If you’re thinking about adding a bit of adventure to your trip to Croatia, the TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour might just catch your eye. This experience promises a mix of history, thrill, and breathtaking underground scenery—an unusual combination that appeals to many travelers. While I haven’t personally tried it, I’ve gathered enough details to help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money.
What I really like about this tour is how accessible it appears—beginners are welcomed with open arms, and the professional guides make safety a priority. Plus, the chance to explore a hidden WWII fortress that’s recently opened to the public adds a fascinating historical twist. However, a potential downside is that the underground temperature remains around 14°C, so you’ll need to bring warm clothes if you don’t want to feel cold during the discovery. This tour suits those who love adventure, history, and unique experiences, especially if you’re comfortable with heights or curious about underground sites.
Key Points
- Accessible for beginners with professional guidance and safety backups.
- Unique underground WWII fortress that combines man-made and natural architecture.
- Includes multiple abseiling options with varying difficulty levels.
- A mix of history, adventure, and entertainment with audio-visual effects and surprise elements.
- Comfortable transportation back to the start in an air-conditioned van.
- Ideal for adventure seekers but not suitable for young children or those with claustrophobia or epilepsy.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
The TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour revolves around exploring a 550-meter-long underground fortress, which is a recent discovery and restoration success story. The site remained forgotten for years, and now visitors can walk through this eerie, partially unfinished structure built during WWII, where both human effort and nature have left their mark.
It’s not just about looking around; the main thrill lies in the abseiling activity, which is geared toward beginners. The guides are highly experienced, and the tour is designed with safety and comfort in mind, so even those without prior experience can give it a try. The inclusion of multiple descents—a vertical natural rock, and in the Plus version, a more demanding cascading rock—means you’ll get a real adrenaline rush without feeling overwhelmed.
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The Itinerary: What You Can Expect
Starting with an introduction to abseiling techniques, you’ll learn how to use the equipment safely, followed by some practice on a horizontal surface. The guides are there to ensure everyone feels secure, and you’re encouraged to take it at your own pace. The first descent is a vertical walk down a rock face—this is straightforward and suitable for beginners.
Once comfortable, you can choose to repeat the descent in a more challenging way, which involves a vertical jump. The guides will offer help and backup, making sure you’re confident before proceeding. For the Abseil Plus option, a second, more demanding descent on an uneven, slippery cascading rock inside the fortress adds an extra element of adventure.
Walking through the fortress itself is an experience. The underground rooms, lit with special effects and projections, create a mysterious atmosphere. The site has two levels, which means more abseiling opportunities for those opting for the Plus version. The tour culminates with a special audio-visual surprise that takes you back in time, and for the bravest, there’s a fun challenge of navigating in the dark with head torches off.
The Experience and Guides
Feedback from travelers highlights the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. As one reviewer said, “qualified, responsible staff, excellent explanation even for first-timers,” which is reassuring if you’re new to abseiling or underground adventures. The guides also make sure everyone understands the safety procedures and equipment, which are all certified and regularly checked.
The audio-visual effects add a layer of immersion, making the visit more memorable. The unexpected element of turning off headlamps and finding your way out in pitch darkness is a bold touch—perfect for those seeking a thrill.
Practical Details: Pricing, Duration, and What’s Included
At $88 per person, the tour offers a fairly good value considering the mix of activities, the underground exploration, and the professional guidance. It includes all abseiling equipment, entrance to the fortress, insurance, and guidance. After the tour, you get to enjoy a wine tasting, which is a relaxing way to wrap up the adventure and socialize.
The tour lasts around a few hours, with transportation back to the starting point in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. The group size isn’t explicitly stated, but the focus on private tours suggests a more intimate experience, which many travelers will appreciate.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Bring and Consider
- Warm clothes: The underground temperature stays around 14°C, so bring layers.
- Sturdy shoes with non-slip soles: This is a must for safety during abseiling.
- No previous experience needed: The guides will teach you everything.
- Not suitable for children under 10, or individuals with claustrophobia or epilepsy, due to the underground setting and confined spaces.
- Be prepared for potential weather adjustments—they reserve the right to change plans if needed.
What Travelers Say
The reviews paint a picture of a highly enjoyable, well-organized experience. One reviewer mentioned feeling safe and having fun, while others appreciated the professionalism and knowledge of the guides. Many also highlighted the value for money, noting the combination of history, adventure, and friendly service.
A couple of reviewers noted that directions to the site could be clearer, but overall, the consensus is that this experience is worth trying, especially if you’re up for a bit of a physical challenge and love discovering hidden historic sites.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is perfect for adventure lovers who want to try abseiling in a safe environment. It’s a great choice for those with an interest in history or unusual underground sites, especially since the fortress is a recent discovery. If you’re a complete beginner but eager to try abseiling, you’ll find the guided approach reassuring.
However, it’s not suitable for very young children or those uncomfortable with confined spaces or heights. If you’re claustrophobic or have health considerations like epilepsy, you should probably skip this one.
Final Thoughts
The TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour offers a blend of history, thrill, and scenic underground exploration that’s hard to match. The professional guides, combined with the accessible yet challenging abseiling options, make it a memorable experience for those open to new adventures. Plus, the added bonus of a wine tasting and multimedia surprises make it not just an adrenaline fix but a well-rounded outing.
If you’re looking for something different from the usual sightseeing, this tour can deliver an exciting story and a sense of achievement that you’ll remember long after your trip. It suits travelers who enjoy a bit of physical activity, a dose of history, and a good dose of fun.
TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour the underground
“We had an exciting experience and at the same time felt save with the patient and friendly guides.”
FAQ
Is prior abseiling experience required?
No, this tour is designed for beginners. The guides will teach you everything and help you feel confident.
What should I wear?
Bring sturdy shoes with non-slip soles and warmer clothes, as the underground temperature is around 14°C.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts a few hours, including transportation, instruction, the underground exploration, and social time afterward.
Can I choose which abseiling descent I do?
Yes, you can decide on the spot which descent feels right for you, based on your comfort level, with guidance from the instructors.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10, especially due to the underground environment and height activities.
What’s included in the price?
All abseiling equipment, guides, entrance to the fortress, insurance, audio-visual effects, and a wine tasting.
What if the weather turns bad?
The agency has the right to change or cancel the tour in case of bad weather conditions, but they usually notify in advance.
If you enjoy a mix of history, adventure, and beautiful underground sights, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your Croatian trip. Just make sure to come prepared and keep an open mind—you might surprise yourself!
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