Split, Croatia
Monterrasol Travel small group tour in minivan.
Small group tour package 17 days in CroatiaAcross Croatia: 17 days exploring tour Dubrovnik to Zagreb. Dalmatia and Istria year-round: UNESCO sites, famous towns, monasteries, wine tasting.tour ID: #640
all seasons tour
Tour summaryDalmatia and Istria year-round: UNESCO sites, famous towns, monasteries, wine tasting. Get a seat on Monterrasol Travel small group tour in minivan. This page describes details of the multi-day small group car tour #640 offered by Monterrasol Travel. We, Monterrasol Travel, are an independent tour operator specialized in cultural and destination tourism. This sightseeing tour has been developed by Monterrasol Travel for small groups travelers based on our own experiences and belongs to the group of car tours with pre-designed itineraries. If you like this tour but you would like to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us and mention the ID number of this tour: #640. The custom itinerary will cost you nothing, it's free from our side. The tour will start in Dubrovnik, Croatia, finish in Zagreb, Croatia, and will take 17 days (16 nights). During this tour you will visit such places and attractions as Trsteno, Ston, Split, Trogir, Loreto, Šibenik (Sibenik), Zadar, Nehaj, Senj, Nova Kraljevica, Rijeka, Trsat, Buzet, Petrapilosa, Motovun, Grožnjan (Groznjan), Buje, Poreč (Porec), Rovinj, Bale, Pula, Morosini, Zminj, Sveti Petar u Šumi (Sveti Petar u Sumi), Pazin, Belaj, Stara Sušica (Stara Susica), Karlovac, Dubovac, Ozalj, located in Croatia. Overall, with this tour you will visit 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 2 sites from the UNESCO Tentative List (sites that were submitted to the World Heritage Committee, and are awaiting to consider for nomination, and therefore suitable for inscription on the World Heritage List). Additional informationWe will pick you up at any hotel or place, in or around Dubrovnik. Drop-off is possible at any hotel or place, in or around Zagreb. We, at Monterrasol Travel, practice the Slow Tourism philosophy. That means that we work our tours at a gentle pace with no rush, allowing our clients to have a more authentic experience and a true exploration of each destination that features in our itineraries. Our tour prices include accommodation in 3-star hotels, which are usually not near historical centers with pedestrian streets. If you would like better accommodation in terms of location and quality level, please contact us. This small group tour is available for solo travelers as well. Please contact us for details. We provide for this tour a special discount for pensioners (seniors citizens). We recommend you consider traveling off-season. Advantages of traveling off-season. Photo galleryPhoto gallery of attractions involved in this tour. This tour starts from €6,032 Tour descriptionIntroductionJoin us on a 17-day in-depth cultural exploration tour from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, crafted for seniors, mature travelers, and couples who love local food and drinks, scenic drives, and both well-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems in a relaxing way with no rush and no tight schedules. This year-round journey takes you from the sun-drenched Dalmatian coast through the mountainous hinterland to the enchanting peninsula of Istria and finally to the continental capital, visiting UNESCO sites, famous coastal towns, medieval hilltop villages, fortresses, monasteries, and wineries along the way. From the Trsteno Arboretum and the Ston walls to Diocletian's Palace in Split, from the medieval Trogir and the cathedral city of Sibenik to the ancient fortified Zadar, from the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre to the Trsat Castle overlooking Rijeka, from the hilltop towns of Buzet, Motovun, Groznjan, and Buje to the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, from the romantic coastal town of Rovinj to the Roman amphitheater in Pula, from the Pazin cave to the wineries of Motovun, Pazin, and Belaj – every day brings a new discovery. Experience local food and drinks at their best, all on scenic drives at a gentle pace with no rush. Day after day descriptionDay 1. We depart from Dubrovnik and travel to Trsteno to explore its magnificent arboretum, one of the oldest Renaissance gardens in Dalmatia, dating back to the 15th century. We then continue to see the Kastio fortress in Ston and explore the Ston historical ensemble (UNESCO Tentative List Site), including the famous Ston walls, a monumental defensive system built by the Republic of Ragusa in the 14th-15th centuries, often called the "European Wall of China". After that, we will come to Split for accommodation. Day 2. After staying in Split, we spend the day exploring the city's historical center, a vibrant living museum wrapped around the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius (originally Diocletian's mausoleum), stroll through the Golden Gate, the palace's monumental northern entrance, and soak in the atmosphere of this ancient imperial residence. We stay another night in Split. Day 3. After 2 nights in Split, we travel to Trogir, a charming island-town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and explore its beautifully preserved medieval core, the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its masterful portal, and the 15th-century Kamerlengo Fortress. We then continue to see the Loreto monument, a 30-meter-tall votive statue of Our Lady of Loreto erected in 1960, and enjoy the stunning panoramic viewpoint. After that, we will come to Sibenik for accommodation. Day 4. After staying in Sibenik, we explore the sea-guardian St. Nicholas Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), located at the entrance to the St. Anthony Channel, as well as the Barone Fortress and St. Michael Fortress (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites). We then wander through Sibenik's atmospheric historical center and admire the magnificent Cathedral of St. James (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture built entirely of stone between the 15th and 16th centuries. We stay another night in Sibenik. Day 5. After 2 nights in Sibenik, we travel to Zadar to explore its fortified old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a city with roots stretching back to antiquity. We wander through the historical center, experience the enchanting Sea Organ, an architectural sound installation that creates melodies from the waves, visit the 12th-century St. Anastasia's Cathedral, and stroll through the Roman Forum, the largest on the eastern Adriatic coast. We will stay in Zadar. Day 6. After staying in Zadar, we travel to the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan, birthplace of the famous inventor, and explore the museum dedicated to Tesla's life and groundbreaking work in electricity and engineering. We then continue to see the imposing Nehaj Fortress, a 16th-century square tower built by Croatian nobles to defend against Ottoman incursions, and then to Senj to explore its historical center and visit St. Mary's Cathedral. We will stay in Senj. Day 7. After staying in Senj, we going to explore the beautifully preserved Renaissance Frankopan Castle Nova Kraljevica. We then continue to see Trsat Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking Rijeka, famous for its sanctuary and panoramic views of the Kvarner Bay. We then come to explore the Shrine of Mary of God of Trsat (Catholic), a major pilgrimage site since the 13th century, known for housing the Holy House of Loreto - according to tradition, angels carried it from Nazareth to Trsat in 1291 before it moved to Loreto, Italy. We climb the Petar Kruzic stairway, a 17th-century staircase with 538 steps built as a vow for the victims of the plague, and visit St. Vitus Cathedral (Catholic) in Rijeka, a unique Baroque rotunda built between 1638 and 1725. We will stay in Rijeka. Day 8. After staying in Rijeka, we travel to The House of the Halubajski Bell Ringers, a unique museum showcasing the traditional carnival masks and bell-ringing custom of the Kastav region, recognized as intangible cultural heritage. We then continue to see Buzet, a charming hilltop town known as the "town of truffles", and wander through its historical center, enjoying the views over the Mirna River valley. We will stay in Buzet. Day 9. After staying in Buzet, we come to explore Petrapilosa Castle, a medieval fortress with a turbulent history of wars and reconstructions. We then continue to see Motovun, one of Istria's most famous hilltop towns, and explore its cultural monument (UNESCO Tentative List Site) – the well-preserved medieval core with its Venetian Gothic buildings and town walls. We then come to explore a local winery where we enjoy a tasting of Istrian wines, particularly the white Malvazija variety, known for its fresh, floral character. We will stay in Motovun. Day 10. After staying in Motovun, we travel to Groznjan, a charming hilltop town known as the "town of artists", and explore its picturesque streets and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church. We then continue to see Buje, another beautiful hilltop town with stunning views over the Istrian countryside. After that, we will come to Porec for accommodation. Day 11. After staying in Porec, we explore this charming coastal town on the Istrian peninsula. We visit the Euphrasian Basilica complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 6th-century Byzantine church famous for its stunning gold-ground mosaics depicting the Virgin Mary and saints. We also will wander through Porec's historical center with its Romanesque and Gothic buildings. We will stay in Porec. Day 12. After staying in Porec, we travel to Rovinj, one of Istria's most beautiful coastal towns. We explore its historical center with its narrow cobbled streets and colorful houses, visit the hilltop St. Euphemia Church (Catholic), a Baroque masterpiece with a towering campanile, see Balbi's Arch, a 17th-century Venetian gate, and explore the Batana Ecomuseum (UNESCO World Heritage Site), dedicated to the traditional fishing boat "batana" and the maritime heritage of Rovinj. We then continue to see Bale, a charming medieval hilltop town, to explore its well-preserved historical center. After that, we will come to Pula for accommodation. Day 13. After staying in Pula, we explore the city's historical center, including the ancient Roman theater, the Citadel Fortress on the hilltop, the Arch of the Sergii (a Roman triumphal arch from the 1st century BC), and the Istrian Olive Oil Museum, which showcases the centuries-old tradition of olive growing in the region. We will stay in Pula. Day 14. After staying in Pula, we travel to Kazun Park, a unique open-air museum featuring traditional Istrian dry-stone shelters called "kazuns". We then continue to see Morosini Castle, a fortified Renaissance castle with a rich history, and to see the Defensive Tower in Zminj, a medieval fortified structure. We then come to see the Sveti Petar u Sumi monastery, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century and one of the best-preserved Romanesque monastic complexes in Istria. After that, we will come to Pazin for accommodation. Day 15. After staying in Pazin, we explore this dramatic hilltop town, the capital of Istria's interior. We visit the Citadela historical landmark, the medieval castle that inspired Jules Verne's novel "Mathias Sandorf". We then explore Jama Cave (Pazin Abyss), a 130-meter deep vertical sinkhole where the Pazincica River disappears underground. We also visit St. Nicholas Church and enjoy a tasting at a local winery, sampling more of Istria's fine wines. We will stay in Pazin. Day 16. After staying in Pazin, we come to explore Belaj Winery, where we enjoy a tasting of their excellent wines, continuing our Istrian wine journey. We then continue to see the romantic ruins of Stara Susica Castle and then travel to Karlovac to see Aquatika, the freshwater aquarium which showcases the diverse aquatic life of Croatia's rivers and lakes. We will stay in Karlovac. Day 17. After staying in Karlovac, we travel to Dubovac to explore Dubovac Fortress, a well-preserved hilltop castle overlooking the town of Karlovac. We then continue to see Ozalj Fortress, a medieval hilltop castle overlooking the Kupa River, once a seat of the powerful Zrinski and Frankopan noble families. Finally, we arrive in Zagreb, where our memorable journey concludes. ConclusionThis 17-day in-depth cultural exploration delivers a wonderfully relaxed immersion into the historical, cultural, and culinary splendors of Croatia, from the Adriatic coast to the capital, enriched by tastings of local Malvazija wine and visits to olive oil museums. We warmly invite you to travel with us – at a gentle pace, without hurry – to experience the timeless allure of Split, Trogir, Sibenik, Zadar, Rijeka, Buzet, Motovun, Porec, Rovinj, Pula, Pazin, and their enchanting surroundings. This tour is provided by a company specialized in Croatia. Border crossing for this tripThis tour does not require border crossing. Money and paymentsIn each country of your trip you can use main credit and debit cards. You can use ATM to withdrawal cash or pay at purchase point with card. More information on currencies, payments, and use cards you can read on this our page: On the trip: currencies, payments, card use. Last reviewed: 11 June 2026 Tour itineraryTour starts in: Dubrovnik, Croatia day 1: travel to Trsteno, visit Trsteno arboretum, travel to Ston to see Kastio fortress, visit Ston historical ensemble (UNESCO Tentative List Site), visit Ston walls; travel to Split for accommodation Tour finishes in: Zagreb, Croatia Planned distance of this tour: 1230 km What is a good itinerary for a multi-day tourHow to understand if this itinerary is good for you? Read our advice: what is a good itinerary for a multi-day tour. If you like this small group tour and itinerary but you would like to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us and mention the ID number of this tour: #640. We do not charge for development a custom car tour itinerary, it will cost you nothing. We will be glad to discuss with you the details of your future trip and plan it following your ideas and wishes. Visited places during the tourOur tour will pass several towns and places along the route. Each town and place has something to offer from a tourist's point of view. We will stop in each place and explore its attractions. The exact attractions for each place or town can be seen in the tour's itinerary. Here is the list of places visited during this tour, in the order they appear in the itinerary. Trsteno, CroatiaKnown for arboretum, fountain, garden, monument, viewpoint Trsteno is a picturesque coastal village situated in southern Croatia, and is home for famous Arboretum, a magnificent garden with a sophisticated botanical collection featuring exotic species brought from all over the world, include the two giant Oriental Plane trees more than 500 years old, and beautiful fontain from 15th century. Ston, CroatiaKnown for architecture, fortress, historical ensemble, museum, palace, walls; historical ensemble is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Ston was a major fort of the Ragusan Republic whose defensive walls were regarded as a notable feat of medieval architecture. The town's inner wall measures 890 metres in length, while the Great Wall outside the town has a circumference of 5 km. The walls extend to Mali Ston (Little Ston), a smaller town on the northern side of the isthmus and the end of the Bay of Mali Ston, notable for its mariculture. Split, CroatiaKnown for beach, coastal town, gate, historical center, historical landmark, museum (archaeological), museum (art), palace, promenade, seaport; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, located in the historical Dalmatia region, initially a Greek settlement Aspalathos, known for its historical complex with the Palace of Diocletian is a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1979. Trogir, CroatiaKnown for coastal town, fortress, historical center, marina, museum, palace, promenade, catholic cathedral, catholic church; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Trogir is a historic harbour town on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, in Dalmatia region, one of the four historical regions of Croatia. Since 1997, the historic center of Trogir has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites for its Venetian architecture. Loreto, CroatiaKnown for monument, viewpoint The monumental Statue of Our Lady of Loreto stands proudly on top of Gaj hill, overlooking the beautiful coastal town of Primosten in central Dalmatia. This impressive hill is about 173 meters high and is located roughly 20 miles south of the city of Sibenik and 30 kilometers north of Trogir. The statue is situated in a region famous for its scenic landscapes, vineyards, pristine beaches, and a charming medieval old town located on a small island. Šibenik (Sibenik), CroatiaKnown for coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, promenade, venetian empire, viewpoint, catholic cathedral, franciscan church; cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Sibenik, known in Italy as Sebenico, is a historic city in Croatia, located in central Dalmatia, where the river Krka flows into the Adriatic Sea. Sibenik has four fortresses and historic center with the Cathedral of St James. The Cathedral and St. Nicholas fortress are included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list. Roughly 18 kilometres north of the city is the Krka National Park, similar to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its many waterfalls, flora, fauna, and historical and archaeological remains. The Kornati archipelago, west of Sibenik, consists of 150 islands in a sea area of about 320 km2, making it the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Zadar, CroatiaKnown for byzantine empire, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, gate, historical center, marina, museum, promenade, seaport, venetian empire, catholic cathedral; fortified town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, it is situated on the Adriatic Sea, and serves as the seat of Zadar County and of the wider northern Dalmatian region. Zadar is the second-largest city of the region of Dalmatia and the fifth-largest city in the country. Zadar gained its urban structure in Roman times; during the time of Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus, the town was fortified and the city walls with towers and gates were built. Now, the fortified city of Zadar is on UNESCO's World Heritage Site list as part of Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar in 2017. Nehaj, CroatiaKnown for fortress, museum, viewpoint Nehaj Fortress, completed in 1558, incorporated defensive innovations of its time. The structure rises impressively from the hillside of town Senj, creating an imposing silhouette visible from miles around. During the same period that Christopher Columbus was discovering America, Senj was already a center of Croatian literature and publishing. Senj, CroatiaKnown for coastal town, fortress, gate Senj is an old coastal town situated in the northern part of the Adriatic. Senj is one of the oldest settlements on the Croatian coast and it lies dramatically at the foot of two mountains. The most iconic landmark of Senj is the Nehaj Fortress from 1558, which sits atop a hill and dominates the town's skyline. Nova Kraljevica, CroatiaKnown for castle Rijeka, CroatiaKnown for coastal town, fortress, historical center, museum (natural history), seaport, stairway, catholic basilica, catholic cathedral Trsat, CroatiaKnown for castle, museum, stairway, viewpoint, catholic church, catholic pilgrimage center Trsat is an eastern hillside district of Rijeka, Croatia's principal seaport, dramatically positioned above the left bank of the Rjecina River near its mouth into the Kvarner Bay. This elevated neighborhood sits approximately 138 meters above sea level, dominating the city skyline and offering commanding views of the port and the surrounding Adriatic coastline. Buzet, CroatiaKnown for brewery, distillery, hilltop town, historical center, medieval old town, museum (history), palace, viewpoint, waterfall Buzet is a charming medieval town perched on a hilltop in the northern part of the Istrian peninsula in western Croatia, former Roman outpost Piquentum. Buzet is known as the "City of Truffles" or "Truffle Capital of Croatia". Buzet provide unique combination of medieval hilltop charm, world-class gastronomy, and authentic cultural experiences. Petrapilosa, CroatiaKnown for castle, ruines Motovun, CroatiaKnown for gate, hilltop town, medieval old town, viewpoint, walls, winery + wine tasting, catholic church; cultural monument is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Motovun is a captivating medieval village perched high on a hill in central Istria, western Croatia, approximately 270 metres above sea level. It dominates the verdant valley of the Mirna River, surrounded by rolling vineyards and the famous Motovun Forest. This breathtaking setting, reminiscent of the iconic landscapes of Tuscany, makes it a prime destination for travellers seeking authentic charm. Grožnjan (Groznjan), CroatiaKnown for gate, hilltop town, historical center, viewpoint, walls, catholic church Buje, CroatiaKnown for fortress, hilltop town, museum, museum (ethnographic), walls, catholic church Poreč (Porec), CroatiaKnown for beach, coastal town, historic house, historical center, mosaic, promenade, walls, catholic basilica; basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; mosaic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Poreč is almost 2,000 years old town on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. Its major landmark is the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coast of Poreč has been one of the most visited tourist destination in Croatia. Rovinj, CroatiaKnown for coastal town, gate, historical center, marina, museum (heritage), promenade, viewpoint, walls, catholic church; museum (heritage) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site The quaint mediterranean city situated on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula was one of the most important towns under the Republic of Venice. The Old Town is mostly Venetian, with a maze of tight cobblestone streets and alleys, narrow houses, small squares, archways and medieval gates. The coast of Rovinj has been one of the most visited tourist destination in Croatia. Bale, CroatiaKnown for cave, historical center, palace, catholic church Bale is a charming medieval village located in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, approximately halfway between the coastal cities of Pula and Rovinj. Bale offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into traditional Istrian life, with its compact historic core, with its cobblestone streets and stone houses, feels like a living museum. Pula, CroatiaKnown for ancient theatre, fortress, gate, historical landmark, museum (olive and olive oil) Pula is a captivating coastal city situated at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula in western Croatia, often called the "Gateway to Istria," serving as the perfect entry point to explore a region famous for its beautiful coastline, turquoise sea, and charming hinterland. Main attractions of Pula are: Pula Arena, one of the six largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world; the Arch of the Sergii, a Roman monument; 17th-century Venetian fortress known as Citadel; City Walls and Roman Gates; Zerostrasse (Underground Tunnels) from the Austro-Hungarian period. Morosini, CroatiaKnown for castle, fortress, museum The Morosini-Grimani Castle from the 13th century is a Croatian historical gem due to an impressive blend of medieval architecture with distinct Renaissance features, makes it a photographer's paradise and an architectural enthusiast's delight. Zminj, CroatiaKnown for historical landmark Sveti Petar u Šumi (Sveti Petar u Sumi), CroatiaKnown for catholic monastery Pazin, CroatiaKnown for castle, cave, museum (ethnographic), tourist attraction, waterfall, catholic church Pazin is a charming historical town situated in the central part of the Istrian peninsula in western Croatia. Pazin occupies a strategic inland position, which has earned it the well-deserved nickname "the heart of Istria". The magnificent medieval castle is undisputed crown jewel of Pazin, and is the largest and best-preserved fortress in all of Istria. Belaj, CroatiaKnown for historic house, historical place, ruines, winery + wine tasting Stara Sušica (Stara Susica), CroatiaKnown for castle Karlovac, CroatiaKnown for aquarium, brewery, castle Dubovac, CroatiaKnown for castle, museum, viewpoint Perched on a wooded hill above Karlovac town, the Dubovac Castle, former feudal stronghold, is a medieval gem blending history with panoramic views. Its strategic position and preserved architecture make it a key cultural landmark. Visitors explore its towers, museum, and serene surroundings, stepping into Croatia's storied past. Ozalj, CroatiaKnown for fortress, river Tour mapDue to the length and duration of this route, we were unable to put all the tour attractions on one map. Because of that, here is a general map of this tour. Please click on "Tour maps detailed" to see detailed maps of this tour. Tour starts in: Dubrovnik, Croatia
day 1: Trsteno arboretum, Ston, Kastio fortress, Ston historical ensemble, Ston walls; accommodation in Split Tour finishes in: Zagreb, Croatia Planned distance of this tour: 1230 km Tour maps detailedDue to the length and duration of this route, we were unable to put all the tour attractions on one map. Instead of one general map, here are a few detailed maps of this tour. Detailed map for part: Istria Availability of this tourPlease check below for the availability of this small group tour for a specific month and year. In addition, for this tour, a 45 days cut-off period is in effect. Of course, you are always welcome to contact us with questions about availability. Check availability for specific period:
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Price from€ 6,032
The min amount of people in this tour: 2 This small group tour is available all year round. SRS means single room supplement. Prices above depend on the season. Read our pricing policy. Maybe you want?What the tour includes• transport with driver • transportation in car with air conditioner • the car is minivan by default • company's tour guide • English spoken driver and tour guide • tour guide all the time with you • accommodation in 3-star hotels or pensions • accommodation with breakfast only What the tour does not include• lunch and dinner • accommodation in single rooms • hotel tourist tax • professional tour guide • entry fees and tickets • flights tickets • ferry tickets • travel insurance • country visas Safe TravelsThe Safe Travels stamp allows travelers to recognize destination companies around the world that have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC's Global Safe Travels Protocols. Monterrasol Travel Small group tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company. ![]() |
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