Welcome to Kvarner
Sheltered by soaring mountains, the Kvarner Gulf has long been loved by visitors attracted by the mild climate and cobalt waters, and those in search of more than just beach appeal. In the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the wealthy built holiday homes here, bestowing places like Rijeka and Opatija with a rich legacy of stately Habsburg-era architecture. From both of these neighbouring towns you can easily connect to hiking trails inside the protected forests of Učka Nature Park and Risnjak National Park.
Top experiences in Kvarner
Travel guides
Starting at $33.79
Kvarner activities
Private Trip to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb
The tour starts in your hotel or in the city center, according to your wishes. After meeting your driver/guide, head towards Plitvice lakes. The drive takes about 2h from Zagreb to Plitvice lakes, with at least one break for coffee or tea. Halfway to the National Park, you can stop in the village of Turanj, visit the open-air Museum of War or continue towards the "Introduction to Plitvice", as they call the ethnographic village of Rastoke. A small break is recommended to take a short walk, visit the water mills, the traditional houses and witness the phenomena that you will also see in Plitvice lakes. After arriving to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can start the tour recommended by the guide. Be prepared for a beautiful, engaging walk through 16 lakes and 92 waterfalls. The walk can last between 3 and 5 hours, depending on your pace, the crowd inside the Park, the time of year and the weather conditions. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera so you can catch a glimpse of this unique beauty. After 1,5h a short break is possible to have a quick snack or coffee, before getting on the boat. You can decide if you want to head home after the boat ride, or you prefer the visit the Upper lakes. It all depends on the group. After exiting the National Park, you can enjoy lunch in one of many local, typical restaurants in the area, as recommended by your guide.
Golden Island of Krk from Rijeka
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Rijeka Central Market, Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar CountyYour guide will pick you up at the agreed starting point in Rijeka - hotel, cruise terminal, train station etc. (please contact us after the booking so the appropriate arrangements can be made).Stop At: KrkAmong the 1185 Croatian islands, only one of them is the golden one, the Insula Aurea – the island of Krk. Located in the centre of the Kvarner bay, it is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations. Its mild Mediterranean climate, good geographical position and variety of natural and cultural beauties gave it, even in ancient times, the name “golden island”. Its cultural heritage has given it another name – the cradle of Croatian culture, whilst at the beginning of the 20th century it gained the name the “sixth continent”. Discover the island; uncover its charms and treasures in every season: cruise through its beautiful and varied landscapes, visit its thousand year-old monuments. Breathe in the feeling of wellbeing whilst walking along the romantic pathways by the sea or along the wild shepherd’s rock paths. Enjoy the magical tastes of Krk cuisine and delightful home-made wine.Duration: 4 hours
Trsat Castle and Opatija Day Trip from Zagreb
Visit: Budget Transfer Croatia, Zagreb, Central CroatiaThe Trsat Castle represents a strategically embossed lookout on a hill 138 meters above sea level dominating Rijeka. It was mentioned as a parochial centre for the first time in 1288. At this same site there was a Liburnian observation post from prehistoric times, used for monitoring the roads leading from the hinterland to the coast. This location served well to the Romans to establish their defence system, the so-called Liburnian limes, whose starting point was the Tarsatica fortress town – which was situated at the site of today's Old City of Rijeka. It was the Frankopan dynasty based in Krk who fortified and enlarged the castle as it gave them a vantage point to protect their holdings. Trsat belonged to the Frankopans from the 13th through the 15th century and it then fell under Hapsburg rule. After the castle was damaged by an earthquake in 1750, Austrian field-marshal Laval Nugent bought the ruins and restored it. Opatija-the cradle of Croatian tourism and of particular elegance, located in the Kvarner bay, in the foothills of the mountain Učka (1.401 m).Opatija, with its tradition and appearance, stands out from other tourist towns because of her very colorful history and is also known under different names, such as "Old dame", "Pearl of the Adriatic" or "Queen of Tourism". Opatija is a great choice either during the summer or winter time. Beautiful nature, parks, old villas, promenades and beaches attract, for over 170 years, tourists from all over the world. It is known for fancy hotels, well-tended parks and unique promenade called "Lungomare".
Ucka Mountain Hiking Tour
The tour starts with a transfer to Poklon, saddle between two hills from where the hiking trail starts. The trail goes on the top of Učka mountain which is biggest mountain in Istria with altitude of 1401m. From the top it goes all the way down to sea level in Lovran. The path is covered by oak and chestnut forests that give pleasant freshness in hot summers. The very summit of Ucka (Vojak) is worth climbing for stunning panorama. The panorama of Kvarner bay includes sea and coastal towns, as well as the mountains in the background: Obruc, Snjeznik and Risnjak on the Western side; the whole Istra peninsula will lie in front of you. Sometimes, if visibility is good, you have a view towards to Venice and the Alps on the North side. The hike continues down following the trail through the forest with magnificent panorama on Kvarner Bay and islands. After 3-3.5 hour of hiking we will reach Lovran where the bus will be waiting for you and transfer you back.
Istria: Blue Cave and Fish picnic on Cres Island from Rabac
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Croatica - Day Tours, Zadar, Zadar County, DalmatiaDeparture from Rabac port at 09:30. Sail around the Kvarner bay; Stop At: Croatica - Day Tours, Zadar, Zadar County, Dalmatiavisit the island of Cres and the the town of Cres - choose weather you want to spend your time swimming in its crystal clear sea or explore local sights of the town. Cres is rich in history and culture, with it's city walls, stone gates and renaissance churches and palaces. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Croatica - Day Tours, Zadar, Zadar County, DalmatiaAfter 1.5 hours of exploring Cres you will start your journy towards the Blue Cave. During the panoramic ride to the Blue Cave you will be served lunch (reccommended menu - fish, also available: meat and vegetarian menu). After lunch the boat will anchor in front of the Blue cave and you will have an organised swimming into the Cave. This spectacular nature masterpiece will leave you breathless.Duration: 2 hoursPass By: Croatica - Day Tours, Zadar, Zadar County, DalmatiaAfter one hour of exploring the Cave, depart back towards Rabac. Return is scheduled for 17:30.