Authentic Croatia: 14-day adventure

This gives you a great sense of the people and culture of Croatia. But you can tweak it to fit your needs!

Ideally, you have a group of 6-7 (one van) or 12-14 (2 vans) friends whom you would like to travel with. As the leader of your small group, you will get a discount on your travel. Once I have a few groups set up, I will open up the other available dates to individuals and smaller groups who would like to travel, but don’t have enough for a full tour.  

I plan on taking a maximum of 4 groups each fall and spring, starting in September 2025. So you can start planning now for 2026 and beyond as well. I can also arrange for accommodations to just chill on the Adriatic at the end of your trip, as well, if you don’t think 2 weeks is enough to really recharge and recouperate.

(arrival on your own, departure one day before your arrival in Croatia)

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb
Welcome to Croatia! Zagreb, the vibrant capital, blends Austro-Hungarian architecture with a lively modern culture. Stroll through the historic Upper Town, explore Ban Jelačić Square, and relax in the charming cafes lining Tkalčićeva Street. In the evening, meet the group for a delightful welcome dinner. Then rest up and sleep off your jet lag to get ready for the fun!

Day 2: Exploring Zagreb
Dive deeper into Zagreb's rich history and culture. Visit St. Mark’s Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and Dolac Market, and more. Enjoy some pickleball at the city's 4 new beautiful dedicated courts before indulging in a traditional Croatian meal for dinner.

Day 3: Plitvice Lakes & Gospić
Journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes. After a tour, continue to Gospić, a hidden gem nestled in Croatia's inland region, where you'll enjoy a relaxing 2-night stay at a holiday home, Mali Medu, with a pool, hot tub and sauna.

Day 4: Gospić, Nikola Tesla & Local Traditions
Enjoy a breakfast with local specialties at our small resort. Nikola Tesla, one of history's greatest inventors, was born in this region, and we can visit the Nikola Tesla Museum and explore the surrounding countryside, visiting small villages and old mills. Afterwards we will head into town for a game of pickleball with friendly locals, and enjoy more local specialties for dinner.

Day 5: Zadar & Split
We will head out early along the most beautiful, serpentine highway in Europe, Jadranska magistrala, to enjoy lunch in Zadar, a coastal town known for its Roman ruins. Then we’ll continue on to Split, home to the nearly 2,000-year-old Diocletian’s Palace, where history and modern life intertwine beautifully, and we will reside within the walls of the palace in cosy apartments for one night.

Day 6: Split & Brač Island
Explore Split’s old town before taking a ferry to Brač Island. The island is famous for its white limestone, stunning beaches, and charming coastal villages. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner by the Adriatic. We will stay for 4 nights on the island, giving us plenty of time to relax, explore, play pickleball, and simply enjoy life!

Day 7: Brač Island Relaxation
Start the day with pickleball at Milna’s dedicated courts, then explore the harbors and villages. Take time to relax on the beach, dive into the crystal blue water, kayak or bike.

Day 8: More Brač Island Adventures
Start the day again with pickleball, then explore the nearby harbors and villages, explore the famous Zlatni Rat beach, climb Vidova Gora, the highest peak of the Adriatic islands...or help the locals harvest their olives, depending upon the season.

Day 9: Brač Island
Just relax and enjoy yourself—whether by playing more pickleball, biking, kayaking, hiking, or just relaxing at the water’s edge. In the evening, cook dinner with locals for a hands-on cultural experience.

Day 10: Bosnia & Herzogovina & a Treehouse Stay
We will take a ferry off the island in the morning and then cross into Bosnia & Herzegovina, where we will stay in unique treehouse accommodations after paddling up to an absolutely gorgeous natural spring and relaxing in the countryside. (Larger groups will be split between a nearby airbnb and the treehouses, as there are only 4 units.)

Day 11: Exploring Mostar
We will start off the day in Mostar, a city renowned for its Ottoman-era Stari Most bridge and rich history, where we will wander through the old town, bustling with markets, mosques, and cultural landmarks. Take in breathtaking views of the iconic bridge and enjoy an evening in this enchanting city, returning to the tranquility of the treehouses at night.

Day 12: Dubrovnik - The Pearl of the Adriatic
We will head back to the coast in the morning to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia’s stunning coastal fortress city. Walk the ancient city walls, visit the picturesque Old Town, and take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea.

Day 13: Full Day in Dubrovnik
Spend the day further exploring Dubrovnik’s hidden gems, from Lokrum Island to the historic Rector’s Palace. Take in breathtaking sunset views and celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner.

Day 14: Departure from Dubrovnik
Bid farewell to Croatia with one last scenic breakfast before heading to the airport. Until next time! Vidimo se uskoro!

Fall in love with Croatia with me.