Central Croatia Highlights Tour

7-day tour of Zagreb, Plitvice, and Split

7 days • Moderate difficulty • Est. €327

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb: Historic Heart

Arrive in Zagreb, settle into accommodation, and explore the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) to see the iconic landmarks.

  • 10:00

    Ban Jelačić Square

    Start your tour at the central square of Zagreb, named after the 19th-century governor. Great for photos and people-watching.

  • 11:15

    St. Mark's Church

    Walk up to the Upper Town to see the Gothic St. Mark's Church, famous for its colorful tiled roof representing Croatian heraldry.

  • 12:45

    Lunch in Gornji Grad

    Enjoy traditional Croatian cuisine in a historic setting near the church.

  • 14:00

    Croatian Natural History Museum

    Visit the museum housed in the historic Amadeo Palace, featuring 2 million specimens including the famous fossil of the Croatian dragon.

  • 16:00

    Afternoon Coffee & Walk

    Stroll down Tkalčićeva Street, the lively heart of Zagreb's cafe culture.

Meals: Lunch at Upper Town

Where to stay: Stay in the Gornji Grad or Donji Grad (Lower Town) area for easy access to main sights.

Getting around: Walking is sufficient for this day's activities.

Day 2: Zagreb Markets and Views

Explore the vibrant Dolac Market and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the 360° deck.

  • 09:00

    Dolac Market

    Visit the famous open-air market to see fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. Arrive early for the best atmosphere.

  • 11:00

    Breakfast Snack

    Try a local pastry or fresh juice from a market stall.

  • 12:30

    Lunch

    Light lunch in the city center.

  • 14:00

    Zagreb 360°

    Ascend to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of Zagreb and the surrounding hills. Includes a café stop.

  • 16:30

    Free Time Shopping

    Browse local boutiques and souvenir shops in the pedestrian zone.

Meals: Snack at Dolac Market , Lunch at City Center

Where to stay: Continue staying in Zagreb.

Getting around: Walking and short taxi rides if needed.

Day 3: Samobor Charm and Wine

Day trip to the charming town of Samobor, known for its cobblestone streets, fortress, and local wines.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Samobor

    Drive or take a bus from Zagreb to Samobor (approx. 20km).

  • 10:00

    Samobor Old Town

    Explore the well-preserved medieval town center, the Town Hall, and the iconic Samobor cake shops.

  • 12:30

    Lunch

    Traditional lunch in a local konoba (tavern).

  • 14:00

    Wines Zupancic

    Visit this family-run winery for a tasting of diverse Croatian wines produced in the Samobor region.

  • 16:00

    Return to Zagreb

    Drive back to Zagreb.

Meals: Lunch at Samobor

Where to stay: Return to Zagreb accommodation.

Getting around: Car rental recommended for flexibility, or public bus.

Day 4: Rastoke and Slunj

Travel north-west to see the picturesque village of Rastoke and the Slunjčica River.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Slunj

    Drive towards the Korana River valley. The journey takes about 1 hour.

  • 10:30

    Rastoke Waterfalls

    Explore the historic mill village of Rastoke, built on the Slunjčica River. Visit the Vučeta Guest House area for views.

  • 12:30

    Lunch

    Lunch in Slunj town center.

  • 14:00

    Korana River Walk

    Relaxing walk along the Korana River, known for its clear waters and trout fishing.

  • 16:00

    Drive to Sisak

    Drive south to Sisak, the gateway to Central Croatia.

Meals: Lunch at Slunj

Where to stay: Stay in Sisak or nearby area.

Getting around: Car rental is essential for this leg of the journey.

Day 5: Sisak History and Topusko Springs

Explore Sisak's history and visit the thermal springs and historic spring of Topusko.

  • 09:00

    One of the First Brick Houses

    Visit the 18th-century brick house which now houses the Sisak Tourist Information Center.

  • 10:30

    Breakfast/Coffee

    Coffee and pastry in Sisak.

  • 11:30

    Drive to Topusko

    Short drive to the spa town of Topusko.

  • 12:30

    Lunch

    Lunch at a local restaurant near the springs.

  • 14:00

    Benkovo Spring

    Visit the historic Benkovo Spring, a natural landmark with beautiful surroundings and thermal water.

  • 16:30

    Spa Relaxation

    Optional relaxation in the thermal pools or walk in the park.

Meals: Snack at Sisak , Lunch at Topusko

Where to stay: Stay in Topusko or drive to Varaždin for the next day.

Getting around: Car rental required.

Day 6: Varaždin: The Baroque Pearl

Travel north to Varaždin, known as the 'Little Vienna' of Croatia, to explore its baroque architecture.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Varaždin

    Drive north to Varaždin, the former capital of Croatia.

  • 10:30

    Town Hall (Gradska Vijećnica)

    Visit the 16th-century Romanesque-Gothic town hall with its iconic clock tower.

  • 12:00

    Lunch

    Lunch in the historic center.

  • 13:30

    Old Blacksmith's Varaždin

    Explore the museum dedicated to the craft of blacksmithing, a significant part of Varaždin's history.

  • 15:30

    Varaždin Castle

    Walk around the exterior of the castle and the surrounding park.

Meals: Lunch at Varaždin

Where to stay: Stay in Varaždin.

Getting around: Walking is sufficient in the city center.

Day 7: Daruvar Nature and Castle

Final day exploring Daruvar, known for its thermal springs, forests, and historic castle.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Daruvar

    Drive southeast to Daruvar, a spa town surrounded by forests.

  • 10:00

    Dvorac Janković

    Visit the Baroque castle and see the oldest Ginkgo tree in Croatia.

  • 12:00

    Lunch

    Lunch in Daruvar.

  • 13:30

    Papuk Nature Park & Springs

    Explore the natural beauty of the Papuk mountain area and the thermal springs promoted by the local tourist community.

  • 16:00

    Final Souvenir Shopping

    Buy local crafts and honey products before departure.

Meals: Lunch at Daruvar

Where to stay: End of tour or overnight stay if extending.

Getting around: Car rental required.

Practical Information

For a Central Croatia Highlights Tour, the optimal visiting window is late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October). During these shoulder seasons, temperatures are mild and ideal for hiking and sightseeing, while crowds are significantly thinner than in peak summer. July and August bring intense heat and high prices, making travel more expensive and less comfortable. If visiting in summer, book accommodations and car rentals months in advance. Transportation is best handled via a rental car, which offers the flexibility to explore Zagreb’s surroundings and the inland regions at your own pace. Zagreb’s international airport is the primary entry point, with frequent connections to major European hubs. Once in Croatia, the road network is well-maintained, though tolls on highways can add up; consider purchasing a vignette if staying longer. Public transport exists between major cities like Zagreb and Split, but it is less frequent and restricts access to smaller towns and national parks. For a self-drive itinerary, ensure your driver’s license is valid and consider an international driving permit if required by your nationality. Accommodation should be concentrated in Zagreb for the first few days to explore the capital’s Old Town and museums, followed by stays in towns near Plitvice Lakes National Park to maximize park access. Staying in the vicinity of the lakes allows for early morning or late afternoon visits, avoiding the midday crowds. Alternatively, consider splitting your stay between Zagreb and a central Dalmatian hub like Šibenik or Split if the itinerary extends southward. Booking centrally located hotels or guesthouses ensures easy access to restaurants and transit links. Budgeting should account for accommodation, car rental, fuel, tolls, and park entry fees. Plitvice Lakes requires advance ticket purchases, which can be costly during peak season. Meals range from affordable local konobas to expensive tourist-trap restaurants; eating where locals do offers better value. Pack sturdy walking shoes for uneven terrain at national parks, layered clothing for variable weather, and swimwear for any spontaneous dips in rivers or lakes. A power adapter for Type C/F outlets is essential. Finally, carry cash for small purchases in rural areas, as card acceptance may be limited outside major cities. Always check current travel advisories and ensure your travel insurance covers outdoor activities.

Book your stay

More Itineraries

← Back to Itineraries