century sculptor in Croatia, Mestrovic's works can be found all around the world. On display at the gallery are bronze, marble, and wood sculptures, along with drawings, architectural plans, and family furniture.After visit, transfer back to your hotel in Solin.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
This morning we check out from our hotel and board the motorcoach to Dubrovnik. Today’s activities will include up to 2 hours of walking during the day, some standing in the museum. There are over 40 steps at the entrance to the museum and the same at the exit of the museum. We will drive from Solin to Metkovic for about 2 hours, this is approximately 110 miles distance. We have museum visit and then boat ride on photo safari in Neretva river. Additional drive to Dubrovnik is around 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check-out of our hotel this morning to drive towards Neretva region on our way to Dubrovnik. Today we will explore delta of the river Neretva, famous for its fertile valley and great archelogical heritage. Neretva river, 140 mil. long, one of the largest rivers of eastern part of Adriatic basin and largest karst river in Dinaridic Alps, flows from Zelengora mountains in Bosnia and Hercegovina to Adriatic see in Croatia. The slopes of the Neretva river are inhabited since antiquity. The biggest town in Roman times was Narona, founded as Greek emporium 3rd/2nd century BC, which remains we are going to see in the first Croatian in situ museum, located on archeological excavations of an former temple of Augustus. Next on our itinerary is enjoying the nature. It is one of the most important agricultural parts of Croatia, but it is also great natural site, along the flow of the river, nature is extremely well preserved and it is still a home for more then 300 bird species. We will enjoy marvelous landscapes during the photo safari on traditional Neretva rivercraft, followed with a lunch at this original setup, tasting local cuisine.
Lunch:
In local restaurant
Afternoon:
After lunch we will board the motorcoach and pass by small town Metkovic, center of the Neretva region for an hour and half long panoramic drive to majestic Dubrovnik. Upon arrival we will check in our hotel for the next three days.
Dinner:
In the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up 2.5 miles of walking on busy city streets, with some periods of standing. Several stairs, some without railings.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will begin our morning with a lecture by a local expert on a local topic. We will then head to the Old Town of Dubrovnik for a walking field trip. Surrounded by its famous city walls, Dubrovnik is a city where culture and history thrive harmoniously with modern life. Originally known as Ragusa, the city dates back to the 7th century when it was founded by refugees from Epidaurum (modern day Cavtat). During its long history, the town has been under the control or influence of multiple empires, and even ruled itself as a free state between the 14th and 19th centuries. The city has always been associated to prosperity and affluence due to its role in maritime trade, and is also considered a cradle of diplomacy and Croatian literature. During our field trip, we will visit sites such as the Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio Fountain and St. Blaise’s Church.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore Dubrovnik on your own.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include total up to an hour and half walking, up to 2 miles. Several stairs, some without railings. Boat ride from Dubrovnik old port to Lokrum island is approximately 10 minutes long each direction.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning we will have a later start. After short ride we will be back in Old Town of Dubrovnik. With the local expert, we will visit the Dominican Monastery in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a serene oasis of history, art, and spirituality. Founded in the 13th century, the monastery houses a remarkable collection of Gothic and Renaissance art, ancient manuscripts, and a peaceful cloister where the rhythm of monastic life echoes through centuries.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Next, we will take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island, a green retreat just off the coast of Dubrovnik. Known for its botanical gardens, peacocks, medieval ruins, and crystal-clear coves, Lokrum combines natural beauty with history. Gentle walking trails lead through shaded paths and along the shoreline, making it perfect for a group visit with moderate physical activity while enjoying stunning views of the Adriatic and the city walls.
Dinner:
At a local winery on the Peljasac Peninsula, enjoy dinner with wine tasting.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 1 hour of walking, including several periods of standing. The drive from Dubrovnik to Cavtat is approximately 40 minutes, approximately 15 miles, it is then another 15 minutes to Cilipi, and another 45 minutes back to Dubrovnik.
Breakfast:
In hotel dining room.
Morning:
Enjoy some free time this morning to sleep in, relax, or pack. Or use this time to stroll Dubrovnik streets once again; if you have missed the city walls walk it is good time to do so.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Early afternoon we will board the bus and drive South of Dubrovnik to explore the town of Cavtat, once known as Epidaurus, and the administrative center of Konavle region. Konavle was always green basket of Dubrovnik. The town Cavtat is situated in a beautiful, peaceful bay. We will stroll the nice shore and learn about local well know Croatia painter Vlaho Bukovac who was born here. Those who are ready for a short climb will visit the cemetery of the town, home to the Mausoleum of the Racic family. The Mausoleum was designed by the best known Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. In the late afternoon, we will visit Cilipi, a village known for its folk traditions. We enjoy a visit to the garden of a local family who owns the restaurant where we will enjoy our farewell dinner.
Dinner:
At a local family restaurant, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Breakfast:
In hotel dining room.
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