Explore Croatia's great outdoors and beautiful cities on an epic family adventure

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

Suggested places to visit

Itinerary highlights

  • Kayaking around the city of Dubrovnik
  • Wandering through Hvar's quaint Old Town
  • Private motor boat trip to explore caves and islands around Split
  • Rafting along the Cetina River

What's included

  • Private tours tailored specifically to you
  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Private transfers
  • Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

National parks, medieval cities, and crystal clear water as far as the eye can see makes Croatia the ideal setting for a wonderful family adventure. This 11-night trip takes you along the coast from the enchanting capital of Dubrovnik to the vibrant city of Zadar, via the impossibly pretty islands of the Adriatic. There is kayaking, archery, rafting and ziplining to satisfy even the fiercest of adrenaline junkies as well as some downtime to simply relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

Your adventure starts in the walled city of Dubrovnik, affectionately known as the pearl of the Adriatic. Wind your way through the marbled streets of the old town on a privately guided tour, then marvel at the sea of terracotta rooftops as your soar over the city on a cable car ride. You’ll also get to take to the water as you kayak through the sparkling sea towards the island of Lokrum.

Travelling up the coast you’ll reach Hvar, said to be the sunniest of Croatia’s islands. Spend your time exploring the old town, visiting the many beaches or simply taking it easy enjoying the fresh seafood and sublime views. A private motor boat will then bring you to Split, via the islands of Vis and Biševo, famous for their caves bathed in blue and green light.

Once the walled summer residence of the Emporer Diocletian, Split is a vibrant city centred around the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, now filled with quaint restaurants and boutiques. Whilst here you’ll get to experience the great outdoors with sword and archery lessons at Klis Fortress, rafting along the Cetina River and ziplining through the Cetina Canyon.

When it comes to natural beauty, Croatia has plenty of trump cards. Explore the crashing waterfalls of Krka National Park, wriggle your way through Modri cave and sail around the Kornati Islands. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the bustling city of Zadar with its beautiful churches, Roman ruins and cutting-edge art installations.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-4

Dubrovnik

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Dubrovnik

Accommodation in Dubrovnik

Aerial view of the old Croatian town and harbour, Dubrovnik
Three nights in Dubrovnik Three nights in Dubrovnik

Glimmering on the Adriatic coast, enchanting Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most up-market destination. Lauded by George Bernard Shaw as “Paradise on Earth", the city delights with its Mediterranean-style culture and the marbled streets of its UNESCO World Heritage old town.

Private walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town Private walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town

Meet your guide for a pleasant walk through Dubrovnik's Old Town. George Bernard Shaw was so enchanted by this beautiful city that he exclaimed "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik", as well as famously describing it as "the pearl of the Adriatic". Dubrovnik's Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, and a magnificent curtain of walls surrounds marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a mélange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end. Churches, monasteries, and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.

Dubrovnik cable car ride Dubrovnik cable car ride

Enjoy a bird's-eye-view of the beautiful city of Dubrovnik as you ascend in the cable car to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Elaphiti archipelago, the terracotta roofs and majestic city walls.

Kayaking tour around Dubrovnik and Lokrum island Kayaking tour around Dubrovnik and Lokrum island

This unique sea kayaking adventure lets you appreciate the city from a totally different angle. You'll head out towards the island of Lokrum, passing under Dubrovnik's magnificent city walls. Discover hidden caves and beaches while paddling past impressive rock formations. There is the opportunity to swim and snorkel and you'll enjoy a stop on Lokrum to explore its beautiful botanical gardens.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Hvar

Days 4-6

Hvar

Accommodation in Hvar

Two nights in Hvar Two nights in Hvar

Averaging a record number of sunshine hours a year, long and narrow Hvar is Croatia's sunniest island and one of Europe's most sunlit spots. Rivalling even France's famed Saint-Tropez in terms of glamour, it's become Croatia's most popular destination and attracts luxury yachts, sun-seeking adventurers, and visitors of all kinds.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Split

Days 6-9

Split

Accommodation in Split

Three nights in Split Three nights in Split

Although Croatia's second largest city, Split is often viewed as a jumping off point for adventures to the islands beyond. The peninsula on which it rests might jut out invitingly into the Adriatic, but visit vibrant Split today and it won't take you long to realise that it's very much a destination in its own right.

Split walking tour Split walking tour

Originally the palatial walled summer residence of the Emperor Diocletian, Split became a city in itself after the Roman Capital of Dalmatia, Salona, was sacked in the 7th century. Fleeing refugees were given asylum inside the two-meter thick walls of the palace and over the next 1000 years, the “city” of Split gained a reputation as a safe haven. Because of this, the city never grew beyond the same walls that exist today. As a result, the remarkable ensemble of Roman, Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and other architectural remains are all still visible. Today there are more than 3,000 people still living inside these ancient walls.

Sword and archery lesson at Klis Fortress Sword and archery lesson at Klis Fortress

Visit Klis, a medieval fortress situated above a village bearing the same name, near the city of Split. From its origin as a small stronghold built by the ancient Illyrian tribe Dalmatae, it become a royal castle that was the seat of many Croatian kings. A large fortress during the Ottoman wars in Europe, Klis Fortress has guarded the frontier, being lost and re-conquered several times throughout its more than 2,000-year-long history. Here you will step back in time and enjoy sword and archery class to see how people would have helped defend the fortress.

Rafting on the Cetina River Rafting on the Cetina River

Your adventure starts in Omiš, a small central Dalmatian town and harbour situated at the mouth of the Cetina River and surrounded by huge gorges. Rafting on the Cetina reveals a different Dalmatia, one which which usually remains hidden behind the mountains. Discover the beauty of the crystal clear water, magnificent waterfalls, deep canyons, spectacular forests, hidden caves, river islands and mild rapids.

Zipline through the Cetina Canyon Zipline through the Cetina Canyon

Get the heart pumping as you descend through the canyon along a steel wire rope, secured with a belt. After a safety briefing you will make your way to the canyon of the Cetina River, passing through beautiful natural scenery. One guide will hook you up at the beginning of each wire while another waits for you at the other end. There are eight wires covering 2100m and you'll whizz your way down each one to the finishing point.

Krka Waterfalls National Park tour Krka Waterfalls National Park tour

Travel to the picturesque Skradin and the Krka Waterfalls National Park. On its green path, River Krka has seven falls, the last one being the amazing Skradinski buk. Thanks to the constant process of travertine building, the Krka River is a karst phenomenon, carving a spectacular canyon along its 70-kilometre journey from the foothills of the Dinara Mountains to the beautiful estuary under the walls of historic Sibenik. Walk the winding wooden paths through the main park area and visit the Ethno Museum and shops housed in the old mills at Skradinski buk.

Dubrava Falconry Center tour Dubrava Falconry Center tour

Visit Croatia's only falconry centre in the little village of Dubrava close to the centre of Šibenik. Enjoy observing these majestic birds of prey in flight and see them eye to eye up close. You'll also learn about the history of falconry in Croatia and the centre's work rearing, rehabilitating and releasing rare species.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Zadar

Days 9-12

Zadar

Accommodation in Zadar

Three nights in Zadar Three nights in Zadar

Intriguingly unique, Zadar is a northern coastal hub with a very particular character. Although it's definitely less busy than the tourist centres further south, it is one of Croatia's larger metropoles and a living, vibrant city. You'll be greeted with a mix of ancient Roman relics, Hapsburg elegance, and clever, cutting edge art installations.

modric-cave-stalactities-stalagmites-croatia
Spelunking in Modric cave Spelunking in Modric cave

This small, long cave is so beautiful that each step is a unique discovery. The cave is not accessible for large groups ensuring a very personal caving adventure. Prepare to crawl and squeeze your way through the magical Modric cave, lit up by the carbide light on your safety helmet.

kornati-islands-croatia
Motor boat tour of Kornati National Park Motor boat tour of Kornati National Park

Kornati is an archipelago of more than 140 uninhabited islands. The story goes that after God created the world, there were still a few gems left in his hand so he threw them over his shoulder into the seas, and the Kornati islands were born.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Zadar airport

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A Family Adventure in Beautiful Croatia

12-Day Example Trip
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