TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour the underground

The first time you see the rope setup underground, it clicks. This is an action tour through the San Giovanni underground fortress, with multiple abseils in one 150 minute adventure.

I like that it’s built for beginners, because you get an equipment check, technique intro, and practice before you ever go vertical. I also like the history side, since you walk the 550 meter WW2 space and the guides use special effects and projections to make it feel alive.

The main thing to consider is the setting: it’s underground at about 14 to 16°C, with parts that can feel dark and tight. If you have claustrophobia, epilepsy, or you’re not comfortable with pitch black moments, this may not be your best match.

Key highlights you should know

• Step-by-step abseiling training, including a horizontal exercise and a demonstration before the vertical rope work
• Certified, regularly checked gear plus professional licensed instructors supporting you throughout
• Abseil Plus adds a tougher third descent on an uneven, slippery cascading rock inside the fortress
• Two-level fortress walk with special effects, projection, and an audio-visual surprise at the end
• Pitch-dark challenge for the bravest, after you turn off your head torch and find your way out
• Wine tasting at the finish, plus time to chat and unwind after the adrenaline

San Giovanni fortress: a WWII maze under the rock

This tour takes place in Zagreb County, Croatia, in the underground World War II fortress known as San Giovanni. It stretches about 550 meters, and the story is part of the thrill. The facility was left unfinished, which is why it feels like a mix of concrete architecture and natural underground formations.

What really sells this isn’t just the idea of a bunker. It’s that the site was long forgotten and hidden until relatively recently. Now it’s been repaired and equipped for visitors, so you get real access to rooms and passages that most people never see.

And because you’re underground, the experience has a different rhythm than a typical walking tour. You move through corridors and rooms that feel enclosed, with light from head torches and planned effects doing the storytelling for you.

Abseil training first: how you learn safely in a group of 8

I appreciate that the tour doesn’t throw you straight into the hard part. Before any serious descending, you start with an introduction to abseiling technique and a full familiarization with the equipment. The gear is provided for you, and it’s described as certified and regularly checked.

Then comes the calm prep. You do an exercise on a horizontal surface and watch a descent demonstration. This is the moment where you pick up the basic motion and learn how to trust the system, not just your own instincts.

Only after that do you descend the vertical natural rock and enter the underground rooms in concrete. If you’re doing Abseil Plus, you still build confidence the same way, because the harder sections are planned after the earlier ones.

The group size matters too. You’re limited to 8 participants, which makes it easier for instructors to keep eyes on you and adjust explanations when someone needs a slower pace. From past participants, the instructors are often praised for being patient and clear, and the names Sara and Marko show up in feedback as particularly helpful and supportive.

What you actually do on TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS

Abseil Plus is an extended version of the basic Abseil concept. In practice, that means more rope time, more variety, and an extra challenge added later when you’re already warmed up.

Your first vertical descents (beginner friendly)

You begin with the approach that works for newcomers. The easier variant includes a walking descent down a vertical rock face. After that, the descent can be repeated with a more demanding version, including a vertical jump variation. Both are designed for beginners with no previous experience, and you’re executed with help and backup from the instructors.

Most importantly, the tour is structured so you can decide on the spot which descent you do based on what feels comfortable. That flexibility is useful if you’re excited but still figuring out your nerves.

The Abseil Plus add-on: cascading rock inside the fortress

For the Abseil Plus route, there’s another abseil beyond the first two. This third descent happens on a cascading rock inside the fortress. The description is direct: the rock is uneven and can be slippery, so it’s a bit more demanding than the earlier sections.

The good news is you’re not thrown into it cold. The program suggests you can prepare by doing the earlier descents first with instructor backup, so you gradually build technique and a sense of security.

Optional pair descent

There’s also a chance to try a simultaneous abseil in pairs. If you’re traveling with a friend who wants to make it a shared moment, this is one of the ways the tour turns adrenaline into a team experience rather than just a solo stunt.

Time on the rope and the rest of the tour

Your whole tour runs 150 minutes, so expect a real mix of training, descending, walking, and a finish that’s more than just “see you later.” You’re not only outside on rock, you’re also moving through the underground space as part of the full storyline.

Inside the bunker: special effects, projections, and controlled darkness

After you’ve done the vertical rope work, you shift into the underground walk. The facility is built on two levels, and that’s why Abseil Plus includes another abseil and why the route through the fortress feels like a layered experience.

As you move, you’ll be accompanied by special effects and projections. The goal is to help you visualize the underground space as something more than empty concrete. It also breaks up the darker stretches, so you don’t feel like you’re walking in a blank void.

Near the end, the tour includes a prepared audio-visual surprise that takes you back in time. That finish helps tie the adrenaline portion back to the setting, so you leave feeling like you experienced a place, not just performed a stunt.

The pitch-dark challenge (only if you want the extra scare)

For the bravest, there’s a moment where you turn off the head torches and find the way out in pitch darkness. This is optional in the sense that it’s framed as a challenge, but it’s still part of the tour format.

If you like controlled fear and you can keep calm in tight spaces, it can be one of the most memorable parts. If you get anxious in darkness, you may want to take a pass or be ready to stick with the safer lighting.

At the exit, you return in a comfortable air-conditioned van to the starting point. The experience ends with socializing, chatting, and a glass of wine, which is a nice counterbalance after rope work.

What to wear: 14 to 16°C underground and mandatory non-slip shoes

This tour makes clothing and footwear a big deal, and it’s for your comfort and safety.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers (sports shoes are also listed)
• Warmer clothes, because underground facilities are around 14 to 16°C
• Shoes with non-slip soles are mandatory for this tour

Even if you’re coming from a sunny coastal day, plan for a cool, damp feel underground. Layers help more than you’d think, because once you stop moving, you feel the chill.

Also note that the operator reserves the right to adjust the tour in bad weather conditions, or if footwear is inadequate, or if someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That’s worth taking seriously, since it affects both safety and the timing of the planned experience.

Is the $88 price fair for abseiling plus a fortress tour?

At $88 per person for about 150 minutes, this isn’t a cheap add-on. But it also isn’t “just a walk with a story.” You’re paying for a full action package with real safety structure.

Here’s what’s included:

• Guide tour and entrance in the underground fort San Giovanni
• Abseiling equipment provided, described as certified and regularly checked
• Professional certified instructors and insurance
• Audio-visual effects and projection
• Wine tasting at the end

That combination matters. Certified equipment and insurance are not minor details for a rope activity. Add in a small group limit of 8, and you’re getting more instructor time per person than most large-group tours.

Then there’s the value of variety. Abseil Plus is more than one descent. You get multiple rope techniques, a tougher third descent on the cascading rock, and the full underground storytelling with effects and a darkness challenge.

If you want a memorable day that mixes adrenaline and a strong sense of place, the price is easier to justify.

Best fit: who should do Abseil Plus, and who should skip it

This is a beginner-friendly abseiling option. No previous experience is required for the abseiling versions, and instructors provide support throughout. That makes it a strong pick if you want to try something new without needing prior training.

It’s also a good match if you enjoy:

• History you can feel with your feet and hands, not just read in a guidebook
• Dark, atmospheric settings with planned effects
• Controlled challenges, especially if you like the idea of the pitch-dark exit

But it’s not for everyone. It’s specifically not recommended for:

• People with epileptic seizures
• People with claustrophobia
• Children under 10 years

And since the tour includes pitch darkness and tight underground passages, honesty with yourself matters. If you think you might panic in confined spaces, this is one of those times where “maybe I can handle it” can turn into a rough experience.

Should you book TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS Tour the Underground?

Book it if you want an uncommon Croatia experience that blends rope work with a real underground WWII site, all guided with patient support. The small group size, certified gear, and practice-first teaching style are exactly what you want when you’re trying abseiling for the first time.

Skip it if you know claustrophobia or epilepsy are concerns for you, or if mandatory non-slip footwear and cool underground conditions sound like a hassle you cannot manage. Also, think carefully about the pitch-dark challenge, since it’s part of the “brave” finish moment.

If you’re the type who likes hands-on learning and wants your vacation story to have both adrenaline and atmosphere, this one is worth planning around.

FAQ

How long is the Tunnel Abseiling Plus tour?

The tour duration is listed as 150 minutes.

Do I need prior abseiling experience?

No previous experience is required. The tour includes an introduction to technique, equipment familiarization, practice on a horizontal surface, and demonstrations before the descents.

What should I wear for the underground fortress?

Bring warmer clothes, because the underground temperature is about 14 to 16°C. Wear adequate footwear such as hiking shoes or sturdy sports shoes.

Are non-slip shoes required?

Yes. Shoes with non-slip soles are mandatory for this tour.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

What if I have claustrophobia or epilepsy?

The tour is not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia and not recommended for people with epilepsy.

How large is the group?

The group is small, limited to 8 participants.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are listed as equipment, guide tour and entrance to the underground fort San Giovanni, audio-video effects and projection, insurance, professional certified guides, and wine tasting.