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Croatia Vacations

Croatia Adventure Vacations and Hiking Tours

Experience crystal-clear coves, wooded islands, and vineyard-clad hills, and quaint harbor towns as you hike, bike, and kayak on our Croatia vacations.

The Dalmatian Coast is an adventurer’s paradise. On our Croatia vacations, you will travel by private boat from Hvar Town to Vela Luka on Korcula Island for a day of biking. Set on a tiny peninsula on the Peljesac channel, Korcula was first home to Slavic pirates who used the island as a base from which to attack passing ships; in the year 1000, it was taken over by Venice, marking the start of an 800-year on-and-off Venetian rule. Today, the island is renowned for its gorgeous, white quarried stone, countless secluded bays, small, uninhabited islands, and breathtaking views.

Croatia Vacation Packages

Europe

Croatia Adventure

4.25

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

You've likely seen pictures of the Dalmatian Coast, with orange roofed houses dotting magnificent coastlines and beauty stretching beyond where the eye can see. Explore the best of it on our 6-day Croatia Dalmatian Coast adventure tour.

Trip Start: Split, Croatia Trip End: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Europe

Croatia Family Vacation

AustinAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

 FAMILY VACATION

Create lasting memories on this action-packed Croatia family vacation exploring the Dalmatian Coast. Bike through charming villages, hike mountainous coastlines, paddle enchanting bays, and explore the coastal waters of the Mediterranean.

Trip Start: Split, Croatia Trip End: Dubrovnik, Croatia
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When is the best time to visit Croatia?

Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into the Adriatic or want to explore the streets of Dubrovnik, we believe June is the best time to visit Croatia because of its lovely daily high temperatures in the upper 70s and island-hopping is in full swing before the busiest months of July and August.

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What to pack for your Croatia vacation

What you end up picking will depend on when you plan on traveling, but below are three things that you should consider packing for your Croatia adventure, regardless of when you visit!

1. Electrical Converter

The voltage in Croatia is 220 whereas it’s 120 in the U.S. so if you plan on packing electronics, you’ll need to pack accordingly. This means that you may need an electrical converter in addition to the outlet adapter that you’ll need (outlets in Croatia have the standard Continental Europe two-pin plug). It all depends on what you plan on plugging in and if it works universally in the U.S. and Europe. Read your product manuals – especially if it’s an electric shaver or hairdryer.

2. Dramamine

While uncommon, sometimes people experience motion sickness while on boats. Whether taking a public ferry or island-hopping via a chartered boat, guests who think they might have motion sickness may want to pack Dramamine to combat the possibility of motion sickness.

3. Comfortable Footwear

No one likes sand in their socks, so flip flops and/or sandals are a must for the beach. If you’re planning on exploring the cities and villages, pack close-toed shoes like tennis shoes or hiking boots. Finally, for nights when you want to dress up, keep in mind that many streets are cobblestone so consider packing flats instead of heels.

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Travel Tips for visiting Croatia

When it comes to travel tips, sharing is caring, so we’re happy to pass on a few pointers on how you can best experience Croatia.

1. Best Bar in Dubrovnik

Care to have a beer while gazing at the deep blue sea? Then you’ll want to hit up this bar which is found in the cliffs in the old town area of Dubrovnik. It’s called Buza (meaning ‘hole’ in Croatian), and you enter through a small door in the seaward-facing city walls. If you decide to climb down the rocks and go for a dip, do it before you order your drink!

2. Slow down and Sip

Croatians love their ‘kava’ a.k.a. coffee. They drink it all day, and it’s a beloved ritual that is much more like an art form than a quick caffeine pick-me-up. To blend in with the locals, have a seat in a ‘kafic’ (café), sip your brew and partake in the people-watching. Do so as if you have all the time in the world, it’s what the Dalmatians do!

3. Suit up in the south

Croatia has many nude beaches, but the southern beaches tend to be more modest, so keep that in mind before picking a beach or dropping your top!

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Secure Your Spot Now, Pay the Rest Later

As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.  

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Meet your Croatia Adventure Guides

FAQs About Our Croatia Vacations

What is the best time of year to visit Croatia?

The best time to visit Croatia is during the summer months, from June to September, when sunlight is plentiful and temperatures are warm, between 66°F and 86°F. The cooler conditions of May and October lend themselves to a wide range of other outdoor activities, from hiking to kayaking.

How many days do you need in Croatia?

10 days is the ideal amount of time for most travelers to explore Croatia. With that said, Croatia is an incredibly diverse place to visit with a lot of things to do, so if you have more time you can visit for three weeks or even a month.

Are beaches in Croatia warm?

The sea will be warm enough for swimming and the beaches wonderful for soaking up the sun. The average high temperature along the coast drops 3 degrees to 25°C while daytime highs in the capital city reach around 22°C.

Do I need a visa to visit Croatia?

It is your responsibility stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Please use the CIBT entry tracker on our website as a guideline or visit the relevant immigration webpage for more information regarding this.

What about vaccinations in Croatia?

You don't need any vaccinations for Croatia. Easy!

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

Can you help me find international flights to Croatia?

We recommend booking your flights through our preferred travel partner – Fuzion Travel. They’re our experienced hand-picked experts in travel, passionate about what they do, and will tailor-make your flight itinerary to match your Active Adventures tour. Get in touch with them directly by email – [email protected] fuziontravel.co.nz or on +1-833-244-5886. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

What's included on your Croatia trips?

Accommodation
On your Croatia trip you'll stay in afew different places depending on the destination and activities. You'll stay in beautiful beachview hotels with private bathrooms, swimming pools, garden terraces and even a Spa!

Transport
Your transport will be a mixture of private vehicle, bike, kayak and your very own two feet on our trips in Croatia. All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals
All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except one dinner. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long hikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed, and Europe's vast array of cuisine won't disappoint you!

Trip leaders
Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader alongside a local specialist guide. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful, as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting.

How many people are there on each of your Croatia trips?

We generally take up to 18 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

What kind of clothing should I be packing?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes or sneakers should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

What is the food like in Croatia?

Croatrian cuisine is one of the best in Europe, with its many miles of coastline, seafood is an obvious highlight, though you’ll also find succulent meats and hearty stews across inland destinations.
A 'traditional' breakfast in continental Croatia would typically consist of polenta and cornbread with lard and a sprinkling of paprika and a strong coffee. Croatinas love to enjoy a very thin-crusted pizza or a shared plate of snacks for dinner, such as čevapi (spicy grilled sausage), pršut (smoked ham) and cheese, or grilled sardines, usually served well after 8pm.
Crni rizot (Black risotto) is a must-try Croatian food! It's basically a squid risotto made using squid ink that colors the risotto black. Besides squids, this risotto often contains other seafood, particularly mussels, clams, and other shellfish.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

What is the currency in Croatia?

The currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currencies?

Our trips include all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except where indicated on the itinerary). Most people like to bring a little extra to cover a round of drinks at the pub, take home some souvenirs, book a tour and eat out on their free day, and tip our guides if they've had a great time. 

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Europe, and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

What is the time zone in Croatia?

For the majority of the summer season Croatia is in the Central European (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

What type of plugs and voltage do you use in Croatia?

Croatia operate on a 220V AC system with Plug Type C which consists of two round parallel pins while the wall plug has two holes where it is connected.

Will I have access to internet/WiFi?

WiFi is available almost everywhere in cities and easy enough to find in most towns/villages so you can rely on having regularly access during your trip. If you have data roaming switched on, then you'll be able to use the internet on your smartphone, but beware of the fees! WiFi is available at most of the accommodations that you'll be staying at, sometimes for a small cost so check this out at each location when you arrive.

What is the weather like in Croatia?

The weather across Croatia doesn't vary dramatically from north to south through it is generally warmer towards the south. The Dalmatian Coast is home to a Mediterranean climate that boasts long hot summers and mild winters. Atypical of a Mediterranean climate, rainfall is generally moderate year round towards the north but towards the south, it follows the Mediterranean dry summer wet winter pattern to a greater extent. Summers along the coast will see about 10 to 12 hours of sunshine per day and temperatures in the mid to high 20'sC, occasionally reaching into the 30'sC in the very height of summer.

What is there to do in Split?

Consisting of an imperial Roman palace that was taken over by the plebs and turned into a vibrant city, central Split is an attraction in itself. There’s no single must-see attraction here: it’s really a question of taking time to stroll the palace’s narrow, tunnel-like streets, where Roman, medieval and Renaissance buildings jostle to form a unique urban jungle. Rising above the city to the west, the Marjan peninsula presents an easily accessible expanse of woodland park, with some fine views of the town center.
A view of the Diocletian’s palace from the hills surrounding the city will quickly establish why any emperor would be more than happy to locate his palace at the site that Diocletian chose for his retirement home. Construction began in 293 and was competed in ten years, utilizing a variety of materials from the region, including white stone shipped from the island of Brač to sphinxes transported from Egypt. Diocletian’s palace has become the quintessential ‘living museum’, as people continue to live and work inside the walls of the ancient palace complex ever since ancient times. We will be visiting the palace and its cellars during our guided walk.
If you wander around asking where the ‘Obala hrvatskog naradnog preporoda’ is (literally Quay of the Croatian National Revival), you might be greeted by a few blank looks. Instead, just ask for the Riva. It is a broad street on the waterfront that runs the length of the old town and hugs the palace on its south side. It’s THE gathering spot, day and night, for the people of Split to engage in some of the activities that have been turned into a fine art in Croatia: chatting over a cup of coffee and people-watching.
The Papalic family settled in Split in the early 14th century and built a small palace to serve as the home of this respected family. Today it houses the City Museum of Split. The collection includes antique sculptures and monuments from Split and nearby Salona, paintings, documents, and photographs which help tell the story of Split.

Is there a number to call in an emergency? How can my family, friends or colleagues contact me

Please contact our New Zealand office using the details below. If the office is unattended (outside of New Zealand business hours), please leave a message so we can pick it up and respond as soon as we can.
Free phone 1 800 661 9073 (USA, Canada & Australia)
Free phone 0808 234 7780 (UK)
Free phone 0800 234 726 (New Zealand)
Worldwide +64 3 450 0414, ext 1
Email: service@activeadventures.com

If I book a trip with my children, will I be sharing a room with them?

Active Adventures & Austin Adventures family vacations are naturally about spending time with family and as such, most families opt to share rooms on our trips. At time of booking, families consisting of four guests with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at the guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Croatia Adventure Blog and Stories

Why Travel With Us

benefit group size

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.

benefit guides

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

benefit inclusive

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!

benefit safety

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.

benefit family

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

benefit wow

"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”