Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Croatia

Croatia: Treasure of the Adriatic Coast

Program No. 16636RJ
Croatia’s seaside villages, stunning coast and ancient history make it the perfect destination for exploring traditional Mediterranean life.
WishlistShare
Start
  • 16636-HR-Opatija-Adriatic-Sea-lghoz.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Zagreb-Green-Horseshoe-2c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Rovinj-St-Euphemia-Church-3c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Plitvice-Lakes-National-Park-4c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Plitvice-Lakes-National-Park-5c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Diocletians-Palace-6c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Peristyle-7c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Trogir-8c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Mostar-Bridge-9c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Dubrovnik-Pax-10c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Dubrovnik-Pax2-11c.jpg
  • 16636-HR-Mljet-Island-National-Park-13c.jpg
Small Group
Length
14 days
Rating (4.88)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,199
Flights start at
1,150

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

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 )
4 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Check-in available from 3:00 PM. This program is not suitable for participants using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility assistance devices.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Dinners on this program are typically a buffet or a three-course set menu. Please note that water, coffee or tea is included in the program cost at all meals.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking on busy city streets, including several periods of standing.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room, our breakfast buffet offers a daily selection of breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning:
We will begin our day with an expert-led lecture about a local topic. Then we will continue the day with a field trip in Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia. During the excursion we will explore both the “upper town” and “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. One of the best ways to explore the lower town is to take a walk through the city’s famous “Green Horseshoe”, a u-shaped network of public parks, squares and monuments - during your free time.
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:
On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities will include up to 1 hour of walking. The drive from Zagreb to Rijeka is approximately 2.5 hours, it is then another 45 minutes to Opatija, and another 10 minutes to Lovran.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning we will check out from the hotel after breakfast to drive to the nearby Nikola Tesla technical Museum Zagreb, 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 invention of the alternating current 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 researches and we hear the 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 administrative and cultural center with 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, Optaija is mostly known as a seaside and winter resort town. This history dates back 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 to our new hotel. Lovran got its name after plant 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
Today’s activities include up to 4 hours of walking during the day on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. The walk up to Saint Euphemia Church in Rovinj is steep and the stone ground can be slippery, Porec is flat but still has a lot of stone ground that can be slippery. The drive from Lovran to Rovinj is approximately 1.5 hours, it is then another 1 hour to Porec, and another 1.5 hours back to Lovran.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Today we will explore the Istrian Peninsula. The Istrian Peninsula was part of Italy until World War II, which is why there is still a strong Italian influence in the region and it is sometimes referred to as “little Tuscany”. Here we will explore the charming town of Rovinj, also called Rovigno in Italian, we will experience its amazing atmosphere during a walking excursion. Originally a settlement of Venetian tribes, the town is a maze of narrow streets and local markets, and is crowned with a large Baroque church dedicated to Saint Euphemia.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will depart Rovinj by coach and make our way to Porec, a small town with a proud Roman heritage. Led by a local-expert, we will explore the town on foot, including its famous Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Monument and one of the finest examples of Byzantine Art from the 5th century. After our field trip, we will transfer back to Lovran.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park, along slippery, inclined terrain with lots of stairs and railings. There is a narrow boardwalk over water in several places. Good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended. The drive from Lovran to Plitvice is approximately 3 hours.
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. Upon our arrival to Plitvice, we will enjoy a lecture on site.
Lunch:
At the park, on your own
Afternoon:
Continue your exploration of Plitvice National Park. Later in the afternoon, we will transfer by bus and check-in to our hotel. Take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today we will have up to 1 hour of walking on mainly flat terrain. The drive from Plitvice to Solin is approximately 3 hours with stops.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel on our way to Solin, we will drive to Poljica, small village close to the shore where we are going to visit a family run compound and learn about their village life. They work in agriculture and also have a little manufacture of fig products. They will prepare and join us for family lunch in their home. After lunch we will head towards Solin that will be our home for next three days.
Lunch:
At family compound.
Afternoon:
Upon our arrival to Solin, we will check-in to our new hotel. Our GL will take you for a short orientation walk. Enjoy some free time to relax and settle into your rooms before dinner.
Dinner:
At hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 2.5 hours of walking on busy city streets, including several periods of standing.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board the bus for a short drive to Split. Upon arrival, we will start with an expert-led walking exploration 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 transfer back to the hotel. You are free to stay in Split longer on your own and explore local transportation back to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking, some standing at the museum. There are over 60 steps from the entrance to the house of the Mestrovic Gallery, with more stairs to the upper floors of the museum. The drive from Solin to Trogir is approximately 1 hour, it is then another hour back to Solin.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board the bus for a short drive to Trogir. Upon arrival, we will start with an expert-led walking excursion 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 visit, transfer back to your hotel in Solin.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
This morning we check out from our hotel and board the coach to Dubrovnik. Today’s activities will include up to 2 hours of walking during the day, some standing in the museum. There are over 40 steps at the entrance to the museum and the same at the exit of the museum. We will drive from Solin to Metkovic for about 2 hours. We have museum visit and then boat ride on foto safari in Neretva river. Additional drive to Dubrovnik is around 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check-out of our hotel this morning to drive towards Neretva region on our way to Dubrovnik. Today we will explore delta of the river Neretva, famous for its fertile valley and great archelogical heritage. Neretva river, 140 mil long, one of the largest rivers of eastern part of Adriatic basin and largest karst river in Dinaridic Alps, flows from Zelengora mountains in Bosnia and Hercegovina to Adriatic see in Croatia. The slopes of the Neretva river are inhabited since antiquity. The biggest town in Roman times was Narona, founded as Greek emporium 3rd/2nd century BC, which remains we are going to see in the first Croatian in situ museum, located on archeological excavations of an former temple of Augustus. Next on our itinerary is enjoying the nature. It is one of the most important agricultural parts of Croatia, but it is also great natural site, along the flow of the river, nature is extremely well preserved and it is still a home for more then 300 bird species. We will enjoy marvelous landscapes during the photo safari on traditional Neretva rivercraft, followed with a lunch at this original setup, tasting local cuisine.
Lunch:
In local restaurant
Afternoon:
After lunch we will board the coach and pass by small town Metkovic, center of the Neretva region for an hour and half long panoramic drive to majestic Dubrovnik. Upon arrival we will check in our hotel for the next three days.
Dinner:
In the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking on busy city streets, including several periods of standing.
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. 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 back to the 7th century 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 to 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
Today’s activities include total up to 2 – 3 hours of walking. The drive from Dubrovnik to Ston is approximately 1 hour and additional drive to port for the ferry to Korcula island is 50 min drive. We are taking small passanger bout to reach island Korcula and to come back to the main land; each direction is 10 min drive on the ferry.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning we will drive toward Ston to visit the famous Walls of Ston, which have protected the Peljesac Peninsula since the 15th century. When originally constructed, the Great Wall of Ston was 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long and one of the longest defense walls in Europe – however, centuries of battles and several earthquakes has left only 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) standing. The walls were of great importance because they protected the city as well as the prosperous salt pans of Ston, which provided over a third of all income to the Dubrovnik Republic. As part of a walking excursion of the town, our group leader will teach us about the longstanding legacy of harvesting salt that exists in this region to this day. After we will continue and drive along Peljesac peninsula to take small boat to take us to island of Korcula. Korcula is one of the greenest island in the Adriatic sea and well known for its history, typical Dalmatian architecture in its simplicity of form and beauty, good wine and nice beaches overlooking peninsula of Peljesac that we are going to experience later on that day. Greek colonists from Corfu gave it name Black Korkyra facing deep pine trees that were covering the island. The main settlement is town of Korcula that we are going to visit and explore upon arrival. The old town, that is not very big, is surrounded by walls and to allow the air circulation between houses the streets were constructed out of houses in the herringbone pattern that protected its citizens from the strong wind as well. We will learn a lot of the island and its citizens and you will have free time to explore Korcula on your own as well.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After lunch on your own we will take small boat for a 10 min ferry ride to reach the Southern slopes of Peljesac peninsula. Here we will board our coach and start to learn aout Peljesac peninsula. It is known for its great wine and untouched nature. It is the longest peninsula in Croatia with its highest peak 3153 ft. Peljesac was part of Dubrovnik Republic and its Western border with Venetian Republic and Ottomans. This afternoon we are going to visit a vinery, learn about local varieties and production. We will taste the wine of local producer and enjoy the dinner in his vinery. After we will continue our way back to our hotel in Dubrovnik.
Dinner:
At a local winery on the Peljasac Peninsula, enjoy dinner with wine tasting.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 1 hour of walking, including several periods of standing. The drive from Dubrovnik to Cavtat is approximately 40 minutes, it is then another 15 minutes to Cilipi, and another 45 minutes back to Dubrovnik.
Breakfast:
In hotel dining room.
Morning:
Enjoy some free time this morning to sleep in, relax, or pack. Or use this time to stroll Dubrovnik streets once again; if you have missed the city walls walk it is good time to do so. Or just enjoy the beach in from of the hotel and relax.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Early afternoon we will board the bus 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 Cavtat is situated in a beautiful, peaceful bay. We will stroll the nice shore and learn about local well know Croatia 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 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, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Breakfast:
In hotel dining room.
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.





Recommended For You