8 Best Tours and Day Trips from Zagreb

Zagreb is one of the most visited destinations in the Balkan Peninsula and a city that offers a great variety of attractions, but it is also one of the main places to use as a base to discover the surroundings of the Croatian capital. From there you can also visit the most emblematic cities of other neighboring 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 get to know one of the most popular places in Croatia, you can't miss an excursion to Plitvice and Rastoke from Zagreb. These experiences will allow you to discover the Plitvice lakes that make up a national park that was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. There you will find a natural paradise composed 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. There 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 characterized by its waterfalls and by being built on water streams.

Also, these tours in Plitvice Lakes National Park will 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.

Interesting details

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

One of the best alternatives that Zagreb will offer you, due to its Mediterranean geography, is to visit the nearby cities among which is 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 cobblestone alleys, baroque buildings and squares where you can find cafes and small restaurants.

Also, in these experiences that include a guided tour of the main points of the city, you can also visit Lake Bled, which frames the 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 to contemplate the panoramic views of the lake.

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

Details of interest

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

Discover the magic of Zagreb on this guided walking tour of the old town. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will walk through its streets full of history and learn how the city has evolved from the Middle Ages to the present day. This tour is perfect for those who want to understand the Croatian identity while enjoying the architecture, culture and curious legends of the capital.

During the tour, you will visit iconic sites such as Ban Jelačić Square, the heart of the city, the Zagreb Cathedral, one of the tallest in Croatia, and the picturesque St. Mark's Church, with its characteristic colorful tiled roof. You will also discover lesser-known corners, such as the Blood Bridge, which hides a dark episode of local history.

In addition to history, the tour will give you an insight into Zagreb's vibrant daily life, from its markets and cafes to its squares filled with street performers. It is an ideal experience for first-time visitors who want a complete introduction to the city's past and present.

Details of interest

This tour about the Croatian War will take you to learn about one of the most recent and shocking chapters of the country's history. Through the stories of a specialized guide, you will understand how the conflict unfolded and how it affected the people of Zagreb and the rest of Croatia on their way to independence.

Along the tour, you will visit key sites such as the Grič Tunnel, used as a shelter during the war, and Ban Jelačić Square, where important demonstrations took place. You will also learn about the Museum of Broken Relationships, which houses personal stories from the era and offers an intimate look at the effects of the conflict on the lives of Croatians.

This tour is a unique opportunity to better understand Croatia's recent history from a local perspective. It will also allow you to see Zagreb through different eyes, learning about the changes and transformations the city has undergone from the war to the present day.

Details of interest

Exploring Zagreb by bike is one of the most fun and dynamic ways to get to know the city. This bike tour will allow you to ride through its streets and parks accompanied by a local guide, discovering both the main tourist spots and some lesser-known corners. It is an ideal option for those who are looking for a different experience, away from the conventional walking tours.

The itinerary includes stops at iconic places such as Ban Jelačić Square, the Kaptol neighborhood and Zrinjevac Park, where you can admire the architecture and history of Zagreb while enjoying a relaxed stroll. You will also ride through the lower part of the city, with wide avenues and green areas, perfect for leisurely pedaling.

You don't need any previous experience, as the route is designed for all levels and the guide will adapt to the group's pace. It is also a great way to make the most of your time in Zagreb and get to know the city from a more active and ecological perspective.

Interesting details

The surroundings of Zagreb hide a medieval charm and one of the best ways to discover this profile is to participate 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.

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

Finally, during these excursions you can also participate in a wine tasting experience that will allow you to discover the wine culture of the region and also several of its culinary specialties.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 181 euros per person.
• Duration: about 8 hours.

If you are a lover of good food, this gastronomic tour of Zagreb is the perfect opportunity to discover the most authentic flavors of Croatia. Accompanied by a local guide, you will tour the old town in a small group and taste five traditional Croatian dishes, paired with typical drinks of the region.

The tour will take you to the best Croatian restaurants and eateries, where you will taste delicacies such as burek, a meat-filled pie, and the famous strukli, a fresh cheese cake. You will also visit the Dolac farmers' market, the largest in Zagreb, where you can sample fresh ingredients, observe the vibrant local life and enjoy an atmosphere full of color and tradition.

Interesting details

If you want to discover the coastal beauty of Croatia, you can't miss an excursion from Zagreb to Pula and Rovinj. Located about 3 hours drive from the capital, Pula is known for its Roman amphitheater, the Arena of Pula, one of the best preserved arenas of its kind in the world. This coliseum, built in the 1st century, is a testament to the region's Roman past and you can explore its galleries and arches.

Rovinj, meanwhile, is a picturesque seaside town noted for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful facades and the Church of St. Euphemia, a Baroque building flanked by art galleries and restaurants overlooking the Adriatic Sea. In addition, the port of Rovinj is home to fishing boats and traditional ships that rescue the port spirit of this destination.

These experiences will allow you to discover the historic architecture of Istria and its 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 scenery.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 207 euros per person.
• Duration: about 12 hours.

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

You should keep in mind that if you plan to visit the Croatian capital during the summer or during the high season months, the sites on the tours may sell out or suffer a fee increase due to last minute bookings, so I advise you to book them in advance of your trip.

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

This type of excursions will allow you to explore various facets of Croatia's cultural, historical and natural heritage, especially if you choose to book an excursion to Plitvice and Rastoke lakes. At these sites you will not only be able to discover the beauty of the tributaries, waterfalls and forests located just outside Zagreb, but also get to know some of the most picturesque villages in the surrounding area.

On the other hand, 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

Keep in mind that all these experiences will also help you discover the Mediterranean charm of the Croatian coast and its Roman heritage.

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

• Analyze 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 organized tours will offer you 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 it is not the same to book a Zagreb castle tour in summer than during 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 specialized guides: the guides are experts in the history, legends and specific details of each destination, so your experience will feature insights into Croatian culture that you might miss on an independent tour.
• Optimize your tour: the convenience and efficiency of guided itineraries will allow you to visit multiple destinations in a single day, avoiding logistical worries. This will allow 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.