Welcome to Croatia
Croatia combines a spectacular, island-dotted Mediterranean coastline with ancient history and farm-to-table cuisine. Sun-and-sand seekers can find pebbled beaches lined with pristine waters along the Dalmatian Coast from Split, while those in search of luxury hotels, fine dining, and chic parties should head for Dubrovnik or the island of Hvar, arguably Croatia's glitziest beach destination. But the coastal towns are not without their cultural highlights; in Split, the ruined Diocletian's Palace makes up half the town and boasts ancient Roman monuments every bit as impressive as those in Rome. Meanwhile, the compact Old City of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking tours of these historic sites cover the main highlights while providing insider information from a guide. Plus, in the capital, Zagreb, sightseeing tours lead travelers through neighborhoods such as Donji Grad (Lower Town) and Gornji Grad (Upper Town) to landmarks including Jelacic Square and St. Mark's Church. Nature lovers can visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a forest reserve containing 16 interconnected lakes, on a day trip from Zadar, Zagreb, or Split. And adventure-seekers thrill at the hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and biking opportunities available in the inland Dinaric Alps, craggy karst peaks that stretch from Italy to Albania. For a true taste of Croatia, take a day trip to the wine-producing Pelješac peninsula or Konavle Valley (both around an hour's drive from Dubrovnik), where much of Dalmatia's wine, olive oil, and fresh produce is harvested.
