Tours in Croatia by Secret Dalmatia

Duration: half day

Difficulty: easy

Location: Zadar

Available all year round

Stories of Zadar

Treasures of the 3,000-year-old city!

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!

  • This tour is fully private and on request only.
  • Tour includes collection from your hotel, villa or private accommodation in Zadar region by our guide and professional English speaking chauffeur in a comfortable luxury sedan car or passenger van and entrance tickets to two attractions.
  • Bring your camera, comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen in the summer months.
  • Please advise if you have any mobility issues so the tour can be adjusted accordingly.

 

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Tour description

What you'll see on this tour

The ancient coastal city of Zadar boasts a fascinating pre-Roman and Roman era history, lovely marbled streets and a charming café scene that lures locals and travelers alike to sit and people-watch for hours over cups of steaming dark coffee and region’s original maraschino liquor. Discover the historically rich and architecturally beautiful city of Zadar in a walking tour with our expert local guide, learning about the way of living in Zadar and how it has changed over centuries.

Begin your exploration marveling at the tremendous 16th century fortifications that still guard parts of the city and walk through one of Zadar’s landmarks, the monumental Land gate in a small harbor of Foša, decorated with a marvelously sculpted statue of a lion. Then make your way around to Zadar’s ancient Roman Forum, admire the main square, the remarkable church of St. Donatus and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia.

Explore Zadar’s stunning sacral art exhibition: Gold and Silver of Zadar and learn about the legend of St. Simon and the French knight Anton who lost his life in search of his loved one. And then touch the same ancient walls that the Crusaders crossed when they ransacked the city in 1202. As your guide leads you through the grid of narrow streets to the heart of the Old Town, learn about Zadar’s long and tumultuous history, devastation in the World War II and the Croatian Homeland war and its bright new present as the Croatian tourism jewel.

Our walk includes visit to the waterfront to listen to the sea play Zadar’s internationally famous Sea Organ!

Quick Info

AIRPORT NEARBY

Zadar

HARBOR NEARBY

Zadar

Zadar

Šibenik

Split

The Church of St. Donatus

The symbol of Zadar is the renowned 9th ct. church of St. Donatus, named after the bishop that had it constructed. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia and one of the most impressive examples of the centralized Carolingian period in Europe. Through its history, its function was not always sacral; during Venetian, Turkish, Austrian and Napoleon rule, it was used as a storehouse and during the brief Italian rule as an archaeological museum. Because of its stark interior and excellent acoustics, today it is a splendid venue for the annual International Festival of Medieval Renaissance Music.

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Our ‘Stories of Zadar’ tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. This tour is designed to provide an immersive experience into the rich history of Zadar, a city that has stood the test of time for over 3000 years. You will be guided through the city’s Roman ruins, medieval churches, and modern installations, each narrating a different chapter of Zadar’s story. The tour also includes a visit to the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, two of the city’s most iconic modern attractions. With our expert guides, you will not only visit these sites but also understand their historical and cultural significance.

The walking exploration of Zadar allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace, soaking in its ancient charm and vibrant modern culture. Unlike other city tours, our walking tour gives you the opportunity to interact with the locals, taste traditional Croatian cuisine, and discover hidden gems that are often missed out on conventional tours. The tour is led by experienced local guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for their city. They will take you through the city’s narrow streets, showing you the blend of Roman, Venetian, and modern architecture, and sharing fascinating stories and legends associated with each site.

The must-see spots in Zadar are packed with a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. History enthusiasts will appreciate the visit to the Roman Forum, the largest on the eastern side of the Adriatic, and the pre-Romanesque St. Donatus Church. Art lovers will be fascinated by the modern installations like the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun. The tour also includes a visit to the bustling local market where you can sample local produce and traditional delicacies. The highlight of the tour, however, is the stunning view of the sunset from the city’s waterfront, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

The exploration of Zadar takes approximately 3 hours. However, the tour can be customized to fit your schedule and preferences. Our guides are flexible and will adjust the pace of the tour to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We recommend setting aside an entire morning or afternoon for the tour to fully appreciate all that Zadar has to offer.

Yes, this exploration is suitable for people of all ages. The walking pace is moderate and can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of our guests. Our guides are experienced in handling groups with children and elderly people and will ensure that everyone is comfortable and enjoying the tour. We also provide options for rest stops and refreshments along the way.

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves a fair amount of walking. During the summer months, it can get quite hot, so light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are advisable. In the cooler months, a light jacket or sweater would be sufficient. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful sights of Zadar!

The cost of the exploration covers the guide fee, entrance fees to all the sites mentioned in the itinerary, and a tasting of local delicacies at the market. Any additional purchases or personal expenses are not included in the tour cost.

Booking “Stories of Zadar” tour is simple and straightforward. You can book directly through our website or contact our customer service team via email or phone. We recommend booking in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure availability.