Croatia- May departure
City of Dubrovnik
May 6-20, 2026
Succulent seafood, miles and miles of brilliant coastline, awe inspiring scenery everywhere you go, it’s all a taste of this unique land called Croatia. With roots that go back to the Greek and Roman eras you will find telltale examples of its magnificent past everywhere. The magnetism of modern Croatia, though, is found on the Adriatic coast with its beautiful beaches, secluded bays, lakes, incredible mountain peaks, fantastic cuisine and prized wines and spirits.
Travac Tours has crafted the perfect holiday for you in Croatia. Your experience will take you through the capital Zagreb and the plains district where you can visit its castles or simply enjoy freshly picked fruit from a local farm. While in Zagreb you’ll stay at the legendary Hotel Esplanade, an Orient Express hotel, visited by actors, dignitaries, kings and monarchs including Queen Elizabeth.
We’ll then take you to the Croatian Riviera where towns look like movie sets and the mountains cascade into the sea. This, the Monte Carlo of Croatia, is compared to the Amalfi coast in Italy yet you may find it more exhilarating.
A highlight of your vacation will come with a visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. A UNESCO world heritage site the park’s undeniable natural wonder is created by the beauty found in a string of lakes and waterfalls. Indeed, the lakes are one of the most outstanding natural wonders in all of Europe
You will then travel to the small village of Biograd na Moru to enjoy the matchless charm of this seaside resort.
Continuing south, your next stop is Dubrovnik. It is a fortified sea town which holds thousands of years of both history and legend. This former city-state was a republic of nobles. Its castles and villas are often used as backdrops for the TV series “Game of Thrones.” Dubrovnik is indeed amazing!
Your last stop is Split, an eternally young city where many inhabitants have built their homes inside the 1700-year-old walls of the Diocletian’s Palace, another UNESCO world heritage site. Here you will be able to shop and enjoy the town’s famous marketplace. This seaside town truly brings you back to the Mediterranean as it once was.
While on vacation you will be housed in some of the finest hotels in Croatia, each with a distinctive character. There is a full slate of sightseeing and optional sightseeing opportunities are available for the adventurous and energetic.
Undeniably, Croatia is the up-and-coming destination for the perfect holiday. Join us!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Zagreb
This afternoon you will depart on your overnight flights from Ottawa to Zagreb.
Day 2
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. Archeological discoveries dating back to around 35,000 BC, during the Stone Age, have been discovered in the area. While Celts moved in from the North and the Romans from the West. Zagreb, as we know it today, dates back to the Middle Ages and there are plenty of sights that reflect its great past. After checking into your hotel, the balance of your day will be free. Your hotel, the Esplanade Zagreb, has a fascinating history dating back to 1925 when it was owned by “The Orient Express” Rail Company. Over the years this 5-star hotel has hosted most of the royal families in Europe as well as actors and diplomats. To this day it is considered to be one of the finest hotels in central Europe. Numerous museums and the botanical gardens are a short walk from your hotel.
Day 3
Zagreb
You will begin your day with a tour of Zagreb. A good part of the tour will be on foot as we meander through the old town. Zagreb itself is a very green city and there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy its parks and green spaces. Your afternoon is free to explore. (B)
Day 4
Zagreb to Opatija
Our adventure continues as we travel through Slovenia to the Croatian Riviera and the delightful village of Opatija. Variously known as the “Old Dame”, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” or the “Queen of Tourism” Opatija is a remarkable seaside resort dating back to 1844. The feel of the Victorian era is everywhere amongst the spectacular hotels with their grand facades. The cascading hills remind you of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It is truly a destination of elegance and style. Upon your arrival your Travac Tours Director will take you on a short stroll down the city’s main street and point out some of the town’s highlights. If you are into walking, you will certainly enjoy the “Lungomare Promenade” which follows the coastline for 12 kilometers. (B,D)
Day 5
Opatija
After breakfast, we begin our tour with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula. While this Amphitheatre is one of many left around Europe by Roman engineers it is certainly one of the best preserved anywhere. We’ll also spend some time in the old town before heading to Rovinj. Rovinj rises dramatically from the Adriatic. Its streets are delightfully twisty and there is indeed something particularly romantic about this old town. (B, D)
Day 6
Opatija
On our last day in this region, you are free to relax and enjoy Opatija. (B,D)
Day 7
Opatija to Biograd na Moru
Our journey today will take us to Plitvicka Jezera (Plitvice Lakes) National Park. This UNESCO world heritage site will be one of the highlights of your holiday. The national park is world famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. The sixteen lakes are separated into twelve upper and four lower clusters formed by runoff from the mountains. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours ranging from azure to green and grey to blue. The colours change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. For the next two nights you will be staying in the delightful town Biograd na Moru. Situated on the northern Dalmatian coast, this small town has an enchanting appeal. You will be free this evening to enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and choose your dining experience. (B, D)
Day 8
Biograd na Moru
Biograd was once the home of Croatian kings. Today it is populated by leisure craft and tourists from all over the world. Your free day can be enjoyed by simply relaxing at your hotel or taking a stroll through this interesting village. (B, D)
Day 9
Biograd na Moru to Dubrovnik
After breakfast we will continue south to the wonderful walled city of Dubrovnik. This city is squeezed between the sea and the mountains and is encircled by stone walls. It is, in a sense, a perfect work of beauty with an enthralling history. Nothing will disappoint you in this magnificent city. (B, D)
Day 10
Dubrovnik
Your morning tour of Dubrovnik will start with a panoramic drive through the Dubrovnik surroundings. Dubrovnik rose to have one of the strongest merchant navies in the 16th century. The town itself became a powerful city state known as the Dubrovnik republic which maintained its independence for 450 years. Your tour will continue with a guided walking tour of the old city. (B, D)
Day 11
Dubrovnik
Your last full day in Dubrovnik is free. An optional tour will be offered today. (B, D)
Day 12
Dubrovnik to Split
After breakfast, our journey continues to the heart of the Dalmatian coast – Split.
Split is the second largest city in Croatia with a population of over 200,000. Modern Split effectively came into being with the founding of the Diocletian’s Palace, around 295 AD. Today the Palace is part of the old city and is surrounded by an open-air market which is always bustling with activity. After our arrival in Split, we will make our way to the old city for a chance to see the Diocletian’s Palace which simply oozes atmosphere. There are numerous options for dinner in the old city that will offer everything from Dalmatian delicacies to your standard bill of fare. (B)
Day 13
Split
Today you will have a leisurely opportunity to explore and discover the spirit of Split. An optional tour will be offered today. (B)
Day 14
Split
Your last full day in Split is free. (B)
Day 15
Split to Ottawa
Your Travac Tours Director will advise you of your departure time for your return flights to Ottawa. (B)
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
Please note this is not an appropriate tour for individuals with mobility impairments or walking disabilities. No walkers or wheelchairs are permitted, and accessible rooms are not available. You should feel comfortable being able to walk for extended periods of time and must be able to keep up with the group. Like much of Europe, many of the avenues and walkways in Croatia are uneven and made of cobblestone.
Hotel Information
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel or similar
Hotel Address
Mihanovićeva ul. 1, 10000Zagreb, Croatia
+385 1 4566 666
Grand Hotel Adriatic or similar
Hotel Address
Ul. Maršala Tita 200, 51410Opatija, Croatia
+385 51 719 010
Hotel Ilirija or similar
Hotel Address
Ul. Tina Ujevića 7, 23210Biograd na Moru, Croatia
+385 23 396 555
Valamar Lacroma or similar
Hotel Address
Ul. Iva Dulčića 34, 20000Dubrovnik, Croatia
+385 52 465 000
Hotel Amphora or similar
Hotel Address
Šetalište Pavla, Ivana Pavla II 51, 21000Split, Croatia
+385 21 308 500