A Family Adventure in Beautiful Croatia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.