Some of our Favorite Croatia Tours
We’ve got some great Croatia tours we’ve developed over the years. These are some of our favorites. And, while many tour operators have similar routes, it’s really the inner-workings and attention to detail that truly matter and make our Croatia tour stand out.
Ultimate Croatia
This Croatia tour takes you from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, with stops at Plitvice Lakes, Split, Hvar, Korcula, and more. Along the way you’ll explore historic towns, islands, waterfalls, and beaches, with local food and experiences tailored to you.
Croatia Travel Information
We hope that as you prepare for your personalized Croatia tour that you’ll be able to use our website as a handy reference. We’ve got all sorts of information to share here with you about Croatia! Enjoy learning and feel free to check out our blog for more information, articles, and videos to help you prepare for your travels through Croatia. This information, among other details, will be sent to you in a packet before your Croatia vacation begins.
Introduction to Croatia
Croatia is a stunning country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, stretching along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. It shares land borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, and boasts more than 1,000 islands along its rugged, sapphire-blue coastline.
Croatia is a parliamentary republic, where the President is head of state and the Prime Minister leads the government. As of now, Zoran Milanovic is the President, and Andrej Plenkovic is the Prime Minister.
Historically rich and culturally diverse, Croatia blends Mediterranean charm with Central European influence. It emerged as an independent state after the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s and has since become a major tourist destination, known for its beautiful coastlines, historic towns, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes, and Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
Croatians are known for their hospitality, laid-back lifestyle, pride in heritage, and love for good food and football. The official language is Croatian, a South Slavic language. English is widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas, along with German and Italian in certain regions.
The climate is Mediterranean along the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, and continental inland with colder winters and occasional snowfall.
Croatian cuisine reflects its diverse geography: coastal dishes are Mediterranean in flavor—featuring seafood, olive oil, and herbs—while inland cuisine includes hearty stews, grilled meats, sausages, and pastries. Try local dishes like pašticada, ?evapi, sarma, and the sweet kremšnita.
From yacht-filled islands like Hvar and Korcula to mountains, forests, and Roman ruins, Croatia offers adventure, history, and natural beauty in equal measure.
Croatia Country Facts
OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Croatia (Republika Hrvatska)
CAPITAL CITY: Zagreb
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary Republic
PRESIDENT: Zoran Milanovic
PRIME MINISTER: Andrej Plenkovic
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Southeastern Europe; borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the Adriatic Sea
GEOGRAPHY: Long coastline, islands, mountains (Dinaric Alps), rivers, forests, inland plains
BODIES OF WATER: Adriatic Sea, Sava and Drava Rivers, Plitvice Lakes, Krka River
POPULATION: Approximately 3.8 million
AREA: 56,594 sq km / 21,851 sq miles
LANGUAGES: Croatian (official); minority languages include Serbian, Italian, Hungarian
ETHNICITY: Mostly Croats; minorities include Serbs, Bosniaks, Italians, Albanians
RELIGION: Predominantly Roman Catholic
LITERACY RATE: 99%
CURRENCY: Euro (EUR, adopted in 2023)
ANNUAL PER CAPITA GDP: Around $20,000–$25,000 USD
ARABLE LAND: Approx. 24%
FORESTS: Cover about 47% of the country
AGRICULTURE: Grapes, olives, wheat, corn, vegetables, livestock
NATURAL RESOURCES: Oil, bauxite, timber, hydropower
INDUSTRIES: Shipbuilding, tourism, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT
NUMBER OF TOURISTS IN 2019: Over 21 million
LARGEST CITIES: Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Zadar
TIME ZONE: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1
TELEPHONE COUNTRY CODE: +385
CLIMATE: Mediterranean along the coast; continental inland
HOTTEST CITY: Split or Dubrovnik in summer
COLDEST CITY: Zagreb or inland cities like Slunj in winter
BEST TIMES TO VISIT:
- May–September for coast and islands
- April–May & September–October for lower prices and fewer crowds
PEOPLE: Hospitable, relaxed, proud, patriotic, passionate about football and family
Geography
Croatia’s geography is remarkably diverse. The Dinaric Alps run parallel to the coast, creating dramatic cliffs and highland scenery. The Adriatic coastline is one of the most indented in Europe, with 1,200+ islands, of which around 50 are inhabited.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO site, features cascading lakes and waterfalls, while Krka National Park offers similar beauty with swimming allowed. Inland, the Pannonian Plain provides fertile farmland, while Zagreb, the capital, is nestled at the foot of Mount Medvednica.
Money & Shopping
Croatia uses the Euro (EUR) since January 2023. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Cash is handy for local markets, small restaurants, and island towns.
Tipping is customary—5–10% in restaurants and cafés is standard for good service.
Souvenirs to buy include lavender products, olive oil, local wines, handmade lace, ceramics, and licitar hearts (colorful traditional cookies).
Internet, Phone, Post, and Health
Internet in Croatia is fast and reliable, even in smaller towns and on many islands. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, hotels, and airports.
The country code is +385, and electrical plugs are European standard (230V).
Local SIM cards (by Hrvatski Telekom, A1, or Telemach) are easy to buy and come with generous data plans.
Postal services are reliable, and health care is high-quality. EU citizens can use their EHIC card, while non-EU visitors should have travel insurance.
Emergency numbers:
Medical/Fire/Police: 112 (universal)
If you like reading stellar travel articles, explore our journal for even more great expert information!
Croatia Tour Information
At Journey Beyond Travel, we get lots of questions all the time about Croatia. We try to keep this list updated so that you can get an understanding about how we run our Croatia tours. We are different from a lot of other tour operators and pride ourselves on our dedicated staff and deep knowledge of the country. Find out how you can customize your tour for a bespoke experience tailored to your travel needs. Read through these common questions we get as our answers may help you decide if we are the best tour operator for you!
Please reach out and send us an email if you have any questions at all!
What kind of tours do you organize?
Island hopping, yacht charters, Game of Thrones tours (Dubrovnik), wine and olive oil tasting, historical tours, national park hikes, diving trips.
What transportation options are available?
Well-developed road system, buses between cities, car ferries to islands. Trains are slower but scenic. Domestic flights connect Zagreb with Split, Dubrovnik, and islands.
Is Croatia safe?
Yes. It’s very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere.
Do I need a visa?
Croatia is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities (EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) can stay for 90 days visa-free.
Is tipping expected?
Yes—round up or tip 5–10% in restaurants, taxis, and hotels.
Best time to visit?
Summer (June–August) for beach holidays and island fun
Spring and fall for sightseeing and fewer crowds
Winter is quiet except for Zagreb’s award-winning Christmas market
Can I drink tap water?
Yes, tap water is safe and clean throughout Croatia.
JBT World Collection Testimonials
Read what our clients are saying about our tours. We work endlessly to ensure that those who travel with our team have an unparalleled experience. Take a look at the reviews of our private trips. And, if you’d like to talk to one of our past travelers, just let us know!
“Our Spain journey with JBT was even better than we imagined, the perfect complement to our Morocco adventure. From seamless planning in Madrid to Andalusia’s beauty, every detail was cared for. We adored our city guides, and our driver Jebril welcomed us into his home for a delicious couscous meal — a memory we’ll treasure forever. The special touches from Amina and Lucas, from homemade gifts to sharing lunch together, made us feel like family. Truly, it was one of the best trips of our lives, and we can’t wait to explore more of the world with JBT!”
The Durants
“Our Italy trip with JBT was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment Alexei crafted our detailed, personalized itinerary — even pulling off a last-minute hot air balloon ride for my niece — we knew we were in the best hands. Each day was filled with extraordinary experiences, from private tours of Rome and Florence’s greatest treasures to a pasta-making class and a Chianti winery lunch. Our guides were exceptional, our hotels perfectly located and welcoming, and every driver and detail seamless. JBT once again exceeded my expectations, and I wouldn’t hesitate to turn to them for future adventures anywhere in the world!”
Judy F.
“Our Japan adventure with JBT was nothing short of epic! The itinerary was so thoughtfully designed — from a serene start in Hakone to the journey through ancient traditions and modern wonders — and the variety of lodging, from ryokans to a Kyoto townhouse to a glamping tent, made it truly unforgettable. The train instructions were flawless, and having Yuka as our guide and new friend was a gift. After two incredible journeys with JBT, we can honestly say you are the best!”
Kelley and Steve
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