CROATIA PHOTO TOUR
Join us from October 14 to 23, 2027, for ten days of photography across Croatia in peak fall season. This departure is timed so the forests at Plitvice Lakes are at their most colorful when we arrive. It’s also a quiet time on the coast, when the old towns are calm and the Adriatic light is soft and warm.
We meet in Zagreb and head south, starting with two nights at Plitvice Lakes. There we’ll photograph both the upper and lower lakes and stay for the last light at viewpoints that remain open after the park closes. From there, the tour continues to:
- Zadar: sunset at the Sea Organ
- The Velebit mountains: a day in the mountains, with a night sky session when conditions allow
- Krka National Park: its waterfalls
- Split: morning views from Marjan Hill
- Hvar: a night on the island
- Ston: its medieval walls
We finish with two nights in Dubrovnik, photographing the Old Town before the crowds and the whole city from Mount Srd at sunset.
Every day is planned by our local guide, a professional landscape photographer who knows exactly where to be and when. With a maximum of ten guests, there’s always time to ask questions and learn as you go.
Tour at a glance
- Dates: October 14–23, 2027 (10 days, 9 nights)
- Starts: Zagreb (ZAG)
- Ends: Dubrovnik (DBV)
- Group size: 4 to 10 photographers
- Level: All skill levels welcome, and non-photographer partners are welcome too
- Fitness: Relaxed
Pairing this tour with our Slovenia photo tour (October 6–12, 2027)? You’ll get an included transfer to Zagreb and a combined-booking discount.
Reserve your place on the October 2027 departure today.
When: October 14 - 23, 2027.
Price: $6,595 US dollars
Single Room Supplement*: $1,095 US dollars
Deposit: $995 US dollars to secure your spot
Balance: Due 90 days before departure. Full terms and conditions in FAQ.
Who: Open to all skill levels; non-photographer spouses are welcome.
Group Size: Minimum 4 People, Maximum 10 People.
Where: This photo tour starts in Zagreb (ZAG) and ends in Dubrovnik (DBV).
Fitness Level: Relaxed; most photo opportunities are within one mile from where we leave the vehicle. Expect cobblestones and stairs in the old towns - including the Dubrovnik city walls - and boardwalk trails at the lakes.
The tour is open to all levels of photographic skills, from beginner to experienced. However, there will be no formal workshops or critiques. We will share knowledge and skills along the way in the spirit of real adventurers.
*Tour prices are set for double occupancy, so unless you travel with a friend or spouse, you'll need the single supplement. If you're traveling alone and choose not to book a single supplement, we'll try to pair you with another participant who also seeks to share.
Roommate pairings are not guaranteed; we'll always pair you with someone of the same gender. However, the single supplement fee will apply if we can't match you with another guest.
Why join a photography tour in Croatia?
For a small country, Croatia offers a remarkable range of subjects. At Plitvice, sixteen turquoise lakes spill into one another in a staircase of waterfalls. The Dalmatian coast is lined with walled towns, islands and stone villages that are still lived in today. And waiting at the southern tip is Dubrovnik, a city that drew photographers long before it became a television star.
Fall is the time to go. In October, the forests around the lakes turn to amber and crimson, the light on the Adriatic becomes softer and warmer, and the old towns are quiet again after the summer rush. You'll have space to set up on the boardwalks at Plitvice and on the walls of Dubrovnik.
Most travelers choose between Croatia's national parks and its coastline. This photo tour gives you both, in a single journey that runs from north to south without retracing a single mile.
What makes this Croatia photo tour different
We designed the itinerary with a local professional photographer who has shot these locations through every season. We then scheduled the tour for the weeks when fall color at Plitvice usually reaches its peak.
This is one of our most photography-focused tours. On many of our trips, a local guide brings the history and culture of each place to life. Here, our local partner is a working landscape photographer, and every day is planned around making great images: where to set up, when the light will be at its best, and how to approach each location. You'll still get a real feel for Croatia, but you'll see it through the viewfinder first.
The route runs one way, from Zagreb to Dubrovnik:
- Plitvice Lakes: We stay two nights instead of squeezing the park into a single day. That lets us photograph the lower and upper lakes in good light and reach viewpoints that stay open after closing time, so we can shoot right through sunset.
- Zadar and the Velebit mountains: From Zadar, we spend a full day at Tulove Grede, and return after dark to photograph the night sky when conditions are right.
- Krka National Park: We photograph its famous waterfalls on the way down the coast.
- Split: We shoot the city from Marjan Hill.
- Hvar: We stay the night on the island and watch the sunset from its hilltop fortress.
- Ston: We visit this historic salt town and its medieval walls.
- Dubrovnik: Our last two nights are spent here, photographing the Old Town in the early morning and the whole city from the Srd fortress at sunset. We end the tour with a farewell dinner in the hillside village of Bosanka.
The group is limited to ten photographers. We travel in 9-seat vans carrying no more than five guests each, so everyone has a window seat and your camera bag rides beside you rather than at your feet.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Please treat this itinerary as a guide rather than a fixed schedule. Fall color at Plitvice arrives in its own time, and on the coast the weather and sea conditions decide the best hours for photography. Our guides review the plan each day and will switch locations or timings whenever the light or the forecast points to a better opportunity.
Day 1 | Welcome to Zagreb (ZAG) | (D) | October 14, 2027
Make your way to Zagreb and settle into the hotel. That evening we get together for a trip briefing, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you can meet your fellow photographers.
Overnight: Amadria Park (or similar)
Day 2 | Rastoke Watermills & Plitvice's Lower Lakes | (B, D)
Heading south, we break the journey at Rastoke, a village near Slunj where the Slunjcica River divides into a web of little cascades running between the old watermill houses. We arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park in the afternoon to explore the lower lakes, then stay for the day’s final light over Veliki Slap, the Great Waterfall, from viewpoints that are still open after closing time.
Overnight: Hotel Lakeside (or similar), 2 nights at Plitvice
Day 3 | A Full Day on the Upper Lakes | (B, D)
Today is devoted to the upper lakes, where boardwalks cross clear turquoise water, travertine terraces spill into one another, and the surrounding forest should be in full fall color. There’s no rush, so you can take your time with the tripod and experiment with long exposures. We finish the day at a lookout above the Great Waterfall.
Overnight: Hotel Lakeside (or similar)
Day 4 | Zrmanja Canyon & Sunset in Zadar | (B, D)
We return to the viewpoint above the Great Waterfall for the morning light before leaving the park for the coast. On the way, we stop high above the sweeping bends of the Zrmanja River canyon. By sunset we’re on the Zadar waterfront beside the Sea Organ, whose pipes play with the movement of the waves. Alfred Hitchcock is said to have called Zadar’s sunset the most beautiful in the world, and it’s hard to disagree. We stay out afterward for blue hour in the old town.
Overnight: Hotel Miramare (or similar), 2 nights in Zadar
Day 5 | Tulove Grede & the Velebit Night Sky | (B, D)
We spend the day in the Velebit mountains at Tulove Grede, where weathered limestone towers rise high above the Adriatic. After dinner, if the skies are clear, we head back up for astrophotography far from city lights. The next morning starts later to make up for the late night.
Overnight: Hotel Miramare (or similar)
Day 6 | Krka National Park & Evening in Split | (B, D)
Continuing south, we visit Krka National Park to photograph its cascading waterfalls, then stop at the lookout over Visovac, a small island monastery surrounded by the river. We reach Split in time for sunset from the dock, looking across the harbor to the old town and Marjan Hill.
Overnight: Hotel Luxe (or similar), Split
Day 7 | Marjan Hill Sunrise & the Island of Hvar | (B, D)
An early start takes us up Marjan Hill for sunrise over Split. Later, we take the catamaran across to Hvar and spend the afternoon photographing the harbor and narrow stone streets of Hvar Town. To close the day, we climb to the Spanish Fortress to watch the sun set behind the Pakleni Islands.
Overnight: Hotel Pharos (or similar), Hvar
Day 8 | Neretva Delta, Peljesac Bridge & Ston | (B, D)
After a morning crossing back to the mainland, today brings the tour’s longest drive, but there are plenty of stops along the way. We take in viewpoints over the Neretva River delta and the new Peljesac Bridge, then pause at the medieval salt town of Ston. Here we walk part of the longest defensive walls in Europe for views across Ston and Mali Ston, before continuing to Dubrovnik to arrive in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel Villa Orabelle (or similar), 2 nights in Dubrovnik
Day 9 | Dubrovnik Old Town, City Walls & Srd | (B, D)
Our final full day belongs to Dubrovnik. We begin early in the Old Town, before the day visitors arrive, then walk the complete circuit of the city walls, photographing the terracotta rooftops and the sea below. In the evening, we drive up to the Srd fortress to watch the sun set over the entire city. The tour ends with a farewell dinner in Bosanka, a village in the hills above Dubrovnik.
Overnight: Hotel Villa Orabelle (or similar)
Day 10 | Farewell & Departure | (B) | October 23, 2027
Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).
Meals included: Breakfast
The price of the tour includes:
- 9 nights of accommodations on a twin/double sharing basis, as listed.
- Meals: all breakfasts and all dinners, including the welcome and farewell dinners (non-alcoholic beverages included).
- All park and monument entrances as per itinerary: Plitvice Lakes (2 days), Krka National Park, the Hvar fortress, and the Dubrovnik city walls.
- Split - Hvar catamaran crossings.
- Photo tour leader, providing guidance and help throughout.
- Local English-speaking professional photographer and driver.
- Ground transportation in 9-seat vans, maximum 5 guests per van.
- Daily bottled water.
- Government tax and service charge.
The price does not include:
- Your flight or other travel to Zagreb / from Dubrovnik.
- Lunches, and meals or snacks not listed above.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips for your guide and driver.
- Personal travel and medical insurance (required).
- Medical expenses.
- Personal spending (souvenirs, spa treatments, laundry, etc.).
- Optional activities: anything outside what's listed above.
Photography is more than a passion for Daniel; it’s a golden opportunity to document the world and share unique cultures with people across the globe. Embarking upon his creative path at the age of 17, he has since shot assignments, commercial work, and lifestyle campaigns.
However, his primary focus is on travel and landscape photography. Daniel led photo tours in Morocco, India, Peru, Cuba, and Vietnam during the last few years.
Daniel is fluent in both Spanish and English.
FAQs
Should I join this tour?
If you want the full sweep of Croatia - lakes, mountains, islands, and walled cities - in one continuous journey timed for autumn color and photographed at the right hours, this is that tour. Two nights at Plitvice instead of a drive-through visit, a real night-sky session in the Velebit mountains, an island night on Hvar, and two nights in Dubrovnik. The group stays small, ten photographers at most, and all skill levels are welcome. Non-photographer companions enjoy this route as much as anyone behind a camera.
Why Croatia in October?
Plitvice’s forests typically reach peak color in October, right when this tour visits - and in recent drier years the color has come early, which is why we run in the first half of the month. On the coast, October brings soft Adriatic light, mild temperatures, and old towns returned to their residents after the summer season. It is the photographer’s window: the landscape at its most colorful, the locations at their least crowded.
Is Croatia safe?
Croatia is one of Europe’s safest travel destinations, with low crime rates and excellent infrastructure. The locals are welcoming and English is widely spoken in the areas we visit. As with travel anywhere, we recommend standard precautions such as safeguarding your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.
What fitness level is required?
We have rated this tour as Relaxed. It is suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness. Expect some walking each day, sometimes on uneven terrain - the Plitvice walkways and short trails to viewpoints - but nothing overly strenuous. We move at a relaxed pace, giving you ample time to set up your shots and enjoy the surroundings.
What is the climate like in Croatia during autumn?
Expect mild autumn weather: inland at Plitvice, cool mornings and daytime temperatures around 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F); on the coast, warmer and sunnier, often around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Some rain is possible, so bring a waterproof layer. The mixed weather is good news for photography: mist at the lakes and dramatic light on the coast.
What should I pack?
Croatia in mid-October is mild and often sunny on the coast, cooler inland at Plitvice, with rain possible anywhere. Layers cover it.
Clothing:
Base layers and a fleece for cool Plitvice mornings
Windproof and waterproof outer shell
Comfortable walking pants
Sturdy walking shoes with good grip for park boardwalks and old-town cobblestones
Lightweight shoes for evenings
A light hat and gloves for sunrise sessions and the Velebit night
A small overnight bag for the Hvar night - the vans and main luggage stay in Split
Photography gear:
A wide-angle zoom (16-35mm equivalent) for the lakes, canyons, and city walls
A mid-range zoom (24-70mm) for general work
A medium telephoto (70-200mm) for compression on the coast and details in the old towns
A fast wide lens (f/2.8 or faster) if you want to make the most of the Velebit astro session
A sturdy travel tripod for waterfalls, blue hour, and the night sky
A circular polarizer and ND filters for Plitvice and Krka
A headlamp for pre-dawn starts and the astro session
Plenty of memory cards and at least two camera batteries
A laptop and external storage for image review and backup
Lens cleaning kit and a rain cover
Personal:
Sunglasses and sunscreen - the Adriatic sun is still strong in October
Personal medication
A reusable water bottle
A small daypack for shoots and town walks
Universal travel adapter (Croatia uses Type C and F plugs, 230V)
A little cash in euros for markets and konobas
Do I need a passport or visa to enter Croatia?
Croatia is part of the Schengen area. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Travelers from the United States, Canada, and most of Europe do not currently need a visa for short tourist stays; entry requirements can change, so please verify current rules for your nationality before travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is required that all of our guests have their own travel insurance, which should include evacuation for medical reasons.
What about money when traveling to Croatia?
Croatia uses the euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find in every town we visit. A little cash is useful at markets and small konobas.
How are the hotels and accommodation for this trip?
We stay in well-located 4-star hotels throughout: Amadria Park in Zagreb, Hotel Lakeside at Plitvice, Hotel Miramare in Zadar, Hotel Luxe in Split, Hotel Pharos on Hvar, and Hotel Villa Orabelle in Dubrovnik, all "or similar." Locations are chosen to keep us close to the morning and evening sessions. Breakfast is included everywhere we stay. Final confirmed accommodations are provided about forty-five days before the trip.
Can I combine this tour with Slovenia?
Yes - the two tours were designed as a pair. Our Slovenia Photo Tour runs October 6 - 12, ending two days before Croatia begins. Combined-tour guests stay the night of October 12 in Ljubljana, enjoy a free morning there, and travel with us to Zagreb on October 13 - the transfer is included when you book both tours, and a combined-booking discount applies. The in-between hotel nights are available as extra-night add-ons at booking; the discount more than covers them.
Terms, refunds and cancellations
1) Booking procedure
All tour prices are quoted in US Dollars. A deposit is required to secure your place and is due at the time of booking. Payment can be made online by credit card, ACH, or debit card. Alongside your deposit, you'll need to complete the registration form for yourself and any guests traveling with you.
If you're traveling solo and would like to share a room, we'll do our best to pair you with a suitable match. If we're unable to do so, the single supplement fee will apply.
You'll receive a confirmation email from us shortly after booking. Please hold off on booking flights until you hear from us that the minimum number of participants has been reached — we'll let you know as soon as the trip is confirmed to run.
2) Balance of payments
The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure, payable by credit card or wire transfer. If the final payment is not received by the due date, the booking will be cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
3) Cancellations and refunds
If DAK Photography Inc. needs to cancel a trip for any reason — including insufficient registrations — everyone with a reservation will be notified as soon as possible and a full refund of all payments made will be issued.
Deposits are non-refundable, but may be applied as a credit toward a future trip provided the credit is used within 12 months of the original departure date.
If you need to cancel, written notification is required — email is accepted. The following cancellation fees apply:
- 120 days or more before departure: no charge
- 61 to 119 days before departure: 50% of the tour fee
- 60 days or fewer before departure: 100% of the tour fee
If you cancel and we are able to fill your spot, a full refund of the tour fee will be issued minus a $250 administrative fee. Refunds do not extend to any additional costs incurred in connection with your booking.
Travel and medical insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, is mandatory for all participants. We strongly recommend purchasing a policy as soon as your booking is confirmed, and encourage you to choose one that covers non-refundable deposits and pre-trip expenses in the event of unforeseen cancellation. All refunds are processed within 30 days of receiving written cancellation notice.
How do I book and pay for this tour?
You can book and pay online securely via our booking service on WeTravel. Please click the button above to be taken to the booking page.
