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Travel advice for Croatia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Croatia
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Robin McKelvie
updated 20.08.2021
Watching Games of Thrones you could be forgiven for thinking that the hulking walls and rugged fortresses of King’s Landing must have been conjured up on a computer. The truth is that Dubrovnik, once a mighty city state that held both the Venetians and Ottomans at bay, is that spectacular. I arrive in this ancient city determined to not just stroll around the Game of Thrones trail, but instead hike, kayak and bash around in a speedboat seeking out my own King’s Landing adventures.
16 days / from5341 USD
Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2800 USD
Sailing Croatia
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2349 USD
Southern Pearls
This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.
view tour ⤍12 days / from3074 USD
Gourmet Tour
You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.
view tour ⤍11 days / from5176 USD
Culinary Secrets of Croatia
This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.
view tour ⤍13 days / from3182 USD
Balkan Extended
The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.
view tour ⤍11 days / from2703 USD
Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia
Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.
view tour ⤍8 days / from3532 USD
Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island
Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2131 USD
The Ultimate Croatian Adventure
This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2551 USD
Dalmatian Honeymoon
This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2593 USD
Balkan & Adriatic
The most relaxing Balkan & Adriatic tour! This trip is for travellers who are interested in visiting different locations in the Balkans but prefer a comfortable way of travelling. Get to know parts of Serbia, Montenegro and the beautiful towns of Croatia, all while travelling at a slow pace.
view tour ⤍12 days / from4577 USD
Croatia and Slovenia: An Adriatic Adventure
This expansive trip celebrates the splendour of Croatia and Slovenia, with their wondrous hilltop towns and stunning cities, such as Dubrovnik, Ljubljana and Split. Experience the wine and olive oil-making traditions of these two countries, and go truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2442 USD
The Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Combine the highlights of neighboring countries Croatia and Slovenia on this self drive trip. Explore Dubrovnik, Plitivce Lakes, Zadar and Zagreb in Croatia before heading out to see Lake Bled and Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Make stops along the way and soak in the culture, food and history.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2376 USD
Adriatic Roadtrip from Istria to Dalmatia
Croatia from North to South - start your trip in Rovinj, a town close to the Italian border with a lovely medieval port. Pick up your rental car and make your way through Croatia's inland with Plitvice Lakes and further down to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Nature, culture and adventure await!
view tour ⤍7 days / from1036 USD
An active trip to authentic Hvar
Meet an entirely different Hvar, discover its hidden corners, learn about the local food and wine production and day-to-day life of a typical island family. Easy hikes will allow you to experience the island with a local, through many vineyards, olive groves and dense pine forests.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1521 USD
Wine & Adventure in Croatia
Land in Dubrovnik and explore the city on a guided tour before basing yourself in Split for the remainder of your trip. Explore the surroundings in your rental car, including Krka National Park, rafting on the Cetina river, Zadar, a special wine tasting, kayaking and more.
view tour ⤍10 days / from3695 USD
Highlights of Croatia Trip: Zagreb, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik
Discover Croatia, with its fascinating history and glistening Adriatic coast. Your adventure begins in the capital, Zagreb, before moving on to Split, via the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Continue to the beautiful Hvar Island, before ending your trip in dazzling Dubrovnik, 'the Pearl of the Adriatic'.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2987 USD
Nature & Culture
Inspired by timeless natural and cultural landmarks of the area, this trip is taking you through the highlights of Croatia, Southern part of Bosnia & Herzegovina and coastal Montenegro.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2724 USD
The Pearl of the Adriatic - Dubrovnik
Stay in a beautiful hotel in Dubrovnik and take day tours, either in small groups or privately guided, all throughout Dalmatia. Visit vineyards, hidden bays, islands, a stint to neighboring Montenegro and more. Ideal for those hating to unpack and pack again, discover on day tours.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1472 USD
Croatia Game of Thrones and Highlights
Discover the lakes and waterfalls of forested parks that are Croatia Game of Thrones locations, before exploring medieval walled Trogir and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Ancient fortresses on the stunning Makarska coastline await en route to dramatic Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island monastery ruins.
view tour ⤍11 days / from2572 USD
Feel & Taste Dalmatia
This trip is inspired by the traditional Dalmatian lifestyle, including some of the most amazing and dream-like Croatian islands. It is tailored for people who wish to take a break from everyday life, get a genuine insight into the local culture and taste local products.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2212 USD
Balkan Essentials
The Balkans are stunning and you will have a chance to experience their beauty during this 10 day-multiple country trip. Feel the welcoming vibe of Belgrade, visit Kotor, Europe's unmissable town, walk down the famous Bridge on Drina and observe stunning Plitvice Lakes.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1988 USD
Explore the Balkans
Enjoy the sights of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia in one trip - the best of the Balkans! Stroll through the old towns, marvel at the historic buildings and stunning natural landscapes as you make your way through these four interesting countries.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1831 USD
Treasures of Slovenia
This trip will take you around a rather small country that is Slovenia, yet a place full of natural wonders, cultural landmarks and delicious foods. In 7 days, you will go from Europe-worthy capital of Ljubljana, along a charming part of the Slovenian Adriatic coast all the way across the Alps.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3216 USD
Sailing across Dalmatia
With some of the most exciting islands, pristine Adriatic sea waters, intoxicating lagoons, bays and inlets, charming and historical coastal towns, rich culture, delicious food, and easy-going locals, Dalmatia is easily one of the most valuable and desirable regions of Croatia.
view tour ⤍To Game of Thrones fans Dubrovnik is King’s Landing. Rugged limestone crags rise precipitously to the rear while the sparkling sheen of the Adriatic shimmers on the other flank. In between lies the perfectly preserved baroque UNESCO World Heritage listed old walled city that Lord Byron once eulogised as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. There are Game of Thrones guided tours, and the local tourist office even publishes a map that herds devotees of the adventures of the Targaryens, the Baratheons and the Starks around the city.
The best place to take in King’s Landing is from Mount Srđ. The old Napoleonic-era fort that stares down from its lofty perch proved critical to the survival of the city in the early 1990s when real life warfare came to Dubrovnik. A glitzy cable car now whizzes the cruise ship crowds up to the slick cafe at the top, but instead I get on my hiking boots and strike on up the hillside on a winding trail used by citizens of the city for centuries.
For more ideas for your holiday in Dubrovnik, explore our guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
The effort of hiking up Srđ is worth it as the views that open up en route are like my own TV series, each one more dramatic than the last, urging me to push on. At the summit the old city unfurls below like one of the exotic Oriental carpets that were once traded through Dubrovnik when it was a key hub on the Silk Route. King’s Landing, the very heart of Westeros, spreads before me and I search for the series locations.
Just outside the chunk of city walls I can make out Lovrijenac Fortress – the daunting eleventh-century castle tower that has spiced up scenes in its role as the Red Keep. I peer over baleful Blackwater Bay as I lose myself in visions of evil King Joffrey. In the distance I can also make out Hotel Belvedere. Once one of the city’s finest hotels, it has lain a derelict shell since forming the last line of Dubrovnik’s defence in 1991. Its sweeping terrace has served as a key battle scene.
Book your own Game of Thrones tour in Croatia with Rough Guides Trips – get in touch today!
Back down in the old city I sweep up on to the historic walls, which drape all the way around Dubrovnik. I could have taken an audio guide to fill me in on the rich story of the old Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik’s former name), but instead I battle on around the grand bastions on the 2km hike with only my imagination for company. It is these very walls that were attacked after all by the Baratheons. Finally I reach the highest point, the Minceta Tower, where Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen sought the entrance of the House of the Undying.
I end my first day reclining at the Buza Bar, a little bar in the city walls (buza means 'hole' in Croatian), where I meet a local kayak guide, Damien. He is well aware of the Game of Thrones connection. “It’s a bit weird. We’re used to the cruise ships, but this is something new. I’ve not seen Game of Thrones, but it is kind of cool to feel like we are living every day in a movie!”, he jokes. You may want to book such kayak guide to Lokrum Island and around the city walls.
The next day it is time to take in King’s Landing from a totally different perspective, as I besiege it from the water. In the old town’s polished marble streets it is easy to forget that the hulking city walls were not a confection made just to please Hollywood. For centuries they protected Ragusa, whose motto was “Liberty must not be sold for all the gold in the world”. They were never breached and from kayak height Bokar Fortress surges skywards in a sweep that stirs vertigo in me. This was where Tyrion and Lord Varys planned the defence of King's Landing in season two. I’m glad Damien and I don’t have to tackle the walls in anger.
Turning away from the old city we paddle across the choppy channel to the island of Lokrum. This uninhabited isle – whose monastery was long ago abandoned – is a world away from Dubrovnik. There are no roads, and no other people for that matter in the cool of the early morning. Lokrum is also home to another world in Game of Thrones as Qarth.
My last adventure is on a speedboat. I bash a few miles offshore where the drama of Dubrovnik unfolds as strikingly as anything in Game of Thrones. A storm is starting to rumble in from Bosnia over the top of Srđ and Dubrovnik’s mighty walls, towers and buttresses brood against a slate grey sky. The cruise ships are pulling anchor, leaving me to power back and explore the quieter streets of King’s Landing long after the guided themed tours have finished for the day.
Robin stayed in A19 Hedera apartment, which has a sweeping terrace overlooking King’s Landing.
You can also find some attractive accomodation options in our guide to the best places to stay in Dubrovnik.
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Top image © Lukas Walter/Shutterstock
written by Robin McKelvie
updated 20.08.2021
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