Best Tours and Day Trips from Zagreb

Zagreb is one of the most visited destinations on the Balkan Peninsula and a city that offers a wide variety of attractions, but it is also one of the main places to use as a base for discovering the area around the Croatian capital. From here you can also explore the most emblematic cities of other neighbouring countries, such as Slovenia.

Some of the best things to do in Zagreb include touring the lakes of the surrounding national parks, discovering the most striking Croatian castles, wine tasting in the wine destinations, exploring Croatia's Roman history in the picturesque villages of Istria and sampling the regional cuisine in Plesivica.

If you want to see one of the most popular places in Croatia, a trip to Plitvice and Rastoke from Zagreb is a must. These experiences will allow you to discover the Plitvice lakes that make up a national park that has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Here you will find a natural paradise made up of 16 lakes interconnected by waterfalls and surrounded by lush forests.

The Plitvice Lakes are distinguished by their unmistakable shades of blue and green, which create a captivating landscape for visitors. Here you can explore the trails that wind along the lakes and enjoy panoramic views from strategically placed bridges and viewpoints. In addition, you can also visit Rastoke, known as the Mill Town. This settlement is characterised by its waterfalls and is built on streams.

These tours of Plitvice Lakes National Park will also allow you to discover the biodiversity of the local flora and fauna that have made this destination one of the most popular and visited natural sites in Croatia.

Useful details

• Price: approximately 85 euros per person.
• Duration: about 10 hours.

One of the best alternatives to Zagreb, due to its Mediterranean geography, is to visit the nearby cities including Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This destination will captivate you with its historical and architectural charm, which includes the old town with the Ljubljana Castle, its famous cobbled alleys, baroque buildings and squares where you can find cafes and small restaurants.

In addition, these experiences, which include a guided tour of the city's main sights, also include Lake Bled, which frames Bled Castle on top of a surrounding hill and is one of the most photographed sites in the Balkans due to its central island that houses the Church of the Assumption. There you can embark on the traditional pletnas, wooden barges that will take you out for panoramic views of the lake.

These excursions, then, will take you to discover two of the most beautiful places on the Balkan Peninsula, where you can take some of the best photographs of your trip and discover the contrasts between the bustling city life of Ljubljana and the natural landscapes around the Slovenian capital.

Useful details

• Price: approximately 115 euros per person.
• Duration: between 10 and 11 hours.

The surroundings of Zagreb hide a medieval charm and one of the best ways to discover this profile is to take part in a tour of the most representative castles of the region, which will take you to visit Sveti Kriz Zacretje and Trakoscan. Just a few hours from the Croatian capital, Sveti Kriz Zacretje sits atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The castle, built in the 13th century, has witnessed several historical epochs and has undergone several architectural transformations. It is also one of the few Croatian castles that you can explore inside, where you will find halls decorated with period furniture and discover the intriguing history of its former owners during the Middle Ages.

At Trakoscan Castle you can learn about the romantic architecture of the late medieval period and find a museum that houses exhibits of art, armour and furniture from the Middle Ag es. During these tours you will also have time to stroll through the well-preserved gardens of this monumental building.

Finally, on these excursions you can also take part in a wine tasting experience that will allow you to discover the wine culture of the region and also several of its culinary specialities.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 181 euros per person.
• Duration: about 8 hours.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: these experiences do not include a tour of the villages around the castles.

If you want to discover Croatia's coastal beauty, a trip from Zagreb to Pula and Rovinj is a must. Located approximately 3 hours' drive from the capital, Pula is known for its Roman amphitheatre, the Arena of Pula, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built in the 1st century, this coliseum is a testament to the region's Roman past and you can explore its galleries and arches.

Rovinj is a picturesque seaside town with narrow cobbled streets, colourful facades and the baroque Church of St. Euphemia, flanked by art galleries and restaurants overlooking the Adriatic Sea. In addition, Rovinj's harbour is home to fishing boats and traditional ships that bring back the harbour spirit of this destination.

These experiences will allow you to discover Istria's historic architecture and panoramic platforms to discover the best views of the sea. They will also take you on a full-day tour of some of Croatia's most beautiful landscapes.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 207 euros per person.
• Duration: about 12 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: if you plan to visit Croatia during the summer or during the warmer months of the year you will be able to take a swim off the Istrian coast.

One of the best ways to get to know an alternative profile of Zagreb's surroundings is to take part in a food and wine tour of Plesivica. These experiences will lead you to discover the exceptional flavours of the region and immerse yourself in the Croatian wine tradition.

Typically, these tours will include a stop in Samobor, a town located about 1.5 hours from Zagreb that is popular for kremsnite, cream-filled pastries that are considered a Croatian delicacy. In the streets of Samobor you can explore the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of the region.

You can also visit the Plesivica vineyards, known for producing exceptional wines in the hills near Zagreb. The predominant grape varieties in this region are mainly white grapes, such as grasevina, riesling and chardonnay, which thrive in the moderate continental climate typical of the area's soils. These vineyards also offer panoramic views and guided tours to learn how the beverage is produced and bottled.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 290 euros per person.
• Duration: about 8 hours.
• Disadvantages of these tours: during the winter or rainy seasons the panoramic views of the region may be affected by the weather.

You can book any of these tours from Zagreb in advance or book them once you are in the city.

Please note that if you plan to visit the Croatian capital during the summer or high season months, tour locations may sell out or suffer a price increase due to last minute bookings, so it is advisable to book them in advance of your trip.

On the other hand, booking in advance will allow you to organise an itinerary for your trip. Keep in mind that most of these excursions are full-day tours, so if you plan to book a guided tour of Zagreb during a short stay in the city, it is best to organise an itinerary to combine sightseeing around the city with a visit to the Croatian capital.

This type of excursion will allow you to explore many facets of Croatia's cultural, historical and natural heritage, especially if you choose to book a tour to Plitvice and Rastoke Lakes. Here you can not only discover the beauty of the tributaries, waterfalls and forests just outside Zagreb, but also get to know some of the most picturesque villages in the surrounding area.

Excursions to Ljubljana and Lake Bled will immerse you in the vibrant city life of the Slovenian capital and you will marvel at the serenity of Lake Bled and its namesake village.

All of these experiences will also help you discover the Mediterranean charm of the Croatian coastline and its Roman heritage.

Most excursions from Zagreb are full day trips, so I advise you to research and choose your destinations carefully and also take into account the following recommendations:

• Analyse distances: although many destinations are within a few hours' drive from Zagreb, it is crucial to calculate the time needed to avoid rushing. Also consider that organised tours will offer comfort and a guided experience.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: if you plan to explore natural areas on an adventure tour, make sure you are prepared for weather changes with seasonal clothing, as booking a tour of Zagreb's castles in summer is not the same as booking a tour of Zagreb's castles in winter.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture: Zagreb offers a complete experience, so try the regional cuisine, interact with the locals and take advantage of opportunities to learn about Croatian history and traditions.

Taking a guided tour from Zagreb offers a number of significant advantages over exploring these sites on your own:

• Take advantage of specialised guides: the guides are experts in the history, legends and specifics of each destination, so your experience will feature insights into Croatian culture that you might miss on an independent tour.
• Optimise your tour: the convenience and efficiency of guided itineraries will allow you to visit multiple destinations in a single day, avoiding logistical worries. This allows you to book a tour to Ljubljana and Bled from Zagreb or to Plitvice Lakes without having to worry about delays and transfers.
• Enjoy a safe experience: Experienced guides not only know the best sites, but can also provide assistance in case of any unforeseen events, giving you peace of mind during the tour.
• Get priority access: guided tours often include exclusive entry to certain sites, activities or experiences, giving participants a privileged perspective and unique opportunities. By choosing a guided tour from Zagreb, you can enjoy a more complete experience.