120-Minute City Walk

This 2.5-hour city walk covers Zadar on foot with a guide leading the way. You move through the city while the guide points out what you pass along the route.

Overview

This is the longer of Zadar City Tour's walks, built for travellers who want more than a quick loop of the old town. It runs for 2.5 hours and digs into the cultural heritage, architecture and historical events of a city with three thousand years behind it. The operator pitches it at people who don't mind extended walking and want a detailed story rather than a headline summary.

The route covers the old town's main sights in a sensible order. It starts at the Greeting to the Sun installation, pauses at the Sea Organ on the promenade, then works past the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the Roman Forum and the church of St. Donatus. From there it continues to the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary, People's Square, Rector's Palace, Five Wells Square and finally the Land Gate, where the winged lion demonstrates power.

Depending on the option selected, the tour sets off either from the Greeting to the Sun in the morning or from the Land Gate for the sunset departure. Along the way there may be free entry to a medieval church on the route, or maraschino and cheese tastings, though these depend on the season and the day. Reviews repeatedly praise the guide's depth of knowledge, clear English and willingness to answer questions and adapt the programme.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting pointThe starting location depends on the option selected, either the Greeting to the Sun for the morning tour or the Land Gate for the evening tour. Check the booking page for details.
2. Greeting to the Sun and Sea OrganGuided sightseeing at the Greeting to the Sun (10 minutes), then the Sea Organ on the promenade (10 minutes), where you can listen to the installation's music.
3. Cathedral and Roman sitesA walk along Ulica Perivoj Gospe od zdravlja (10 minutes) leads to the Cathedral of St. Anastasia (10 minutes, no entrance), the Roman Forum (10 minutes) and the church of St. Donatus (10 minutes, no entrance).
4. Monastery and marketThe Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary gets 5 minutes, then Široka ulica (5 minutes) brings the group to Zadar Market, with a possible cheese tasting and food market visit (10 minutes), seasonal conditions permitting.
5. Squares and gatesPeople's Square (10 minutes), a pass by the Church of St. Simon (5 minutes), Five Wells Square (10 minutes) and the Land Gate with its winged lion (10 minutes).
6. Drop-offThe tour ends at one of three drop-off locations, depending on the option selected.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk.

• What to wear. The listing asks for comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. This is a walking tour of the old town, so dress for a long time on your feet.
• Pace and fitness. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and one reviewer said it covered the whole of the old town. It is not recommended for travellers with mobility issues, heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Group feel. Reviewers describe a personalised experience, with one pair saying they were the only two on their tour and that it ran over by nearly half an hour. The guide adjusts the programme to questions and interests, according to several accounts.
• Tastings and extras. Free entrance to a medieval church or maraschino and cheese tastings are possible on the route, but not guaranteed. They are offered almost every day in high season except national holidays and Sunday afternoons, and in low season not on afternoons, Sundays or holidays.
• Weather. The listing advises checking the forecast before booking and states there is no refund simply because it rains. The tour runs for a limited number of people, so plan accordingly.
• Local tips. Reviewers mentioned the guide's suggestions for where to eat and shop, and for souvenirs and ice cream. Ask questions along the way, since the guide is happy to go beyond the standard script.

Common issues. No pickup or transfer is included unless you book an option that has it, and toilet breaks are not part of the tour. Entrances to places that charge admission are not covered, and the tastings and church visit depend on the season and day, so don't count on them in the low season or on Sundays and holidays. The listing warns that the tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, and pets, bikes and party groups are not allowed. Rain alone is not grounds for a refund, so check the forecast before booking.

Common Questions