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A wooden boardwalk winds over clear turquoise water toward cascading waterfalls and lush green cliffs in Croatia's beautiful natural landscape.
Croatia

Croatia: Treasure of the Adriatic Coast at a Slower Pace

Program No. 25627RJ
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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
18 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag.
Afternoon:
Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. (Please note that while motorcoaches in Croatia have onboard toilets, they are not in use.) This program is not suitable for participants using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles with periods of standing up to 2.5 hours; some inclines without railings. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will have an expert-led lecture during which we’ll receive an overview of the region. Afterwards, we will head out on foot to explore the historic city of Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia. During the field trip with the local expert, we will explore both the “upper town”—reached via one of the oldest and shortest funiculars in the world—and the elegant “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. The Lower Town will be explored by motorcoach as we drive through the famous “Green Horseshoe” (Lenuci's Horseshoe), a distinctive U-shaped system of parks, squares, and grand historic buildings that forms the cultural and architectural heart of modern Zagreb.
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:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles throughout the day, approximately 3.5 hours total riding time. Walking for up to 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check out from the hotel after breakfast to drive to the nearby Nikola Tesla Technical Museum 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 the invention of the alternating current (AC) 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 research and hear a 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 an administrative and cultural center with a 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 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 at our next hotel. Lovran got its name after Lauris nobilis, or bay 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
Walking 2 miles, up to 1.5 hours during the day on cobblestone streets, including longer periods of standing; stone ground can be slippery. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 130 miles throughout the day, approximately 4 hours total riding time.
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 in 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. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles, up to 1.5 hours in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 110 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time to Plitvice. Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park, along slippery, inclined terrain with some stairs and railings. There is a narrow boardwalk over water in several places. Good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended.
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 a short panoramic walk in the park, we will continue to an educational center where we will learn from experts about the park and conservation. Returning to the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time with a stop. Walking 1/2 mile, up to 1 hour on mainly flat terrain.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel on our way to Solin, we will drive to Poljica, a small village close to the shore where we will visit a family-run compound and learn about their village life. They work in agriculture and also manufacture fig products. They will prepare and join us for a family lunch in their home.
Lunch:
At the family compound. After lunch, we will head towards Solin, our home for the next three days.
Afternoon:
Upon our arrival to Solin, we will check in at our new hotel. Our Group Leader will take us for a short orientation walk. Then, enjoy some down time to relax and settle into your rooms before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles on busy city streets, with some periods of standing. Several stairs, some without railings. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
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 transportation back to the hotel. You are free to stay in Split on your own and explore local transportation back to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 38 miles, approximately 1-2 hours total riding time. Walking up to 1.5 hours; some standing at the museum. There are about 10-20 steps from the entrance to the house of the Mestrovic Gallery, with more stairs to the upper floors of the museum.
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 field trip 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 the visit, we will ride back to the hotel in Solin.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 155 miles throughout the day, approximately 5 hours total riding time. Today’s activities will include up to 1.5 hours of walking, some standing in the museum. Getting on/off a boat; riding between 0.5-1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check out of our hotel this morning to drive towards the Neretva region on our way to Dubrovnik. Today we will explore the delta of the river Neretva, famous for its fertile valley and great archeological heritage. The Neretva—140 miles long, one of the largest rivers of the eastern part of the Adriatic basin and the largest karst river in Dinaridic Alps—flows from the Zelengora mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Adriatic sea in Croatia. The slopes of the Neretva river are inhabited since antiquity. The biggest town in Roman times was Narona, founded as a Greek trading hub in the 3rd-2nd centuries BCE; we will see its remains as the first Croatian in situ museum, located on archeological excavations of a former temple of Augustus. Next on our itinerary is a boat ride on the Neretva river. It is one of the most important agricultural parts of Croatia, but it is also a great natural site; along the flow of the river, nature is extremely well preserved, and it is still a home for more than 300 bird species. We will enjoy marvelous landscapes during the photo safari on traditional Neretva rivercraft.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board the motorcoach and pass by the small town of Metkovic, center of the Neretva region, during a panoramic drive to majestic Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel for the next three days.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2.5 miles on busy city streets, with some periods of standing. Several stairs, some without railings. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
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 with the expert. 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 to the 7th century CE 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 with 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
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Several stairs, some without railings. Boat ride from Dubrovnik old port to Lokrum Island is approximately 10 minutes in each direction.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning, we will have a later start. After a short motorcoach ride, we will be back in the Old Town of Dubrovnik. With our 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, we’ll enjoy dinner with a wine tasting. We’ll then ride back to the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Today’s activities include up to 1 hour of walking, including several periods of standing. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 32 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Enjoy some free time this morning to sleep in, relax, or pack. Or use this time to stroll Dubrovnik’s streets once again; if you have missed the city walls walk, it is a good time to go on it.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Early afternoon, we will board the motorcoach 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 of Cavtat is situated in a beautiful, peaceful bay. We will stroll the nice shore and learn about the Croatian 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’ll 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, we’ll enjoy a folk performance as we dine. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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