arrow_back

14 Day itinerary in Croatia, Europe

From Zagreb to Athens private tour

Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Central Europe and the Balkans, Croatia has it all, from beautifully preserved medieval cities to the stunning natural wonders. The country includes seven World Heritage sites and eight national parks. Visit Serbia and its vivid capital Belgrade and s... Read More

1 / 15
All Photos
TinaMilly

By Tina and Milly

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Zagreb

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Meet local people

Culture & History

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Enjoy the magical beauty of the spectacular Plitvice Lakes

2

Visit the House of Flowers, Tito's mausoleum and burial place in Belgrade

3

Admire amazing Athens, the heart of Ancient Greece and its powerful civilization

4

Listen to the clear sounds in the theater of Epidaurus and a enjoy Greek music

Itinerary

4- star hotels expand_more

Day 1

place Welcome to Zagreb and Croatia!

Arrival to Zagreb, private transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel. If you have some spare time, visit Zagreb 360°, the Zagreb Eye viewpoint (payment on the spot) which is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Zagreb. It is located in Ban Jelačić Square on the 16th floor at the very top of the Zagreb skyscraper, where you will have a view of Ban Jelačić Square, Manduševac, Kaptol, Gradec, the Upper and the Lower Town, squares, streets and parks. You can continue your walk through the city centre by having a cup of coffee or a cake in the relaxed atmosphere of the terraces in Flower Square (Cvjetni trg) and the nearby streets. Overnight.

Day 2

place City tour of Zagreb and excursion to Croatian Hinterland

Breakfast. Sightseeing of Zagreb featuring Upper Town, the historical center of the city, The Stone Gate, Church of St. Mark with the famed multicolored roof, the Cathedral (from the outside). Zagreb also has a colourful “belly” – the market of Dolac, the largest and the most known of the 28 city markets. In the early afternoon excursion to Croatian Hinterland (Hrvatsko zagorje). After lunch at Grešna Gorica visit to Trakošćan Castle, one of the most attractive Croatian castles. Standing upon a hill and overlooking a small lake, this 13th-century castle hosts a museum with historic artefacts ranging from medieval to baroque. Return to Zagreb, overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

place Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes National Park – Zagreb

After breakfast, departure towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, the most famous Croatian national park, registered on the UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites. The park is a magical world of lakes, waterfalls, moss and forests. A sightseeing walking tour includes a boat ride and allows you to experience first-hand the magical beauty of the lakes and waterfalls, each spectacular in its own right. (Electric boats and panoramic train rides are subject to weather conditions). Lunch on your own. Nestled in the embrace of the surrounding wooded mountains are sixteen smaller and larger crystal turquoise lakes, Plitvice Lakes are interconnected by foaming cascades and deep falls. The park includes the headwaters of the Korana River in an area surrounded by dense forests and is additionally ornamented by several caves, springs and flower-filled meadows, which show the vast diversity of flora and fauna in the national park. Return to Zagreb. Dinner at a national restaurant. Overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

place Zagreb – Osijek

After breakfast, leave Zagreb for Osijek. Upon arrival, you’ll meet with your private guide for a walking sightseeing tour of Osijek. You shall hear interesting historic tales about the Roman colony of Osijek, the long Ottoman period when the Turks constructed a wooden bridge to cross the marshlands on their way to conquer Vienna. With its watchtowers and rest stations, the bridge became one of the eight wonders of European engineering. Continue your walk to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and walk back to the Fortress (Tvrđa). After the sightseeing tour, you will head to a lovely restaurant for a typical Slavonian meal. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

place Osijek – Baranja – visit of the ethno village Karanac – Osijek

After breakfast, departure to Beli Manastir to visit the Ethnological Centre of Baranja’s Heritage, which presents the cultural heritage of the area in Baranja from the late 19th to early 20th century. The exhibition is based on the unbreakable bond between people of Baranja and their natural environment of Baranja’s fields, wetlands, plains and forests, rivers and hills with fertile vineyards. After visiting the Centre, you will head to the ethno village Karanac which is full of typical Slavonian ethno houses, to taste rich gastronomic home-made food. A stroll on and a tour of the lovely ethno village where the most interest will surely be on the “Street of Forgotten Times” where many forgotten crafts are presented (an ancient barbershop, the inn “Under the Pear Tree” with bacon and sausages hanging above the bar, and at the table only Brandy, wine and soda water are served). An earth house, summer kitchen, icehouse and workshops where once pottery, clogs, baskets and barrels were made, as well as carpentry and weaving, will all showcase the times gone by. You will leave the village and head to Banovo Hill surrounded by vineyards: a place to relax and enjoy the unspoiled acres of vineyards. You will then head to a nice wine cellar in the village of Suza for the wonderful Baranja wine tasting. After wine tasting, continue to Batina, a village in the very east of Croatia, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of the beautiful Danube. The Batina Battle Memorial Complex is also located here, erected to commemorate the fierce victorious battles that took place in World War II and resulted in the liberation of the area. The day will be concluded at a nice restaurant in the village of Zmajevac, where typical Slavonian food will be served. Return to Osijek. Overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

place Osijek – Kopački Rit Nature Park – Belgrade

Breakfast and departure to The Kopački Rit Nature Park. Kopački Rit is a water world dominated by two large rivers – the Danube and the Drava, which flows into the former right here. It is one of the most significant and largest wetlands in Europe and is vital for the fish and bird fauna. The wetlands of Kopački Rit are constantly changing throughout the year, depending on the water inflow from the Danube and Drava Rivers. The area must be flooded regularly because Kopački Rit is the largest fish spawning ground in the Danube. The birds in the park are ringed regularly and you can even adopt some of them, such as storks, herons or eagles. The name that you choose for the bird will be inscribed on its ring and you will receive a certificate of adoption. Kopački Rit is inhabited by beavers and otters as well as big game such as deer and boars. Lunch and continuation to Serbia and its capital Belgrade. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7

place Highlights of Belgrade

After breakfast sightseeing tour of the city of Belgrade (by car and on foot). You will have a chance to see the famous Belgrade fortress and Kalemegdan, the new socialism-influenced part of the city, the Temple of St. Sava and other sites. Next will be the visit to the final resting place of Former Yugoslav President Tito's also known as the House of Flowers. Afterwards, you will visit The Museum of Yugoslavia. The House of Flowers is located in the Dedinje city area and serves as a mausoleum for Marshal Josip Broz Tito, lifelong president of the former Yugoslavia. Lunch at the national restaurant. After lunch, you will visit the Military Museum in Kalemegdan, established back in 1878, which at the time was in a different location. The Museum collects, studies and exhibits various objects for military purposes such as arms, uniforms, flags of war and war documentation. Return to the hotel. In the evening dinner in a restaurant with national Serbian cuisine in Skadarlija (accompanied by live music), a bohemian city quarter in central Belgrade. Return to the hotel, overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

place Belgrade – Niš – Skopje

Early breakfast and continuation of the trip to the capital of North Macedonia, the city of Skopje. On the way, you will stop in the Serbian city of Niš for sightseeing. You will visit the Skull Tower, a stone structure embedded with human skulls. It was constructed by the Ottomans following the Battle of Čegar of May 1809, during the First Serbian Uprising. The tower is 4.5 metres high, and originally contained 952 skulls embedded on four sides in 14 rows. Following the Ottomans' withdrawal from Niš in 1878, the tower was roofed over, and a chapel was built around it. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral and take a break at Tinkers Alley also known as Coppersmith alley, an old urban downtown which was built in the first half of the 18th century. It was a street full of tinkers and other crafts, together with craftsmen houses deriving from the Turkish period. Now the street has many cafes and restaurants. Continuation after lunch (on your own) to North Macedonia and its capital Skopje. Check-in at the hotel, dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9

place Skopje – Thessaloniki

Breakfast, check-out and city tour. The Vardar River divides the city of Skopje into two parts: Slavic and Ottoman. Both parts are rich in monuments to be visited: The Stone Bridge, Daut-Pašin Amam (Turkish bath), Feudal Tower, Isa-bey's Mosque, Mustafa-Paša Mosque, Old Skopje Bazaar, Skopsko Kale Fortress, St.Nikita Monastery, St.Spas Church. Whether exploring the many museums, browsing the shops of the old Turkish bazaar or hanging out in a café sipping a macchiato, Skopje will reward the curious in spades. Continue to Greece, the city of Thessaloniki, also known as Salonica. Upon arrival, check-in, dinner at a local restaurant, overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10

place Thessaloniki – Kalambaka

After breakfast and check-out start the panoramic drive around the White Tower, the main landmark of the city, the Galerius Arch, the Rotunda monument, the Old Town (Ano Poli), and the City Walls, from where you will have a marvellous view of the city. Visit Agios Demetrius Byzantine church which is the most important church of Thessaloniki. The most famous of the church is the underground ancient „Crypt“ which was re-discovered after the fire of 1917 and finally restored as a museum. According to the Christian tradition the saint was imprisoned here and died in 303 A.D. Time for lunch on your own. Afterward, you will move to the city of Kalambaka, a small town stated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora. Check-in at the hotel, dinner at a local restaurant, overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11

place Meteora monasteries – Delphi

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Drive to the breathtaking Meteora Monasteries for private sightseeing. The word Meteora literally means ‘hovering in the air’ and, perched on top of huge pinnacles of smooth rock, the monasteries really do seem to be suspended in mid-air. These ancient monasteries date back to the ninth century, when the hermit monks had to reach their secluded and safe retreats by scaling rocks of up to 500 metres using ropes and ladders. Marvel at the beauty of nature from the outside of the monasteries, and on the inside, soak up the spirituality of the place and appreciate exquisite examples of Byzantine art. The stone forest of the Meteora rock formation was once home to 24 monasteries. Sadly, many have been lost over time, but six monasteries still remain in this spiritual and breathtakingly beautiful area, which has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Proceed to Delphi. Check-in at the hotel, dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12

place Visit of Delphi - Arachova – tour of Athens with Acropolis

Breakfast at the hotel and Delphi sightseeing. Visit of the archaeological site and the museum of Delphi, the centre of the earth and symbol of Apollo. Today, it is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. The functions of the oracle grew over the centuries to include athletic games, cultural events, most importantly the Pythian games. The famous oracle of Apollo gave predictions and guidance on important decisions to city-states and individuals from throughout the ancient world. In the 6th century B.C., Delphi was the religious centre and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. The Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Theater, the Stadium, the Athenian Treasury, the Gymnasium, the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia are truly captivating. Continue to Arachova, s a quaint village sitting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Nestled in the heart of nature at an altitude of 950 meters, Arachova boasts a wonderful view of the mountainous landscape. The most interesting sights are the Clock Tower at the entrance of the town and the beautiful church of Agios Georgios. Continuation to Athens. Upon arrival enjoy the private tour of Athens including Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century BC Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entr

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13

place Athens - Corinth Canal - Mycenae - Epidaurus, dinner with live music in Plaka

Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day excursion to Corinth Canal – Mycenae – Epidaurus. The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. The canal was dug through the Isthmus at sea level and has no locks. Mycenae is an archaeological site near Mykines in Argolis, north-eastern Peloponnese. It is located about 120 kilometers southwest of Athens and 48 kilometers south of Corinth. It is best known in mythology as the city of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. King Agamemnon led the expedition against Troy during the Trojan War, which Homer accounted for in his epic poem the Iliad. Around the year 1200 BCE, the Mycenaean civilization showed signs of decline. By 1100 it was extinguished. The palaces were destroyed, and their system of writing, their art, and their way of life was gone. According to Greek legends, they were replaced by half-civilized Dorian invaders from the north. Then you will visit the ancient theatre Epidaurus. Ancient Epidaurus is one of the most important archaeological sites of the country. It was constructed in the late 4th century BC and it was finalized in two stages. Originally, the theatre had 34 rows of limestone seats, divided into 12 sections and it could seat about 6000 persons. It was extended in the 2nd c. BCE with the addition of 21 rows, divided into 22 sections, to double the original seating capacity. The theatre is known also for its amazing acoustic. Free time for lunch on your own. Return to Athens. Dinner at one of the local taverns in Plaka with live music. In the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples, hillside Plaka has a village feel, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes, and local ceramics. Sidewalk cafes and family-run tavernas stay open until late. Nearby, the whitewashed homes of the Anafiotika nei

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14

place Athens – Goodbye Greece

Breakfast and check-out. Time at leisure until private transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (13)
  • Lunch (5)
  • Dinner (8)

Transport expand_less

  • Private transportation during the whole tour, driver, accommodation and costs of the driver, fuel, t
  • Private transfer from the airport in Zagreb to the hotel
  • Private transfer to the airport in Athens

Activities expand_less

  • Guided walking city tour of Zagreb (no entrances), English-speaking guide
  • Full-day sightseeing of Belgrade on Day 7, with transfers, lunch, English-speaking guide
  • Sightseeing of the Serbian city of Niš on Day 8, English-speaking guide
  • Half-day sightseeing of Skopje on Day 9, English-speaking guide included
  • Panoramic drive and sightseeing of Thessaloniki on Day 10, English-speaking guide
  • Visit to Meteora monasteries on Day 11 with entrance fee and English-speaking guide
  • Half-day tour of Delphi, entrance fees, English-speaking guide and visit to Arachova village
  • Half-day tour of Athens, with transfers, entrance fee for Acropolis, English-speaking guide
  • Full-day tour to Corinth Canal-Mycenae-Epidaurus, with transfers, entrance fees, guide
  • Half-day excursion to Croatian Hinterland with transfers and English speaking guide
  • Full-day excursion to the Plitvice Lakes NP with transfers, entrance fees, English speaking guide
  • Walking tour of Osijek with entrance fees and lunch at a local restaurant, English speaking guide
  • Full-day excursion to the region of Baranja on Day 5, transfers, English-speaking guide
  • Half-day excursion to the Kopački rit Nature Park on Day 6 transfers, English-speaking guide

Extras expand_less

  • Visit of Ethno Village Karanac, Banovo Hill, Batina
  • Kopački rit entrance ticket
  • Trip preparation fee
  • VAT

Not Included expand_less

  • International airfare to Zagreb and from Athens
  • Drinks with dinners at hotels or local restaurants
  • Meals, drinks, and services other than those specified in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees other than those specified in the itinerary (payment on sites)
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities (tips are always appreciated but not mandatory)

About Tina

TEAM LEAD

+1 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Cycling

Hiking

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Culture & History

Kayak & Canoe

Nature & Wildlife

Food & Culinary

Water & Coastline

My love for nature and animals is growing every day, and caring for the environment has become an essential item of my nature trips. The simplicity of life is the key to his quality and overall happiness. I want to share that with my clients.

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$5,059.00 USD