- Group Size 6 People Maximum
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Activity Level
Easy
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Travel Style
Road Trip
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When you join one of our trips, we want you to have peace of mind. In response to COVID-19, we’ve:
- Implemented expansive new safety protocols
- Reduced trip deposits to just $100
- Made it easier than ever to reschedule your trip
Experience Croatia’s breathtaking nature, historical gems, and abandoned sites on this privately guided, week-long exploration. With a thoughtful balance of lesser-known haunts paired with iconic spots, as well as a bit of urban exploration sprinkled throughout, you’ll be invited to learn more about the long and complex heritage of this Balkan nation from a variety of perspectives. From towering, seaside fortresses to underground bunkers and countryside memorials, there is so much to take in. But don’t worry—we’ve made sure to also include plenty of time to relax, wander, and dig into local desserts along the way.
- Privately guided experience
- Abandoned, unique, and lesser-known locations
- Private vehicle transfer throughout
- A perfect combination of nature, history, adventure, and local life
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb!
Today, meet up with your guide for a welcome drink and introductions. Depending on whether you’re already in Zagreb or have just arrived, there may be time for a walking tour of the city to explore its underground tunnels, parks, and beautiful architecture, some of which dates back to the 13th century—and maybe even a ride on the shortest funicular in the world! Your guide will give you the city’s inside scoop (for example, why does a cannon go off every day at noon?), before leaving you the evening to rest, relax, and enjoy dinner on your own.
Boutique Hotel, Zagreb
Welcome drinks
Day 2: “Spomeniks” of former Yugoslavia
After breakfast, it’s time for a day trip to witness and learn more about Yugoslavian heritage and history. The day will be focused on Podgarić and Jasenovac, two striking “spomeniks.” The name spomenik refers to the memorial structures and monuments built between the 1950s and 1990s during Tito’s Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The purpose of these widespread monuments was to honor the people’s resistance and suffering during World War II, and today you can find hundreds of them all across this region. You’ll have free time for lunch before returning to Zagreb in the afternoon, where your guide can arrange tickets to a museum of your choice (there are many excellent options, ranging from the Museum of Chocolate to the Museum of Broken Relationships). And if there wasn’t time on your first day for the city walking tour, it can be incorporated into today’s schedule. Your guide can gladly recommend a good dinner spot!
Boutique Hotel, Zagreb
Breakfast
Day 3: Underground Airbase & Plitvice Lakes
This morning, depart Zagreb and set off for the ex-Yugoslavian military masterpiece Željava Airbase, the biggest underground airbase in this part of Europe. Now abandoned, this fascinating site is a favorite, particularly among urban explorers. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon at the majestic Plitvice Lakes National Park, marveling at its network of crystalline lakes and tumbling waterfalls. The oldest and most beloved national park in Croatia, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. From there, continue on to Split, where you’ll have the evening free.
Boutique Hotel, Split
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Fjaka: A Split State of Mind
Today is fully dedicated to Split—considered by some to be the most beautiful city in the world. The ancient Diocletian's Palace and all its secrets await, while you’d be remiss not to grab the toe of Gregory of Nin for good luck. Stroll down the Riva promenade and let yourself enjoy fjaka, a word with no English equivalent but which, for simplicity’s sake, we’ll just refer to as a “Split state of mind.” In the evening, the nearby city of Trogir is a lovely spot for dinner and a stroll.
Boutique Hotel, Split
Breakfast
Day 5: Šibenik & St. Nicholas Fortress
Next stop: Zadar, by way of Šibenik, a picturesque city on the Adriatic Coast. In Šibenik, we’ll be joining a guided boat tour to St. Nicholas Fortress, dramatically located at the entrance to St. Anthony Channel. The fortress has stood as a proud sea guardian of Šibenik for over 500 years, and is now within a protected natural area. Following lunch at a local restaurant, prepare to get lost wandering the narrow streets leading up to St. Mihovil Fortress, which opens up to a stunning view. Along the way, your guide will fill you in on Krešimir and other stories. After saying our goodbyes to Šibenik, we’ll continue to Zadar, where the rest of the evening is free.
Boutique Hotel, Zadar
Breakfast, Lunch
This day’s activities are fairly weather-dependent. Taking the forecast into consideration, Day 4 and 5 can be switched around or otherwise modified, depending on your party’s preferences and interests. There is also the option to add an additional day to the itinerary (with an additional overnight in Split), to include a full-day visit to the island of Vis, which boasts beautiful beaches, bays, caves, abandoned architecture, and more.
Day 6: Sea Organ & Sunsets of Zadar
Today is all about the wonderful city of Zadar and the nearby town of Nin. To kick off the day, we’ll take a short drive to Nin, where you’ll get the chance to explore the famous Croatian Saltworks, right up close. Here, salt is produced not by machines but by the sun, wind, and sea, a process that has been embraced for the past 1,500 years. After lunch in Nin, we’ll head back to Zadar, home to the best ice cream in the world (according to your completely impartial guide). As the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, Zadar is rich in both ancient history and contemporary life. Sing in St. Donat Basilica, dance to the sound of the city’s unique Sea Organ, and end the day at one of Zadar’s most unusual attractions: Pozdrav Suncu (Monument to the Sun). Oh, and with some sweet cherry Maraska liquor, too.
Boutique Hotel, Zadar
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Hidden Countryside History
Today, we’ll depart the coast and drive through a beautiful region of countryside to Petrova Gora, a range of hills in the country’s central region. Here, we’ll explore two unique and fascinating locations: An abandoned World War II hospital tucked in the woods, and a monument dedicated to the uprising of people of Banija and Kordun. In between visits, we’ll be treated to a delicious home-cooked lunch in a mountain house. After a full, final day, it’s back to Zagreb for the evening.
Boutique Hotel, Zagreb
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Farewell & Departure
Today wraps up a wonderful, action-filled week together. Depending on your schedule, we can drop you off at the train station or airport. If you’ll be extending your stay, we can of course provide additional recommendations!
The cost of this trip is $3,660 per person, based on two or more travelers, and double occupancy at three- and four-star hotels during low season. For a single occupancy room, there will be a single supplement (price may vary depending on the season). This trip can also be offered to solo travelers as well as groups that include kids under the age of 18—please inquire for pricing and details.
This trip includes seven nights of accommodation, based on double-accommodation in hotels at a three and four-star level. If you're interested in a different level or style of accommodation, we'd be happy to discuss options and price points.
During these days, you’ll be covering about 800 miles (1,300 km). The driving time has been carefully distributed between each day, and will of course include stops along the way. by days and of course with stops along the way. You’ll have a private vehicle and driver for the duration of the trip. The type of vehicle (car, van, or minibus) will depend on the size of your group.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day, and remaining on their feet for longer periods of time. While we can tailor the pace and activity level to your group, a few of the highlights require a short, easy hike and/or walking on dirty trails. As the itinerary covers a range of different locations, you’ll want to pack sturdy walking shoes, and comfortable clothes for the drives.
This trip begins and ends in Zagreb, Croatia. On the first day, your guide and driver will arrange to meet you at an agreed-upon location. We recommend you arrive by late afternoon on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 8. If you’d like to extend your stay on either end, we’re happy to arrange extra nights and provide suggestions for things to do and see on your own.
- Private transfer throughout your trip in a comfortable vehicle with an English- speaking driver.
- Local, professional English-speaking guide and urban exploration specialist accompanying you for the duration of the trip.
- Seven nights of accommodation in boutique hotels (three-star level).
- Daily breakfast and four lunches.
- Entrance fees to all sites and activities included in the itinerary.
- 24/7 emergency assistance during your trip, provided by Global Rescue.
- Special access to unique places and extraordinary experiences.
- Transportation to and from Croatia.
- Additional meals and drinks outside of Atlas Obscura offerings, including most alcoholic beverages.
- Tickets for extra activities and attractions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for your guide and driver (optional).
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations.
- Applying for a Croatian visa, if applicable.
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