Tours in Croatia by Secret Dalmatia

Destinations

From the hillsides of Zagorje to the Istrian vineyards and medieval walls of Dubrovnik

Stretched along the Adriatic Sea and cradled by Eastern Europe, the small country of Croatia holds an incredible variety of cultural, historic and culinary heritage set against the extraordinary backdrop of its natural beauty. Between the fertile planes of the continent and the Mediterranean air of the coast, the natural diversity here is among the most fascinating in Europe and the landscapes shift dramatically within only a few hours! With over one thousand islands cuddling up to the towering Dinaric Alps, lush flatlands, emerald lakes and some of the cleanest rivers in Europe, Croatia is stunning end to end.

Throw in the many layers of its history – from Greeks and Romans to Venetians, Ottomans, and the Yugoslavian period – plus the fabulous food, a burgeoning wine scene, and a nation proud of its traditions, and rest assured Croatia will deliver unforgettable encounters every step of the way.

Croatia travel destinations map
A unique, private Palace Tour especially created for travelers with disabilities.  Not only discover the living 1,700 year-old walled fortress/residence of the Emperor Diocletian, but enjoy a wonderful grilled lunch with the fish that we buy together at Split’s bustling fish market! This tour is specifically designed for travelers who are in a wheelchair, are visually/hearing impaired and need a personal assistant as well as a professionally-trained tour guide.

Available all year round

half day

easy

Split

A unique, private Palace Tour especially created for travelers with disabilities.  Not only discover the living 1,700 year-old walled fortress/residence of the Emperor Diocletian, but enjoy a wonderful grilled lunch with the fish that we buy together at Split’s bustling fish market! This tour is specifically designed for travelers who are in a wheelchair, are visually/hearing impaired and need a personal assistant as well as a professionally-trained tour guide.

Available all year round

half day

easy

Split

Experienced polar guide Paola Palavecino is fresh from a season in Antarctica to bring birdwatchers to the Zadar hinterland – a bird corridor between Africa and Northern Europe. These wetland and coastal areas are rich with birdlife and biodiversity – with over 250 species recorded at Vrana Lake.

April to October

full day

kids friendly

Zadar

Experienced polar guide Paola Palavecino is fresh from a season in Antarctica to bring birdwatchers to the Zadar hinterland – a bird corridor between Africa and Northern Europe. These wetland and coastal areas are rich with birdlife and biodiversity – with over 250 species recorded at Vrana Lake.

April to October

full day

kids friendly

Zadar

Experienced polar guide Paola Palavecino is fresh from a season in Antarctica to bring birdwatchers to the Zadar hinterland – a bird corridor between Africa and Northern Europe!

April to October

full day

kids friendly

Zadar - Nin

Experienced polar guide Paola Palavecino is fresh from a season in Antarctica to bring birdwatchers to the Zadar hinterland – a bird corridor between Africa and Northern Europe!

April to October

full day

kids friendly

Zadar - Nin

The mystic forests that surround the Istrian hilltop village of Motovun are home to the treasures of the Istrian cuisine, the black and the white truffle! Gourmands flock to Istra for the specialties that use the powerful and distinct flavors of the truffle in everything from cheeses to chocolate, pastas and honey. Their flavor and aroma rank high on any epicurean bucket list, but hunting for truffles will add a dash of thrill and the prospect of triumphantly finding your own lunch! With certain black truffle varieties growing year round, making truffle hunting possible in all seasons, the Secret Dalmatia Exclusive Private Truffle-Hunting Tour will bring you a culinary adventure like no other you have experienced.

available all year round

half day

easy

Istria

The mystic forests that surround the Istrian hilltop village of Motovun are home to the treasures of the Istrian cuisine, the black and the white truffle! Gourmands flock to Istra for the specialties that use the powerful and distinct flavors of the truffle in everything from cheeses to chocolate, pastas and honey. Their flavor and aroma rank high on any epicurean bucket list, but hunting for truffles will add a dash of thrill and the prospect of triumphantly finding your own lunch! With certain black truffle varieties growing year round, making truffle hunting possible in all seasons, the Secret Dalmatia Exclusive Private Truffle-Hunting Tour will bring you a culinary adventure like no other you have experienced.

available all year round

half day

easy

Istria

Kornati are a dreamscape, surreal, natural archipelago of more than 140 uninhabited islands so stunning in their beauty that a legend claims that God, having created the world, still had a few gems in his hand, so he threw them over his shoulder into the sea, creating Kornati. Our private motor yacht day tour of the National Park takes you to enjoy all treasures of this unique archiepelago.

Available May to October

full day

easy

Kornati

Kornati are a dreamscape, surreal, natural archipelago of more than 140 uninhabited islands so stunning in their beauty that a legend claims that God, having created the world, still had a few gems in his hand, so he threw them over his shoulder into the sea, creating Kornati. Our private motor yacht day tour of the National Park takes you to enjoy all treasures of this unique archiepelago.

Available May to October

full day

easy

Kornati

Welcome to one of the most ‘storybook’ settings in Europe where the natural beauty and romantic ambiance of Slovenia put on a spectacular show – the magical Lake Bled! An emerald green lake with Slovenia’s only island is surrounded by alpine forests, a castle perched high on the ridge and the snowcapped peaks of the Julian Alps in the backdrop. A picture – perfect church occupies the small island, awaiting traditional hand propelled gondola style boats to make the short trip across the lake and bring curious visitors over. Discover the legends that surround the lake and ring the church bell for good luck, although you will already feel fortunate enough to be there!

Available all year round

full day

easy

Zagreb, Ljubljana

Welcome to one of the most ‘storybook’ settings in Europe where the natural beauty and romantic ambiance of Slovenia put on a spectacular show – the magical Lake Bled! An emerald green lake with Slovenia’s only island is surrounded by alpine forests, a castle perched high on the ridge and the snowcapped peaks of the Julian Alps in the backdrop. A picture – perfect church occupies the small island, awaiting traditional hand propelled gondola style boats to make the short trip across the lake and bring curious visitors over. Discover the legends that surround the lake and ring the church bell for good luck, although you will already feel fortunate enough to be there!

Available all year round

full day

easy

Zagreb, Ljubljana

Ljubljana, the delightful capital of Slovenia, is a city known for its friendly, welcoming people, an abundance of culture and the famous ornate bridges spanning the river Ljubljanica. A city with a small-town feel, Ljubljana seems designed for walking and socializing outside, with an intellectual, proud and creative spirit to the culture. As you stroll the attractive streets of its historical center, flanked by colorful Art Nouveau architecture, splendid churches and street art, your guide will tell you how the people of Ljubljana embrace life in full swing and how the social life, culture and history come together into an easy-going personality of Slovenia’s capital, proud underneath a picture-perfect castle on the hill.

Available all year round

full day

easy

Zagreb, Ljubljana

Ljubljana, the delightful capital of Slovenia, is a city known for its friendly, welcoming people, an abundance of culture and the famous ornate bridges spanning the river Ljubljanica. A city with a small-town feel, Ljubljana seems designed for walking and socializing outside, with an intellectual, proud and creative spirit to the culture. As you stroll the attractive streets of its historical center, flanked by colorful Art Nouveau architecture, splendid churches and street art, your guide will tell you how the people of Ljubljana embrace life in full swing and how the social life, culture and history come together into an easy-going personality of Slovenia’s capital, proud underneath a picture-perfect castle on the hill.

Available all year round

full day

easy

Zagreb, Ljubljana

Just a half hour from the hustle and bustle of Zagreb, travel 500 years back in time! Step back into the illustrious past of Zagorje, the beautifully romantic region north of Zagreb. Private tour of Zagorje castles is an exceptional oportunity to explore the historic treasures of the area. Filled with medieval and Renaissance fortresses, Baroque estates and over fifty castles, this is one of the richest regions in the whole of Croatia! As you travel through a landscape of rolling hills, vineyard-lined slopes and castle-topped hillocks, explore the famous, atmospheric Trakoscan castle and the Baroque heartland of Croatia, the town of Varazdin and enjoy the opportunity for some off-the-radar continental culture transporting you into the heartfelt Croatia.

Available all year round

half day

easy

Zagorje

Just a half hour from the hustle and bustle of Zagreb, travel 500 years back in time! Step back into the illustrious past of Zagorje, the beautifully romantic region north of Zagreb. Private tour of Zagorje castles is an exceptional oportunity to explore the historic treasures of the area. Filled with medieval and Renaissance fortresses, Baroque estates and over fifty castles, this is one of the richest regions in the whole of Croatia! As you travel through a landscape of rolling hills, vineyard-lined slopes and castle-topped hillocks, explore the famous, atmospheric Trakoscan castle and the Baroque heartland of Croatia, the town of Varazdin and enjoy the opportunity for some off-the-radar continental culture transporting you into the heartfelt Croatia.

Available all year round

half day

easy

Zagorje

Quiet Šibenik sits at the gateway to both the stunning Kornati islands and Krka waterfalls National Parks, making it an ideal base for exploring central Dalmatia or a perfect en route break on your journey along the coast. Secret beauty of Šibenik hasn’t been recognized yet but its recent fame as filming location for the wildly popular Game of Thrones hit series may be a game changer! Explore the oldest native Croatian town on the Dalmatian coast while you walk through Šibenik Old town highlights, enjoying its architecture, tumultuous history and rich culture.

Available all year round

half day

easy

Šibenik, Zadar, Split

Quiet Šibenik sits at the gateway to both the stunning Kornati islands and Krka waterfalls National Parks, making it an ideal base for exploring central Dalmatia or a perfect en route break on your journey along the coast. Secret beauty of Šibenik hasn’t been recognized yet but its recent fame as filming location for the wildly popular Game of Thrones hit series may be a game changer! Explore the oldest native Croatian town on the Dalmatian coast while you walk through Šibenik Old town highlights, enjoying its architecture, tumultuous history and rich culture.

Available all year round

half day

easy

Šibenik, Zadar, Split

Between the mountains of Mosor and Kozjak, at an altitude of some 360 meters, gaze away at the lands of Bosnia and Croatia like the ancient Romans, Mongol Tatars and Turkish sultans once did. Or Daenerys Targaryen, for that matter. You are at the fortress of Klis, the guardian of the region’s history from its dawn to the present day. Recognized as strategically important stronghold by the Illyrians, regions ancient inhabitants, Klis was later taken over by the Romans and has witnessed the reign of Croatian kings, Knights Templar, Turks, Venetians, Napoleon and Austrians, growing with each subsequent sovereign. Today Klis proudly holds the Croatian flag in face of powerful bura, a wind that always delivers a clear mind and a forceful body much needed as medieval archery requires full focus. An exciting and fun tour that ends with your new skills from the Middle Ages!

Available May to October

half day

easy

Split

Between the mountains of Mosor and Kozjak, at an altitude of some 360 meters, gaze away at the lands of Bosnia and Croatia like the ancient Romans, Mongol Tatars and Turkish sultans once did. Or Daenerys Targaryen, for that matter. You are at the fortress of Klis, the guardian of the region’s history from its dawn to the present day. Recognized as strategically important stronghold by the Illyrians, regions ancient inhabitants, Klis was later taken over by the Romans and has witnessed the reign of Croatian kings, Knights Templar, Turks, Venetians, Napoleon and Austrians, growing with each subsequent sovereign. Today Klis proudly holds the Croatian flag in face of powerful bura, a wind that always delivers a clear mind and a forceful body much needed as medieval archery requires full focus. An exciting and fun tour that ends with your new skills from the Middle Ages!

Available May to October

half day

easy

Split

Each Croatian island has a unique personality and the one of Brač is bold, rugged and beautiful. Holding a lion’s share of mysterious legends, secrets, and fascinating history, the vast and dramatic landscapes of Brač are just begging to be explored. From the ancient villages and deep valleys, up to the lofty ridges, there is the history of the hardy people who drew life out of this rugged, arid terrain. Vidova Gora, the island’s highest peak, boasts stunning panoramic views of Zlatni Rat beach, and across to Hvar and Korčula, making Brač feel like a land of its own.

Available May to October

full day

moderate

Brač

Each Croatian island has a unique personality and the one of Brač is bold, rugged and beautiful. Holding a lion’s share of mysterious legends, secrets, and fascinating history, the vast and dramatic landscapes of Brač are just begging to be explored. From the ancient villages and deep valleys, up to the lofty ridges, there is the history of the hardy people who drew life out of this rugged, arid terrain. Vidova Gora, the island’s highest peak, boasts stunning panoramic views of Zlatni Rat beach, and across to Hvar and Korčula, making Brač feel like a land of its own.

Available May to October

full day

moderate

Brač

Explore the backroads and ghost towns of Hvar island! Adventurous, off the beaten path excitement where your guide will take you places only locals know, exploring the hidden and mysterious parts of Hvar Island that time has forgotten. In an off road vehicle, your local guide will take you along ancient roads that lead to panoramic vistas and the abandoned villages of the islands. Amongst the atomospheric setting of one village you will complete your adventurous day with a delicious traditional Dalmatian feast in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje. A perfect day that will have you recalling the beauty of Hvar for days to come!

Available May to October

half day

moderate

Hvar island

Explore the backroads and ghost towns of Hvar island! Adventurous, off the beaten path excitement where your guide will take you places only locals know, exploring the hidden and mysterious parts of Hvar Island that time has forgotten. In an off road vehicle, your local guide will take you along ancient roads that lead to panoramic vistas and the abandoned villages of the islands. Amongst the atomospheric setting of one village you will complete your adventurous day with a delicious traditional Dalmatian feast in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje. A perfect day that will have you recalling the beauty of Hvar for days to come!

Available May to October

half day

moderate

Hvar island

Beyond the sun, sea and famous nightlife, Hvar holds a history of 2400 years and more UNESCO treasures than any other island in the world! From the palatial home of the island’s true Renaissance man, poet Petar Hektorović, to the candle-lit ‘garage wine tasting’ with Croatia’s most famous boutique vintner, stroll down the memory lane of this beautiful island and peek into its precious interiors, discovering along the way the Greek forethought, Slavic feistiness, Venetian sense of style and nature’s beauty enveloping it all. The story of Hvar is the one of traditions persisting in the face of globalization, and sometimes, hand in hand with it.

Available May to October

half day

easy

Hvar island

Beyond the sun, sea and famous nightlife, Hvar holds a history of 2400 years and more UNESCO treasures than any other island in the world! From the palatial home of the island’s true Renaissance man, poet Petar Hektorović, to the candle-lit ‘garage wine tasting’ with Croatia’s most famous boutique vintner, stroll down the memory lane of this beautiful island and peek into its precious interiors, discovering along the way the Greek forethought, Slavic feistiness, Venetian sense of style and nature’s beauty enveloping it all. The story of Hvar is the one of traditions persisting in the face of globalization, and sometimes, hand in hand with it.

Available May to October

half day

easy

Hvar island

Recently the world has turned its eyes to the wine scene in Croatia, with the Istrian Peninsula claiming the prime glances. All for a good reason! Stretched between the Alps and the Dolomites, framed in the craggy shores of the Adriatic, Croatia’s largest peninsula features an interior of rolling green hills with towns perched up high in the skies and sun-struck slopes just perfect for growing vines. The wines of Istria are thus curiously diverse, with the authentic white Malvazija, the pride of the region, or the grand Teran reds, getting the most acclaim. But the beautiful peninsula countryside is home to many boutique wineries and with each presenting a unique take on the Istrian classics, the future here looks even brighter than the present.

Available all year round

half day

easy

North Istria

Recently the world has turned its eyes to the wine scene in Croatia, with the Istrian Peninsula claiming the prime glances. All for a good reason! Stretched between the Alps and the Dolomites, framed in the craggy shores of the Adriatic, Croatia’s largest peninsula features an interior of rolling green hills with towns perched up high in the skies and sun-struck slopes just perfect for growing vines. The wines of Istria are thus curiously diverse, with the authentic white Malvazija, the pride of the region, or the grand Teran reds, getting the most acclaim. But the beautiful peninsula countryside is home to many boutique wineries and with each presenting a unique take on the Istrian classics, the future here looks even brighter than the present.

Available all year round

half day

easy

North Istria

Zagreb is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Compact and charming but also exciting and diverse, it oozes that feel of a small-scale capital city which offers many options but remains in touch with its people. Surprising and entertaining around each corner, with a brimming street scene, green parks, lively markets, world-class shopping and a cool history to match, Zagreb pulses in the intriguing space between its medieval past, Art Nouveau moment and contemporary heyday. Threading the story from the olden days to the thriving present, our classic walking tour highlights the very essence of the Croatian capital.

Available all year round

half day

easy

Zagreb

Zagreb is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Compact and charming but also exciting and diverse, it oozes that feel of a small-scale capital city which offers many options but remains in touch with its people. Surprising and entertaining around each corner, with a brimming street scene, green parks, lively markets, world-class shopping and a cool history to match, Zagreb pulses in the intriguing space between its medieval past, Art Nouveau moment and contemporary heyday. Threading the story from the olden days to the thriving present, our classic walking tour highlights the very essence of the Croatian capital.

Available all year round

half day

easy

Zagreb

Completely untouched by man, the jeweled walls of Modrič cave conceal a silence and darkness so rarely present in the modern-day realm. Huge stalactites and stalagmites decorate the floors and the ceilings adding a touch of out worldly to an already wondrous experience! Located near Zadar, yet situated nicely off the beaten path, this incredible cave was discovered unexpectedly in the early 1980s by a speleologist who was searching for shelter from the strong bura winds after his bike broke down.  What serendipity, as Modrič cave is a wonderful hidden world of subterranean shapes and forms.

Available all year round

half day

kids friendly

Zadar, Šibenik

Completely untouched by man, the jeweled walls of Modrič cave conceal a silence and darkness so rarely present in the modern-day realm. Huge stalactites and stalagmites decorate the floors and the ceilings adding a touch of out worldly to an already wondrous experience! Located near Zadar, yet situated nicely off the beaten path, this incredible cave was discovered unexpectedly in the early 1980s by a speleologist who was searching for shelter from the strong bura winds after his bike broke down.  What serendipity, as Modrič cave is a wonderful hidden world of subterranean shapes and forms.

Available all year round

half day

kids friendly

Zadar, Šibenik

Thanks to its atmosphere of a laid-back, yet elegant coastal town and a history as the region’s capital for 1,300 years, Zadar was voted the top choice by European Best Destinations in 2016! A city that has risen from the ashes of the tumultuous 1990’s to become a thriving and stunning city proud of its heritage and surrounding beauty definitely has a story to tell. Explore what makes this city so special and join us on a thought-provoking walking tour of Zadar!

Available all year round

half day

easy

Zadar

Thanks to its atmosphere of a laid-back, yet elegant coastal town and a history as the region’s capital for 1,300 years, Zadar was voted the top choice by European Best Destinations in 2016! A city that has risen from the ashes of the tumultuous 1990’s to become a thriving and stunning city proud of its heritage and surrounding beauty definitely has a story to tell. Explore what makes this city so special and join us on a thought-provoking walking tour of Zadar!

Available all year round

half day

easy

Zadar

Join Mario Bartulović, the young and enthusiastic winemaker, storyteller and advocate of the beauties of rural life, on the most authentic culinary experience in the Dubrovnik region! The ancient recipe of peka that harkens back to the prehistoric times is a quintessential Dalmatian tradition so beloved for its hearty and delicious flavors and the way it brings people together around the fire! Sharing stories over some fantastic Pelješac wines, Mario will walk you through the unique peka experience of slow cooking under the bell!

Available May to October

full day

easy

Dubrovnik

Join Mario Bartulović, the young and enthusiastic winemaker, storyteller and advocate of the beauties of rural life, on the most authentic culinary experience in the Dubrovnik region! The ancient recipe of peka that harkens back to the prehistoric times is a quintessential Dalmatian tradition so beloved for its hearty and delicious flavors and the way it brings people together around the fire! Sharing stories over some fantastic Pelješac wines, Mario will walk you through the unique peka experience of slow cooking under the bell!

Available May to October

full day

easy

Dubrovnik

The pretty peninsula towns of Ston and Mali Ston are famed for their bounty of the highly valued Croatian product, the oyster. Harvested for generations in this region, small family run farms proudly uphold the practices and traditions that have made the region famous. Enjoy oysters lifted straight from the clear blue sea to your plate!  Experience the oyster harvest up close with a local fisherman – the essence of Dalmatia on a platter, enjoyed in the idyllic surroundings of the Pelješac peninsula inlets. Forget the restaurant, this the place to try one of Dalmatia’s most prized gastronomic treats followed by a seafood lunch on a quiet island. A superb day trip from Dubrovnik that takes you into both the stunning scenery of the region and up close with the friendly locals proud of their livelihood and heritage. Stop for oysters and lunch on your transfer between Split and Dubrovnik, or en route to the islands of Hvar or Korčula, or add it to our Pelješac wine tour. One of our most popular tours!

Available March to October

half day

easy

Dubrovnik

The pretty peninsula towns of Ston and Mali Ston are famed for their bounty of the highly valued Croatian product, the oyster. Harvested for generations in this region, small family run farms proudly uphold the practices and traditions that have made the region famous. Enjoy oysters lifted straight from the clear blue sea to your plate!  Experience the oyster harvest up close with a local fisherman – the essence of Dalmatia on a platter, enjoyed in the idyllic surroundings of the Pelješac peninsula inlets. Forget the restaurant, this the place to try one of Dalmatia’s most prized gastronomic treats followed by a seafood lunch on a quiet island. A superb day trip from Dubrovnik that takes you into both the stunning scenery of the region and up close with the friendly locals proud of their livelihood and heritage. Stop for oysters and lunch on your transfer between Split and Dubrovnik, or en route to the islands of Hvar or Korčula, or add it to our Pelješac wine tour. One of our most popular tours!

Available March to October

half day

easy

Dubrovnik

The small coastal village of Trsteno was once the summer retreat for the aristocracy of Dubrovnik where they built their gorgeous summer residences and villas. Only a 30-minute-drive from Dubrovnik, it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. Also known for the oldest Arboretum in this part of the world, a place where plants from all over the world celebrate unity in remarkable displays of shapes and colors, a visit to Trsteno recalls the oasis it once was. A glimpse into the past and the traditions of Dalmatian village life that still exist is made all the more special by learning and enjoying the secrets of traditional Dalmatian cooking in the beautiful ancestral villa, home and gardens of Katija!

Available May to October

half day

easy

Dubrovnik

The small coastal village of Trsteno was once the summer retreat for the aristocracy of Dubrovnik where they built their gorgeous summer residences and villas. Only a 30-minute-drive from Dubrovnik, it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. Also known for the oldest Arboretum in this part of the world, a place where plants from all over the world celebrate unity in remarkable displays of shapes and colors, a visit to Trsteno recalls the oasis it once was. A glimpse into the past and the traditions of Dalmatian village life that still exist is made all the more special by learning and enjoying the secrets of traditional Dalmatian cooking in the beautiful ancestral villa, home and gardens of Katija!

Available May to October

half day

easy

Dubrovnik

  • Travel Destination