Destination: Croatia

Croatia tours for seniors

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across the Croatia and beyond. We explore Croatia’s incredible natural beauty, its ancient Roman heritage, World Heritage Sites, and fascinating cities, with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Croatia, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like minded people. Continues below

Croatia Tours

Hand crafted tours for Mature World Travellers

History of Croatia

19 days

Aug

History of Croatia small group tours for senior travellers

Visiting Croatia

Spend 19 days touring Croatia, starting in Zagreb then travel south following the coast, where trade and the influences of the outside world made its mark. Travelling with like minded people in our small group we will explore the country in depth with great local guides and stay in key historical area such as Porec, Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

From A$14,295 AUD

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Balkans History, 4 countries, escorted small group tour

19 days

Sep

Balkans escorted small group tour

Visiting Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia

An 19 day small group tour tour takes you deep into the the Balkan Peninsula. Starting in Dubrovnik, travel through Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia and Albania before returning to Dubrovnik.

From A$12,650 AUD

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Venice, Italy

27 days

Dec

European Cities Small Group History and Cultural Winter Tour

Visiting Albania, Croatia

An escorted tour A Journey that commences in Rome and takes in 12 destinations along its journey to Athens. This is an off season small group journey with like minded people. A small group tour across Southern Europe with local guides sharing authentic in-country authentic experiences for mature couples and solo travellers.

From A$17,295 AUD

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Houses in Amsterdam The Netherlands

75 days

May, Aug, Apr

Grand tour of Europe

Visiting Austria, Belgium, Croatia

For the senior couple or mature solo traveler seeking a small group educational tour focussed on exploring and learning with like minded people in Europe.

From A$47,275 AUD

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The main attraction of Croatia is undeniably its stunning coastline. With isolated island resorts, vivid blue and green water, and secluded sandy beaches, it sometimes seems like Croatia‘s Dalmatian coast was designed purposefully to provide the ideal lazy vacation. Yet Croatia isn’t just beach leisure: its long history as a cultural crossroads between Venice and Istanbul means that the landscape is dotted with Byzantine and Venetian architecture. Head inland on your Croatia tour for equally world-class scenery in the lakes and mountains of Plitvice National Park. And wherever you go, you’re sure to encounter traditional Croatian hospitality – which, happily, often translates to generous serves of local cooking. Though Croatian food is often simple and homestyle, the quality of local produce means that it is always delicious. With a knowledgeable tour guide on our small group tours Croatia 2020 for senior or mature couples & the solo traveller, you can spend time exploring and learning about the destinations of Croatia, Europe.A trip to the Dalmatian coast on the east shore Adriatic sea is an unbeatable main attraction for small group tours Croatia 2020. Dramatic limestone cliffs, stunning beaches, and the clearest water in the world all cover the glimmering coastline. Particular highlights on the Dalmatian coast include the appealing Dalmatian island of Korcula with its medieval squares and secret beaches, the island of Hvar famous for wine tasting, the stunning architecture and sculptural detail of the old town in Dubrovnik, the impressive Roman ruins in the big city Split, and the historic towns Trogir and Zadar.

While many choose to enjoy their trip solely on a Croatia sailing tour, venturing inland reveals just as many incredible sites waiting to be explored. A walking tour of Zagreb is especially impressive. Stroll through the dimly lit narrow cobblestone streets of the Upper Town past red-roofed neo-baroque and art deco buildings, iconic churches, galleries, and many many museums (more per square foot than in any other city in the world). Or sit back at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants for a delicious Croatian dish.

Inland Croatia also hosts numerous stunning national parks. A guided tour with Odyssey Traveller visits the captivating terraced lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Plitvice National Park, southwest of Zagreb. The National Park covers a total area of 300 square kilometres, set in deep woodland populated by deer, wolves, boars and rare bird species, with lakes joining together over eight kilometres.

Articles

Secret Venice

Venice and its Merchants

An article that takes you on a journey to Venice in the Middle Ages and beyond. The famous merchants of 'La Serenissima' who dominated this medieval powerhouse for hundreds of years. Learn before joining one of the small group tours for mature and senior travellers couples and solo travellers to Venice and many other destinations in Italy.

5 Nov 21 · 17 mins read
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Discovering Croatia's History

Discovering Croatia's History

Discovering Croatia’s History: From the State of Illyria to Croatia as an Independent State Croatia’s long history and natural beauty lure tourists from all over the world. Croatia has a very long history. Human presence in…

3 Oct 18 · 10 mins read
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Stari Most in the city of Mostar

The Balkans: The Influence of the Land on its People

The Human History of the Balkans The aptly-named Balkan region comes from the Turkish word for “mountain“. It was so named because of the vast number and expanse of the mountain ranges that have been…

18 Jun 19 · 8 mins read
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Opatija Croatia

A history of medieval Croatia: The Definitive Guide

The ‘unfaithful Croats’: A history of medieval Croatia. When you think of Croatia, what comes to mind? For many travellers it’s a series of vivid colours: the blue of the Adriatic, the yellow beaches of…

13 Aug 19 · 8 mins read
Read Article

Touring Croatia

The need to know

Getting around

Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Croatia is well-served by an extensive bus network, with bus services in almost every town and city. Ferries and catamarans are often the best way of getting around Croatia’s numerous islands off the coast. Train services are somewhat limited due to the mountainous landscape, with the country’s train network largely restricted to the country’s northern areas.

Accommodation

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our long stay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

Tour guides

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Geography, environment and weather

Croatia lies on the Adriatic coast, and covers an area of 56,594 square kilometres. The topography of Croatia consists of flat plains to the east and north, and mountainous terrain towards the west and southern coast. Croatia is 1,777.3 kilometres long, with 1,246 islands and islets scattered across the coast, while Croatia’s highest point is Dinara mountain at 1,831 metres.

Croatia has a continental climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Seasonal precipitation can be high in some areas, so check the weather reports and prepare accordingly depending on when you intend to travel.

World Heritage sites

Croatia has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can view the official list of the sites here (https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/hr). A few notable heritage sites include:

  • Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards, featuring elaborate carvings and gravestone decorations
  • Stari Grad Plain, an agricultural and cultural landscape on the island.
  • Hvar that preserves the agricultural practices of ancient Greek colonists from the 4th century BCE
  • Diocletian’s Palace in Split, one of the best remaining sites of Roman architecture in the world

Festivals & Events

Numerous festivals and events dot the calendar in Croatia. The Festival of St Blaise has been held in Dubrovnik continously since the year 972 AD. Held in honour of Saint Blaise, the patron of Dubrovnik, the festival features costumed parades and relgious blessings as the people of Dubrovnik give thanks to Saint Blaise. One of Croatia’s more striking cultural events is the Moreška, a traditional sword dance performed on the island of Korčula. Featuring elaborate costumes and thrilling sword fights, the performances are themed around the battles between two warring kings over a veiled young woman. Other events include the mid-year Vinistra exhibition in Porec, which showcases the fine wines and spirits of the region, and the Pula Film Festival, which has screened films every year since 1954 at the iconic Roman ampitheatre of Pula (Pula Arena).

Reading list

  • A Traveller’s History of Croatia, by Benjamin Curtis
  • Under a Croatian Sun, by Anthony Stancomb
  • Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History, by Robert D. Kaplan
  • A Taste of Croatia: Savoring the Food, People, and Traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, by Karen Evenden
  • Running Away to Home, by Jennifer Wilson

Eating & Drinking

Regional influences have a heavy bearing on Croatian food – Slavic, Hungarian and Turkish influences characterise food to the inland areas to the north and east, while Greek and Italian influences colour the seafood-heavy cuisine of the coastal Dalmatian and Istrian regions. Black risotto is a dish popular all over Croatia’s coastline; this Croatian take on risotto is made from rice, cuttlefish, onion, garlic, red wine, and olive oil, and is coloured black by cuttlefish ink. Other dishes from Croatia’s coastal regions include grilled fish, grilled sardines and octopus salad. Further inland, stews and soups are more commonly found, such as duvec, a hearty tomato and meat-based vegetable stew. Beverages popularly consumed in Croatia include beer, wine and rakija (fruit brandy), which comes in many different varieties.

Health and Safety

Generally speaking, Croatia is safe to travel in, though always exercise common sense while travelling.

Electrical Supply

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. Croatia’s electricity supply runs at 230V and 50Hz. Croatia uses both the Type C and Type F electric plugs, so make sure you have the right travel adaptor with you.

Tour Reviews

It is hard to believe that such a small country can contain so much dramatic scenery. Icecaps and glaciers, huge waterfalls, volcanos and hot bubbling mud, and those wonderful fjords and high mountain passes

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

Our guide Filiz was wonderful, very well informed, historical insights very helpful, her care for our well being exceptional. Could not have wished for a better tour leader.

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

Every day was different with so much to see and do. Volcanoes, craters (including the pseudo ones), bubbling mud pools, and the active Strokkur Geyser, the bird life, black sand beaches, and those beautiful Icelandic horses. The time flew by...

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

I was impressed by the number of places we visited. It was a very full itinerary which I like. We saw things of interest every day. I see no fault with the tour.

Participant 2017

Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour

The geographical wonders offered by Iceland and Greenland left me in awe. The grandeur and spectacle of the countryside is breathtaking. Our leader (Rob) was excellent: well-researched, friendly, organized and good-humoured.

Participant 2017

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

The country was apparently calm and safe. People were friendly and helpful. Such a pity there has been such a down turn in tourism. Ros & Tony S. Sep '17

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

We felt safe in Turkey and found the people friendly and helpful. Prices were excellent and the food almost universally magnificent. There is so much to see in the natural and built environment and the wonderful archaeological sites. It is sad to see the ordinary people and businesses suffering from the lack of tourists. Mary B. Sep '17

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

Our guide was a great ambassador for his country, wide knowledge of literature, history, customs, industry, fishing - also a perceptive and sensitive person who inter-acted so willingly with all of us!

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

FAQs

What time zone is Croatia in?

Croatia has a single time zone, Central European Time (UTC+1). Daylight savings begin on the last Sunday of March and conclude on the last Sunday of October

Is tipping customary in Croatia?

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services. Generally speaking, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service, with 10-20 kuna common for hotel staff and tour guides, and a 10% gratuity when paying the bill at restaurants.

What is internet access like in Croatia?

Wifi should be available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants when travelling in Croatia

Can I use my mobile phone in Croatia?

Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Croatia. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.

Articles about Croatia published by Odyssey Traveller:

The ‘unfaithful Croats’: A history of medieval Croatia.

Discovering Croatia’s History.

The Balkans: The influence of the land on its people.

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Croatia:

The Telegraph: 28 Reasons to go to Croatia.

Five Reasons to Love Istria.

‘Hidden Charms’: Your Guide to Zagreb

Responsible travel tips for Croatia

  • Learn at least the local greetings to break the ice. Although many locals speak English, the more you know of the native language, the greater your experience of the country will be.
  • Carry a business card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
  • Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
  • When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Museums and galleries are often closed on Mondays. Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
  • Consider contacting your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious. Also, check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.
  • Before departing, make sure you have a number of Kuna in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.

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