The Croatian
Croatia
Eleven days from Zagreb to Dubrovnik that take in Slovenia on the way: Zagreb, Ljubljana, the underground train through the Postojna caves, the Riviera town of Opatija (with a free day), a guided walk through Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Trogir, Split's Diocletian's Palace and Dubrovnik with a choice of the city walls or the cable car. Four UNESCO-listed sites, Local Guides in every city, 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners.
From $3,669 pp
Per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included · 11 days
- Next departure
- Apr 11, 2027 · $3,699
- Departures open
- 19
- Meals
- 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners
- Operator
- Globus / Cosmos
Or call / text 954-698-4438
Itinerary, hotels and inclusions checked against Globus / Cosmos's own page on Sep 3, 2026. Dates and prices are read live from the operator's feed.
Our take
Croatia is best seen as a line down the coast, and this tour draws it properly — Zagreb to Dubrovnik with Slovenia's capital and caves as the opening act. The Plitvice walk and Split's palace are the days people remember. It is a real touring pace (five coach days of 80 to 200 miles, and hotels that change every one or two nights) and Dubrovnik in high season is crowded; the free day in Opatija is the breather. Fly into Zagreb, home from Dubrovnik.
Highlights
- 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites on the route: Historic City of Trogir, Historic Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, Old city of Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Globus Choice excursions in Dubrovnik − included in your tour with your choice of a self-guided visit on the city walls or a ride up Mount Srd on the Dubrovnik Cable car
- Guided sightseeing in Zagreb includes sights of the historic Parliament and Stone Gate
- 10 nights in listed hotels, 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners, Tour Director throughout
- 19 departures currently open across 2027, from $3,669 per person, land only — flights from home not included
Who this trip suits
- Travelers who want the whole Adriatic coast rather than one resort town
- People who like a mix of nature (Plitvice, Postojna) and old towns (Split, Dubrovnik)
- Couples and friends comfortable with frequent hotel changes
- Anyone who wants Slovenia included without planning it separately
Who should look elsewhere
- Travelers who want island time — Hvar and Korčula are not on the route
- People who dislike coach days; Day 6 to Zadar is about 200 miles
- Anyone with mobility limits; Plitvice's boardwalks, Dubrovnik's walls and old towns are steps and stone
- Those who want one base for the trip
Day by day
Globus / Cosmos's published itinerary, checked Sep 3, 2026
1Welcome to Zagreb!Arrive in Zagreb, CroatiaDinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
2Landmarks & LegendsZagreb–Ljubljana, SloveniaBreakfastDinner
This morning, get acquainted with Croatia’s capital city when you join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour that includes sights of the Parliament, Stone Gate the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to explore more and try some local specialties for lunch. A scenic drive takes you across the border into Slovenia, to reach the charming, green, capital city Ljubljana.
Highlight · Explore the ancient city of Zagreb where Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe meet with a magnetic culture amid medieval architecture and offbeat cafes and bars to enjoy. In the Upper Town of Zagreb admire the historic Croatian Parliament building and see the Stone Gate, the only fortification entrance that is still standing, and now home to the city’s most important shrine.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · 106 mi / 170 km
3Castles & DragonsLjubljanaBreakfast
Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour of Ljubljana’s main landmarks and hear about the influence of the Hapsburg Dynasty. See the medieval castle, the City Hall, St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, and visit the Town Hall’s inner court. The rest of the day is yours, perhaps explore more of the Old Town and indulge in some traditional dishes.
Highlight · If you’re wondering why there are so many dragons decorating the cobblestone streets of Ljubljana, it’s thanks to the mythological heroes Jason and his Argonauts who stole the Golden Fleece and fled here. Legend has it that the dragon that lived here wasn’t too welcoming. For ages, the dragon of Ljubljana has been the protector and mascot of Ljubljana. Aside from green dragons seen from the cafes and bridges, this university town was voted 2016 Green Capital of Europe.
Meals: Breakfast
4Going UndergroundLjubljana–Postojna–Opatija, CroatiaBreakfastDinner
Drive to Postojna for a definite highlight! A visit of the world-famous caves. Your experience comprises an underground train ride and walking tour. Pass through amazing corridors and see impressive limestone formations. Later, reach the seaside resort of Opatija.
Local favorite · Explore the world's most captivating cave on an unforgettable ride on an underground train. Enter the surreal subterranean world of shiny white stalagmites shaped by millions of years and millions of drops of water in the Postojna Cave. See the baby dragons (Olms) who call the caves home - in the mysterious underground caverns of Slovenia.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · 81 mi / 130 km
5The Maiden and the SeagullOpatijaBreakfast
Enjoy a free day in Opatija with a walk along the promenade, see the Croatian Walk of Fame and the Maiden with the Seagull statue. Browse the narrow streets of the Old Town, watch the world go by from one of its cafés, or relax on one of the beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
6Into the WoodsOpatija–Plitvice–ZadarBreakfastDinner
Reach the verdant landscape of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through trails and over bridges, while you admire the natural wonders and learn about the flora and fauna. Later, take a scenic drive along the Adriatic coastline to Zadar.
Highlight · Croatia’s first national park, Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. Lush forests, pristine lakes, and wondrous waterfalls share this natural paradise with a wealth of wildlife, including wolves, bears, bobcats, and a bountiful species of birds. Words can’t do justice to this spectacular natural wonderland, so join us and see this spectacle of pure nature for yourself.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · 199 mi / 320 km
7Sun WorshipZadar–Trogir–SplitBreakfastDinner
Start the day with a guided walking tour through the Old Town of Zadar, see the main square and the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun monument. Continue to Trogir, dating back to 400 B.C., for an orientation walk and free time to see the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace. Later, arrive in the stunning city of Split. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Local favorite · After exploring the historic squares of Zadar and Trogir, settle in for a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant in the Croatian town of Split, for the perfect place to spice things up with authentic Croatian cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · 137 mi / 220 km
8The Emperor’s EscapeSplitBreakfast
Join your Local Guide for a walking tour through the labyrinth of medieval streets located within part of the Old Town better known as the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Free time this afternoon and evening to continue exploring this incredible city, browse the stores, sink your teeth into some of the local specialties, or join an optional excursion.
Highlight · Discover one of the world’s best-preserved monuments to Roman architecture with a walking tour in Split. You’ll see the spectacular Diocletian Palace that was built for the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th-century AD, and forms nearly half of the Old Town of Split. Having served as the emperor's villa, summer house, and military camp, this ancient palace evokes the power and strength of the Roman Empire.
Meals: Breakfast
9Mediterranean MagicSplit–Bosnia–Herzegovina–Dubrovnik, CroatiaBreakfast
Arrive in Dubrovnik and make the most of a free day; absorb more culture and history, browse the stores, take in the amazing panorama from different viewpoints, or join an optional excursion.
Highlight · It isn’t hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector’s Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.
Meals: Breakfast · 162 mi / 260 km
10Spend Your Day Your Way in DubrovnikDubrovnikBreakfastDinner
Follow your Local Guide for a walking tour of the historic center. Explore more of Dubrovnik with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
11Safe travels until we meet again!DubrovnikBreakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & prices
Read from Globus / Cosmos's departures feed · per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included
| Departs | Returns | Group | Price pp | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 2027 | Apr 21 | Standard | $3,699 | Available |
| Apr 18, 2027 | Apr 28 | Standard | $3,799 | Available |
| Apr 25, 2027 | May 5 | Standard | $3,799 | Sold out |
| May 2, 2027 | May 12 | Standard | $3,799 | Available |
| May 9, 2027 | May 19 | Standard | $3,899 | Available |
| May 16, 2027 | May 26 | Standard | $3,999 | Sold out |
| May 23, 2027small group | Jun 2 | Small group | $4,769 | Available |
| May 30, 2027 | Jun 9 | Standard | $3,999 | Available |
| Jun 6, 2027 | Jun 16 | Standard | $4,099 | Available |
| Jun 13, 2027 | Jun 23 | Standard | $3,999 | Available |
| Jun 20, 2027small group | Jun 30 | Small group | $4,869 | Available |
| Jul 4, 2027 | Jul 14 | Standard | $4,199 | Available |
| Jul 18, 2027small group | Jul 28 | Small group | $4,969 | Available |
| Aug 15, 2027 | Aug 25 | Standard | $3,669 | Available |
7 more departures scheduled — ask us for the full calendar. Prices are the operator's current published rates and can change until a deposit is paid; we reconfirm on enquiry.
Where you stay
Hotels as listed by Globus / Cosmos, “as shown or similar.” Tap a hotel name to see it on Google Maps.
Zagreb
The Westin ZagrebSuperior First-Class
Within walking distance to the center, cafes, and adjacent to a commercial center. The comfortable rooms have a minibar and coffeemaker. There's an elegant bar/lounge, a café, and upscale…
Opatija
AdmiralFirst-Class
Located just a short walk from the city center, this sleek modern hotel faces the Adriatic Sea and overlooks Opatija's beautiful Marina. Air-conditioned guest rooms feature satellite TV and minibar…
or Heritage Hotel Imperial (First-Class)
Zadar
Pinija at PetrcaneFirst-Class
The Hotel Pinija is situated in the small Mediterranean village of Petrcane, near Zadar. Its unique position on a natural peninsula makes it the perfect choice for rest and recreation. Hidden in a…
or Illirija Resort (First-Class)
Split
Corner HotelFirst-Class
A small 44-room hotel housed in the city's former Registry Office close to the heart of Split's UNESCO protected historical center. Located within walking distance of The Palace of Diocletian and The…
Dubrovnik
LapadSuperior First-Class
This former Grand Hotel is set in a historic building surrounded by a large outdoor pool and palm trees, overlooking the famous Dubrovnik's Gruz Harbour. Clear lines are combined with luxurious…
or Valamar Lacroma Resort (Superior First-Class)
What's included
- Tour Director for the whole trip, plus Local Guides at the major sites
- 10 nights in the hotels listed below ("as shown or similar")
- 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners — see the day-by-day for which days
- Coach travel between cities as shown, with luggage handled hotel to hotel
- Guided sightseeing in Zagreb includes sights of the historic Parliament and Stone Gate
- Guided sightseeing in Ljubljana features the Town Hall’s inner court
- Guided tour through Postojna caves onboard an underground train
- Visit Opatija and Trogir
- Guided walking tour in Plitvice national park
- Guided walking tour in Zadar’s Old Town
- Guided walking tour in Split includes Diocletian’s Palace
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Split
- Guided walking tour in Dubrovnik
- Globus Choice excursions in Dubrovnik − included in your tour with your choice of a self-guided visit on the city walls or a ride up Mount Srd on the Dubrovnik Cable car
What's not included
- International airfare — every price on this page is land-only; we quote flights from South Florida with your dates
- Airport transfers at the start and end unless stated in the itinerary (Globus adds them when air is booked through them)
- Meals not listed: about 11 lunches and 4 dinners, plus drinks with meals
- Gratuities for the Tour Director, driver and Local Guides (Globus offers a prepaid option for the first two)
- Optional excursions, bookable from 90 days before departure
- Travel protection — recommended, and we will price it alongside the tour
- Single supplement for solo travelers — quoted on request
The real cost of this trip
The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.
| Flights from South Florida | Not included. We price them with your dates; arriving a day early is worth it when the tour starts with an evening meet-up. |
| Airport transfers | Not included on the standard tour. Globus adds them when air is booked through them; otherwise a taxi or pre-booked car. |
| Meals not covered | 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners are in. Budget for the rest, plus drinks. |
| Gratuities | Tour Director, driver and Local Guide tips are extra. Globus offers a prepaid option for the Tour Director and driver. |
| Optional excursions | Offered from 90 days before departure and on tour. Not required to enjoy the itinerary. |
| Travel protection | Not included. We recommend it for a trip at this price point and quote it with the tour. |
| Solo travelers | A single supplement applies. We quote it per departure. |
Good to know
- Coach days
- 4 of the 11 days include 100+ miles of driving (Day 2: 106 mi, Day 6: 199 mi, Day 7: 137 mi, Day 9: 162 mi), broken up by stops.
- Group size
- Standard departures travel by full-size coach. Departures marked Small Group on the dates table are Globus Small Group Discoveries, capped at a smaller group and priced higher.
- Price basis
- Per person, based on two sharing a room, land only — flights from home not included. Hotels are as listed or similar.
- Start and finish
- 11 days from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Open-jaw flights (different arrival and departure cities) — we price them together.
Group minimums
Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.
| Tier | What you get |
|---|---|
| 8+ guests | Group pricing starts here — Globus quotes group rates from 8 travelers. Ask us for a group quote. |
| 20+ guests | Custom itinerary available — Globus can build a tailor-made version of this tour. |
Gallery
Questions we get about this trip
Is airfare included?
No. Every price on this page is land-only. We quote flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami with your dates, and Globus can add airport transfers when the air is on their booking.
Which airports?
Into Zagreb, out of Dubrovnik — both usually connect through a European hub from Florida. We price the open-jaw ticket.
What is the Dubrovnik choice?
On Day 10 you pick one included Globus Choice excursion: a self-guided walk on the city walls, or a ride up Mount Srđ on the cable car. Both are popular; the walls need a head for heights and heat.
How much walking is there?
Expect guided walking tours most days, often on cobbles, steps and uneven ground. If that is a concern, tell us before you commit and we will talk it through rather than hope for the best.
Which dates are cheapest?
Prices vary by departure — the dates table on this page is read from Globus's own feed, so what you see is current. Shoulder-season departures are usually the lower-priced ones; any Small Group departures cost more.
What if we need to cancel?
Globus's published terms apply and the fee schedule depends on the departure and whether air is booked through them. We link the terms rather than restate them, and we walk you through the exact figures on your reservation before you pay a deposit.
Cancellation policy
Globus' published Travel Terms & Conditions apply. Deposit amounts, final payment dates and the cancellation fee schedule vary by product and departure date, and differ again for air booked through Globus; the exact figures are confirmed on your reservation. Full terms: globusjourneys.com/terms
