Croatia in 3 Years, Part 2: Northern Croatia

11 Days / 10 Nights

Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Zadar

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

If you've traveled to Croatia before but your first trip was focused on Dubrovnik and Southern Dalmatia, including one or two of the islands, then this itinerary is the perfect follow-up.

You'll start your journey in Croatia's buzzing capital, alive with street cafes. Unlike many of Croatia's big attractions, Zagreb is inland, and reminds one of Central European cities more than anything you've seen in Croatia so far. Throw in some laid-back mediterranean lifestyle as well as top-notch gastronomy, and you'll wonder why so many travelers overlook Zagreb.

The beauty of the Istrian peninsula awaits you, and you'll be staying in Rovinj, the north's answer to Dubrovnik, with an old town that's surrounded by water on three sides. The cuisine in Istria blends Italian and Croatian elements and is among the best in the country. You could even join a truffle-hunt, an almost year-round activity.

For a break from the coast, you'll head to Plitvice Lakes. Staying overnight means you'll beat the day-trippers to this UNESCO-listed national park. This inland interlude is the perfect time to unwind, staying at an eco-village hotel. Your final stop will be Zadar. The entire old town is on a 400 by 1000 yard peninsula, and built for strolling. With Roman ruins and an 11th century church there's plenty to see in Zadar but it's also an ideal day trip hub, with boat trips to the Kornati islands, another National Park, nearby Sibenik, or Krka National Park all vying for your attention. Zadar's international airport makes your departure easy too, with no need to get back to Zagreb by land first.

This itinerary can be used as a starting point for further customization. Start your trip on any date, and add nights or destinations as you wish. Although this sample itinerary includes private drivers to get you from place to place, you could easily make this a self-drive trip, we can include a rental car with a trusted local partner in your package. We've included some of our favorite excursions, but you can choose anything from the options we have available. To get a rough idea of price, you can use the Price Guide function on this page to enter the month, date, preferred star level of hotel, and number of travelers to get in an instant price estimate.

2 Nights in Zagreb

2 Nights in Zagreb

Zagreb is a city where different worlds have long come together. Situated at the intersection of ancient trade routes between the Adriatic and Central Europe, it is a cosmopolitan place with various cultural influences evident in the cuisine and architecture at home in any Austro-Hungarian city. You’ll love exploring the open-air markets, impressive buildings, peaceful parks, and many delicious restaurants. Just strolling through the unique combination of medieval towers, 19th century palaces, ancient churches, and market squares is a pleasure, but there’s much more to do here. After exploring all that the city has to offer with a local guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time. You could also take a guided bike tour around the city, to get a little exercise as you experience the city. But you’ll also want to explore some of the region surrounding Zagreb. As a longer day trip, you could see the delightful Trakoscan, a neo-Gothic castle sitting on a hilltop, surrounded by a romantic English style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake. While you’re there you can also stop in Varazdin to appreciate its ornate baroque architecture.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Zagreb

We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Zagreb's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Wine Tasting in a Wine Cellar Private Experience

Take it Easy

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Trade your accommodations for fresh air in Zagreb, the greenest city in Croatia. Strolling through elegant parks and enjoying shaded benches is a perfect way to walk off your jet lag. For those who need a bit more than just a walk, cafes are a great place to enjoy the city like a local, soaking in the pulse of the city instead of rushing. Zagreb's food scene has been growing rapidly, providing many great choices: choose local, traditional, modern, or even selections from the growing street food scene. The capital of a country increasingly known for its wines, this is a perfect opportunity to indulge in a glass of local goodness in one of Zagreb’s many wine venues!

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 1 hour

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Zagreb

Zagreb City Private Tour in a Classic Yugo Car

Included in your vacation package price.

This tour allows you to see all the major sights in Zagreb on four wheels! The Yugo, the famous little Yugoslavian car, will be your strangely nostalgic means of getting around, as you get to know the city.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 2 hours

Unique Museums

Suggestion to explore on your own

There are numerous museums to visit in Zagreb, but two of the most unique are the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Arts and Crafts Museum. We recommend visiting at least one today. The Museum of Broken Relationships grew from a traveling exhibition revolving around the concept of failed relationships, and overcoming emotional pain through creation and rebirth. The Museum of Arts and Crafts was founded in 1880 as one of the first institutions of its kind in Europe with a rich collection of local cultural and historical creations which reflect everyday life and work.

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Rovinj by Private Car

You're leaving Croatia's big city behind today and heading to the coast. The Istrian coast to be precise. Rovinj, your final destination, is our favorite place in the Istrian peninsula and you'll see why at the end of the 3-hour drive.

Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

If you'd like to make some stops along the way, that can be arranged for an extra fee. Opatija, an Austro-Hungarian-era seaside resort and the walled hilltop towns of Motovun and Groznjan are both worth a visit.

3 Nights in Rovinj

3 Nights in Rovinj

Rovinj used to go by Rovigno, and to Italian-speakers it still does. This city was once part of the Republic of Venice, which is evident from the street names in Italian to the Venetian architectural flourishes, such as the bell tower that crowns the town. This laid-back spot has a full cultural calendar, with numerous festivals taking place in the warmer months. We’ll help you get to know the local culture, with possible activities like a local wine tasting, a fish cooking masterclass with a local chef, or a truffle hunting adventure in nearby Croatia. Then, to work up an appetite for your next delicious meal, you could rent bikes and cruise through the breathtaking Zlatni Rt Park. You’ll definitely want to visit the local market too. History buffs will love visiting the local cultural heritage museum, which gives great insight into the region. When you’re ready to get in the car, a day trip to Pula is always fun. This busy port town hosts a large market packed with delectable local specialities, and also boasts a Roman amphitheater. You could even arrange a full-day private tour through the gorgeous region of Istria, where more delights await you inland.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Rovinj

Your driver will take you directly to your accommodation when you arrive in Rovinj.

Get to Know Rovinj

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you’ll be getting the lay of the land in Rovinj on a 1.5 hour private walking tour. This tour will be led by a local guide who knows all the ins and outs of the place. You’ll see all the main attractions including the St. Euphemia Church, the town clock, and Balbi’s arch. The church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and dominates Rovinj’s Old Town, as it is built on top of a hill. Inside you’ll see the preserved body of St. Euphemia from the 6th century. This orientational tour will introduce you to the rich history of Rovinj and all of Istria, as well as Italy’s influence on the region.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 1 hour 45 minutes

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Rovinj

Istria in a Day Small-Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Join this guided full-day small-group tour to get to know the most scenic landscapes and most beautiful hilltop towns of Istria! Visit Grožnjan, once abandoned small village, now famous for its artist colony. Prepare to be stunned by the beauty of Motovun, a walled hilltop town with amazing panoramic views! After sightseeing, you will have a traditional Istrian lunch at an off-the-beaten-path, family-owned winery. Everything you'll try there will be delicious and homemade! To walk off all the food, you'll continue to Poreč, a Venetian beauty with a rich history.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 9 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Your Second Full Day in Rovinj

Traditional Peka Small Group Cooking Class

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

In this class, depending on the ingredients you select, you'll learn how to prepare meat or seafood under a clay or iron bell. When you cover the bell with hot coals you'll get a superb and very versatile oven for preparing bread, lamb, goat, veal, octopus, squid, chicken, and vegetables. While waiting for your dish to be done, you will make a simple dish as well, generally a form of pasta. In that case, to add more variety to the menu, the sauce served with pasta is based on seasonal vegetables. You'll also prepare a desert, which normally doesn’t require baking, and is based on the innovative use of local ingredients.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 8 hours and 30 minutes

Adventure Truffle Hunting Private Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

If you love truffles, you've come to the right place. Located in central Istria, Motovun Forest is a landscape rich in truffles. Your local host will introduce you to the tradition of the truffle hunt, and if you get lucky, you might find your first truffle. The experience finishes with a traditional brunch served in the most authentic ambiance in an Istrian family household.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 4 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Plitvice by Private Car

Today you are off to see the amazing natural wonder of Plitvice National Park. We'll arrange for a private van to pick you up for the beautiful drive ahead of you. Be sure to soak up the views along Kvarner Bay, and there's also the possibility to stop for lunch in the coastal resort town of Opatija, once the seaside retreat of Habsburg-era nobility. The duration of the journey is about 3 hours. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

Entrance fees to the national park must be booked online at least two days in advance.

2 Nights in Plitvice

2 Nights in Plitvice

The Plitvice Lakes are one of the most beautiful natural settings in Croatia. The national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and it’s easy to see why. You’ll find 16 lakes here in a stunning array of colors. Surrounding the lakes for 200 miles, the park has numerous hiking trails and plenty of places to appreciate the scenery. The lakes and waterfalls themselves stretch across five miles. This is nature at its most untouched!

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Plitvice

The driver will take you to your accommodations and after the check-in, you can spend the afternoon exploring this magnificent park. Please note that the driver service is booked until the arrival to your hotel, and does not apply to transfer to the park entrance after the check-in.

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Plitvice

Plitvice Lakes Private Walking Tour with Entrances Included

Included in your vacation package price.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the world. It consists of a string of sixteen beautiful blue-green lakes. They are fed by many small streams and brooks which spill into each other in foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls. Due to their unique beauty, the lakes have a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The exceptional beauty of the lakes and waterfalls, rich plant and animal life, contrasting colors, forests and pure mountain air attract nature lovers from all over the world.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 3 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Zadar by Private Transfer

A private driver will pick you up at your accommodation for your 1.5 hour long trip to Zadar.

Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

3 Nights in Zadar

3 Nights in Zadar

Zadar might lack the big name glitz of Split down the coast, but this bustling university city's peninsular Old Town also dates back to Roman times. The central forum and original city gates set the tone. The marbled limestone of the main street, Kalelarga, echoes Dubrovnik's Stradun, but Zadar is very much its own city, as evidenced by installations like the wave-powered Sea Organ and the showy Greeting to the Sun. When in Zadar, be sure to find a vantage point along the Riva (waterfront) to admire what Hitchcock considered "the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West...applauded at every evening". As well as exploring the historic sites of Zadar's Old Town, there's plenty to do in the region. The Plitvice, Krka, Paklenica, and Kornati Islands National Parks are all within easy reach for day trips, either with an organized group, private guide, or on your own by rental car. If you want to spend a little time on the beach, there are several sandy beaches in the area, a relative rarity in Croatia, including the Nin lagoon, which is often regarded Croatia's most beautiful beach.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Zadar

When you arrive in Zadar your driver will bring you straight to your accommodation.

Sunset Promenade

Suggestion to explore on your own

Zadar is the city where you can watch the best sunset in Croatia, and certainly one of the world’s most atmospheric. Take a walk on a long seafront with an amazing view and enjoy the sounds of the Sea Organ - a unique art installation where waves flowing into holes produce a special melody.

Day 9

Day 9 - Your First Full Day in Zadar

Explore Zadar with a Local Guide

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you’ll be exploring the beautiful city of Zadar, one of the gems of the Adriatic coast. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation and lead you on a tour through the center, telling you stories from the city’s vibrant history. The past will come alive for you as you explore some of Zadar’s most famous monuments, including the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, which dates back to the 4th century. The Sea Organ is an incredible set of marble stairs that go into the water. At the end of the tour your guide will drop you off at your accommodation, or can suggest other places for further exploration.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Your Second Full Day in Zadar

Visit Zadar's Neighbors

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Zadar is perfectly located if you want to explore stunning natural beauty (and perhaps some of its local delicacies). There are many day trip options from Zadar, and we're sure you'll find something that interests you in this list of suggestions. You can visit another historical town on the coast, such as Sibenik, or enjoy the untouched nature of the Krka Waterfalls. If you prefer boat excursions, join our small group tour to Kornati, or spend a day with an expert guide on Pag - the island of lace and salt. Either way we are sure you are going to have one of the best days of your vacation exploring Zadar's neighbors!

National Park Krka and Wine Tasting Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

If you love nature but would also like to enjoy some local wine, we suggest taking the National Park Krka and Wine Tasting Private Tour. The waterfalls in the national park surrounding the banks of the river Krka are truly a sight to behold! We dare say they are among the most wonderful waterfalls in Europe! This full-day tour includes a visit to a local winery, where you will be greeted by a friendly host. You will learn about wine production and regional varietals, and, of course, relish several types of Dalmatian wine.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 7 hours

Kornati Islands Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

This full-day excursion will take you to some of the most beautiful islands in the area. With an expert local guide you'll explore and soak up the culture and natural beauty. It's a laid-back day, with plenty of time for relaxing stops so you can sample some of the local delicacies. It doesn't get much better than this. Experiencing a day in this island paradise will be one of the highlights of your trip!

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 10 hours

Authentic Treasures of Pag Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

This full-day tour gives you a chance to get out of the city to explore an island paradise. Pag is home to beautiful lace-making, cheese manufacturers, and some of the oldest olive trees in the world. You'll experience them all with an expert guide. This is a great way to see a different part of Croatia and it might just be a highlight of your holiday.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 7 hours

Hike in Paklenica

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you are in the mood for an active day in the fresh air, Paklenica national park is the place for you. Hiking is probably the best way to explore and really get a feel of a Park - there are several challenging hiking trails. For those who like things a little more laid-back, there are more gentle walks available too, with just as much to explore. The Park is well known for its numerous geological highlights and a wide range of plant and animal species. While beautiful, this gem is still not as popular as many other destinations, so a perfect place to get out of the crowds.

Day 11

Day 11 - Departure Day

A private driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 20 minutes.

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Zagreb

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Zagreb Airport Transfer

Zagreb City Private Tour in a Classic Yugo Car

Zagreb - Rovinj Private Transfer

Rovinj

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Rovinj Private Walking Tour

Istria in a Day Small-Group Tour

Rovinj - Plitvice Private Transfer

Plitvice

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Plitvice Lakes Private Walking Tour with Entrances Included

Plitvice - Zadar Private Transfer

Zadar

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Zadar Private Walking Tour

Zadar Airport Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Brenda, Gary, Amy & James

Ohio

Perfect trip start to finish ! Jayway took all the stress of traveling away so we could relax and enjoy our time in Croatia . Every detail, every excursion and each accomodation was spot on! We chose the Top to Toe trip in Croatia and were able to customize it to fit our needs . We saw so many things we may have missed if trying to plan this trip on our own and feel like we saved money as well. Each person we came in contact with while planning and then while we were on the trip treated us like VIP’s. We will definately use them for future travel.

Year : 2023
Visited : Croatia
Itinerary : Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik
Rating :

5 / 5

Lynne & Gerald

New Jersey

JayWay was phenomenal in every detail of our recent trip to Croatia. Great, friendly staff and drivers. Porters to help with luggage in the walled cities. Every hotel was excellent - we especially loved the boutique heritage hotels. Every transfer was on time. I have traveled extensively and rarely used travel companies in the past, but can't wait to plan another trip with JayWay again soon.

Year : 2023
Visited : Croatia
Itinerary : Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik
Rating :

5 / 5

Holly & Mark

California

JayWay takes care of everything and has very well planned out itineraries. The research done ahead of time really makes for a seamless onsite experience. They accommodate changing interests and can deviate from original plans without making a big deal about changes. For a busy business owner, this is how I like to travel! :)

Year : 2023
Visited : Croatia, Slovenia
Itinerary : Split, Rovinj, Bovec, Bled, Plitvice, Split
Rating :

5 / 5

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