From Split: Three Rivers Quad Tour with Swimming and Lunch

If you’re looking for a way to see some of Croatia’s less-trodden scenery and enjoy a day full of adventure, the Three Rivers Quad Tour from Split might just be your ticket. This guided experience takes you through the lush Dalmatian hinterland, exploring three crystal-clear rivers—Cetina, Ruda, and Grab—on an exhilarating ATV journey. You’ll get to cool off with swims in pristine waters, test your bravery with cliff jumps, and top it all off with a hearty lunch by the river.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are its scenic stops and knowledgeable guides—plus the promise of fun and refreshment in equal measure. We love how the tour combines a healthy dose of adrenaline with moments of peaceful nature, offering a well-rounded adventure. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is geared toward those with a bit of driving experience, as a valid driver’s license is required for the quad, and it’s not suitable for very young children or pregnant women.

Overall, if you’re after a full-day experience that balances adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes, this trip could be perfect. It’s especially ideal for active travelers who want to explore Croatia beyond the usual coastal spots and appreciate local nature and history. But keep in mind, the tour takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for Croatian weather.

Key Points

• Authentic Croatian scenery: Explore rivers and landscapes that aren’t overrun with travelers.
• Adventure and relaxation: Quad riding combined with river swims and cliff jumps.
• Cultural charm: Visit historic river mills and small mountain villages.
• All-inclusive value: Lunch, guide, photos, and water included.
• Weather resilience: Tour runs rain or shine, so plan accordingly.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for those 10 and over, with some restrictions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: A Deep Dive into the Tour

Starting Point and Convenient Transportation

The tour kicks off from the Church and Monastery of St. Francis in Split if you arrange the pickup, which costs an extra €15 per person. The pickup service is punctual and helps you avoid the hassle of driving yourself, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. The transfer to Hrvace feels quick and straightforward—about 35 minutes—giving you a relaxed start. If you choose to meet directly at the base camp, it’s easy to find using Google Maps as “Quad Experience Cetina.”

This initial phase is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire adventure. The guide provides a brief introduction to the quad bikes, safety tips, and what to expect. This helps those new to ATV riding get comfortable before hitting the scenic routes.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The real adventure begins as you set off from the old bridge over the Cetina River in Panj, driving through varied terrain with stunning views. You’ll pass through the mountain village of Gljev and descend toward the Cetina River, a path that offers captivating vistas of untouched nature. The guide will point out landmarks like the Rumin source and old river mills, giving a hint of the area’s history and traditional livelihoods.

One of the tour’s standout features is the swim stop in River Ruda, where the crystal-clear waters invite you to cool off. According to reviews, this is a favorite part—“the stops for swimming in the river were just great,” shares one traveler. Plus, those wishing to add some thrill can try cliff jumps, which are optional but add a splash of adrenaline. The secluded Ruda oasis offers perfect photo opportunities and a chance to relax amid stunning surroundings.

Next, the route takes you to River Grab, where another historic feature awaits—old river mills that add a touch of scenic charm. The ascent to Podi village offers a different perspective, with lush views and a sense of stepping back in time. The tour wraps up with a scenic dirt road ride back to Hrvace, passing through more traditional mills in Jasensko.

The Highlight: The Riverfront Lunch

The day’s culinary highlight is a barbecue lunch at a local riverside restaurant. The food, described as delicious and hearty, is a great way to refuel after a morning of riding and swimming. The picturesque setting, with views of the river and surrounding nature, makes the meal a memorable part of the experience. Reviewers frequently mention how well-organized and tasty the meal is—“the lunch was great,” and “dinner by the river at sunset was a nice way to end the trip,” are common sentiments.

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Guided Expertise and Authenticity

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledgeable guides. They’re friendly, helpful, and eager to share interesting facts about the landscape and local history. Several reviews mention the guides’ ability to make the experience personal, taking lots of photos and adjusting stops to suit the group.

Practicalities and What to Bring

You’ll need a valid driver’s license to operate the ATV, and the tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues. The tour runs rain or shine, so packing rain gear (if necessary) is wise. Essentials include swimwear, a passport or ID, closed-toe shoes, and a sense of adventure. Water, photos, and videos are all included, making it easy to remember your journey.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

The reviews paint a clear picture of consistent positive experiences. Many mention the friendly guides—“Frane made it really individual for us,” and “Franz is such a good guide”—highlighting the personalized touch. The stunning scenery consistently earns praise: “beautiful locations,” “amazing views,” and “the landscape was breathtaking.”

Swimmers and thrill-seekers alike appreciate the river stops—“the river swimming stops during summer tours are perfect,” and cliff jumps add a fun challenge. The lunch gets high marks for quality and atmosphere, with many travelers noting it as a fitting conclusion to the day.

The Practical Side: From Cost to Group Size

Pricing is reasonable considering what’s included—transport, guide, lunch, photos, and water. The extra €15 for pickup is a good value if you prefer not to drive yourself. The tour typically lasts about five hours, which balances excitement and relaxation. Because it’s a private group, you won’t be crammed with strangers, and the experience can adapt to your pace.

Group size is generally small, allowing for more personalized attention. The tour is suitable for active travelers aged 10 and above, but not for pregnant women or those with certain health issues. The need for a driver’s license ensures safety and responsibility during the quad riding.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This adventure is perfect if you’re the kind of traveler who craves more than just a sightseeing bus tour. It suits those eager to engage physically, explore Croatia’s natural beauty, and enjoy unique experiences like river swimming and cliff jumping. It’s particularly fitting for active families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a memorable day outside the typical tourist spots.

If you’re after a scenic, fun-filled outing that combines adventure, culture, and excellent food, this tour offers remarkable value. Just remember that it’s weather-dependent in terms of outdoor activities, and a good level of fitness and driver’s license are necessary.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, a valid driver’s license is required for the quad driver. Passengers on a double rider do not need a license.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for travelers aged 10 and above. Younger children, pregnant women, and those with certain health issues should avoid participating.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, closed-toe shoes, and a sense of adventure. Rain gear is provided on rainy days.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the guided ATV ride, lunch, water, photos/videos, fuel surcharge, and local taxes.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where do I meet the tour?
If you choose pickup, it’s in front of the Church and Convent of St. Francis in Split. Otherwise, meet at the motel Jankovi in Hrvace.

What if I don’t want to participate in the swimming?
Swim stops are during summer tours and optional—if you prefer not to swim, you can simply enjoy the scenery from the boat or relax on land.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
No, it takes place rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather and dress accordingly.

The Three Rivers Quad Tour from Split offers a lively, scenic, and authentic way to experience Dalmatia’s natural beauty. With expert guides, stunning vistas, and fun activities like river swimming and cliff jumping, it’s a day packed with adventure. The inclusion of a hearty local lunch ensures you’ll finish the day satisfied and energized.

This tour suits travelers who want an active, immersive experience that combines Croatia’s outdoor charm with a touch of local history. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply eager to see the countryside from a new perspective, this adventure delivers on all fronts—just be ready for a full, fun-filled day.

You can check availability for your dates here: