Waterfall kayaking & island exploration in Croatia

Croatia’s cultured capital is home to Austro-Hungarian architecture, gothic churches and cafe-lined streets – and it’s the perfect place to begin your Adriatic adventure. Upon arrival, take a private transfer to your central hotel, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and dedicated guide. Head out together for an afternoon of sightseeing, before winding your way to one of Zagreb’s finest beer-tasting bars for a relaxing first evening.

Swap beer for cheese this morning, as you make your way to a family farm nestled in the village of Točak. Here, you’ll learn how traditional crafting materials are used to produce eight different types of cheese – and you’ll try them all (it’s only right). Afterwards, venture forth into Mrežnica, with its emerald rivers and secluded forests, where this afternoon’s kayaking adventure will take place. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a cascading waterfall, with hours ahead to paddle down the river, wild swim in natural pools and leap from white cliffs (fully compliant with health and safety, of course).

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a region of forested beauty, famous for its shimmering lagoons and waterfalls. Spend today exploring the natural splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site before continuing onwards to the coastal city of Split. Check into your chic hotel and bathe in the outdoor jacuzzi, or (our recommendation) head out for a glass of Croatian wine by the harbour with your fellow travellers.

Take this morning to explore Split at your own pace, meandering through its seafront cafes and boutiques. Then, head down to the port and catch a ferry over to Hvar – an island that has been hailed as the new St Tropez. Amble through the charming streets of its hillside town, hidden behind 13th-century fortress walls. Savour an aperol spritz in one of the island’s many pavement cafes, or wander down to its beaches to soak up the sun.

We recommend booking a later flight out today so that you can join our final-day walking tour of the cathedrals and alleyways of Split. Then, it’s over to you to make your own way to the airport. If Dubrovnik takes your interest, take a look at our Coastal Croatian itinerary, which will see you journey from Split to Dubrovnik over five days.