A fantastic choice for a Christmas Solos break, historical Zagreb overflows with festive charm and cheer, making it an enchanting destination for our solo travellers to unite. Once a hidden gem, the city’s Christmas markets are now celebrated as some of the best in Europe! Pair Zagreb with the stunning Plitvice Lakes and the rich history of Castle Trakošćan, and we have the perfect combination for a memorable Solos Christmas together.
Extras
Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Zagreb. When evening comes, we gather together and enjoy a welcome drink with other Solos guests before enjoying dinner.
After breakfast, we meet our English speaking guide at our hotel and start to explore this fantastic city. We will be taken around Zagreb’s city core, from beautiful park Zrinjevac to the Croatian National Theatre. The story of Croatia’s capital city will unfold before our eyes. The intriguing itinerary includes a visit to the city’s main square known as Ban Jelačić Square, and nearby farmer’s market Dolac always brimming with flowers, fruits, veggies & meats.
For extra fun, we will hop on the funicular (ticket for funicular not included – currently €2 return) that takes us all the way up to medieval Upper Town. Enjoy numerous historical attractions such as the Lotrščak Tower. Our two-hour tour ends in front of the imposing Croatian National Theatre, notable for its yellow-tinted façade.
We awaken Christmas morning to breakfast in the hotel, followed by a leisurely day enjoying the hotel facilities or wandering around the local streets of our centrally located hotel. We will then enjoy our Christmas Day meal at the hotel.
Following breakfast, we have a day at leisure to start making the most of the specially decorated Zagreb city Christmas festivities, including various market stalls offering local handicrafts, and food and drink specialities. There is also an ice rink, live music and cultural shows scattered around the city centre.
Today we take a coach transfer to Croatia’s oldest National Park – the stunning Plitvice Lakes . It’s no wonder why the lakes are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Our guided tour includes the lower and upper lakes, and you will discover and see the impressive lake systems and the exceptional natural beauty this area is so famous for.
After our guided tour, we have some free time to further explore and enjoy a bit of lunch (own cost).
We then head back to our hotel in Zagreb and meet for dinner this evening.
Transfer time to Lakes – 2 hours approx
Guided Tour – 3 hours approx
Today we visit Trakošćan Castle which sits on the banks of the Drava River, about an hour north of Zagreb. It was originally built in the late 13th Century and is now considered a cultural treasure as it rises above the forest like something out of a fairy tale. It is now open to the public as a museum, with beautiful examples of baroque furniture and historical weapons. The castle is surrounded by gardens and overlooks a picturesque lake.
Following our guided tour, there will be some free time to wander around. We then head back to Zagreb to enjoy the rest of our day at leisure before we meet for dinner.
Transfer time to the castle – 1.5 hours
Our last day is at leisure to explore Croatia’s capital at your own pace. It’s a great city for strolling around, stopping for coffee or popping into one of the excellent museums and galleries. With the glorious smells of cinnamon, cloves and mulled wine mixed with thousands of twinkling lights, the world-renowned Christmas markets with their wooden booths, live music and delicious local specialities, give us the opportunity to shop for unique gifts as we stroll through Zrinjevac Park or EU Square.
After breakfast, we check-out and transfer to the airport for our return flight home.
Our hotel is a real mixture between old and new, perfectly located in the main city square, with the historical upper town, shops, bars and restaurants all just a short walk away.
This warm and welcoming hotel offers a bar/lounge, restaurant and small fitness centre.
The classically decorated double rooms for sole use feature en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air-conditioning, a telephone, safe, minibar, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Zagreb Airport to Hotel Dubrovnik is approximately 40 minutes depending on traffic.
A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required for this trip due to the included sightseeing. Note: To visit the castle, you should have appropriate footwear, as it involves climbing gravel paths and using old staircases and steps that are a protected part of the monument complex.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Croatia Department of Foreign Affairs
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Croatia
Croatia Kuna
Casual daytime wear is recommended plus warm clothes and coats as it can be cold at this time of year. Comfortable walking shoes are a “must” for sightseeing and especially for the visit to the national park and castle.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €25.00. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 °C | -1 °C |
| February | 7 °C | 1 °C |
| March | 12 °C | 4 °C |
| April | 17 °C | 8 °C |
| May | 22 °C | 13 °C |
| June | 25 °C | 16 °C |
| July - August | 28 °C | 18 °C |
| September | 22 °C | 13 °C |
| October | 16 °C | 9 °C |
| November | 10 °C | 4 °C |
| December | 5 °C | °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
