Croatia – Balkan Tours by Local Guides

Dubrovnik Old Town

The Old Town of Dubrovnik, which has been enlisted by UNESCO, is a fascinating place to visit. Walking along the walls of this town will open a breathtaking view of red-tiled roofs and azure sea. The Dubrovnik old tour city tour will create memories you will cherish for a lifetime. You will visit the Onofrio Fountain, where you can take a drink from this iconic historic landmark. The fountain displays the innovative water supply system of the ancient people of Dubrovnik. The old town is also home to numerous festivals, concerts, and events throughout the year. Last but not least, this town is one of the filming locations of the popular tv series Game of Thrones.

Diocletian Palace (Split)

As you continue your journey to the Dalmatian coast, you will reach the ancient city of Split. The city's heart is the Diocletian's Palace - a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting. Walk down the narrow streets filled with shops and lively markets, and you will get the atmosphere of the place. The castle was built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian with the aim of being both a luxurious residence and a military fortress. The substructures of the palace are equally remarkable, featuring a labyrinth of underground halls and chambers. The basements served various purposes, such as storage, living quarters, and a hiding place during times of siege.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

The Pltvice National Park is a real heaven on Earth! It is the oldest and the largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. The lake system of the park of the area consists of 16 lakes cascading one into the next. Even though they are the most prominent part of the park, they cover just 1% of the total park area. You can take seven different routes to tour the lake system and four hiking trails. Furthermore, the park is open all year round, but the most beautiful natural landscapes are formed during the Spring/Summer seasons. Include it in your Balkan tour, and you won’t be disappointed.

KRKA National Park

The KRKA National Park is located in southern Croatia and was established in 1985. The park is named after the KRKA River - the 72.5 km long river that runs through it. When walking around its 109 square kilometres, you will discover breathtaking waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and lavish greenery. The KRKA park fosters multiple preserved or insignificantly altered ecosystems. With its seven waterfalls and a total drop in altitude of 224 m, this park is a natural phenomenon.

Hvar Island

A short ferry ride will transport you to the enthralling island of Hvar. Hvar is known for its mesmerizing lavender fields and medieval architecture. Among some of the activities you could do are exploring the fortress overlooking the town, indulging in local cuisine, and watching the sunset over the Adriatic. You can also visit the Stari Grad of Hvar - one of the oldest towns in Croatia, which is home to ancient Greek remains. During the summer months, Hvar is the host of multiple music festivals and various events.

Pula Arena (Pula)

If you wish to experience a taste of what Ancient Rome was like, don’t think twice about visiting Pula Arena. Located on the Adriatic coast, this amphitheatre symbolises the city of Pula and the entire country of Croatia. It was constructed all the way back in the 1st century AD with the aim of hosting gladiator battles before the eyes of thousands of spectators. Today it serves as a platform for countless festivals, concerts and various events, thus transforming it into a symbol of culture.

Korcula & Pelješac

Korcula & Pelješac are two regions in the Croatia archipelago, each with unique charm and natural beauty. Locals know Korcula as the “little Dubrovnik” due to its medieval atmosphere and ancient architecture. Another popular belief about the place is that it was the birth home of Marco Polo. Pelješac is just a ferry ride from Korcula and an excellent destination for wine enthusiasts. Vineyards are quite a famous scene in the region; therefore, embarking on a wine-tasting tour is a great way to experience the place.

Opatija

If you want to get a taste of the therapeutic benefits of the Adriatic Sea, consider visiting the small coastal town of Opatija. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Opatija was a fashionable destination of the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy in the 19th century. One of the most prominent sights in the city is the Hotel Kvarner, which first opened in 1884. This region is also quite famous as a spa destination; therefore, if you are searching for thermal baths, healing procedures and relaxing zones, this is the place to visit.

Sea Organ, Zadar

The most iconic attraction of this city of Zadar is the Sea Organ - an innovative musical instrument built into the city’s waterfront. As waves lap against the shore, the Sea Organ produces melodies, creating an unforgettable experience. The story of this landmark is a rather fascinating one - it appeared as a result of the reconstruction work done to repair the devastations Zadar suffered after the Second World War. With the help of the architect Nikola Basic, who was working to redesign the city's coast, this marvellous creation appeared.

Apart from learning the main facts about Croatia, you should also be prepared with ideas about what your itinerary should include. If you know little about the country and are unsure of what to include in your Balkan tour, consider some of our suggestions to avoid missing out on.

• Visit the Diocletian Palace in Split.
• Go on the Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik's old town.
• Hike in the morning to the Dubrovnik viewpoint for the amazing Panoramic sightseeing of Dubrovnik.
• Visit the Broken Relationships Museum in Zagreb.
• Hike in the Plitvice Lakes area.
• Roam at the Dubrovnik old town walls.
• Go on a boat tour to the Blue Cave from Split.
• Wal around Lokrum island.
• Go on a Kayak tour in Dubrovnik.
• Try how brave you are at the Sky Bike
• Truffle hunting in Istria

1. How many days in Croatia is enough?
A 7-day Croatia tour would be more than enough to visit the majority of the coastal towns, experience the culture, taste the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the historical significance of this ancient Roman region. The minimum amount of days needed for a good Croatia tour is 5.

2. What is the best way to tour Croatia?
The best way to tour Croatia is by car and ferry (where needed). This way, you can be the most flexible and visit the majority of tourist attractions and landmarks. Each Balkan tour we organise is by car, and it has proven to be the most effective, comfortable, and cheap form of travel.

3. Is Croatia a cheap travel destination?
When compared to the majority of Western European destinations, Croatia is considered relatively cheap. However, the cost of your tour depends on multiple factors, including accommodation preferences, the locations you wish to include and, of course, your personal spending habits.

4. Which is nicer, Split or Dubrovnik?
It depends on what you are looking for. Split is centrally located and is a more relaxed place with multiple day trip options and great nightlife scenery. On the other hand, Dubrovnik is the pearl of Croatia and is a historically significant region with impressive architecture dating back to ancient Rome.