Immersion in Istria
From Zagreb to the hilltop villages of Istria, a journey between turquoise lakes and Roman amphitheaters.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,170/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Located in the northwest of Croatie, Istria is a peninsula renowned for its heritage, varied landscapes and multiple cultural influences. Between the Adriatic coast, inland villages and verdant hills, this region offers another way to discover the country.
Explore a territory marked by Croate, Italian and Mediterranean heritage. Istria also captivates with its gastronomy, local products and traditions that remain well-established. Each village and town preserves traces of a rich history, shaped by several civilizations.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Rovinj, admire the Roman remains of Pula and take time to discover the hilltop villages of Motovun or Grožnjan, renowned for their charm and craftsmanship. Between tastings of truffles, olive oil and Istrian wines, walks along the Adriatic and panoramas of hills covered with vineyards, each stop reveals a different facet of this region.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Zagreb – The Awakening of an Adventure
Upon your arrival in Zagreb, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Croatian capital.
Start with a stroll around Ban Jelačić Square, the true heart of the city, then admire the splendid Zagreb Cathedral, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture.
Wander through the picturesque alleyways and hidden gems of the Old Town. Take a walk through the historic Gornji Grad district, where winding streets and charming small squares will immerse you in the fascinating history of Zagreb.
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique and touching experience that tells stories of thwarted love through a collection of personal objects charged with emotion.
Do not miss Dolac Market, a lively and colorful place where you can discover local products in an authentic atmosphere. Also try the smallest funicular in Europe, an original way to reach the top of the hill from the lower town.
Explore the Grič Tunnel, an underground passage dating from World War II, originally designed to protect residents from bombing. Today, it houses a permanent exhibition on Zagreb's history during the war, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's underground world.
Finally, end your discovery with a visit to Mirogoj Cemetery. With its magnificent arcades and peaceful atmosphere, this emblematic place is a true monument to memory and serenity.
Zagreb to Plitvice – The Whisper of Waterfalls
Zagreb → Parc national des Lacs de Plitvice
Head to the Plitvice Lakes National Park and make a stop at Rastoke along the way. This charming village, nestled at the confluence of two rivers, captivates with its traditional water mills and enchanting waterfalls, adding a touch of magic to the region. A day blending nature, serenity and discoveries that will remain unforgettable!
Discover one of Croatie's natural treasures: the Plitvice National Park, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Composed of 16 lakes with crystalline waters connected by majestic waterfalls and surrounded by lush forests, this site offers an unforgettable experience.
Explore its hiking trails, admire breathtaking panoramas, embark on a boat ride on Lake Kozjak or contemplate the spectacular waterfalls. A true paradise for nature lovers and passionate admirers of exceptional landscapes.
Parc national des Lacs de Plitvice → Zagreb
Zagreb → Parc national des Lacs de Plitvice
Plitvice to the island of Krk – Between sea and history
Zagreb → Ile de Krk
After a peaceful morning, head towards the island of Krk, the largest of the Croatian islands.
As you cross the bridge, let yourself be seduced by varied landscapes blending golden beaches, lush hills covered with vineyards and pine trees. Upon arrival, explore the old town of Krk, with its cobblestone streets, its emblematic cathedral and the Frankopan Castle.
End the day with a peaceful walk along the coastline, lulled by the sweetness of the sea breeze, before spending the night on this island rich in history.
Krk – The Treasures of the Island
Start the day with breakfast at your accommodation.
Then set off to discover the paradisiacal beaches of Baška, where turquoise waters beautifully contrast with the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Monastery of St. Lucy in Jurandvor, known for housing a historic inscription in Old Croatian.
End your exploration in Vrbnik, a picturesque village perched between sea and land, offering breathtaking views and an authentic atmosphere.
In the afternoon, savor local wines during a tasting in a traditional winery on the island.
Then, let yourself be captivated by the sunset, which envelops Krk in a soft golden light, before returning to your accommodation for a restful evening.
Krk to Inner Istria
Ile de Krk → Rijeka
Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation.
Then leave the island of Krk by crossing its iconic bridge, which will take you to Rijeka, one of the main ports in the region and a city with a rich cultural heritage.
Explore the Trsat Castle, a majestic historic site that overlooks the city of Rijeka. This iconic location offers spectacular panoramic views over the Bay of Kvarner, an ideal setting for immersing yourself in history while admiring the surrounding landscape.
Continue your journey to Opatija, a seaside resort renowned for its elegant 19th-century architecture. Enjoy the unique Mediterranean atmosphere by strolling along the Lungomare, a famous waterfront promenade offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Istria – A Dive into History
Discover Istria with an itinerary that highlights its most beautiful villages and landscapes.
Start with Bale, a Mediterranean gem with timeless charm, before diving into the fascinating history of Pazin and Motovun, perched on their hills.
Continue to Grožnjan, a picturesque village where art and nature meet harmoniously.
End your day in Svetvinčenat, where Venetian heritage is expressed through its streets and architecture. An authentic immersion in the heart of Istria, blending culture, history and enchanting landscapes.
Spend the night in Bale, a picturesque village in Istria where history, medieval architecture and Mediterranean charm intertwine harmoniously. Located between hills and sea, Bale seduces with its narrow streets, stone houses and peaceful atmosphere. This authentic village is renowned for its historic churches, cultural festivals and natural surroundings, ideal for hiking. Bale offers an enchanting setting to explore the richness of Istria while enjoying the serenity and preserved beauty of the region.
Discovering the treasures of Istria: Pula, Rovinj and Poreč, between history and Mediterranean beauty
Start your day in Pula, famous for its magnificently preserved Roman amphitheater, the largest in Croatie, then explore the old town to admire the Temple of Augustus.
Continue your discovery in Rovinj, a picturesque coastal village where colorful houses seem to emerge from the sea. Don't miss the visit to the Church of Saint Euphemia, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.
End your day in Poreč, known for its Euphrasian Basilica, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and stroll through its medieval streets for an immersion in the history and charm of the region.
Return to Zagreb – Last Croatian Echoes
After a final coffee on the terrace, head to Zagreb, completing your unforgettable adventure.
Along the way, let yourself be carried away by the precious memories of your journey.
Upon your arrival in Zagreb, relive with emotion the richness of the discoveries and shared moments throughout this memorable getaway.
Zagreb – Zagreb Airport
Zagreb → Aéroport de Zagreb
Head to Zagreb airport, located just 30 minutes away, to board your return flight.
Leave with unforgettable memories etched in your mind, witnesses to this exceptional adventure.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- Insurance
- The round trip flight
- All activities mentioned in the program & entrance fees to monuments
Included
- Airport transfer from Zagreb to your hotel on day 1
- Car rental from Zagreb (Nissan Qashqai type or similar) from day 2 until Zagreb airport on day 10
- Nights in 3* and 4* hotels and guest houses in double/twin rooms (local standards subject to availability)
- Telephone support throughout the entire circuit
- The travel logbook with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Croatia for a tourist stay. Since entry rules can change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
Nationals of the European Economic Area may enter Croatia with a valid passport or national identity card. The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Swiss and Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport. It is recommended that it be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date and contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays in Croatia.
Croatia has been part of the Schengen area since January 1, 2023. Stays by Canadian and Swiss nationals are subject to the Schengen rule, namely a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period throughout the entire Schengen area. EEA nationals are not subject to this limitation.
Authorities may request:
an exit document (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Croatia must register with the local authorities within 24 hours of arrival. In practice, this is usually handled directly by your accommodation provider (hotel, rental agency, etc.).
In the case of accommodation with a private individual, it is the responsibility of the host or the traveler to complete this registration, particularly through the eVisitor online system established by the Croatian authorities.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport or identity card covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the Croatian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to have evacuation and repatriation insurance as well as medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Croatia, a valid identity document (ID card or passport) is required. No special formalities need to be completed upon arrival. The official currency is the euro. Before traveling, check with Croatian consular authorities for entry conditions applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (200-450 euros return) are extra. Prices have increased in recent years, especially on the Dalmatian coast in summer.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Continental Croatia
Croatian immersion creator, based in Zagreb
Croatia first captivated me on a family trip, then it became a place I truly anchored myself to. What I love sharing is that feeling of a country that's both close by, radiant, and full of subtle depth.
— Louis
