Croatia Is for Lovers

Picture this: a gorgeous ocean view from a quaint café, sipping a crisp local wine. Or maybe, a sunny morning following a woodland trail, serene ponds, and waterfalls at every turn. Perhaps an afternoon getting lost in labyrinthine streets and alleys, following well-worn paths paved by curious travelers over the centuries. Where is this unforgettable destination? It’s Croatia—and there is so much to love.  

No matter a traveler’s passion—whether for nature, cuisine, history, or adventure—Croatia is a destination for lovers of all kinds, not just those on a romantic getaway. Read on for our top recommendations tailored to every type of traveler. 

For the Nature Lovers

The serenity of Croatia’s national parks is simply unmatched. Connecting with nature is easy in this part of the world—no matter where you land across the country, a haven of natural landscapes and stunning waterfalls are never far away. Here are two must-visit destinations for those who love the great outdoors: 

• Krka Waterfalls and Šibenik—Enjoy a day with a private guide exploring Krka National Park and the charming seaside village of Šibenik. With hotel pick up and drop off included right from Split, the most beautiful cliff waterfalls in Europe are within easy reach. 

• Plitvice National Park Day Trip from Split—Plitvice National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site are nothing short of geological magic, and now as a protected site, makes the water so pristine it almost looks unreal. With a private guide to lead the way, experience a day wandering the shaded paths of this park in the heart of Croatia. 

For the Food and Wine Aficionados

Croatia is wedged between Italy and Greece along the Adriatic coast, so it’s no wonder that the climate is perfect for wine making and delectable Mediterranean cuisine. Sample oysters as fresh as they come in Mali Ston, follow the wine trail along the coast of Dalmatia, or spend a morning in the Istria region—one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for the elusive white truffle. Hungry for more? Check out these tours: 

• Split Food and History Tour—Bring a healthy appetite for this crash course in Croatian cuisine. From farm-fresh olives to prosciutto, wine to artisanal cheeses, this tour offers a delicious introduction to Split’s culinary heritage and the history of Diocletian’s Palace. 

• Wine Trail Tour from Dubrovnik—The passion for viticulture runs deep in Dubrovnik, and this day trip tracing the Pelješac Peninsula in search of local, robust red wines will certainly have guests falling in love with Croatia.   

For the History Buffs

From Roman rule to the Ottoman Empire, Yugoslavia’s formation to Croatia’s independence, history has left its mark on this fascinating country. For an in-depth look at Croatia’s past, don’t miss this tour: 

• Zagreb Squares and Streets City Tour—This guided walk of Croatia’s capital introduces visitors to the neighborhoods that have shaped the country’s history. Emblematic churches dating back to the 13^th century stand proudly alongside modern parks and quirky landmarks like the Museum of Broken Relationships (yes, this is real).  

For the Beachgoers and Honeymooners

Positano, Ibiza, Santorini—we’ll always love these destinations and their beautiful beaches, but the crowds can certainly put a damper on a beach vacation. Hvar and Croatia’s surrounding islands, on the other hand, offer sun-soaked serenity and idyllic escapes perfect for honeymooners and sun seekers. 

• Hvar and 3-Island Explorer Day Trip from Split—Croatia is photogenic at every angle, but a boat trip along the Adriatic coast is an experience that cannot be missed. Swim and savor island destinations like Hvar and Brač on this guided adventure. 

For the Set-Jetters

The ancient walls and historic architecture of Dubrovnik are a Hollywood producer’s dream—and it’s no wonder the coastal city has made quite an impact on the silver screen! From Star Wars to Vikings to Game of Thrones, fans can connect with their favorite characters and fantastical worlds on a whole new level with our featured tour:

• Game of Thrones Walking Tour of Dubrovnik—Blending the authentic history of Dubrovnik with the town’s Hollywood claims to fame, Kings Landing comes to life for fans of this epic show.

For the Bucket List Seekers

The borders of Croatia and many Balkan neighbors have been chopped and changed multiple times in the last 50 years. Political unrest and war have thankfully subsided in this region, making way for a collection of smaller countries ripe for exploration. Culture lovers can easily collect passport stamps with Croatia as a homebase, with countries like Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro in easy reach. 

• Lake Bled and Ljubljana from Zagreb—Slovenia has flown under the traveler radar for too long! Croatia’s neighbor to the north is well worth the detour, where the charming, cozy capital city of Ljubljana beckons, and the magical Lake Bled is within easy reach. 

• Montenegro Magic Day Trip from Dubrovnik—Not far from Dubrovnik lies Montenegro, one of Europe’s best kept secrets. This day trip hits the highlights of this small country, including UNESCO-listed Kotor. The town looks frozen in time, with medieval architecture and rugged coastline tucked into the bay of the same name. Just farther south, experience Montenegro’s Riviera in the resort town of Budva. 

Fall in Love with Croatia

Croatia is a dream destination for every kind of traveler, and Europe Express is here to craft personalized itineraries that your clients will fall head over heels for. Let’s start planning!