Hand-picked Croatia Tours and Cruising

TRAVEL IN CROATIA

With its fascinating history, stunning architecture and breathtaking natural beauty, a Croatia travel adventure is one truly versatile trip. There are world-class beaches to flop down on, Game of Thrones-style fortified towns to explore and some of Southern Europe’s most lip-smacking cuisine to get stuck into. All this, and Croatia is relatively unspoiled compared to near-neighbours like Italy. Sounds good, right?

Fast Facts

Language: Croatian
Currency: Kuna
Electricity: 230v
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Croatia
Dialing Code: +385
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)

ABOUT CONTIKI

From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.

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THINGS TO DO IN CROATIA

Sun worshippers, culture vultures and foodies are especially going to love Croatia. We've put together a top 5 to get you going:

DIOCLETIAN'S PALACE

You’ve got to love the Romans – they didn’t do things by halves. Just look at the imposing ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, built as a military garrison and personal retirement home in the 4th century AD. The emperor's own modest quarters now comprise much of the city centre of Split, and a visit here is an absolute must of Croatia travel 2015.

See all trips that visit Split

PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

You'll need a whole day to fully explore the network of cascading lakes, caves and waterfalls that make up Croatia's oldest and most stunning natural park. Set deep within dense forest populated by bears and wolves, an 11-mile network of wooden paths guides you through the fascinating limestone karst landscape, with free boat rides available for lazier visitors. Be sure this features on your Croatia travel itinerary.

STROLL THE STREETS OF DUBROVNIK

A simple scenic stroll is one of the very best things to do Dubrovnik. Full of winding marbled streets and Baroque buildings, this ancient fortified city is almost unbelievably picturesque. Take in the views from the city walls, or ride the cable car to Mt Srđ for the full Instagram vista.

See all trips that visit Dubrovnik

CROATIA ISLAND HOPPING

Croatia is a land of beautiful islands, and an island hopping tour is the best way of exploring them. Cruise the crystalline blue waters of the Adriatic, stopping to sip cocktails in glitzy Hvar island; wander the ancient streets of Korčula's old town or simply take in the view from one of the many picture perfect deserted beaches. And there are plenty to choose from.

EXPERIENCE ROVINJ

Located on the shores of the Istrian peninsula in northwest Croatia, Rovinj is yet another strong Croatian contender for the title of 'world's most beautiful town'. Built on a small egg-shaped peninsula, a maze of streets wind their way gently up the hill to the Church of St Euphemia, the town's striking centerpiece. Istria's proximity to Italy has had a strong effect on its cuisine, meaning the local tucker is up there with the country's best.

TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN CROATIA

Given the stunning beauty and balmy late night temperatures of Croatia's Dalmatian coast, it's no surprise that it's home to some of Europe's hottest summer festivals. Not that Dalmatia is the full story. Here's our top five pick of the Croatia festival scene.

HIDEOUT FESTIVAL

The new kid on the block of Croatia's festival scene, Hideout boasts an unbeatable lineup of cutting edge electronic artists guaranteeing the heaviest dance floors of the summer. Its setting, on Zrce beach on Pag island, is one of the most stunning in Croatia.

For more information on the Hideout Festival, click here

SOUNDWAVE, TISNO

Set in the picturesque fishing village of Tisno, Soundwave features an eclectic lineup of soul, jazz, electronica and afrobeat as well as an extensive arts program. And if that all gets a bit much, soak up a little local flavour at the Tisno International Donkey Racing Championships, which in some masterstroke of programming is on at the same time. Yes, really.

For more information on the Soundwave Festival, click here.

THE GARDEN FESTIVAL

Believe it or not, sleepy Tisno is also home to The Garden Festival, a Croatian summer institution. The dance-centric line-up features big name DJs and electronic acts from around the world, but book well in advance if you want to get in on one of the legendary and not-to-be-missed boat parties.

For more information on The Garden Festival, click here.

INMUSIC FESTIVAL, ZAGREB

INmusic is Croatia's largest and most eclectic festival, with a huge variety of top-level performers from around the world. Set on Youth Island on Zagreb's Jarun Lake, here you'll find some of the biggest names in rock rubbing shoulders with legendary DJs and world music stars, so it's no surprise it regularly ranks amongst Europe's best festivals. A must for your Croatia travel 2016 calendar.

For more information on INmusic, click here.

DUBROVNIK SUMMER FESTIVAL

From its humble beginnings as a showcase of local talent, Dubrovnik Summer festival has grown into a world-renowned exposition of drama, ballet, orchestral music and opera. It's held in over 70 stunning venues throughout the city, with the Rector's Palace Atrium the majestic centerpiece.

For more information on Dubrovnik Summer Festival, click here.

TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN CROATIA

Croatia is rich in culture and history, so lovers of the arts are well catered for here. Indeed, Zagreb has the greatest concentration of museums per square foot of any city in the world, so if you can’t find something of interest here, there’s no hope for you. Read on for our top 5 pick of museums and galleries in Croatia:

RECTOR'S PALACE, DUBROVNIK

Despite having been menaced by various fires, earthquakes and gunpowder explosions throughout its history, the Rector's Palace is somehow still standing. As the former administrative center of Dubrovnik, this 15th century Gothic palace has been variously rebuilt with Renaissance and Baroque finishes, and now serves as a cultural centre filled with antique furniture, Italian paintings and old coins. It also hosts concerts by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra amongst others. A cultural heavyweight, and no mistake.

For more information on the Rector's Palace, click here.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, ZAGREB

Zagreb's Archaeological Museum is home to a whopping 450,000 artifacts that span the ages. Step back in time as you're surrounded by tombstones, Roman military equipment and ancient Egyptian treasures. After strolling through the museum, be sure to take a look at the Archaeological Park to view the remains of a well-preserved Roman city - it just might be one of the most interesting things to do in Zagreb.

For more information on the Archaeological Museum, click here.

FRANCISCAN MONASTERY, DUBROVNIK

The Franciscan order arrived in Dubrovnik in the early 13th century, and building one of the Middle Ages most impressive monasteries seems to have been the first thing on the to-do list. It’s still standing, too, and within it’s thick stone walls you’ll find the world’s third oldest pharmacy, dating from 1317, as well as an 14th century cloister.

For more information on the Franciscan Monastery, click here.

WAR PHOTO LIMITED GALLERY, DUBROVNIK

The War Photo Limited Gallery is a very moving and powerful collection of images designed to expose 'the myth of war'. Curated by photojournalist Wade Goddard, it focuses on how war inflicts injustices on bystanders and combatants alike. There's a permanent exhibition on the wars in Yugoslavia as well as a changing cast of exhibitions on conflicts from around the world.

For more information on the War Photo Limited gallery, click here.

MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS, ZAGREB

Zagreb's quirkiest museum was conceived as a dedication to failed relationships, and consists of a range of personal objects donated by ex-lovers themselves. This peculiar and hugely popular collection was originally a touring exhibit but now occupies a permanent home in Zagreb. It's open 7 days per week, and donations are welcome. After all, we’ve all been there.

For more information on the Museum of Broken Relationships, click here.

FOOD IN CROATIA

ISPOD PEKE

This traditional cooking method involves putting a few simple ingredients - generally octopus or lamb with potatoes - in a stone oven under a heavy metal lid, then covering them with embers from an open fire and allowing them to cook slowly in their own juices. Like much of the food in Croatia, it's simply scrumptious.

Best eaten at - Konoba Škojera, Ul. kralja Tomislava 22, 20240, Trpanj

CRNI RIŽOT

This Dalmatian delicacy is a seafood risotto cooked with cuttlefish, squid or octopus. A healthy measure of squid's ink gives the dish its signature black colour and intense seafood flavour.

Best eaten at - Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 2, 20000, Dubrovnik

PAŠTICADA

The beef for this traditional stew is marinated in garlic and red wine for 24 hours before it's allowed anywhere near the pot, so you know it's going to be good! It's then cooked slowly with vegetables, dried plums and various spices like cloves and nutmeg for a thick and indulgent sauce.

Best eaten at - Konoba Varos, Ban Mladenova 7, Split

BRUDET

This simple Istrian fish stew is a true one-pot wonder. Several types of fish are layered carefully then cooked gently with wine and tomatoes. Once it's reached simmering perfection, it's ladled generously over soft polenta.

Best eaten at - Konoba Stomorica, Stomorica 1, Zadar

PRŽENE LIGNJE

This Croatian staple is as delicious as it is simple. Fresh squid is fried or grilled then served with boiled potatoes and Swiss chard, covered with garlic and olive oil and a generous squeeze of lemon. If you try only one Croatian dish, make this the one!

Best eaten at - Konoba Stomorica, Stomorica 1, Zadar

WHAT TO PACK?

Beach towel - Croatia boasts some of the world's best beaches, so be prepared to spend some serious time on the sand!

Flip-flops - Whether you're strolling between seafront bars in Hvar or browsing the markets of Rovinj, the flip-flop is the footwear item of choice here.

Sunglasses - Croatia's summer sun can be fierce, so be sure to protect those peepers!

Travel adapter - Croatia uses the standard European 2-pin plug, so don't forget your travel adapter.

Camera - You won't manage 10 paces in a town like Dubrovnik without being confronted with yet another stunning photo op. Extra SD cards are the order of the day here.

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