Family Trip to Croatia: Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes & Split - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb

Welcome to Zagreb! This gem of a European city is the perfect combination of old and new, with cobbled streets and historic architecture alongside modern shopping, malls, and restaurants. Once your driver has collected you from the airport and deposited you at your hotel, you're free to explore at your own pace.

Start at Maksimir Park, the oldest public park in Zagreb and a popular family hangout. Founded in 1787, the park has been voted as one of Europe's most beautiful and features lots of green space, playgrounds, lakes, and a zoo. The park's lakes are also home to upwards of 300 turtles, thanks in part to people releasing family pets to their freedom! Spend some time letting the kids enjoy all the park has to offer, and you can also stop by a nearby café for a snack or beverage.

This afternoon, visit one of the many museums in the city, such as the War Photography Museum, which hosts a collection of photos from the Balkan Wars, and the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, dedicated to the scientific and technical appliances used in Croatian history. Kids will love the Museum of Illusions, where you'll find interactive exhibits and crazy optical illusions, and teens might enjoy the ever-popular Museum of Broken Relationships, an exhibit that displays collections of personal items that tell the story of relationships that didn't work out. 

Day 2: Transfer to Rovinj, Istria Truffle Hunting

This morning, you'll take a private transfer from Zagreb to the city of Rovinj, a port town that sits on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula. Once you get checked in at your accommodation, you'll be picked up by your guide for a truffle hunting excursion.

The sleepy hills of the Istria region are blanketed with damp and dark woods, the perfect environment—and prime hunting ground—for the elusive truffle. This valuable subterranean fungus has a delicate nutty, mushroomy taste, which makes it a highly-prized delicacy among foodies. Truffles can only be found with the help of trained dogs or domestic pigs, which makes hunting for them even more exciting!

 

This guided three-hour tour takes you to the country house of a seasoned professional wild truffle hunter. The kids will get to meet the dogs who are specially trained to hunt this delicacy, tromping through the forest with them as they search out their fungal prey. After the hunt, you'll return to the house for a lesson in preparing a meal with truffles as the star ingredient, while enjoying local wine, cheeses, and truffle-flavored honey with your hosts. 

Day 3: Free Day in Rovinj, Visit Brijuni National Park

Located on the western coast of Istria, Rovinj has been deemed one of the most romantic places in the Mediterranean, and after walking through the city you'll see why. Step back in time as you stroll the cozy cobblestone streets of the Old Town, making your way to the hilltop cathedral of St. Euphemia, a Baroque church built in the 1700s that overlooks the city. You can also spend some time at Mulini Beach, a large public beach not far from the city center with gentle, shallow waters that are perfect for little ones who don't swim yet, as well as amenities like changing rooms and restaurants. 

For an immersion into nature, visit Brijuni National Park, a string of Adriatic islands located about 12 miles (20 km) from Rovinj. Take a private transfer to Fazana, where you'll hop a ferry to Veli Brijun, the park's largest island. There are multiple walking trails here, as well as bike rentals, or you can make your way straight to the beach. Veli Brijun also has a miniature train that you and the kids can ride through the island's safari park, where, among other animals, you'll see elephants, zebras, ostriches, and peacocks. Later, your driver will collect you from the ferry terminal and transport you back to Rovinj.

Day 4: Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park 

A private transfer awaits this morning to take you on the 3.5-hour drive southeast to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival, stretch your legs after the journey with a self-guided walking tour along the park's winding boardwalks.

This UNESCO-protected area encompasses 74,000 acres, (30,000 ha), with a chain of 16 terraced lakes and more than 90 cascading waterfalls. There are multiple wooden walkways throughout the park, making access easy for smaller children, and they're likely to see fish, birds, and other wildlife. You can choose from eight different walking trails, ranging from three to eight hours in duration, and you can even bring a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. After a day spent in the fresh air of the park, the kids will sleep well as you settle into your local accommodations.

Day 5: Transfer to Split, Guided Walking Tour & Cooking Class

It's off to Split today, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in the historic region of Dalmatia. The city offers a wealth of history and culture, with cobblestone streets, amazing architecture, and endless views of the Adriatic Sea. Like much of Croatia, Split is also a very family-friendly city, so you'll find plenty to do here with the kids.

 

Start with a two-hour guided walking tour. Your guide will take you to the Old Town section, where you'll see sights such as the Cathedral of St. Dominus, built in the fourth century and a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture—be sure to climb the bell tower for amazing views of the city. Then, visit Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world, and Peristyle Square, which includes 3,500-year-old sphinxes from Egypt. Close the tour with a family hike up Marjan Hill, a  beautiful park with green space, benches to rest on, birds and plant life, and a playground for the kids. 

To learn more about Croatian culture this afternoon, try a hands-on cooking class. A professional chef will accompany you and your family to the city's fish and produce markets, where you'll shop for supplies just like a local, sourcing only the freshest ingredients. This is a great way for the kids to experience where foods come from, as they'll see fruits and vegetables straight from the farms, and fish caught just that morning. Afterward, you'll head to the kitchen, and your chef will guide you through each step as you learn the secrets to some of Croatia's most delicious foods, ending with enjoying the meal you just created.

Day 6: Zlatni Rat Beach

Enjoy a beach day at one of Croatia's most gorgeous and unusual beaches: Zlatni Rat. A geographical phenomenon, the beach protrudes over 1,641 feet (500 m) into the Adriatic Sea in a "V" shape, surrounded by deep blue and turquoise water. The shape of the beach changes with the wind and water current, adding to its uniqueness. Head to the harbor in Split and take a ferry or a hired catamaran over to the town of Bol, which is on the island of Brač and about an hour away from Split. From there, it's an easy 20 to 30-minute walk to the beach, or 15 minutes by water taxi. 

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, the beach has plenty of amenities to enjoy. You can rent paddleboards or jet skis, or take the kids out on a wild banana boat ride. There's also a children's bouncy play area/waterpark just offshore, beach volleyball, and a couple of restaurants next to the beach. You may also want to check out the ancient ruins of a Roman villa, hidden in the trees not far from the beach. Head back to Split late this afternoon and enjoy your last evening in the city with dinner at a nearby café, a walk along their promenade known as The Riva, and perhaps an ice cream for the kids.  

Day 7: Depart Split

Your Croatia trip ends today, with your private driver collecting you from your hotel and transporting you to the airport. Safe travels home or to your next destination!