croatia day trip from italy

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Italy and Croatia Itinerary Ideas (7-14 Days)

Searching for the best italy and croatia itinerary i’ve got you covered.

From sampling the most refined fresh pasta to sailing across the sparkling Adriatic sea, these Italy and Croatia itinerary ideas are sure to satisfy your Mediterranean craving. 

I’ve been living full time in Croatia since 2014 and know the country like the back of my hand. Since moving here, I’ve taken full advantage of cheap flights to Italy (thanks Ryanair!) and visited all of the major destinations including Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, Cinque Terre, and even lesser known places like Laghi di Fusine and Lucca.

One of the many joys of traveling in Europe is how easy it is to visit multiple countries in a short amount of time. Because Italy and Croatia are so close to each other, it’s easy to combine them into one trip!

In this post, I’m sharing three Croatia and Italy itinerary ideas for trips ranging from 7 to 14 days . These itineraries have been carefully crafted to give you the perfect sample of each country without stretching yourself too thin!

Some travelers are unfamiliar with just how close Croatia actually is to Italy or how easy it is to get from Italy to Croatia and visa versa. Instead of choosing between Italy or Croatia, you can get the best of both worlds by combining the two into one epic trip!

No time to read the entire post? Skip straight to the itinerary you’re interested in: 🌟 7 Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary 🌟 10 Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary 🌟 14 Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary

Table of Contents 👇

What to Know Before Planning Your Croatia and Italy Trip

Map of italy and croatia.

If you were wondering how close Italy and Croatia are, they’re pretty close! While there is no Italy and Croatia border, only a tiny area of land that belongs to Slovenia separates the two countries.

Take a look at this map of Croatia and Italy to get an idea of just how close they are!

How to Get From Italy to Croatia (and Vice Versa)

Each of these itineraries will recommend the best way to travel between Italy and Croatia. The modes of transportation include flying, taking a ferry, driving, and finally, train travel between Croatia and Italy. When considering Italy to Croatia distance, know that this can vary depending on your points of departure and arrival.

Italy to Croatia Ferry ⛴️

⛴️ FROM ANCONA The option to travel from Italy to Croatia by ferry (or Croatia to Italy by ferry) is available from several major locations in both countries. The Italian city of Ancona is connected to three Croatian cities via two ferry operators, Jadrolinija and Snav , operating 0-3 times per day during high season. The routes available are:

• Ancona – Split
• Ancona – Stari Grad (Hvar)
• Ancona – Zadar

⛴️ FROM VENICE A third ferry operator, Venezia Lines , offers transportation between Venice and the Istrian Peninsula in northwest Croatia. The routes available are:

• Venice – Rovinj

⛴️ FROM BARI The final option for traveling between Italy and Croatia is the Jadrolinija ferry that connects Bari to Dubrovnik and Split. The ferry routes between southern Croatia and southern Italy are:

• Bari – Dubrovnik
• Bari – Split

Italy to Croatia Train 🚂

Those who love traveling by railway may be asking “How far is Croatia from Italy by train”? There is only one line that currently operates between the two countries, and it travels from Zagreb to Trieste and back.

However, the line is not a direct route, rather passengers must change trains in Ljubljana before continuing their journey.

There are up to 2 daily trains traveling between Trieste and Ljubljana, but the wait time in Ljubljana can be several hours and is not recommended for travelers with a tight schedule. All things considered, Italy to Croatia train time is approximately 8 hours.

Italy to Croatia Flight 🛫

Flying from Croatia to Italy and vice versa is simple, convenient, and can be relatively affordable when flying between certain destinations.

Ryanair is the cheapest option, offering the following connections:

• Zagreb – Milan Bergamo
• Zagreb – Naples
• Zagreb – Pisa
• Zagreb – Rome Fiumicino
• Split – Rome Fiumicino
• Zadar – Bologna
• Zadar – Milan (All Airports)
• Zadar – Bergamo
• Zadar – Pisa

The second best option for checking flights is Skyscanner , which will allow you to search the cheapest flights for airlines besides Ryanair as well as a wider selection of departure and arrival points.

⭐ 7 Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary

Instead of choosing Croatia or Italy , this itinerary is for those who are short on time and need help making sure they have the best Italy and Croatia vacation in just one week.

Days 1-4: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 1: discover dubrovnik.

Begin your Italy and Croatia 7 day tour in none other than Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic . Get an early start with a leisurely morning stroll along the city’s medieval walls .

The two-kilometer long walk will take you past stunning sights like Minceta Tower, Bokar Fort, Revelin Fort and Pile Gate. The panoramic views from the top of Old Town are absolutely breathtaking and provide the perfect backdrop for memorable photo ops.

If you’re a GOT fan, you may want to book yourself a Game of Thrones Walking Tour and explore the Old Town on foot while your guide takes you to the top landmarks used in the filming of the series. On the tour, you’ll hear stories and gain expert insight from behind the scenes of the filming process.

End your first day by winding down at one of Dubrovnik’s charming boutique hotels .

When you’re ready to take a break from sightseeing, make your way to Buza Bar – the coolest city hangout perched on the cliffs just outside the city walls. With its white umbrellas scattered up the rocky seaside and spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea, this is an ideal spot to relax and grab a cold drink. For an adrenaline rush, watch the cliff jumpers plunge anywhere from 20 to 60 feet into the water below.

Before your day in Dubrovnik , head over to Stradun , Dubrovnik’s main promenade, and explore its cobblestone streets at twilight. You’ll find plenty of iconic buildings like the Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, and Franciscan Monastery all clustered along the street. Enjoy a dinner at one of the many restaurants on Stradun before calling it a night.

Many travelers wonder if Dubrovnik is expensive: To accurately plan your budget for this trip, be sure to check out the current prices in Dubrovnik .

Day 2: Uncover the Magic of Lokrum Island

On day 2 of your itinerary, venture beyond the walls of Dubrovnik and take a Lokrum Island day trip . This tiny yet mystical islet just off the coast of Dubrovnik is only 10-minute ferry ride away, and the perfect place to relax in nature.

From sunbathing on scenic beaches to cliff jumping into Croatia’s pure waters off of Lokrum’s jagged shore, there is no shortage of things to do. Wander the trails and discover the Royal Fort or ramble through the island’s Botanical Gardens, home to hundreds of exotic species.

Take a peaceful stroll around the Lokrum Monastery and refresh yourself with a cold beverage from Lake Cocktail Bar while watching for the local bunnies and peacocks roam freely!

Whatever you decide to do, you can be sure that Lokrum Island will be one of the highlights of your visit to Dubrovnik.

Day 3: Day Trip to Montenegro

With its ideal location, Dubrovnik offers an amazing opportunity to explore nearby destinations like Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina or the enchanting towns of Montenegro. On day 3, take respite from the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik’s busy streets and hop over to Montenegro for the day.

This private day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro will take you on an adventure to the medieval villages and tranquil towns that make up this southeastern European nation.

You’ll be picked up in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle from your accommodation in Dubrovnik and guided toward Montenegro’s picture-perfect coast. Highlights of this day trip include the Bay of Kotor, the darling village of Perast, Kotor Old City, and the seaside town of Budva.

Good to know: If it happens to be raining in Dubrovnik during your visit, the rain tends to be localized due to the city’s coastal location. So a day trip to Montenegro (or even Mostar) is a great way to escape the rain!

Day 4: Beach Day

Beach day! On your last day in Croatia, relax and hangout at some of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful beaches or visit the nearby Mljet National Park (filled with tons of beaches and hiking opportunities).

Just a short stroll away from the city walls and Ploče Gate is Banje Beach , an absolute sight to behold. Visitors flock here for its breathtaking views of the Old Town and it remains one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Croatia.

Unlike its bustling counterpart, Banje Beach, Šulić Beach offers a unique experience due to its atmospheric location. Secluded in an enchanting corner just beneath Lovrijenac Fortress is the petite beach – giving you the feeling of taking a dip back in time to 13th-century Croatia!

Another beach within walking distance of the Old Town that is worth visiting is Danče Beach . This stone beach is one of the city’s oldest swimming spots and a favorite among locals.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to make the trek down to Pasjaca Beach for the day, about a 30-minute drive south of Dubrovnik. Nestled in a small cove surrounded by imposing cliffs, this 80-meter stretch of sandy beach is strikingly beautiful and well worth a visit.

As evening approaches, pack your bags and get ready to board the overnight ferry to Bari, Italy!

Days 5-7: Italy

Day 5: wake up in italy.

Buongiorno! Good morning from southern Italy. On the morning of day 5, your ferry will cruise into Bari – the capital of Puglia and your home base for exploring this southern region of Italy.

Kick off your first day in Italy by heading into town and strolling around Centro Storico , Bari’s historic center. Get lost in the town’s narrow alleyways decorated with laundry hanging down from balconies, and Vespas perfectly positioned in doorways.

A few notable sights worth stopping at include the 12th-century Basilica San Nicola, visiting the Art Nouveau-style Teatro Margherita, and dropping by Spazio Murat to browse the modern works of local designers.

While walking through the old town, make sure you spend some time on Piazza Mercantile. This public square, surrounded by palaces and commercial buildings, has been the core of Bari city life since the 14th century.

Today it serves as a common meeting point among locals and is a fantastic place to people-watch. Grab an espresso or gelato from one of the nearby shops and soak up authentic Italian life.

Of course, the best way to get to know a new destination is through the local cuisine. That’s why I suggest spending the rest of day one sampling delicious bites on this Street Food Tour in Bari Old Town !

Your guide, Alessia, will take you through the streets of Bari to local places you would never find on your own. You’ll get to sample full-size dishes (so come hungry!) while learning about interesting historic facts and local life along the way.

Day 6: Day Trip to Locorotondo

On day 6, step away from the traditional tourist path and unlock the authentic beauty of Puglia with a visit to Locorotondo. Named one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Locorotondo has managed to remain unspoiled (which is one of the many reasons you should visit!).

This white-washed village is truly magnificent, featuring al fresco bars, winding streets and picturesque views. Nonetheless, the atmosphere of this unique city cannot be understated – it must be experienced to be fully appreciated!

A few things to do while you’re wandering around town include walking down the Lungomare, getting lost in the maze of narrow streets, visiting Trullo Marziolla, and sampling some of the local wine.

The fastest way to reach Locorotondo is by renting a car . Traveling to Locorotondo doesn’t just have to be by car though; you can also catch a train or bus from Bari. The journey takes about an hour and a half and trains depart Bari daily.

On weekends and holidays, the train is replaced by a bus that departs the main train station in Bari. When you arrive at the train station in Locorotondo, the Old Town is only a short stroll away.

Locorotondo is not far from the attractive and famous Alberobello, known for its Trulli (a traditional Apulian stone hut with a cone-shaped roof). If you do rent a car , this fairytale-like town is also lovely to stop at, just know that it can be extremely crowded during high season.

Day 7: Boat Excursion to Polignano a Mare

Spend your final day in Italy at sea on a small group boat excursion to Polignano a Mare . You’ll likely recognize this picturesque town by its breathtaking beach flanked by limestone cliffs and white-washed houses. Aside from its iconic beach, this picturesque coast is also home to hidden grottos and coves that are only accessible by sea.

On this boat tour , you’ll visit several caves along the coast and have ample time to swim in the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea. You’ll also have the chance to snap some epic photos at Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Piana.

As you glide along the shoreline, your knowledgeable skipper will share the area’s history and traditions while you relax over drinks on board.

⭐ 10-Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary

Travel to Croatia and Italy on a 10-day journey with this northern Italy and Croatia itinerary. You’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in Roman culture, glide through Venetian canals by gondola, and traverse across the Istrian peninsula as you experience the best of Italy and Croatia in 10 days.

This itinerary length is perfect for an Italy and Croatia honeymoon!

Day 1-3:  Rome, Italy

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Benvenuto! Welcome to Italy. Start off your Italy and Croatia 10 days itinerary by flying into the Italian capital city of Rome. Ideally, you will find a flight that arrives in the morning to have a full day here for your first day. Nevertheless, prepare to be awe-stricken by Rome’s classical and buzzing vibe on this first day.

Check into your accommodation and get familiar with your surroundings on day one. Rome is a huge city, and there are a variety of great neighborhoods to stay in while you’re here. But with just three days, it’s best to arrange your accommodation to be in the center of Rome.

The districts of Monti (bustling, hip neighborhood with lots of bars near the Colosseum), Trevi (famous for none other than the Trevi Fountain), and Sant’ Eustachio are all located within the historical center of the city.

Find the perfect place to stay here:

Once you are checked in and settled, take the Metro or venture by foot to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Take a guided tour of these monumental museums , or just enjoy their atmosphere and snap some photos from the outside!

Day 2: Explore Historical Rome

On day two, check out the historical sites in central Rome. What better way to start your day than to enjoy a quick authentic Italian espresso (you won’t find any Starbucks here!) and make your way to the Trevi Fountain. Visitors swamp this famous fountain in the afternoon, so it’s best to visit in the morning. 

From there, stroll down the whimsical narrow alleyways of Colonna and end up at the Pantheon. This 2,000-year-old temple is impressive to see and is a true landmark of Roman history. If you want to tour the temple on the weekend, it is necessary to book in advance . Otherwise, you can buy your ticket on-site the day of.

Next, make the short walk over to the famous Piazza Navona. There are dozens of quaint eateries here looking over the square making it a great place to grab lunch or at least a gelato! 

Make your way down Via dei Coronari and cross the ancient Ponte Sant’ Angelo bridge to arrive at the Castel Sant’ Angelo, a second-century castle and museum. Tour here, or walk down Via della Conciliazione to reach Vatican City.

This place is certainly worth spending a few hours exploring, but it does get crowded. I recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket so you can get straight to the good stuff instead of waiting for what could be hours.

End your day with a slice of pizza (or 5) and an Italian aperitivo. Aperol Spritz or Limoncello Spritz are widely popular amongst tourists AND locals, and you know…when in Rome! 

Day 3: Italian Shopping and Roman Galleries

On day three, stroll through the districts of Campo Marzio, Ponte, and Regola for premium Italian shopping (or window shopping) or meander through renowned European galleries. 

Start your day by visiting the Spanish steps in Campo Marzio. From there, stroll down Via dei Condotti to see a few of the flagship stores of some of the world’s best-known designers. Dior, Gucci, Fendi, you’ll find them all here! 

Continue down this street, and you’ll arrive in Ponte, a district known for cobbled streets and local life. Ponte is a great place to find a quaint trattoria to enjoy lunch before an afternoon of visiting local galleries.

Make your way to the street “Via Guilia” when you’re ready. There you will find quaint shops, impressive palazzos, and the art district, perfect for browsing and picking up some unique souvenirs.

Days 4-5: Venice, Italy

Day 4: from rome to venice.

Travel from Rome to Venice by train on day 4. 

It takes about four hours to get from Rome to Venice by train, so it’s a good idea to make this journey in the morning. You should pack some snacks or lunch to take on the train; there may not be a cafe on board.

Arrive at Venice’s central train station in the afternoon and check into your accommodation. Be aware there are no cars in the city of Venice. The main form of transportation here is by boat, or you’re walking! So keep this in mind if you have heavy luggage and book accommodation far from the train station.

Get acquainted with Venice on this first afternoon and wander through the district of Dorsoduro. A quirky, artsy district hosting novelty shops and is home to the Museo Leonardo da Vinci. In Dorsoduro, you will find endless eateries and quaint bars that offer competitive prices since this district doubles as a student neighborhood.

Day 5: Venice by Land and Sea

Begin your day of Venetian exploring by visiting St. Marks Basilica in the morning. Enjoy the Piazza San Marco, where the cathedral is located, and revel in the ambiance of grand Venetian architecture.

Here you will also find the impressive library, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, and the Palazzo Ducale (an opulent gothic palace that houses exhibits and tours of the prison, armory, and palatial rooms.). 

From the square, go to the famous Rialto Bridge either by foot or by boat! You can get a ferry from San Marco to Rialto or take a gondola down the Rio del Palazzo and Rio Della Fava canals.

Admire the Rialto bridge and head up to the rooftop terrace at the Fondaco dei Tedeschi shopping mall for a better view of the bridge and the Grand Canal. Visit the nearby Rialto Markets, a beloved marketplace hosting a great variety of shops for locals and tourists.

Head back to the Grand Canal and hop on a ferry to San Toma. You can walk to the area around Campo Santa Margarita, a ritzy and fashionable local area, and try some of the favorite eateries amongst Venetians.

Keep in mind the beauty of Venice is in wandering the streets, hopping on gondolas or ferries, and just embracing the atmosphere of one of the most unique cities in the world. 

Day 6-10: Istrian Peninsula, Croatia

Day 6: italy to croatia by boat.

It’s ciao for now, Italy! Get ready to discover the northwest corner of Croatia on day 6. It’s surprisingly easy to get from Italy to Croatia by boat. You can go directly from Venice to the picturesque hilltop town of Rovinj in just a few hours.

There are two ferry operators for this route, either Venezia Lines or Adriatic Lines and the journey will take anywhere between 2.5 hours to 5.5 hours, depending on which line you choose. 

Another option you may consider is driving from Venice to Croatia, however, it is important to consider the potential costs of renting a car in Italy and returning it in Croatia. If an Italy to Croatia road trip is what you’re after, I recommend Discover Cars for finding the best rates.

When you arrive in Rovinj in the afternoon, prepare to be blown away by the enchanting, fairytale-like atmosphere of this coastal town. Spend the afternoon getting lost in the tangled cobblestone alleyways that lead towards the waterfront. 

Go treasure hunting on Grisia Street and enjoy the variety of quaint boutiques this famous street offers. Continue walking uphill, and you will end up at St. Euphemia Church and the iconic bell tower. This tower is sure to catch your eye as it is the town’s most prominent and defining feature.

Learn the story of Euphemia and enjoy the architecture of this quaint, central church. In the evening, watch the sunset from the old town pier and get ready for your next day of adventuring. 

Day 7: Explore Poreč and Buje

After seven days of traversing cities on foot, it’s the perfect time to pick up a rental car and explore the corners of the Istrian peninsula . Rovinj offers several options for rental car companies to choose from, so opt for what suits you best and head north to the town of Poreč. 

Just a 40-minute drive away from Rovinj, the pastel-painted town of Porec offers impressive history and a quaint Riviera. Poreč has seen inhabitants since 800 BC and was captured by the Romans in 129 BC. The city is well known for its 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, which is remarkably preserved and boasts unique gold mosaics to admire.

From Poreč, make your way to the charming medieval village of Buje, one of the many fairytale towns in Istria .

This town is known as the home to some of the most renowned wineries in Croatia . With around 25 wineries, it would almost be impossible not to stop and taste some of Croatia’s finest wines! Return to Rovinj for the night. 

Day 8: Visit the Islands of Cres and Lošinj

On day 8, drive approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes east to the Brestova Ferry Terminal and experience the Islands of Cres and Lošinj. The ferry connecting Brestova and Cres holds cars, so there is no need to ditch the rental car yet!

Drive on board, and in just 20 minutes, you will be on the Island of Cres. Drive down the coast (there is just one main highway here) and enjoy the views of the sparkling sea on either side of you.

At the southern tip of Cres, you will cross a small bridge to the Island of Losinj and be pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem of Croatia . Spend the rest of the day bathing in some of the cleanest waters Croatia has to offer.

Day 9: Beach Day in Lošinj

Wake up on day 9 and fully immerse yourself in the island life. Spend your morning strolling through the ultra charming town of Lošinj and enjoying coffee among the locals at one of the cafes along the harbor.

In the afternoon, cross over to Cres to uncover the island’s most secluded and pristine beaches, Lubenice. There is a 45-minute walk down to this remote beach, but the views and bright aquamarine water is a sight to see!

If you’re looking for a beach with a little more accessibility, check out Valun. This small coastal village hosts two charming beaches with pristine waters perfect for wadding in – just keep your eyes peeled for sharks in Croatia .

End the day by making your way up to Providenca Tematski Vidikovac , the most magical spot for enjoying the sunset in Lošinj.

Day 10: Head Home From Pula

On the morning of day 10, head back to the ferry and make the 1 hour drive to Pula, where your Italy and Croatia holiday will come to an end.

This Istrian capital city is the largest city on the peninsula. You will undoubtedly feel the reminiscent Roman atmosphere while you’re traipsing through the old town.

Pula is home to the world’s 6th largest Roman Colosseum, which is the focal point of the city. The Pula Arena is also one of the best-preserved Colosseums in the world, making your visit to Pula worth it just to see this impressive piece of history.

Wrap up your Italy and Croatia trip by going for a morning coffee at a quaint cafe around the Piazza in Pula and go for a morning stroll through the Marina. It’s quite the sight to look up and see the Pula Arena set as a backdrop behind the sleepy harbor.

Aside from the arena, Pula offers some other impressive sights which include the Arch of the Sergii and Temple of Augustus.

If you have some extra time, or want to swap sightseeing for sunbathing, check out Hawaii Beach , one of Pula’s most impressive and beautiful beaches.

Depending on where you are going next, Pula offers excellent transport links as the main hub of Istria. Pula Croatia’s airport is pretty well connected to other European cities and hosts airlines such as RyanAir, EasyJet, British Airways, Eurowings, SAS, and Norwegian Airlines, to name a few.

⭐ 14 Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary

This 14 day trip to Italy and Croatia will take you to the southern Mediterranean, where you’ll get to experience Croatia’s most impressive sites, plunge into the turquoise Adriatic Sea, and traipse down the romantic streets of Tuscany.

Days 1-3: Dubrovnik

Day 1: get to know dubrovnik.

Fly into Dubrovnik to kick of your epic Croatia and Italy trip. Once you get situated in your hotel , it’s time to go out and explore the historic Old Town. If you’re not staying inside the city walls, be sure to enter at the Pile Gate – the best entrance for reaching all of the city’s major attractions.

Spend the day meandering the beautiful labyrinth of cobblestone streets that make up the medieval core of Dubrovnik. Drop by the Old Town Market to pick up some snacks or head to Barba for a seafood lunch (and be sure to try their octopus burger!).

Once your belly is full, it’s time to visit the most famous attraction in all of Dubrovnik – the stone wall surrounding the Old Town. I recommend taking a guided tour if you want to learn a bit more about the historic importance of the city walls.

You can also opt for a Game of Thrones Walking Tour if you’re a fan of the series!

If the views of the red-roofed town from the city walls aren’t enough, kick things up a notch and end your day with a cable car ride to Mount Srđ .

The most incredible views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are, without a doubt, best experienced from the top of the mountain. Facilities at the top include a souvenir shop, bar, and restaurant where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while looking out over the town.

Day 2: Sightseeing and Beaches

The sightseeing isn’t over quite yet! Begin your morning with a visit to Fort Lovrijenac, an incredible architectural fortress towering over rocky cliffs. From its observation point, you can witness the scenic old district of Dubrovnik spread out before you and capture some amazing photos.

Next, hit up the Sponza Palace, Franciscan Monastery Church and the Church of St. Blaise.

Once you’re done sightseeing, spend the rest of day 2 soaking up the sun and scenery at some of Dubrovnik’s most picturesque beaches. Within walking distance from the Ploče Gate is Banje Beach , a magnificent sight to behold.

This beach is frequented by tourists for its stunning views of the Old Town and it remains one of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you stop by for some sunbathing or to simply take in the gorgeous scenery, Banje Beach will not disappoint.

Banje Beach does get crowded in the summer, so if that’s not your thing, you can kick it with the locals at Danče Beach. Located within walking distance of Old Town, this stone beach has been around since the city’s earliest days! Its popularity among the townspeople makes it one of Dubrovnik’s most beloved swimming spots.

If you’re up for it, join a sunset kayak tour for a fresh perspective of the medieval town from the water. This tour will allow you to kayak around the historic city walls, stop at a nearby island to snorkel, and enjoy a glass of local wine on the boat.

Day 3: Elafiti Island Tour

Day 3 is dedicated to none other than island hopping in Croatia !

Just a few miles off the coast of Dubrovnik lies an archipelago of six picturesque isles, with many more unspoiled islets dotting the scenery. The Elafiti Islands offer breathtaking views and peaceful getaways for those wishing to escape the dense tourist crowds of Dubrovnik.

Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep are the primary islands that make up this archipelago. Out of these three islands where people reside, two have completely forbidden motored vehicles (Lopud and Koločep). This makes a trip to Elafiti Islands quite special as you’ll truly get a chance to relax after two full days of sightseeing in Dubrovnik.

For the best experience, I recommend going with a local who can take you to secret spots that most tourists would not be able to reach by themselves. This private Elafiti Island Boat Tour will have you sailing to mesmerizing caves, idyllic swimming spots, and secluded beaches that you can enjoy all to yourself.

Days 4-5: Split

Day 4: uncover historic split.

It’s time to say goodbye to Dubrovnik and head north to spend a few days in Split , Croatia’s largest port. You can reach Split from Dubrovnik by bus, which will last around 4 hours, or by ferry, which takes anywhere between 4 and 6 hours depending on the route.

When you arrive in Split, embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the marble streets of Diocletian’s Palace. This majestic palace was built centuries ago for Roman Emperor Diocletian, and to this day remains an important part of the Old Town that has earned its prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Since the palace is integrated into the surrounding town, certain sections of it are open to all visitors which you can explore on your own. However, I recommend joining a guided tour for more insight into historical facts as well as access to exclusive rooms that are only available through a tour.

🏨 Find the best hotels in Split on the beach here .

After your tour, take the opportunity to explore Split’s Old Town. Visit St. Domnius Cathedral and Bell Tower for some breathtaking views of the city from above! Wander through the cobblestone streets and browse around some of the delightful boutiques – you’ll find an array of beautiful linen clothing, beachwear, leather goods, lavender-scented products as well as charming souvenirs.

Day 5: Split Like a Local

Begin your second day in Split just like the locals do – with a freshly brewed cup of Croatian coffee. I recommend Kava2 for specialty coffee (“kava” actually means coffee in the Croatian language ).

Afterwards, head to the local market, Pazar , and pick up some freshly baked goods and seasonal fruit for breakfast before making your way toward Marjan Hill.

Often overlooked by tourists, Marjan Hill is a fantastic spot in the city that offers an easy hike through nature not too far from Split’s downtown area. The hike up is fairly easy and the path is paved, so you won’t need any special shoes for this activity. At the top, you’ll be greeted with a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the Riva , Split’s waterfront promenade, which is a lovely spot to snap a few photos.

On the way down, check out the Meštrović Gallery to admire the incredible sculptures and architecture accompanied by stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Finally, take some time to relax and unwind at one of Split’s many beautiful beaches .

Kasjuni Beach and Bene Beach are two favorite summer swimming destinations among locals and tourists alike. End the day with a delicious pizza from Bokamorra , a cool local hangout serving up mouthwatering pizzas and specialty cocktails.

Alternatively, you could spend your second day in Split on a boat tour of the surrounding islands or take a day trip to Krka National Park and spend the day hiking.

Days 6-7: Explore Hvar Town

Day 6: hvar town.

Take a short, 50-minute ferry ride to Hvar Town from Split and spend the day exploring one of the most striking towns in Croatia. Hvar Town is a gorgeous Mediterranean oasis tucked away on the southern side of Hvar Island in a tranquil bay.

With cobblestone pathways, breathtaking beaches, and majestic Venetian buildings adorning its streets, this charming town will leave you enamored with its beauty!

There are countless things to do in Hvar that should not be missed! A few of them include enjoying local coffee at Kava, stopping by the fresh market to sample some seasonal produce, people watching on St. Stephen’s Square, and taking a dip at the town beach near the monastery.

As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Fortica fortress that looms high above the town. Getting there is easy – just follow the signs from St. Stephen’s Square leading up the hill. You’ll need to purchase tickets to enter the fortress to reach the sprawling multi-level terrace overlooking Hvar Town and the Pakleni archipelago .

Once the sun goes down, descend back onto the streets of Hvar to experience the town’s famous nightlife scene. Start with a signature cocktail at Ka’Lavanda and end your evening at one of the many lively bars in town.

Day 7: Hvar Island by Scooter

On your final day in Croatia, set off on a real adventure by renting a scooter and exploring the island. If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, you can also rent a vintage Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio convertible which is a super fun way to get around Hvar!

Let the roads lead you where they may as you uncover fragrant fields of lavender, abandoned villages, and stop for a refreshing dip at some of Hvar’s best beaches . A few places you don’t want to miss include Jagodna Bay, Malo Zarace Beach, and Dubovica Beach (one of my personal favorites!).

Days 8-10: Naples

Day 8: from hvar to naples.

Depart Hvar on the early morning ferry and head straight for the airport, because on day 8 you are flying to Italy! The flight between Split and Naples is only 1 hour, leaving you plenty of time to get to know your home base for the next few days.

Naples is a city that is often misunderstood. It’s chaotic, energetic, unapologetic, yet at the same time, a uniquely beautiful city. For this reason, I highly recommend starting off your visit with a Street Food Walking Tour . Not only is this a great chance to sample delicious local eats, but it’s a good way to get your bearings with a local showing you around.

This is the tour I personally went on when I visited Naples in the summer of 2022 and it was the highlight of our trip! Our guide Mario was amazing, offering lots of local insight and recommendations for what to do after the tour was finished.

A few activities to consider post-tour are taking the cable car up to the Vomero neighborhood to visit Castel Sant’Elmo, stroll through the ornate courtyard of Chiostri di Santa Chiara, marvel at the handicraft work displayed along Via San Gregorio Armeno, and grab a drink at Piazza Bellini.

Day 9: Tour the Amalfi Coast

Wake up on your second day in Italy and take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast . The Amalfi Coast is a Mediterranean paradise, featuring beautiful coastlines, colorful villages, and lush landscapes. It’s known for its dramatic cliffs and picturesque seaside towns, each with their own unique charm.

The easiest way to explore this iconic coastline is to hop on an organized tour from Naples. I went on this exact tour when I visited Naples in 2022 and cannot recommend it enough!

Our excellent guide and driver for the day, Carmine, was welcoming, charming, and very knowledgeable about the region. He took us on a scenic drive, first stopping in the darling town of Ravello (my favorite of the trip, and one of the most Instagrammable places in Italy ).

After that we continued to the village of Amalfi, and ended our day in the famous Positano. We had plenty of time to walk around and enjoy each town we visited without feeling rushed, and the best part was that we didn’t have to worry about navigating the narrow, winding roads by ourselves.

The times for this tour are also suitable for cruise ship passengers, so you can be certain you’ll be back to board your ship by 4:30 PM.

If you’d rather not take a guided tour, you can reach Amalfi via a combination of public trains and buses. However, keep in mind that this area of Italy is bursting with tourists in the summertime and buses may not provide the most enjoyable experience (they are known for being rather packed and sweaty).

I would avoid renting a car in the summer because you will have a difficult and near impossible time accessing the villages due to traffic as well as some roads being only open to those with permits.

Day 10: Day Trip to Capri

On day ten of your trip, escape to the island of beauty and romance, also known as Capri. Situated in the Bay of Naples, Capri is best known for its rugged limestone cliffs, bright blue waters, and upscale hotels.

Once upon a time, this island was a popular destination for the rich and famous, but has become increasingly accessible to all types of travelers who wish to experience Capri’s stunning scenery and vibrant culture.

The absolute best way to discover this coveted Italian island is on a private boat tour . During the summer, Capri can be overrun with tourists, so I recommend uncovering the beauty of the island from the water!

This private Capri boat tour will take you on a breathtaking boat ride around the island’s rugged coast, while stopping to explore hidden coves, mysterious grottos, and ancient Roman ruins. You’ll have plenty of time to swim as well as enjoy an onboard snack of caprese salad and Prosecco.

You can also easily DIY a day trip to Capri by catching the ferry from Naples like I did. The crossing takes approximately one hour and offers stunning scenery of both the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri, Procida, and Ischia.

Once you arrive in Capri, you can explore 11th century churches, gorgeous gardens and villas, as well as many artisanal workshops where you can learn about and purchase authentic pottery and leather goods.

Days 11-14: Tuscany

Day 11: florence highlights.

On day 11 of your journey through Italy, catch the high-speed train from Naples to Florence. In just under 2.5 hours, you’ll reach the birthplace of the Renaissance and cultural capital of Italy.

Situated on the majestic Arno River, Florence (Firenze in Italian) is Tuscany’s most sought-after city. It’s one of those destinations that you must make time to visit at least once in your lifetime. In truth, a trip to Italy would be incomplete without an excursion to stunning Florence!

There is plenty to see and do in this city, which make it a fantastic base for exploring the region of Tuscany.

Dedicate your first day in Florence to seeing the city’s highlights. Your first stop should be the Accademia Gallery to witness Michelangelo’s most famous work – the statue of David .

Afterwards, head to the magnificent cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore (or simply called the Duomo), which is by far Firenze’s most renowned site. It is free to admire the inside of the cathedral, but I recommend getting skip-the-line tickets to climb to the top of the Dome, one of the major works of the Renaissance designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Spend the rest of the day getting lost in the city streets or visiting other notable sites like the Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica of Santissima Annunziata, Museum of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

Day 12: Day Trip to Siena

The beauty of Florence (other than its jaw-dropping architecture) is the fact that it is perfectly situated for exploring the region of Tuscany. On your second day in Tuscany, hop on a direct train leaving from the Santa Maria Novella station. In just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll arrive in the majestic and noble city of Siena.

Siena is a moody and mysterious, medieval town that makes for a wonderful day trip from Florence. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena is known for its tightly packed narrow lanes dotted with towering houses that transport you right back to the middle ages.

Begin your morning with a coffee at Torrefazione Fiorella , one of the many atmospheric cafes in town frequented by locals.

Then, a visit to the main public square, Piazza del Campo, is a must for any traveler. Here you can gaze in awe at the stunning Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, marveling at their intricate architectural details.

From here you can wander through the cobbled streets until you reach one of Siena’s many awe-inspiring churches, where you can admire the breathtaking frescos and other works of art. Be sure not to miss the Duomo di Siena, a remarkable Gothic cathedral featuring an intricate facade of black and white marble.

If you want to experience Siena like a local, this walking tour with food and wine would be the perfect introduction to the city!

Day 13: Train to Pisa and Lucca

Due to their close proximity, the towns of Pisa and Lucca are commonly combined for a day trip from Florence. I suggest heading to Pisa first thing in the morning if you want to enjoy the famous landmark with as few crowds as possible. The high speed train from Florence is quick and lasts just 51 minutes, which will allow you to be there before the busloads of tourists arrive.

Once you’ve explored Pisa’s main sights, hop on a regional train to Lucca and spend the afternoon taking in its history and culture, and maybe enjoy an espresso in the oval-shaped piazza. In Lucca, don’t forget to take a stroll around the city walls, which are impressive and well-preserved.

As the sun sets, jump back on the train to return to Florence in time for dinner. Although this day may have passed quickly, it’s a great way to get a glimpse of what the Tuscany region has to offer.

Day 14: Wind Down in Florence

It is day fourteen of your Italy itinerary and almost time to go home! It has been a whirlwind of a visit, and now it’s time to wind down and soak in every last bit of Italian atmosphere.

Spend your final day strolling the magnificent streets and visiting any city highlights you may have missed on your first day in Florence. Don’t forget to pick up any last-minute souvenirs and enjoying some delicious Italian cuisine!

In the late afternoon, venture beyond the famous squares and museums of Florence to the most stunning rose garden you’ve ever seen, Giardino delle Rose . This garden is free to visit and boasts ridiculously striking views all year round.

End your last day in Italy by climbing up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, a spectacular 19-century piazza featuring panoramic views of the city. This is a popular sunset-watching spot, so get their early and bring a bottle of Chianti to sip on while you watch the sun go down behind the Florence skyline.

Can I go from Italy to Croatia?

Yes! Italy and Croatia are geographically close and well connected by ferry and airline routes.

Is Croatia in Italy?

No, Croatia is not in Italy. Although they share some similarities, Croatia and Italy are two separate countries with distinct identities and culture.

How long is the ferry from Croatia to Italy?

The ferry from Venice to Croatia is the most popular route with a duration of 3-4 hours. There are also ferry options from Split and Dubrovnik to Italy that can last up to 11 hours, depending on the route.

How many days do you need in Croatia?

10 days is the ideal amount of time to explore the highlights of Croatia while still having time to relax and enjoy your trip.

What is the best way from Croatia to Italy?

The best way to get from Croatia to Italy is either by ferry or by plane.

What city in Italy is closest to Croatia?

Trieste in Italy is the closest city to Croatia. It is only 47 km (29 miles) to Umag, the northernmost town in Istria, Croatia’s western peninsula.

Final Thoughts: Italy Croatia Itinerary Ideas

Each of these Italy and Croatia itinerary options are optimized so you can spend less time traveling between locations, and more time experiencing.

Whether you choose to explore northern Italy and Croatia or hop between Croatia and Italy’s stunning southern destinations, you are sure to have a memorable adventure.

Before you go , grab my interactive Croatia map with over 500 location pins to help you explore like a local!

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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to Croatia and Italy

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance? 10000% YES – Seriously, don’t leave home without it . You never know what can happen on the road (like that time I had to go to urgent care in Thailand for a severe case of dehydration). Luckily I had SafetyWing insurance that covered my bill. Their average plan is $42 for 28 days – that’s $1.50 a day to enjoy peace of mind…just get it. Plus you can adjust your length of coverage to your specific dates of travel, so you could be paying even less than that! 📱 Will my phone work in Italy and Croatia? Maybe – check with your provider to see if you’ll have service while traveling to Croatia and Italy. If you don’t have service (or it’s too expensive) I recommend getting an eSIM like Airalo . Airalo allows you to have data while traveling without the high costs of roaming. They have super affordable plans available for 190+ countries. Download the app and get your plan before you leave home so that you have data as soon as you touch down in Europe! 🏨 What’s the best way to book my Italy and Croatia accommodations? For Croatia and Italy hotels, Booking is by far the best site. 🛫 What’s the best site to buy Italy and Croatia flights? I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights. 🚗  Is it safe to rent a Car in Croatia? Yes! – In fact, renting a car in Croatia is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend Discover Cars because they check both local and international rental companies to ensure you get the best deal. (Get your Croatia road trip itinerary here ) 💦 Is it safe to drink the water in Croatia? Tap water in Croatia is completely safe to drink , so bring your reusable water bottle and fill up! ( Read more ) 🪪 Do I need a visa for Croatia? Depending on where you are coming from you may or may not need a visa to enter Croatia. Check the official Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information on who should apply for a visa.

Fueled by her passion for travel and her Croatian heritage, Olivia left the USA in 2014 to study abroad in Croatia where she has been living ever since. She founded Inspired by Croatia to share travel tips, destination guides, and exclusive local insights about the country she now calls home.

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The Best Italy and Croatia Itinerary Ideas for 7-14 Days Trips You’ll Love

• December 12, 2021

Table of Contents

Italy and Croatia are two of the best destinations in Europe and if you can’t decide which one to visit, there’s good news: you can easily visit both during the same trip! These three itineraries cover a similar route that are adapted and added on to for itineraries of different lengths so you’ll be able to find one that fits your travel plans.

Related Posts :

• 10 Days in Italy | 5 of The Best Itinerary Ideas for an Amazing 10 Days in Italy
• 10 of the Best Hidden Gems in Italy to Visit
• 10 of the Best Places to Visit in Croatia

7-Day or One-Week Italy and Croatia Itinerary

If you only have one week to explore Italy and Croatia, you’ll still be able to take a highlights tour of these incredible countries. Start your trip by flying into Rome . Italy’s capital city is rich with history and culture and you can spend at least two or three days here exploring some of the most famous ancient monuments in the world. Toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand into the waters of the Trevi Fountain – according to legend, doing this means you will soon make another trip to Italy.

From Rome, you’ll continue on to Venice where you’ll be able to see the famous canal city in person over the course of two days. Make sure you spend an afternoon taking one of the famous gondola rides through the city. Although this can be relatively expensive, it’s definitely worth it to participate in this iconic activity.

You’ll end your trip by heading to the Croatian city of Dubrovnik . This charming city is an extremely popular destination with a rich history. The Dubrovnik Walls are one of the most famous attractions in the city and you can walk along them and admire the view of the Old Town area and climb Minceta Tower. They’re famous in pop culture for their appearance on HBO’s smash hit Game of Thrones and you may be able to find a guided tour that is based on the show when you are there. In addition to exploring these picturesque walls, you can eat local food and shop for Croatian goods to take home as a souvenir.

Travel Guide & Resources for This 7-day or One-Week Italy and Croatia Itinerary:

Enjoy this 7-day or one-week Italy and Croatia Itinerary itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Italy and Croatia. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in any destinations  mentioned in this Italy and Croatia itinerary to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Italy and Croatia Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Italy and Croatia  in addition to what is already mentioned here.

10-Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary

If you have ten full days to explore Italy and Croatia, you have several more opportunities to see incredible sights and experience vibrant culture. As with the previous itinerary, you will start this ten day vacation by flying into Rome and spending three days exploring the sights. If you love museums you can head to the Vatican Museums which are widely considered to be some of the best museums in Europe, if not the entire world. The museum has nearly 70,000 remarkable historic and artistic items in it’s total collection, 20,000 of which are on display. One of the most famous is Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam , the famous painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. While near the Vatican, spend some time exploring St Peter’s Basilica, another structure that Michaelangelo helped create.

From Rome, head north to Venice . In addition to a gondola ride, you can spend your time in the famous canal city walking across the nearly 400 bridges that cross the waterways. If you happen to be visiting during late February or early March, you might have a chance to experience the vibrant Venice Carnival which is famous for its elaborate masks. Pick one up from one of the local artisans when you visit.

After exploring Venice you’ll head into Croatia and towards the capital city of Zagreb . You can fly there or you can opt to drive although that trip can take around five hours. This fantastic destination blends the historic with the modern and the result is a charming city where you can learn about Croatia’s history and culture. Gradec is a quaint neighborhood where you can shop and grab a bite to eat. Dolac Market is a daily farmer’s market where you can also pick up some fresh food that makes for a quick and healthy breakfast.

During your stay in Zagreb, you can book an excursion to the incredible Plitvices Lake National Park . This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Croatia’s largest and oldest national park and is a stunning natural landmark that is just under two hours away from Zagreb. There are several different companies that offer day trips that provide transportation and in some cases, meals are provided as well. These tours are a great way to explore the natural beauty of Croatia without having to rent a car.

After three days exploring Zagreb and taking a day trip to Plitvices Lake National Park, you’ll continue on to your final stop on this itinerary: Dubrovnik . In addition to the Dubrovnik Walls, you can explore the Stradun which is a pedestrian area lined with stores and cafes. After your time in Dubrovnik, you can easily continue on to other destinations or head home by flying out of the Dubrovnik Airport.

Travel Guide & Resources for This 10-Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary Itinerary:

Enjoy this 10-day or one-week Italy and Croatia Itinerary itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Italy and Croatia. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in any destinations  mentioned in this Italy and Croatia itinerary to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 10-day Italy and Croatia Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Italy and Croatia  in addition to what is already mentioned here.

14-Day or 2-Week Italy and Croatia Itinerary

If you have a full two weeks to explore Italy and Croatia, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore some of the best sights in the country. As with the other itineraries, you’ll start by flying into Rome . In addition to being home to a major airport and being easy to get to, Rome is a great place to start your Italian adventure as there are several iconic monuments within city limits and plenty of opportunities that are designed for tourists such as guided experiences in languages other than Italian.

Following your time in Rome, head north to Florence . The city has long had a reputation for encouraging art and many famous creators were either born in Florence or established a residence there in later years. For example, if you head to Piazza della Signoria, you can see the iconic Statue of David. This marble sculpture was created between 1501 and 1504 by the famous artist Michalangelo. Visit the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore to see one of the most famous cathedrals in the world.

After exploring Florence, you can continue up north to Venice before heading into Croatia. You can spend just a day and a half exploring the city by land and by gondola before continuing on. Make sure you stop by the famous St. Marks Square where you can explore cafes and shops while enjoying stunning views of the blue waters framed by the terracotta colors of the structures.

After your time in Venice, you’ll fly into Zagreb , Croatia’s capital city. In addition to fresh food and charming medieval alleyways and neighborhoods, you’ll be able to spend your time here visiting historic sites such as Karlovac – a 16th century town that was built as an outpost to defend against the Ottoman army. It is a fascinating example of military planning and is also a beautiful spot. For a more unconventional route, head to the Museum of Broken Relationships. This museum contains items from heartbroken people around the world along with a brief explanation as to what these seemingly random items are. It might not sound like a good time but the galleries are poignant and remarkably human.

Next, you’ll start heading south – specifically towards Plitvice Lakes National Park . You’ll rent a car for this part of your trip and you’ll be able to experience some stunning scenery and unique aspects of Croatian culture you’d miss if you were flying over it. If you’re heading to the park without a tour guide you’ll have the complete freedom to hike and explore the area at your own pace. You can even opt to stay overnight at a nearby hotel like the beautiful Plitvice Hotel. You can rest and explore the park for a few hours the next morning before continuing on.

After exploring Plitvices Lake National Park , you’ll continue on to Split , Croatia’s second-largest city. Split is a cultural hub in the region and is also home to several historic landmarks such as the Diocletian’s Palace, which was erected for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD. Today you can tour the palace and even see it from Split’s Old Town neighborhood.

Finally, continue on to Dubrovnik . You can spend your days here exploring the remnants of imposing historic sites and immersing yourself in Croatian culture before heading home.

Travel Guide & Resources for This 14-day or Two-Week Italy and Croatia Itinerary:

Enjoy this 14-day or two-week Italy and Croatia Itinerary itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Italy and Croatia. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in any destinations  mentioned in this Italy and Croatia itinerary to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your 14-day or two-week Italy and Croatia Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Italy and Croatia  in addition to what is already mentioned here.

Video Guide: Italy & Croatia Itinerary Ideas for 7, 10, & 14 Days

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Travel resources for planning a multi-city trip to Italy and Croatia

To make planning a trip to Italy and Croatia easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip to Italy and Croatia.

Agoda : Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.

CheapOAir : You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!

Kiwi.com : What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “ Nomad ” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.

JetRadar : You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.

Agoda : Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.

Hotellook : They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.

Transportations:  

Airport Transfers :  KiwiTaxi ,  Viator

Train :  EuRail ,  Trainline  or  RailEurope  

Bus :  Flixbus : Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.

Car Rentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking  (Bikes & scooter rentals) 

Transportation Comparison :  Omio  (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)

Tours & Activities :

TakeWalks  (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.

Tiqets : Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.

Musement : They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.

GetYourGuide : A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities

Viator : The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.

Need help planning a trip to Italy and Croatia ?

Want to plan a trip to Italy and Croatia but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to Italy and Croatia are our specialties.  Contact us  today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can  personalize your multi-city vacations   at the best price.

Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our  marketplace  for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing destinations.

To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “ How It Works ” page or check out our video on  “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in  5 Easy Steps”   here.

Have questions for us?  Schedule a FREE Call  with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at  [email protected] , call/text us at  (888)223-2316  today.

Private Travel Coaching & Consulting Call

Want to plan and book your upcoming trip yourself? If this is your first time traveling to any of the European destinations or you are new to multi-city, multi-country travel but prefer to manage every part of your trip on your own, this option is for you! 

For just  $150 per hour , our destination expert can answer any questions you might have as you plan and book your dream trip. From assisting with route planning, and destination selection, recommending the best areas or places to stay, the best transportation options, things to do and see, saving tips and so much more! 

Ready to plan your trip with our help? Book your private coaching session with our destination expert now and we’ll confirm your appointment within 24 hours!

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Travel resources for planning your own trip.

To make planning your European trip on your own easier, in addition to what already mentioned in our travel guide, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in any destination using these travel resources:

European River Cruises:

Uniworld River Cruises : The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia, and Peru. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

Pre- and Post-cruise/Tour Extensions:  Uniworld curated pre-and post-cruise/tour extensions make it easy to add a few days to the front or back end of your trip while leaving the planning to them

The packages include a variety of hotel options, transfers, and a dedicated destination expert to escort you along the way.

Airport Transfers & Transportations:  

Airport Transfers: GetTransfer offers both airport transfers & car rentals with a personal driver. Other airport transfer options are KiwiTaxi and Viator.

Train :  EuroRail ,  Trainline ,  or  RailEurope are all great sites for train tickets as well as Rail Passes if you would like to add more flexibility to your trip. They are good for most trains throughout Europe. For trains in Italy, we like and recommend ItaliaRail . As for Portugal, you will need to go to the official website for Comboios de Portugal (the Portuguese train company) to book your train tickets when traveling in Portugal.

CarRentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking is a great site for bikes & scooter rentals

Travel Insurance:

Travel Guard :  Their comprehensive travel insurance programs, starting at $30, include per-trip & annual plans, coverage for trip cancellation , trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, baggage loss & more! Travel Guard provides 24/7-customer service with a personal touch through its World Service Center.

DISCLAIMER : Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Trip by Travel Experts

Need help planning a trip and find the best vacation package for your multi-city trip to Europe? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-city, multi-country European vacations, and complicated itineraries are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize an amazing multi-city trip to your dream destinations in Europe.

Ready for a trip? Check out our planning options and get in touch with us today!

Featured Pre-Designed Packages

These air-inclusive, pre-designed multi-city European vacation packages can be personalized to suit your needs!

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Dubrovnik and Split

8 Nights/ 9 Days Signature Escape to Berlin, Dresden (Day Trip), and Prague

6 Nights/7 Days Signature Escape to Amsterdam and Copenhagen

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Munich and Zurich

Schedule a FREE Consultation

Not sure or can’t decide which planning option is right for you? Schedule a free 30-minute call with one of our travel experts to discuss your travel needs today!

The Ultimate 7-Day Croatia Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on November 23, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect Croatia itinerary is essential to ensuring you have the ideal trip to this incredible country.

Croatia is becoming an ever more popular European destination year after year as it has firmly cemented its beautiful Adriatic Riviera onto the pages of travel magazines, websites, and Instagram feeds. This incredibly diverse and welcoming country has endless opportunities to offer travellers.

While most visitors set their sites on Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, they fail to dig deeper and explore the seemingly endless wonderful places to visit if you have 7 days in Croatia.

Croatia is a lot bigger and has a more diverse climate than most visitors expect, so it is essential to properly plan out your route before you go.

So if you’re visiting Croatia, these three itineraries are perfect guidelines for having the best trip possible.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Croatia

Contrary to popular belief, Croatia isn’t all sunshine and sea every day of the year and the vast majority of the country really does experience all four seasons.

While winters in Dalmatia and on the coast tend to be mild compared to that of other European countries, the north of Croatia — in places like Zagreb or the Slavonia region — can expect to experience fairly heavy snowfall and average high temperatures that linger just above freezing.

It is also worth noting that a good majority of Croatia isn’t perennially blessed with endless sunny days. Zagreb, for instance, is actually quite wet and it is best to expect at least a few rainy days on your trip along the coast as well — depending on the season you are travelling.

In the most popular coastal cities in Croatia — like Split and Dubrovnik — you can expect a significant amount of rain in the winter months.

If you do want to avoid the hordes of tourist crowds, then winter can be an appealing option, especially if you’re not one to enjoy lazy beach and swimming days. It is worth knowing that many restaurants and tourist attractions are closed in the winter due to low demand.

The summer months of late June-August are the most popular times to travel to Croatia and if you plan to hit the most visited cities in the country, you can expect them to be very crowded. Temperatures can reach well over 30ºC (86ºF) on the coast and expect it to be even hotter in the capital.

Prices also mimic the high temperatures in the Croatian summer with everything from accommodation to restaurant costs inflated to take advantage of the tourism revenue. Places to stay tend to book out early, especially in July and August, so it is essential that if you’re planning a trip to Croatia , you plan well in advance if you are set on travelling in peak season.

Ideally, the best time of year to travel to Croatia is in the shoulder seasons directly surrounding summer. May and September have some of the best weather in Europe, where you can expect warm temperatures averaging around 25ºC (77ºF) and for the majority of your days to be sunny.

Most seasonal restaurants and tourist attractions will begin to open their doors again through the months of March-October so you will be able to see and eat everything that you could in the summer with a fraction of the crowds.

Getting Around Croatia

If you are only planning a one-week Croatia itinerary and want to make the most of your time, you need to be able to optimise your transport so you spend more time sightseeing and less time in transit.

If you want to rely on public transport when getting from point A to B in Croatia, then you’re going to need to get to know the bus network. Like many Balkan countries, Croatia doesn’t have an advanced train system and the majority of inter-city transport is dominated by the humble bus.

Bus connections between major cities are frequent, but they can book out early during the summer months. There are a number of different transit companies to choose from, some of which allow you to book tickets online.

Others might require you to buy a bus ticket at the station. You can check bus timetables and routes throughout Croatia on Busbud . Another thing to keep in mind is that most buses do charge to put luggage into hold — usually around €1-2.

If you can and your Croatia budget allows for it, a far better transportation option for one week in Croatia is to rent a car.

This will allow you to be more flexible with your departure times and reach places that aren’t as well-served by the bus network. Driving in Croatia is easy and going on a Croatia road trip is one of the best ways to see a lot of the country in a short amount of time.

If you only have a week, you are going to want to see as much of the country as you can and it isn’t always possible to do with irregular bus timetables and long travel times.

You can browse Rentalcars.com which compares car hire prices across major companies. Alternatively, check out Localrent which can connect you with smaller companies or individuals renting their cars.

If you’re flying into Croatia and are not hiring a car, you can organise a private transfer from the airport here.

Classic 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

If it is your first time visiting Croatia, then this is the one-week itinerary you should follow. It covers all of the main tourist highlights of Croatia with possible day-trip options to nearby national parks and beautiful islands.

We do recommend renting a car for this route, however, if you want to save money, a car is not necessary for the Zagreb portion of this trip. You can go ahead and rent a car when leaving the capital and save a couple of days of fare and parking fees.

Day 1 – Zagreb

The most logical place to start this route through Croatia is in the vibrant capital of Zagreb . For many years, tourists have treated Zagreb as merely a place to fly into before making a beeline for the coast — maybe spending a night there if their flight arrives late and leaving first thing in the morning.

However, in recent years, Zagreb has really come into its own as a tourist destination, which is why we recommend spending two days in the Croatian capital.

Zagreb has a gritty, artistic feel to it and has a number of interesting things to do. Take a walking tour of the city to get your bearings and explore some of the main historical sites like St Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, the Zagreb Cathedral and strolling through the lush Green Horseshoe Park.

Where to Stay in Zagreb

Casablanca Boutique B&B   – This boutique bed and breakfast is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb if your budget allows for a little bit more than a hostel. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available, it is located very close to the city centre and all of the main tourist attractions, and breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Hostel Mali Mrak – This locally-run hostel is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. They have an incredibly friendly staff, great common areas that make it easy to meet other travellers and have both dorms and private rooms available. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Zagreb

Day 2 – Zagreb

Though you can certainly see the majority of the highlights of Zagreb within the confines of one day, spending two days in the city is ideal if you want to go at a slower pace and get your bearings in Croatia.

If you spent your first day in the Old Town there are plenty of other places you can visit on the second day.

For instance, consider hopping on a bus to see the massive and sprawling Mirogoj Cemetery. Or, if you’re a craft beer fan, there are plenty of great brewpubs to hop between. Those who love quirky museums will also like the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Zagreb is also an excellent place to educate yourself on the Yugoslav Wars, which were particularly devastating here. Many people tend to forget the horrific conflict of the 1990s when visiting Croatia, but it is important to see how far the nation has come in the past 30 years.

Two days in Zagreb is a perfect amount of time to spend in order to really get a feel for the city and will probably lend to you longing to return one day!

Day 3 – Plitvice Lakes National Park

The iconic and gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park is the second-most visited attraction in Croatia (after Dubrovnik) and it is for good reason — it is absolutely spectacular.

This massive network of lakes and waterfalls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is enough to charm even the most ardent of city people and visiting is a highlight of any trip to Croatia. While it can get very busy in the summer months, it is still an unmissable area to explore in Croatia.

While many people visit Plitvice as a day trip from Zagreb or Split, we recommend spending a night near the park so you can get there as early as possible, avoid the inevitable tourist crowds, and spend as much time as you can in the park.

You need at least four hours to see the majority of the park, but you can easily spend longer. Because of this, we recommend leaving Zagreb in the evening, spending the night near the park, visiting Plitvice Lakes in the morning and then driving onto your next destination by the afternoon or evening.

If you don’t have a car, you can organise a guided tour  from Zagreb or a group tour that includes transport from Zagreb to Split.

Where to Stay in Plitvice Lakes

House Turkalj — This cosy family-run guesthouse is an excellent affordable option for those looking for a little bit more than a hostel. They have a handful of private ensuite rooms available along with self-catering facilities. They also offer complimentary beer and rakija.

Falling Lakes Hostel — This is a great option for backpackers, budget and solo travellers who want a place near Plitvice Lakes. They offer both dorm and private rooms, self-catering facilities, and will arrange a shuttle to the entrance of the lakes should you not have your own vehicle.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Plitvice Lakes!

Day 4 – Split

After spending two days of your week in Croatia soaking up the arts, culture, and nightlife of Zagreb and another day at the incredible Plitvice Lakes National Park, it’s time to head to the coast and Croatia’s second-largest city of Split.

The drive to Split is absolutely beautiful and there are lots of places in Croatia to stop and enjoy along the way, so make sure to spend your day taking advantage of seeing all there is on the Croatian coast.

Spend the next day taking advantage of all of the great things to do in Split . Walk around the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, stroll along the seaside promenade, enjoy a glass of Croatian wine at an outdoor cafe, or take a hike up Marjan Hill.

Where to Stay in Split

Il Giardino Luxury Rooms & Suites – If you’re looking for a little bit more luxury, then you can’t go wrong with this boutique hotel. They have a number of spacious and comfortable rooms on offer, are located close to both the centre of Split and within walking distance of the beach and have breakfast included and a restaurant on site.

Tchaikovsky Hostel  – This hostel is a great option if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. They are centrally located, have excellent ratings, and offer both dorm and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Split

Day 5 – Split

On your second day, consider taking one of the many potential day trips from Split . You could head to the towns of Sibenik or Trogir (the latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the beautiful Krka National Park, or even make a trip to one of the islands off the coast — enjoy the laid-back nature of Brac or the lavender fields of Hvar for a day!

If you choose to visit Krka National Park, get an early start to beat the crowds – it’s located about an hour from Split. Here you can enjoy gorgeous lakes and waterfalls, swimming spots and nice walking trails.

The town of Sibenik is only about fifteen minutes from Krka, so it’s easy to also visit here. It’s small, but absolutely charming with great seaside views and plenty of winding, cobbled streets to get lost on.

If you want a jam-packed day, you could also tack on the town of Trogir on your way back to Split. This is an historic town on its own island (there is a bridge to get there) that is an absolute joy to explore.

Alternatively, consider taking a day trip to an island like Hvar or Brac. Brac is closer to Split but is a bit more sleepy – though it is home to the iconic Zlatni Rat Beach.

Hvar is a bit further away, but fast passenger ferries from Split can allow you to spend the day exploring the charming Hvar Town and swimming around the Pakleni islands.

If you have more than a week to dedicate to this particular itinerary, this is the time where it makes sense to spend more time. Spend an extra day or two in Split, for instance, and you can easily go on all of these day trips. If you have longer, head to an island like Hvar or Korcula for a few days before moving on to Dubrovnik.

Day 6 – Dubrovnik

The most popular place to visit in Croatia thanks in no part to  Game of Thrones , no trip to Croatia that covers the tourist highlights of the country would be complete without including the city of Dubrovnik .

Dubrovnik is the premier place to visit in Croatia and the image of its beautiful city walls is what automatically fills people’s imaginations when thinking of this Adriatic country. Keep in mind that Dubrovnik is small, can be very crowded, and is noticeably more expensive than anywhere else in the country.

That is not to say it’s not absolutely gorgeous and it is absolutely worth spending time in the city, especially if it’s your first time visiting Croatia. We recommend spending at least two days in Dubrovnik, one where you can stroll along the well-trodden tourist sites and another where you can try to explore outside of the Old Town.

Spend your first day in Dubrovnik taking in the highlights of the Old Town. Get an early start to beat the crowds on the City Walls and then continue on to visit the Pile Gate, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Rector’s Palace.

There are lots of day trippers and cruise ship crowds here, so the crowds can lessen significantly in the evenings. Take this time to enjoy a quieter side of Dubrovnik.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Boutique Hotel Porto   – Located directly in the Old Town, this boutique hotel is a great option if you’re looking to add a bit of luxury to your time in Croatia. They have a range of clean, comfortable rooms on offer and it comes very highly rated. 

Old Town Hostel   — As the name suggests, this boutique hostel is located directly in Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town. It is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city and has both dorm beds and private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Dubrovnik

Day 7 – Dubrovnik

On your final day, you can use it as an opportunity to explore more of Dubrovnik and get a bit beyond the old town.

You could spend your day lounging on one of Dubrovnik’s beaches or, perhaps, visit lovely Lokrum Island located just a few hundred metres from the shores of the old town.

You can grab a ferry to Lokrun Island and reach it in about ten minutes from the centre of Dubrovnik. It is a nature reserve known for its lush greenery. There are also plenty of lovely, secluded swimming spots for those who want to splash in the water!

Dubrovnik is also a great base to take a few day trips. It is incredibly possible to visit the beautiful city of Kotor, Montenegro or marvel at the Stari Most in divided Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina . If you spend one day exploring the old town, it is totally possible to tack on a visit to either of the cities on the second day.

7-Day Adriatic Coast Itinerary

If you’re interested in spending time on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and want to see the highlights that lie in the cities, towns and islands of the Adriatic Sea, then this is the route for you.

It skips some of the inland attractions and concentrates solely on the coastal region. Keep in mind that this route is much easier to execute if you have your own vehicle.

Day 1 – Zadar

Begin your trip in the lovely town of Zadar . This historic town is located in the centre of the Dalmatia region and is actually home to its own international airport, so you can easily get here from plenty of other destinations across Europe.

Zadar is small but there is a lot to see and do in the town and it’s worth spending at least an entire day exploring. The pedestrianised old town doesn’t attract the crowds often seen in cities like Split and Dubrovnik.

There is a lovely seaside promenade complete with a delightful Sea Organ – a series of steps that plays music as the waves crash against it. There are also Roman ruins and beautiful churches to take in, along with swimming spots all along the promenade. There are also plenty of great cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Zadar

Art Hotel Kalelarga   — This boutique hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms and free breakfast in the morning in a fantastic Old Town Zadar location. It is one of the highest-rated hotels in Zadar and it is a great option for those looking for a bit of luxury. 

Downtown Boutique Hostel  — This small boutique hostel is located in the centre of Old Town Zadar. They have a number of room options available — from dorm beds to privates  — and a friendly and helpful staff. This is a great budget option. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Zadar

Day 2 – Krka National Park & Šibenik

On your second day, plan to make your way to Split as your final destination. However, there are a couple of excellent places you can visit within easy reach of Zadar.

Start your day with a visit to Krka National Park. Though not located directly on the coast, this gorgeous natural area is absolutely worth a visit if you’re in this part of Croatia. Within the park, you will find beautiful waterfalls, swimming areas and walking trails.

Only about fifteen minutes driving from Krka, you will find the lovely town of Sibenik, which is our second destination for the day.

This is another excellently-preserved old Croatian town and it is a true delight to wander through. It attracts even fewer crowds than Zadar, so you can certainly have some of the quiet, pedestrianised streets to yourself.

From Sibenik, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Split, your destination for the next two nights.

Day 3 – Split

Your third day of this route should be spent exploring the highlights of the city of Split. Though it’s Croatia’s second-largest city, you can easily explore the compact old town in the confines of a single day.

Because you’ve spent the night here, you can beat the crowds in Diocletian’s Palace and get an early start!

You can also take the time to hike up Marjan Hill where you can get incredible views of the city below and of the surrounding islands.

Day 4 – Hvar

Try to get an early start and hop on the earliest ferry you can to get to Hvar , one of the most popular Croatian islands to visit. Car ferries from Split arrive in the port in the town of Stari Grad, which is only about thirty minutes from the far more popular Hvar Town.

Spend your first day exploring the sites in and around Hvar Town. Wander the delightful Old Town and then take the time to lounge on the beach – Pokonji Dol Beach is an excellent option!

Alternatively, you can also join a boat tour or hop on a water taxi to the lovely Pakleni Islands, little islands that lie just off the coast from Hvar Town. These are great places to swim and sunbathe.

Hvar Town is also known for its nightlife. So, if it interests you, you can party into the wee hours of the night at one of the many beach clubs. Those looking for a quieter stay will find plenty of other great places to stay elsewhere on the island .

Where to Stay in Hvar

Pharos Hvar Hotel – Located in Hvar Town, this 3-star hotel is a good option on the island. They have a number of comfortable rooms to choose from and a great location for exploring the island and the town.

Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel – This seaside hotel is a great luxury option in Hvar Town. They have an inviting swimming pool, an on-site spa and plenty of gorgeous rooms for guests to choose from.

Hostel Villa Skansi – This hostel is great for budget travellers looking to enjoy Hvar’s nightlife. They have a number of different rooms to choose from and social events organised each evening.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Hvar hotels!

Day 5 – Hvar

On your second day in Hvar, continue to explore this beautiful and tranquil island! Your second day should be spent on the gorgeous Dubovica Beach before wandering over to explore cool and quiet Stari Grad.

You can stop off at some iconic Lavender Farms before wandering over to Vrboska – a town that has a lot of charm but not a lot of tourists. It’s a great place to sample some local wines and get a great meal!

Day 6 – Korčula 

Day six of this itinerary sees you going to another gorgeous Croatian island – Korcula . However, if you’ve had enough of islands and would rather visit Dubrovnik, then consider heading there from Hvar instead.

If you decide to head to Korcula, it can also be a good idea to get an early start. The easiest way to get there from Hvar is to drive to the Sucaraj ferry terminal and take the ferry to the mainland, then drive to the Orebic ferry terminal and grab the boat from there to Korcula town.

Then, spend your first day exploring the beauty of gorgeous Korcula Town. Often marketed as a smaller Dubrovnik, this is an old and excellently preserved town that just oozes charm. There’s a lot to see here and there are also some great restaurants and lovely local wine bars to pop into.

Where to Stay in Korčula 

Apartments Milion – A great mid-range option in Korcula Town, this place offers both comfortable double rooms and apartments for guests to choose from. It makes for a great base when exploring the island.

Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel – This plush hotel in Korcula Town has a beautiful location right on the seaside. They have plenty of beautiful rooms and a great breakfast available in the mornings.

Hostel Korcula – Backpackers visiting Korcula will love this cool hostel in the centre of Korcula Town. They offer both dorms and privates and there are great common areas to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Korcula hotels!

Day 7 – Korčula 

On your final day in Korcula, you can spend it lounging on the beach and, in the afternoon, enjoying some of the incredible wine that makes this island a dream destination. In the morning, head to the lovely Pupnatska Luka Beach and soak up some rays.

If you want to sample some local vintages, then consider heading to the inland town of Smokvica where there are several wineries that offer tastings.

In the second half of the day, make your way to the town of Lumbarda for more wine tasting. This town is also home to some of the island’s (and Croatia’s) only sandy beaches so you can enjoy this, as well.

7-Day Istrian Highlights Itinerary

If it isn’t your first time in Croatia — or even if it is and you’re keen to venture away from the well-trodden tourist path — then consider heading to the northwestern region of Istria.

This triangular peninsula is often considered to be Croatia’s gastronomic heart and it offers incredible ancient historical sites, beautiful coastal cities, and imposing hill towns to rival those of Tuscany. So, if you want to take the road less travelled, take a look at this Istria itinerary :

Day 1 – Pula

Begin your trip in the historic port city of Pula. Pula has an international airport that serves a multitude of airlines and destinations but if you don’t arrive by plane, it is also well-connected by bus.

Three days in Pula is sufficient in order to be able to see all of the incredible sites that the city has to offer while also giving you time to take a day trip or two.

Spend your first day checking out the amazing Pula Arena, visiting the number of interesting museums in the city, browsing the bustling Pula market and learning about Pula’s history.

Foodies will love the House of Istrian Olive Oil, which is a museum that explains the history of olive oil in the region and also allows you to have some tastings. There is some delicious extra virgin olive oil to enjoy here!

Of course, the Pula Arena is really the draw of exploring this city and it is truly spectacular. Excellently preserved, it is smaller than the Colosseum of Rome, however, it attracts far fewer people, as well.l You can climb all around the arena so it’s a very cool place to visit.

Where to Stay in Pula

Boutique Hotel Oasi  – This small hotel is located very close to the beach and a short distance from central Pula. They have a number of rooms on offer, a restaurant on site, and breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Boutique Hotel Valsabbion  – If you’re the type to travel in luxury, then this boutique hotel is the place for you. Boasting sleek modern rooms, a fantastic swimming pool, an on-site spa, a beachfront location and much more, this hotel is sure to give you a great experience in Pula! 

Crazy House Hostel   – Located in the centre of the Old Town, this hostel is the perfect place for solo travellers on a budget and there is a fantastic outdoor terrace to relax on. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Pula!

Day 2 – Brijuni Islands

You can spend your second day either taking in more of Pula itself or going on a day trip to the wonderful Brijuni Islands.

These were once the summer home of former Yugoslav dictator Josip Broz Tito and today are a wildlife park and nature reserve.

To get to the Brijuni Islands, you must take a ferry from the nearby town of Fazana. This is a pedestrian-only ferry as there are no cars on the island.

Once there, it can be a great idea to hire a bicycle and ride around the island – it’s quite flat and there are plenty of secluded beaches to enjoy.

Day 3 – Labin & Rabac

On the third day, you can either take a day trip to neighbouring hill towns like Labin or spend the day lounging on a nearby beach.

There is a lot to see in this area of Istria so using Pula as a base for 3 nights really makes sense even if you only spend one full day exploring the city itself. The hill town of Labin, for instance, is located only about 45 minutes from Pula and it can be a delightful place to explore.

Nearby, if you want some seaside charms, head to the small town of Rabac, which is absolutely charming and with wandering through, as well. There are also plenty of beaches you could choose to visit should you wish to have a lazy day of sunbathing.

Day 4 – Umag

After spending some time enjoying the history and atmosphere of Pula, it’s time to head to one of the most underrated towns in Istria: Umag.

Umag is a small seaside town in the northwest of Istria and has a quaint and compact old town, a number of stellar swimming spots, great restaurants, and is close to some of Istria’s best vineyards. Two days here should be enough.

Spend the first day exploring Umag itself and maybe take the time to visit a local vineyard for some wine tasting. You can even head to the beach and swim in the warm Adriatic.

Where to Stay in Umag

Vilola  – A small boutique hotel located close to some of the best swimming areas in Umag, Vilola offers air-conditioned rooms with their own balcony and breakfast included in the room rate. 

Hotel Arte Casa  – Another boutique hotel in Umag, this one also has a great breakfast included in the nightly rate, air-conditioned rooms, and free parking on the premises. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Umag!

Day 5 – Istrian Hill Towns

On the second day staying in Umag, take to the car and head inland to visit some of the most picturesque hill towns in Istria. Buje, Groznjan, and Motovun are all within easy reach of Umag.

Here you can also dine on truffles and pasta for a fraction of the cost of elsewhere in the world.

This area of Croatia is completely different from the most popular tourist destinations and it is sure not to disappoint.

Day 6 – Rovinj

After enjoying the hustle and bustle of Pula and the laid-back nature and nearby hill towns of Umag, it’s time to head to the most iconic Istrian town: Rovinj.

Rovinj is an absolutely beautiful seaside town in western Istria and boasts a number of interesting things to do. Its proximity to some of the best beaches in the region is an appealing reason to visit Rovinj as well.

Spend one day exploring the Old Town and take the time to just let your feet wander and get lost. Walk around the harbour, stop in for a drink at one of the many seaside cafes, and even climb the bell tower of St Euphemia’s Church.

Day 7 – Rovinj

On your second day in Rovinj and last day of this Croatia trip, you can either spend it laying on the beach and soaking up the bright Adriatic sun or you can hop in the car and go on another day trip.

The small hill town of Bale or the lively seaside towns of Porec and Vrsar are both appealing options, as is the beautiful Lim Fjord.

Where to Stay in Rovinj

Hotel Angelo d’Oro   – An elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Rovinj’s Old Town. Their rooms can accommodate families and couples and there is a lovely rooftop where you can get great views!

Rooms Barbieri – A charming bed and breakfast located just a few minutes walk from the Old Town. There are also several beaches that are within walking distance.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Rovinj!

Croatia is an absolutely gorgeous and welcoming country that just begs to be explored. However, mapping out the ideal 7 days in Croatia itinerary is paramount to ensuring you have the best Croatian adventure possible!

Are you planning to visit Croatia? Have any questions? Let us know in the comm

Related Posts:

7 Best Places to Stay in Hvar for Tourists

12 Best Day Trips from Split, Croatia

Zadar or Split: Which Croatian City to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, we are staying for 7 days. Our worry is that we arrive late at night around 00:30 in Zagreb. Do you suggest to immediately move out of Zagreb and then to return to Zagreb on the last two days (to avoid problems cause of the flight?) Also, at night which is the easiest way to travel and would Zadar be a good place to be based at? Thanks a lot!

Hi-is it reasonable to drive from Vienna to Croatia or is it better to fly & rent a car in Zagreb? Was thinking of focusing on Istrian area due to time constraints & found a hotel that caters to Vegan diets. Is there enough to do in that area for 6-7 days if your primary interest is pretty nature? Thanks

Hi Mark, especially if you’re heading to Istria and not further south in Croatia, it’s not unreasonable at all to drive from Vienna. In fact, it’s a gorgeous drive and you will have lots of opportunities for stop-offs along the way. The drive from Vienna to Pula is about 6 hours.

There is certainly enough to do in Istria to fill 6-7 days and I would highly recommend spending that amount of time there!

We are interested in visiting the Balkans at the beginning of November for about 11 days. We can rent a car but I would like to start from Sarajevo and end there. I thought of doing two countries only, maybe Bosnia and Croatia. Or Bosnia and a different country – which one? We would need to get back to Sarajevo. We are also interested in the Jewish background of the Balkans, both historically, after the expulsion from Spain through the Holocaust. Can you help me to put my head in order :-)?

For 11 days, I think you could easily visit some highlights of Bosnia along with bits of Croatia. Especially if you’re interested in Jewish history, Sarajevo can be a great place to visit.

Hi Maggie, we are planning a 20 day trip to Croatia late July/beginning of August with 3 kids (8, 12, 14). We are arriving and departing from Dubrovnik. We would like to end our trip in Dubrovnik and since there isn’t a convenient flight from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, we will have to hit the road as soon as we land. We would like to visit Istria, Lake Bled/Vintgar Gorge, Plitvice Lakes, Rijeka, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik with various day trips throughout. It would be nice to see Zadar and/or Zagreb as well but not sure if we will have time or if necessary. We love hiking, beaches and of course sight seeing. I’m trying to figure out what’s the best way to plan out our trip. Should we break up our initial 7 hour drive from Dubrovnik or go straight through? Where should we stop first and in what order should we make our remaining stops? I would like to see as much as we can but at the same time not be overwhelmed and have some beach time. Please help!

We are arriving in Croatia in the middle of June for 7 night staying in Lapad can you recommend where to start exploring first

We need to fly into Zadar or Zagreb either is fine and out of Split. Give or take a week. We don’t need a ton of hiking but would like to see some falls. Islands? Cities. We need a plan.

Hello Maggie,

As first, I want to say that I do like your overview of Croatia trip in general and thank you for it.

However, I must say that it is very sad how people focus only on coastal region of Croatia, with exception of Zagreb and Plitvice lakes, and completely ignore the continental part of it, which is definitely not fair.

Places like Vinkovci, the oldest settlement in Europe where two Roman emperors were born, then numerous wine cellars and vineyard, especially in the town of Ilok, whose wine was used during coronation of Queen Elisabeth II and on Price Harry and William weddings, city of Osijek with its baroque architecture, city of Djakovo with its royal breed of horses called Lipizzaner which are so beautiful – closest thing to Unicorns as they are called, then the City of Varazdin, called also a “Little Vienna”, formerly even a capital of Croatia (18th century) with a beautiful castle and mesmerizing baroque style architecture, Croatian Sahara, numerous castles all around, river sites, and as I like to say most important of all, the amazing food and the most warm and welcoming people of all. Of course, there are so many more that I didn’t mention, but I don’t want to keep this long.

At the end, this is not a criticism and have no negative connotations, but just maybe a pointer that there is another side of Croatia, that is far from the sea and common touristic spotlight, however still beautiful and wort to visit.

We are planning a trip to Croatia in March 2023. Our flight lands in Zagreb on 03/09. We fly out of Zagreb as well. Have about 8 days. I like your first itinerary, but we wanted to see Istria as well. We are not planning on going all the way to Dubrovnik on this trip. Any suggestions as to routes? Would like to hit Zadar, Split, Plitvice Lakes Park, and Istria. We will rent a car. Thank you!

Hi Sandy, unfortunately, it’s not very practical to include all you want on your itinerary – especially when considering travel times. Personally, I would suggest not planning on visiting Istria if you would like to see all of the other parts of Croatia, as well.

We are planning a trip next month for 7 days and interested into going to Montenegro from Dubrovnik. I think it would be too much to think we could get to the Plitvice National Park as well? What are your suggestions in Montenegro?

Thank YOU! Sharon

I am visiting Slovenia and Croatia next summer for approximately 8 days . We will arrive in Lublanja in the middle of the day and leave from Dubrovnik at noon the last day. We would like to spend 1/2 day in Lubalanja and 11/2 days in lake bled , a day in Novo Mesto, 1/2 day in Pula and2 days in Dubrovnik We we’re thinking of a tour to Mostar and Medjagorje one day Can we do this in the time allotted? We will not be driving Could you give us a time efficient itinerary that would make it possible?

Hi Jackie, this route seems far too rushed to be enjoyable and to actually spend any time in any of the places you’re keen to visit — you’ll be spending the majority of your time in transit. I would suggest planning to spend your entire time in Slovenia or visiting a bit of Slovenia and Croatian Istria. You can find our Slovenia itineraries here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/slovenia-itinerary/

Hi Maggie, Thank you for writing one of the most thorough blogs about traveling in Croatia! I’d love to get your advice on my itinerary. I will be going to Croatia from Slovenia and will have 7 days and 6 nights. I’d like this to be a more relaxed trip if possible…and am so torn between chilling on an island an skipping Dubrovnik or fitting Dubrovnik in! My flight is out of Split so I do need to get back there somehow and figure out what to do with the car I rent. What are your thoughts on the following:

Option 1: Fly into Zagreb/stay overnight > Zagreb to Plitvice overnight > Plitvice during the day and drive to Split (overnight or head to Hvar/Brac) > 4 nights in Hvar or Brac > Depart from Split

Option 1: Fly into Zagreb/stay overnight > Zagreb to Plitvice overnight > Plitvice during the day and drive to Split (overnight or head to Hvar/Brac) > Hvar or Brac for 2 nights > Dubrovnik for two nights > Split overnight > Depart from Split

Option 2 honestly sounds pretty intense. That said, do you think it’s doable? If I were to go with Option 1, do you have any suggestions between Hvar or Brac and where to stay?

Thank you so much!

Hi Gina, happy you’ve found this article helpful! I do think that your second option is doable, however, it does sound quite rushed and exhausting, especially if you’re looking to chill out a bit!. Personally, I would opt for the first option to have a more relaxing trip 🙂

Hey Maggie I hope my message finds you well! We are planning with my partner a 6 days 5 nights trip starting and ending from Zagreb airiport, at the end of August with Flix bus and Ferries. We arrive in Zagreb at 14:00 Day one and Im thinking of after spending 3 hours in Zagreb to leave for either Pula or Rovijn, spend the Night and few hours the next Day. After I was checking if there is a way to travel with Ferrie directly to Split, spend the next evening there and travel with Ferrie to Dubrovnik for night number three. Next evening I was thinking of catching the evening Flix bus for Plivitce lake, in order to get in early in the morning. Later get back to Zagreb for an early flight the next Morning.

Is it possible you thhink with Bus and Ferrie, what should I leave back or add, any advices.

Hi Zak – honestly, I think your itinerary is way too hectic for the short time you have. I’d recommend concentrating on one of the routes I have outlined above for a less stressful and easier to coordinate trip 🙂

Thanks so much for this blog it is awesome! We are a family of four with two teenagers. Are we too late to plan a visit this summer? We are environmental scientists so I am mostly interested in enjoying the natural beauty of Croatia. What is your favorite island? I am obsessed with swimming holes and also clear blue waters…. What do you think two teenage girls would like the best?

Thanks for your comment, April, and I’m so happy you’ve found this article helpful! I don’t think that you’re too late to be planning a trip for the summer at all! Unfortunately, I don’t have too much experience travelling to the Croatian islands (I hope this changes soon, though!), but I do think that the island of Brac sounds like a good fit for you. It’s easy to reach from Split and has lots of great swimming areas. Hope you’re able to have a great trip!

Looking at booking Croatia for July/August 2021 and wanting to spend 14 days touring the country. What airport would you suggest to fly into and what airport would you suggest to leave out of? We are avid hikers and defiantly enjoy our ocean and water days. Enjoy the finer hotels and spas also. Very excited being my great grandmother and grandfather came from Croatia I want to experience the finest places the country offers.

Pat Williams

Hi Pat, I would recommend flying into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik (or vice versa) if you want to see a good portion of the country in 2 weeks. Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

Hi Maggie. I am planning a trip of about 7 days to Croatia the first part of June. I have heard such wonderful things about Rovinj and the Iberia peninsula, but we also want to visit Split and Dubrovnik. Any suggestions or is this just trying to cram too much into a week? Most of the itineraries that I see online are an either/or for visiting those areas..

Hi Karen, unfortunately, it will likely be a bit too rushed if you plan to visit Istria and also Split and Dubrovnik in just one week. You can very easily spend a week just in Istria and even more in Dalmatia, so I would recommend weighing which areas appeal to you most and concentrating on those. You just might have to plan another trip!

Hi. What is the best way to tour the islands? Day trips or charter a sleeping boat for a few days? Want to enjoy the coastal scenery without feeling rushed by a group boat. And, when does Summer/high season officially end?

Hi Cindy, if you don’t want to feel rushed on the islands, then I would recommend spending a few days overnight on the ones that interest you rather than going on day trips. A boat charter is also a great idea if you want to island hop with more flexibility! High season is typically over by the end of September and you will start to see tourists clearing out and some businesses closing up by this time. The weather usually stays very nice through October, though, depending on where you are in the country!

I am planning a trip for 2 and most likely following a schedule similar to your “Classic Croatia” route. I was interested in visiting Krka National Park as well. Do you think it is worth it or is similar to Plitvice and not necessary?

Hi Holly, thanks for your comment! Both Krka and Plitvice are similar, but you can still get different things out of them if you want to visit both. For instance, you can go swimming at Krka which is not allowed at Plitvice. I personally think that both are worth visiting but Plitvice is more stunning than Krka in my opinion.

Hi Maggie, My wife and I are planning a 14 day motorhome tour of Croatia in mid September 2020. Our trip starts in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. We currently have no Itinerary but would like to spend equal time travelling the coast and inland areas. Could you advise any web sites that show motorhome overnight parking. Regards

Hi Peter, sounds like you’re in the process of planning a great trip! Unfortunately, I don’t know much at all about motorhome travel, so I can’t advise you in that area. Hope you have a great time in Croatia!

Hi Maggie, I have planned my visit to Croatia from 25th Feb to 02nd March 2020. It is going to be me and my wife only. We will land in Zagreb on 25th Feb and would move out from Dubrovnik on the 02nd of March (Flights already done). Can you suggest what all places to be covered in this duration and how is the weather going to be like? Also, I am a bit confused b/w taking a rental car (don’t know whether it is left or right hand drive) or taking public transport like bus or taxis.

Hi Apoorv, I have covered a week-long itinerary starting in Zagreb and ending in Dubrovnik as well as the average weather to expect above. Croatia, like most European countries besides the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, drives on the right-hand side. All major cities are well-connected by bus. Relying on taxis to get around is an option, however, it will be very expensive. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

HI I’m travelling to Croatia in early May 2020. Land Zagreb, 7 days, finishing in Dubrovnik (probably fly into Athens from here I’m thinking). A friend told me that Plitvice Lake NP required 2days and to stay there a night. What’s your thoughts on this?? Many thanks Anne-Marie

Hi Anne-Marie, I think you would only need 2 days in Plitvice if you’re really into hiking and nature and that’s why you’re visiting Croatia. Especially since you only have 7 days, there are many more places to spend time in Croatia. Hope you have a great trip!

Where should one start its trip from? If we are skipping Zagreb, and want to cover places like Split , Plitvice, Dubrovnik. Any other place that should which is highly recommended?

Hi Archie, if you don’t plan on visiting Zagreb, starting in Split or Dubrovnik makes sense. If you want to visit another coastal town, Zadar will make a nice stop. Also, there are numerous islands (Hvar, Brac, Korcula, etc) that are worth visiting.

20 days in Croatia and neighboring countries

We are 6 active hikers booked a trip to Croatia for 10 days in early May, 20 2 nights Opatija 1 night Split 2 nights Dubrovnik 1 night Vodice 1 night Zagreb 2 nights Bled

We would like to stay 10 more days to go to neighboring countries as well as doing a little hiking, biking and kayaking the area.

We are planning our flight from Vancouver. Our trip starts at Opatija and ends at Bled. Any suggestions on a good itineraries for pre and post trip?

Thanks for your comment, Jennifer. For the rest of your trip, any of the itineraries in this article might be good for you. If you are curious about exploring more of the Balkans besides just Croatia and Slovenia, we also have some Balkan itineraries here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/plan-balkans-travel-itinerary/

Hi , I would be landing at zadar airport in september and planned for a 7 day trip, could you suggest how should we plan.. About us- Couple with no historical interests but love nature, scenery , beaches. Have to use public conveyance only for travel within croatia.

We are looking for a relaxed trip not a rushed one.

Thanks in advance.. Silky

Hi Silky, I would recommend you rework the Adriatic coast itinerary above to begin and end in Zadar rather than Zagreb. Going from Zadar-Zagreb-Split-Zadar or Zadar-Split-Zagreb-Zadar both work equally well and are all easily accessible via public transit. Hope you have a great trip!

I briefly read the article and maybe you covered it already. But most people will fly into Zagreb. With a 7 day itinerary using a rental car, you will start at the North and end in Dubrovnik. One has to account the time to get back to Zagreb. Any suggestions on how best to do this?

Hi Jacob, thanks for your comment. Because many people start and end their Croatia trips from different areas of the country (there are numerous airports that people will fly into, not just Zagreb!), I’ve left out how to get back to your beginning point. However, if you’re planning on renting a car in Zagreb and making your final destination in Dubrovnik, I see no reason why you couldn’t just drive back to Zagreb. It is often a lot cheaper to pick up and return a rental car to the same location. There are also numerous bus connections to Zagreb from just about every major city in Croatia, including Dubrovnik, if you don’t want to drive back to the capital yourself.

Hi Maggie, How’s Croatia in the dead if winter? January end Feb beginning? Where do you recommend travelling and what’s there to see. Thanks b

It depends on what you’re after, but the seaside towns will be pretty sleepy in the winter months. It’s a good time to visit Dubrovnik as you can experience the city with far fewer tourists than in the high season. Across the board, you will find accommodation prices to be a lot cheaper than in the more popular months, but some businesses may not be open in the middle of winter. Hope this helps!

Hello, Maggie! travellers plan to travel to visit Croatia in June, 2019, it would be around from June 26 to July 2-3 return,trip planned sbout 7-8 days at the destination. We are coming and driving a minibus (minivan) so ,it means we are very flexible on route and in any destinstion, we are free and sould move to any place any fay. As we primary memtioned, our start of the itinerary would be Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik. Is it right if westart our trip from Riga by bus? By our plans we have to cross Latvia, Lithuania? Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and then somehow enter the Croatia. Could you corret me and suhgest me the best trip option (7-8days trip) for us as necessary?! Best regards, Ieva Lukina (ieva@21. lv)

Hi Ieva, I think that if you only have 7-8 days for your trip, trying to drive from Riga to Croatia is going to take up a good portion of it and give you very little time to explore Croatia itself. Maybe, if you can, try to allot more time for the trip or concentrate on travelling a little closer to home instead, this time around.

It’s tough making a decision, there are so many places to see that are gorgeous. I’m honestly not a big fan of Zagreb, it’s not the real Croatia to me. It’s Central Europe. Croatia for me is Central Dalmatia and to a smaller extent, Istria. For me, the highlights of the country range along the coast from Zadar (with an excursion inland to Plitvice) to Dubrovnik (from where I think Kotor is a must see as you mention). So many great spots on the way though: Sibenik, Omis, Makarska, the island of Vis…and that’s not even including the islands on the south. So much to see.

Thanks for the comment, Frank! I agree with you that it’s so hard to plan a route in Croatia…you could easily spend months there and not see everything!

I’m going to have to disagree with you about Zagreb, however. While I’m the first person to say that a capital city isn’t necessarily reflective of a country on the whole, I’m not sure it’s right to say that it’s not the “real” Croatia. It’s certainly much different than the cities in Dalmatia, but it’s still a fantastic place to visit and I think including it on a Croatia itinerary is important to get a feel for all sides of the country…even if you only have a short period there.

Great suggestions elsewhere…I’ve only been to Šibenik out of the places you mentioned and thought it was absolutely lovely. Like you said…there’s just so much to explore!

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How to Plan a Fantastic Road Trip Around the Adriatic

July 5, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Three very different countries, one great road trip covering Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. A bit of the Balkans and a lot of glorious Italy, some on the beaten path and some off it. This road trip around the Adriatic is one you will remember for a very long time.

There are many possible starting points for this circular trip. Where you begin will be determined by your point of origin and the flight schedules. There are not as many flights going directly to Europe as there once were. At the time of writing, there is only one direct flight to Italy from Toronto, for instance. It goes to Rome. There are no direct flights to Slovenia or Croatia.

It's also worth mentioning that flights are very expensive right now. Be flexible with your dates and the number of stops and you may be able to save some money. Check Skyscanner and Flight Network as well as the airlines that seem to be the best option to find your best deal.

Let's start this plan in Rome.

How to Map Out a Road Trip

To decide on a route I determine the highlights I want to see and then turn to  Google Maps to determine distances and driving hours between points to see what is realistic. I plot the trip on a Google Map as I did for this circular road trip around the Adriatic, above. It's nice to have a visual of the trip. I add additional stops as needed.

How to Use Google Maps to Plan a Route

To create a map you need a gmail account. Sign in, go to Google Maps , click on the menu in the upper left corner, choose Your Places , choose Maps , scroll to the bottom and click Create A Map . Then, follow these steps.

• Click on Untitled Map and name your map.
• Use the search box to find your first destination, not your starting point. Click on the marker on the map of your first destination and a box will pop up. Click Add to Map .
• Click on Directions and on the left you'll see a box to indicate where your starting point is. Enter it there. A line between your starting point and first destination will show on the map.
• From now on, below your list of destinations you'll see Add Destination . Just name your place and the destination and driving directions will be added.

14-Day Itinerary for a Road Trip Around the Adriatic

Below is a basic itinerary, starting in Rome. It includes Italy's big three cities but suggests staying in smaller cities to avoid astronomical accommodation prices. Florence, Venice, and Rome are included in this road trip around the Adriatic but if you have already explored those, there are plenty of other options.

Rome to Bologna – 4 days

In the first four days of your trip choose from the following:

• Stay and explore Rome for two days and then do what you can of the Bologna choices.
• a day trip food tour of Emilia Romagna to enjoy some of the best food in Italy. The region is known for Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Modena balsamic vinegar.
• a day trip to Florence. It's a half hour by train to the city center. Definitely leave your car behind.
• a day trip to Ravenna for the Christian and Byzantine mosaics. It's about one hour by car.

Bologna to Ljubljana – 4 days

• Day 1 Drive to Venice (1 3/4 hours) and spend the day. Venice is a car-free city so you'll have to park outside the historic center. Here's an article with lots of information on parking for Venice . Either splurge on a hotel there or leave early enough and stay in Trieste which is two hours away by car.
• Day 2 Enjoy Trieste and drive to Ljubljana (1 hour) and settle into the city. I loved this city as it felt a bit Austrian and a lot Italian but with fewer tourists than in either of those countries.
• Day 3 Take a tour of the city on foot or by boat, visit the castle, and enjoy the food.
• Day 4 Take a day to explore beautiful Lake Bled and the Vintgar Gorge and enjoy some light hiking or more adventurous canyoning .

Ljubljana to Split – 3 days

• Day 1 Drive 5.5 hours to Plitvice Lakes National Park and stay overnight in the area. Explore the amazing waterfalls in the afternoon.
• Days 2 and 3 Drive to Split and spend two days. Split is a lively port city with a fascinating architectural history affected by Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations. Jump forward to the 19th century and there's the influence of the Napoleonic wars as well.
• Evening Day 3 Take the overnight ferry from Split to Ancona. It's 11.5 hours, so you'll get a bit of a break from driving on your road trip around the Adriatic.

Split to Assisi, Italy – 2 days

• Day 1 Arrive on the overnight ferry from Split in Ancona at about 7 am and drive 2 hours to Assisi, a beautiful hill town in Umbria. The Basilica of St. Francis is a massive, 2-level church, consecrated in 1253 with 13th-century frescoes portraying the life of St. Francis. Given the size of the town there are quite a few churches if that's your thing. It's a very small, walkable city so enjoy.
• Day 2 Get yourself sorted in terms of the timeline for your departure day, which is tomorrow. Then, I suggest that you spend your last day soaking in the ambiance, enjoying the food, and drinking the wine of Italy. It will be behind you tomorrow.

Assisi to Rome and Departure – 1 day

• Departure day is a day of logistics, an unfortunate necessity of travel.
• Revel in all that you have seen and done and look forward to being home in your own bed once again.

For more road trip inspiration, advice, and stories from the road, see Road Trips: Tips & Itineraries for Solo Travelers .

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Italy and Croatia Itinerary: What to See and Do in 10 Days

Trip Overview

Milan, italy.

Croatia has been on our bucket list for some time, but we didn’t realize how much cheaper it would be if we flew to Milan first (note: your mileage may vary depending on flight prices at the time of booking). This itinerary starts with 4 days in Italy, making Milan our home-base and taking day trips, and then heads over to Croatia for the remainder of the trip.

Day 1: Exploring Milan

After an overnight flight landing in Milan Malpensa Airport, we grabbed  train tickets  to Milano Centrale, or Milan Central Station. As we were taking many day trips from Milan, we wanted our lodging to be easily accessible from the main station.  Ostello Bello Grande  fit the bill! This adorable and clean hostel is just 100m away from the station, making it a perfect home-base for our time in Milan.

After checking in and getting settled, it was time to start exploring Milan. We hopped on the  metro  and headed towards the  Brera district , the artistic heart of the city. First things first: it was time to eat! How better to start our trip than some authentic Italian pizza!

After lunch, we walked over to  La Scala , the Milan opera house. Some of the greatest singers of the past 200 years have sung here, and although we didn’t have time for a show, it was still great to see it from the outside!

Our walk continued to  Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II , Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and one of the most luxurious boutiques in Milan. The gallery contains many brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, but is also home to many other boutiques and restaurants. Do not miss this iconic stop when in Milan!

From the Gallery, we continued walking towards  Duomo di Milano , the Milan Cathedral. This beautiful cathedral was constructed over 5 centuries and is the 5th largest Christian church in the world! We recommend purchasing  tickets  in advance, as entrance lines can be quite long.

PRO TIP: There is a dress code to enter il Duomo. No bare shoulders, no shorts, no flip flops. Men must remove caps, and no sunglasses can be worn inside. If you do not have a jacket, there are usually people selling shawls outside of the entrance to cover yourself.

After a tour, we wandered around the beautiful streets admiring the gothic architecture. We passed several gelato stops and finally caved – it was totally worth it!

Our last stop of the night was at  Sforzesco Castle , a historic castle once occupied by the Sforza dynasty, who ruled Renaissance Milan. Today it houses many interesting museums, which highlight the history of Milan.  Tickets  can be purchased in advance or at the door.

PRO TIP: The museums are closed on Mondays. There is free entry every first and third Tuesday of the month from 2:00pm on.

Follow the other locations for days 2-8, and return here for day 9:

Day 9: Return to Milan

We spent the relaxing morning eating breakfast on our patio overlooking Dubrovnik.

After breakfast, we headed back to the Dubrovnik airport (our AirBNB owner drove us), caught our flight to Milan Malpensa, headed back to the Milan Central train station, and took the metro back to last hostel:  Ostello Bello Medici .

We only had a couple of hours to see the last of Milan, so we headed over to Colonne di San Lorenzo, or the Columns of St. Lawrence. This is a group of columns from the 3rd century AD, probably at one time a public bath house.

Next, we went to Porta Ticinese, a former city gate of Milan.

We found dinner at a nearby restaurant, and then took advantage of the free welcome drink back at our hostel. The rest of the night was spent making friends with other travelers and locals at the hostel bar. The friendly atmosphere of this hostel bar made our last night in Italy a fun one!

Day 10: Return to USA

Unfortunately all trips must come to an end. We took the bus (as advised by the hostel) back to the Milan airport and flew back to the USA. Luckily, we got a beautiful view of the Alps as we left!

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Its been a long time dream for me to visit these two places, very well written guide.

Two of my favorite countries, thanks for this awesome itinerary for when we go back! Still need to hit Venice. :)

The Ultimate 10 Days in Croatia Itinerary

Home to beautiful cities dotted with terracotta rooftops, endless islands to explore, coastline so beautiful it almost hurts to look at it, delicious food, and a fascinating history dating back thousands of years, there’s no doubt that spending 10 days in Croatia is bound to captivate just about any traveler.

We’ve designed this 10 day Croatia itinerary to help ensure you fall completely head-over-heels for the country, just like we have!

We’ve now been lucky enough to visit Croatia several times, with (hopefully) plenty more trips to come in the future.

With every city explored, boat ride taken, beach enjoyed, and Ledo ice cream bar consumed (seriously, don’t leave Croatia without sampling Ledo ice cream!), we love it a little more.

This 10 days in Croatia itinerary will show you a huge variety of the country, from the charming capital of Zagreb to the unbelievably beautiful waters near Hvar to Croatia’s famous waterfalls to, of course, the endlessly popular and beautiful Dubrovnik.

Here’s how to fall in love with Croatia in 10 days.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 10 Day Croatia Itinerary

The ultimate 10 day croatia itinerary, getting around during 10 days in croatia, more (or less) than 10 days in croatia, the best time to visit croatia, what to pack for croatia, read more about visiting croatia (and beyond), your 10 day croatia itinerary map.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

We designed this itinerary for Croatia as a point-to-point trip beginning in the capital city of Zagreb and ending in Dubrovnik .

In addition to those two cities, we’ll cover stops in Plitvice Lakes National Park , Split , and Hvar , with a few optional side stops–like Rastoke and Krka National Park–thrown in, too!

Our goal was to create a cohesive route that allows you to enjoy a wide variety of what makes traveling Croatia so special while minimizing awkward transitions and backtracking.

From Dubrovnik, you can either fly home (or to your next destination) or hop on a bus back to Zagreb to close out your trip.

We’ll cover this in more detail below, but this itinerary is best completed with a mix of transportation, including renting a car for a few days to best explore the Plitvice Lakes and make your way to Split, a ferry to Hvar and back, and either a bus or ferry to travel between Split and Dubrovnik.

Despite how much we love train travel in Europe , since Croatia has limited train service (popular Dubrovnik isn’t connected to rail at all!), trains won’t feature on this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb.

If you’re coming from outside Europe like most of our readers, odds are that you’ll first arrive in the country in the capital city of Zagreb.

Colorful, laid-back, and incredibly pretty, Zagreb tends to get overshadowed by Croatia’s admittedly stunning coastal cities and natural beauty.

Tha t’s too bad, because it’s a lovely city and a soft place to land when tired, making it the perfect place to kick off a fast-paced trip to Croatia.

Where to Stay in Zagreb

When deciding where to stay in Zagreb, we recommend choosing a hotel within a comfortable walk of Ban Jelacic and/or St. Mark’s Church–by doing so, you’ll ensure you’re in a good place to reach just about all the best things to do in Zagreb on foot.

Here are a few well-located properties to consider for your time in Zagreb.

DTA Zagreb  — This popular guesthouse is perfect for those looking for something a step above a hostel, while still visiting Zagreb on a budget.

Located just a short walk from Ban Jelacic, you’ll be within reach of all the best Zagreb sightseeing from here!

Check rates & book your stay at DTA Zagreb!

Premium Zagreb Delux Studio & Rooms  — We loved our stay at this property!

The studio we rented was easy to find, a reasonable walk from everything you’d hope to see in Zagreb in a day, incredibly comfortable, and a great place to retreat at the end of the day.

We’d be thrilled to stay again.

Check rates & book your stay at Premium Zagreb Delux Studio & Rooms!

Hotel Dubrovnik  — Set right on Ban Jelacic and boasting spacious rooms, great reviews, and a tasty included breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the popular Hotel Dubrovnik if you’re looking to make your trip to Zagreb as smooth and simple as possible.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Dubrovnik!

Day 2: Explore Zagreb.

With one full day in Zagreb, be sure to make your way up to Zagreb 360 for incredible views of the city, visit Ben Jelačić (Zagreb’s main square), step inside the beautiful Zagreb Cathedral, check out the beautiful St. Mark’s Church, and to eat your heart out at some of the city’s incredible restaurants (we haven’t had a bad meal in Zagreb).

For those who are interested in quirky museums, definitely make time to check out the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Made up of a collection of donated items from failed relationships of all kinds, the items, and the stories that accompany them, are incredibly diverse and interesting.

Day 3: Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park (and stop at Rastoke).

On the third day of your trip to Croatia, it’s time to hit the road!

Head to Plitvice Lakes National Park to experience one of the most beautiful and famous places to visit in Croatia.

Seeing photos of this national park on Pinterest way back in 2010 is what sparked my desire to go to Croatia… and I’m so glad it did because now we can’t stop visiting the country.

If possible, the Plitvice Lakes are even more impressive in person.

Ideally, you’ll want to rent a car to road trip to the Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb. We recommend searching via Discover Cars to find the best prices for your dates.

Shop rental cars for your trip to Croatia today!

The drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park from Zagreb won’t take the entire day (it’s about a 2-hour drive, give or take, depending on traffic), so go slow and enjoy the journey.

We absolutely recommend stopping at Rastoke, which is a delightful village in Croatia that has waterfalls literally running through it.

t’s incredibly beautiful and well worth visiting, but you should definitely visit before seeing the Plitvice Lakes, because no other Croatia waterfalls can live up to them!

Depending on what time you make it to Plitvice, you may want to grab a 2-day ticket and spend the afternoon enjoying a preview of the park, so to speak.

While one full day from open to close is enough to see most of the highlights of Plitvice Lakes National Park, you definitely won’t be sorry to have more time there.

You can browse our (extremely) detailed guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park here .

Where to Stay Near the Plitvice Lakes

Due to its rural location, deciding where to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park can be a bit tricky. 

There are two popular hotels right next to the park entrance that offer rooms at different price points (I’ve listed them in the mid-range and luxury sections below), and other than that, small family-run properties with a couple of rooms or apartments are the standard.

Here are some well-reviewed options for your trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park!

Apartment Špehar — Located a short drive from both Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 of Plitvice Lakes National Park and boasting excellent reviews, Apartment Špehar is a perfect example of what budget travelers can expect to find for room rentals in the area and a safe bet on where to stay!

Check rates & book your stay at Apartment Špehar!

Hotel Plitvice — One of two hotels located inside Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hotel Plitvice is located just a short walk from Entrance 2, allowing you access to the park without having to worry about driving or parking your car!

Built in 1958, this is a classic hotel with lots of character, solid reviews, and an included breakfast.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Plitvice!

Hotel Jezero — Also located a short walk from Entrance 2, and boasting great reviews as well as two on-site restaurants, a spa, and an included breakfast, Hotel Jezero is perfect for travelers looking for an exceptionally comfortable place to relax after a long day spent exploring the lakes.

I’ll be honest–this isn’t  truly  a luxury hotel, so don’t expect Ritz-level amenities here–but it is the nicest hotel in the immediate area and a lovely place to rest your head after exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Jezero!

Day 4: Marvel at the Plitvice Lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet (in my totally biased opinion).

The park is famous for its sixteen interconnected lakes that are connected by a series of waterfalls that spill into each other, one after the other.

Between the seemingly endless waterfalls, the bright turquoise color of the water (depending on the time of day), the incredible viewpoints, the dramatic cliffs, and the picturesque wood paths that criss-cross the lakes, there’s nowhere quite like it.

A full day spent at the Plitvice Lakes will involve quite a bit of walking (but don’t worry–it’s very tame as far as hiking goes), a boat ride across the lakes, and plenty of phenomenal views.

We recommend starting at Entrance 1, arriving as soon as the park opens, packing snacks and water, and planning to spend the entire day there. It’s absolutely worth it.

Day 5: Travel to Hvar.

This is one of the longest travel days on this 10 day Croatia itinerary.

I n an ideal world, you’ll drive to Split, drop off your rental car, hop on a ferry, and ride for a little over an hour to Hvar Town.

It’s completely doable, given that the drive from the Plitvice Lakes to Split is under 3 hours and that the ferries between Split and Hvar are near-constant (especially during the summer), but it will be a tiring day that involves lots of transitions.

Don’t worry, though–by the time you arrive in Hvar Town and take a sunset stroll through the town, all of the stress and hassle of travel will feel a million miles away.

Where to Stay in Hvar

For this section of your 10 days in Croatia itinerary, we recommend basing yourself directly in Hvar Town.

While there are other towns on the island (and I will forever cherish the peaceful week we once spent based in the small town of Jelsa), staying in Hvar Town will be easiest for this trip to Croatia–plus it’s absolutely lovely to visit!

Pension Oaza  — Small, clean, and extremely well-reviewed, Pension Oaza’s biggest selling point is that it boasts a perfect location at budget (for Hvar Town, that is–this is a pricey place during the high season) prices.

Located just around the corner from St. Stephen’s Cathedral on a quiet street, you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay in Hvar on a budget.

Check rates & book your stay at Pension Oaza!

Boutique Room Kaliopi  — Boasting rave reviews for both their hospitality and delicious breakfast, Boutique Room Kaliopi is the perfect choice for mid-range travelers in Hvar looking for all the comforts of home in an excellent location.

Check rates & book your stay at Boutique Room Kaliopi!

Palace Elisabeth  — Partially located in a 13th-century Venetian loggia, Palace Elisabeth is Hvar’s premier luxury hotel.

Located in a flawless location between the harbor and Hvar’s main square, Palace Elisabeth offers stunning, spacious rooms, impeccable hospitality, a phenomenal breakfast, and near-perfect reviews.

If you’re looking to splurge while exploring the best things to do in Hvar, Palace Elisabeth is the place for you!

Check rates & book your stay at Palace Elisabeth!

Day 6: Discover Hvar.

There are exactly two things you need to make sure you do with your full day on Hvar: climb to the top of the Spanish Fortress for one of the best views you’ll see on your entire trip to Croatia, and leave the island for some of the best swimming you’ll experience during this Croatia itinerary.

Sunset is a popular time to climb to the fortress, and depending on what time of year you visit, you may want to make sure you climb either then or early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat.

For the rest of your day, be sure to experience some of the small islands and crystal-clear water that Croatia is known for.

If you prefer to travel independently, hopping on a taxi boat to head to a beach on one of the nearby Pakleni Islands is an easy way to accomplish this (be sure to pack snacks and drinks!).

If you want to go a bit further afield and see some of the area’s most famous sights like the ethereal Blue Cave and Green Cave, a tour like this is the perfect way to find some of the best swimming and snorkeling without having to worry about logistics.

Book your Blue Cave + Green Cave boat tour from Hvar today!

Day 7: Head back to the mainland and explore Split.

Split’s stunning location along the Dalmatian coast can be credited in part to the Roman emperor Diocletian, who decided upon seeing it that his retirement home palace would be built there.

Today, Diocletian’s palace makes up Split’s Old Town, and it is a fabulous place to explore as part of a day in Split, including visiting Jupiter’s Temple, famous Peristil Square, and the basement halls that once played Meereen in Game of Thrones .

If you spend the day in the city, be sure to also take time to relax along the beautiful Riva Promenade and soak in the views of the city from Marjan Hill.

Not interested in exploring Split in an in-depth way and would rather take this day to enjoy more of Croatia’s stunning nature?

No problem– a day trip to Krka National Park is a truly fantastic way to spend part of your trip to Croatia.

If you didn’t get a chance to head out to enough islands for your taste during your time in Hvar, this 5 islands day trip is also insanely popular and will get you back out to sea, and this shorter half-day version will allow you to combine exploring Split for part of the day with swimming and enjoying the coast for the rest of it.

Want to chase more waterfalls? Book your Krka National Park day trip today! Prefer to head back out to sea? This full-day islands day trip or this half-day islands day trip are both fantastic options!

Where to Stay in Split

Rooms Šećer  — Boasting excellent reviews and a prime location right outside of Diocletian’s Palace, Rooms Šećer is the perfect option for a budget traveler looking for something a bit more comfortable than a hostel dorm while still staying in a fabulous location on a budget.

Check rates & book your stay at Rooms Šećer!

Rooms Supreme Spalato  — With rave reviews for its prime location near Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva, its superb included breakfast, and excellent hospitality, Rooms Supreme Spalato is a go-to choice for mid-range travelers in Split.

Check rates & book your stay at Rooms Supreme Spalato!

Murum Heritage Hotel  — Forget staying near Diocletian’s Palace: with a luxury choice like Murum Heritage Hotel, you can stay directly inside the palace!

With near-perfect reviews, a fantastic included breakfast, and spacious rooms housed in a beautiful, historic property, you won’t forget a stay here anytime soon.

Check rates & book your stay at Murum Heritage Hotel!

Day 8: Make your way to Dubrovnik. 

Just like that, it’s time to head to the final destination of your trip to Croatia, which may just be the most famous and highly anticipated of them all: Dubrovnik, also known as the Jewel of the Adriatic.

The best way to get to Dubrovnik from Split is to either take a bus or ferry.

S ince you would need to pass through Bosnia to reach Dubrovnik from Split in a rental car and crossing borders with a rental car in the Balkans can be a hassle, it’s not worth renting a car for just this day.

It’s a bit over 3 hours by bus to Dubrovnik from Split, and about 4.5 hours via the fast boat.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Guest House Amalija  — You’ll need to catch the bus to the Old Town (a must for staying on a budget in Dubrovnik), but Guest House Amalija is the perfect retreat from the hecticness of the city center.

The spacious rooms, fast wifi, and lovely views are all great selling points for the property.

Check rates & book your stay at Guest House Amalija!

Old Harbour City Center Apartment  — We adored staying in this apartment during our second trip to Dubrovnik! It’s set on a quiet street but is a less than 5-minute walk from Pile Gate and the main entrance to the Old Town, and mere steps from the West Harbour.

The apartment was spacious, easy to live in, had a strong wifi connection (a must for us), and we would definitely stay again.

Check rates & book your stay at the Old Harbour City Center Apartment!

Grand Villa Argentina  — If you want to feel like royalty during your trip to Dubrovnik, book yourself into the Grand Villa Argentina immediately.

It’s hard to say what the best feature of this hotel is, but the palatial atmosphere, the direct access to the beach, the fantastic included breakfast, and the swimming pool with a stunning view of Old Town are all in the running.

A stay here is one that you’ll never forget.

Check rates & book your stay at the Grand Villa Argentina!

Day 9: Enjoy a day in Dubrovnik.

As the final full day of this 10 day Croatia itinerary, you’ll want to make sure it’s an epic one–and luckily, in Dubrovnik, that’s easy to pull off.

Start your morning with a walk along the city’s famous walls for some sublime views (and get there as early as you can to beat the crowds–the moment they open is best), stroll through the old town, hit up a cliff bar, and watch the sunset from Mount Srd.

In between, head out on a kayaking trip around Lokrum Island in the afternoon.

O ur kayaking trip in Dubrovnik is one of our all-time favorite memories from our Croatia travels, and we highly recommend making it part of your itinerary!

This kayaking tour  is incredibly popular (book ahead of time if you can) and follows a very similar path to the one that we took–it’s an incredible experience!

Day 10: Wrap up your Croatia itinerary and head home.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end.

To close out your 10 days in Croatia itinerary, enjoy one last stroll through Dubrovnik’s Old Town if you have time in the morning, and then make your way home.

If you’re flying out of Zagreb, there are inexpensive flights and buses that travel between the two cities, so you can make your way back to Zagreb for an evening flight if needed.

Alternatively, if you use open-jaw tickets, you can fly into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik–but that’s most likely to be budget-friendly if you’re headed onto another destination in Europe, rather than hopping across the pond.

However you leave, hopefully it’s with fantastic memories and a desire to plan another trip to Croatia in the future!

This itinerary for seeing Croatia in 10 days is best accomplished with a few different types of transportation.

Here’s what we recommend, as well as a bit of info about the different ways to get around Croatia.

For this Croatia itinerary, driving a rental car from Zagreb to Plitvice, while exploring Plitvice, and from Plitvice to Split when you board the boat to Hvar will make your 10 days in Croatia go much more smoothly than trying to navigate bus schedules during this time.

We recommend searching for a rental car through Discover Cars , which will help you find the best company and price for your dates!

Croatia is an absolutely fantastic place for a road trip, and it’s one of our favorite ways to travel through the country.

Shop rental cars for your trip to Croatia  today!

Buses are the most popular form of public transportation in Croatia (and across much of the Balkans) .

F or this 10 day Croatia itinerary, you’ll likely want to use one to travel from Split to Dubrovnik.

T aking a ferry is another solid option, but renting a car again is likely more trouble than it’s worth.

Trains are not a popular way to travel through Croatia (or the rest of the Balkans, for that matter)–buses are far more popular here.

Zagreb is connected by train to several other places in Europe, but unless you’re arriving in Zagreb by rail, you likely won’t take a train as part of your 10 day Croatia trip.

While Zagreb does connect by train to a few other Croatian cities, it doesn’t go to most places in the country–even famous Dubrovnik doesn’t have a train station!

Day tours are an excellent way to visit multiple locations in Croatia in a single day, and we are happy to use them whenever they make sense.

Many tours in Croatia are excellent value and dramatically simplify travel, especially when visiting more rural locations or smaller islands.

Plus, they’re tons of fun!

I’ve outlined a couple of popular options in this Croatia itinerary, including this popular tour from Hvar , this tour of Krka National Park from Split (we used a guided tour to visit Krka from Split and had an amazing time), and this epic kayaking tour in Dubrovnik.

Ferries are, no surprise here, popular for getting around Croatia’s islands and coastal areas.

For the itinerary outlined in this Croatia travel blog post, you’ll use a ferry to get to and from Hvar, and if you would like, you can also take one from Split to Dubrovnik on day 8 of this Croatia itinerary.

With less than 10 days in Croatia, we strongly recommend limiting the number of transitions you have throughout your trip.

T his Croatia itinerary already moves at a very fast pace, and moving even faster will start to take away from your trip.

With around a week in Croatia, we recommend basing yourself in no more than 2 places, and taking day trips from there to limit the amount of time you spend changing locations.

If you have more than 10 days in Croatia, the possibilities are endless!

C onsider heading to Istria to check out amazing cities like Pula and Rovinj, spending time in more adorable towns along the Dalmatian coast like Trogir, Omiš, and Šibenik, and exploring more national parks like Mljet and Kornati.

Country counters who love to travel fast may want to consider adding on a day trip to an entirely different country, like visiting Bosnia from Split or Montenegro from Dubrovnik .

Of course, one of the best things to do with more than 10 days in Croatia is simply to slow down.

This Croatia itinerary moves fast to ensure you get to sample as much of the country as possible, but relaxing for longer in or around Hvar, Dubrovnik, or Split is a delightful way to savor your trip.

Make no mistake: while Croatia may have been an off the beaten path travel destination for travelers hailing from outside Europe 10 or 15 years ago, today it is enormously popular and has the summer crowds to match.

Here are the pros and cons of visiting Croatia during each season of the year!

Spring or Fall: Best of Both Worlds

If you’re hoping for a classic trip to Croatia with plenty of sunshine and swimming, early fall is your best option for a combination of warmth and lessened crowds. 

Late spring can work as well, but you’ll need to be able to tolerate water that’s a bit colder, as it won’t have warmed up all summer!

Summer: Great Weather + High Prices

A summer trip to Croatia is absolutely fantastic, and everything surrounding tourist infrastructure–tours, restaurants, hotels–will be open and thriving.

The weather will also be warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to enjoy the coast and islands.

However, you’ll need to accept that a higher price tag and more crowded attractions are the trade-off for traveling during peak time.

Winter: Offbeat + Cheap

A winter trip to Croatia can be a fabulous way to save money and soak up some sunshine during the northern hemisphere’s darkest months, but there’s no doubt it’ll be a different kind of Croatia trip.

Say goodbye to hitting the beach, but hello to near-empty cities and low prices.

We once spent a fabulous 2 weeks in Dubrovnik in February, and while it was definitely a different kind of trip–we didn’t pack bathing suits and wore coats during the chilly mornings–the low prices and sublime experience of walking the city walls almost completely alone made it 100% worth it.

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and spending 10 days in Croatia is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Check prices and inclusions with Safety Wing for your trip to Croatia.

Travel Adapters for Croatia  — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adapters for your electronics.

Water Shoes — Croatia coastline is beautiful, but it’s incredibly hard on the feet–Jeremy even managed to slice his foot on our most recent trip.

You’ll be much more comfortable swimming in Croatia if you bring some water shoes along with you!

I use them on all boats and the occasional bus, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

Trust me–you don’t want to miss out on the joys of boating around the Adriatic due to seasickness!

They’re incredibly handy and we recommend adding one to your packing list for Croatia. Ours has been our beach bag while in Croatia (among many other uses around the world) for years now!

Reusable Water Bottle  — Save both money and plastic when exploring Croatia by adding a reusable water bottle to your packing list for Europe!  I love this metal one .

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash on this 10 day Croatia itinerary, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Heading to Croatia soon and eager to keep planning your trip to the country… and maybe some of its neighbors, too?

You can browse all of our Croatia blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 15 Cool Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia
• 21 Sun-Soaked Summer Destinations in Europe (+ Travel Tips!)
• 15 Spectacular Things to Do in Sarajevo
• Split or Dubrovnik: Which Coastal Croatian City is Right for You?
• The Perfect 7 Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

26 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Days in Croatia Itinerary”

I wàs on a cruise in early October and sadly had just one day in Split. I took an early morning tour to Krka National Park and loved it. The water was pleasant but the entry is rocky and shallow and I endorse your water shoes suggestion! The walk from the cruise port to the Diocletian Palace takes about 20 minutes. As I arrived back from Krka at 3pm I had a couple of hours to explore the Palace.

So glad you liked it! It’s definitely a full but wonderful day, I loved our time in the park.

Hi, I’m planning my trip this August to Croatia, which didn’t happen last year due to pandemic… And OMG, surfing the net, I saw your post with a full itinerary I was planning to put together! Exactly what I’m looking for. Thank you so much for such a great post. The only changes I would make trying to have my stays through the Airbnb, off course if possible and available. Again, thanks! Liliya.

Thanks so much, Liliya! I hope you have an amazing time!

Thank you so much for your 10-day Croatian itinerary. I am going with my family in late July and basically modeled the trip on your suggestions with a few modifications. One question – I would like to see the Blue Cave and am planning a day trip motor boat tour to include it. But I saw in the tour books and online that it is likely to be very crowded and we will have to wait in line with a bunch of other boats to spend only a few minutes in the cave. Was that your experience and if so was it worth it? Sounds a little like Mona Lisa at the Louvre and I am not a fan of that experience. I know we are going at a very popular time of year but that is our only option. Thanks for any additional insights.

Thanks, Jen!

Yes, the Blue Cave is definitely one of those touristy sights where if you want to see it, it’s best to just go in with your eyes open and expect it to be crowded and busy, especially in July.

If you want to limit the crowds, try booking the very first or last tour of the day–or, if you are willing to spend a bit extra, ask around once you’re in the area about a private tour very early in the morning, before the group tours head out.

Hi Kate, This is really helpful, I was wondering if somebody doesnt want to hop to too many places ,especially with kids and all, what is the best way to cover main points by having no more than two bases? WOuld you recommend Zagreb and Split?

Depends on what two places you are most hoping to see! Our first trip to Croatia was about a week and we split our time between the Plitvice Lakes and Zadar.

I like Zagreb a lot, but if you’re visiting Croatia for the beaches and nature, I’d probably skip it if you’re only picking two places. Plitvice Lakes + Split, Split + Hvar, Split + Dubrovnik would all be great combinations, though there’s a million more!

Of the biggest coastal cities, Split is probably best-situated for taking a variety of day trips (waterfalls, islands, etc). if that’s what you’re looking for.

Hi! Thank you for the informative post. I decided to go to Croatia over Greece by reading it. I will be travelling in early June with my daughters (18 & 17) and this 10 itinerary is very useful. One of my daughters love the outdoors so I am sure she will love the parks. I love nature as well but I am not that active so I was wondering if there are relaxing or mild activities to do while the young ones do their thing at the parks. Also I am planing on midle- range accomodations but would love to splurge in one of the stops, so where you would recommend is the best option, where extra spending is really worthy? Best regards,

The parks are more or less as intense as you’d like them to be, if you’d like to stay near the entrance(s) and enjoy the waterfalls from there you sure can. They are mostly hiking-focused, but you can definitely opt out.

For a splurge, I’d recommend one of the coastal stops: Hvar, Split, or Dubrovnik. They’re the more expensive stops on this itinerary, but they’re also where an epic location and views will really pay off.

Hope you guys have an amazing trip to Croatia!

Hi Kate Thank you for sharing your experience with detailed itinerary of croatia. It was really helpful.croatia is my next coming up trip.. Lots of blessings Shila Dave

Hi Kate! It took me a while but here I am! I just wanted to thank you!

We had the most fantastic experience! We all loved Croatia and all the info you provide on your site was extremely helpful. Thank you for your response as well. Croatia really has something for everybody and you can really enjoy nice accomodations and good food at very appropiate prices.

We visited Zagreb, Plitvice, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik and loved them all!

Thank you so much!

That is fantastic to hear and I’m so glad you guys had a wonderful trip to Croatia! 🙂

Hi Kate I followed your intermarry almost close and really enjoyed our trip to Croatia Plitvice lake was the highlight of the whole trip and thanks for your tip to start early and from entrance 1. That was perfect. It seemed like we had the whole park for ourselves for the first few hours as we were there at 7 am when the park opened. Rastoke village with beautiful waterfall from under the houses, on the way to Plitvice, was also a gem and am sure would not have known but for your tip Seaorgan in Zadar was a great place to visit a unique thing to see no where else in the world Blue cave was really wonderful and got to swim n snorkel at Green cave I would just like to add that DU The Wire Zipline in Dubrovnik was awesome experience as you zipline laying down, it felt very safe and way better then the sitting ones, gave a great birds eye view and the staff was also great. Kras the boss was extremely friendly

Thank you for sharing! It’s always extra special to hear from a reader after they take their trip. 🙂

I’m glad you guys had a wonderful time in Croatia, it’s such a beautiful place!

Planning an end of Sept trip- have a travel agent, but realizing he really doesn’t know the country and relying on his travel people who are more geared to sedate travellers, so doing legwork on my own. And seeing a lot of great tours through your links to Get your Guide. This is lengthy, but would love your thoughts if you think this is doable- we are flying in from Rome and initially planning on Dubrovnik to Zagreb-but rethinking and not sure we really need to spend time in Zagreb. So here are my thoughts with the current plan of renting a car since I understand you now don’t have to go through Bosnia ( we have 12 days) Day 1-AR- Dubrovnik in the evening Day 2- Dubrovnik with sunset wine and kayak to Lokum Day 3- travel to Split- hike Marjan Hills Day 4 – Split- extreme canyoning Cetina River Day 5- Split -Krka cycling trip Day 6- Lv Split- travel to Rastoke- spend time in town and Korana river/village. Stay at Hotel Mirjana Day 7- Rastoke and Plivtice Day 8- Rastoke and Jeep safari to Pljesevica Mtn and abandoned air base Day 9- LV Rastoke for HVAR Day 10- Hvar and island tours (blue/green caves, etc) Day 11- Lv Hvar for Dubrovnik Day 12 early departure for Chicago

It’s a bit packed but doable! I would reorder your stops, though.

I’d do the Rastoke/Plitvice area after Dubrovnik, then head to Split and Hvar from there, to avoid doubling back to catch the ferry to Hvar.

It also seems like a bit long in Rastoke to me–the village itself is quite small, though of course you’re hoping to see the surrounding area.

Thank you for the insight. As opposed to spending a day driving to Plivtice we may go back to original plan of starting in Dubrovnik and leaving from Zagreb. I have checked a couple of the luxury recommendations you gave- they seemed to be booked for dates ranging from Sept18th-23rd- is it still very busy at this time?

Busier every year, it seems like (minus a couple of notable recent years, of course)!

September is one of our favorite months to visit Croatia, and we’re not alone in that. Things will still be lively, but it’s not nearly as crowded in September as in July or August.

Thank you. This is very helpful in planning our trip!

So glad to hear that, Ellen!

Hello Kate. I am planning a 25th wedding anniversary to Croatia for myself and husband. Reviewed your 10 day itinerary and it seems perfect for what I am looking for. We are located in Crown Point, Indiana and looking for a travel agent to plan our trip around your 10 day itinerary. I am planning on going July 13-23. Would you be able to recommend a travel agent, OR shall I plan the trip myself around your 10 day itinerary. It will be our first time to Croatia. Thank you. Lorrie

I was thinking of visiting Rovinj, Pula, working our way to Opatija and working our way down the the coast. That would be the only difference from where you start on your 10 day itinerary. Would like to know your thoughts on that as well. Thank you.

I definitely think you can plan the trip yourself! Croatia is a wonderful place to travel, and it’s fairly simple to book hotels and activities. We’ve never used a travel agent personally.

Rovinj and Pula in particular have been on our list for years, but we haven’t had a chance to visit yet. They’re very popular with those who visit, but the whole Istria Peninsula is furher off the beaten path than places like Split and Hvar, so you can somewhat escape the crowds.

You could either start in Istria and head down the coast (especially if you’re not flying into Croatia), or start in Zagreb, head to the Plitvice Lakes, then over to Istria, and work your way down the coast to Dubrovnik from there.

You can take the ferry from Pula to Zadar and then travel from Zadar to Split to avoid doubling-back, though I’d plan on booking ahead to do that in July.

Hello Kate! I just booked our flights for Croatia for mid-July. I wanted to fly into Pula and work our way around the coast with the first stop being Opatija. My husband’s family is from there and we can not pass it by, which is why we are starting in Pula. We will be renting a car from Pula.

Here are are the cities we will be visiting: Pula, Opatija, Rijeka, working our way down to Zadar, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik.

This is as far as I got thus far.

We will need to book hotels, site seeing/places to stop along the way. I plan to go off of your 10 day itinerary around the cities I will be stopping at.

Is there any other information you can send my way outside of your itinerary? Thank You!

We actually have many blog posts about Croatia, including ones specifically about Zadar, Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik!

You can find them all here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/category/destinations/europe/croatia/

I mention it in our Dubrovnik blog posts, but I always like to make sure to point out that while walking the city walls in Dubrovnik is very expensive (and seems to go up every year), it costs the same amount as a one-day Dubrovnik card that includes the walls, public transportation, and other museums and attractions. It’s a great deal!

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Dubrovnik to Venice

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Epic Croatia Road Trip: 7 & 14 Day Itinerary [+ Local Tips]

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After a few Croatia road trips, I started thinking about how to break this stunning country down into manageable chunks so that it’s enjoyable for the amount of time you have and for the vibe you’re going for. 

In this post, I want to help you avoid rushing through a vacation or check-boxing a few highlighted sights without truly experiencing the Croatian pomalo spirit of taking it easy.

Because what’s worse than needing a vacation from your vacation!? So let’s start thinking through this.

Table of Contents

How Long Do You Have?

This is probably the minimum time for a road trip in Croatia. I recommend considering the vibe you want and focusing your energy on one region that gives you that.

If you’re into wine and a more luxurious getaway, stick to Northern Croatia .

If you want a cultural experience with more history, go for Southern Croatia.  

A week is also a great amount of time for a few island excursions . I love keeping one weekend free for a trip to the Island of Hvar or the little Island of Vis, my favorite island on the coast of Split. 

Jackpot! This is an ideal time for a Croatia Road Trip because you can do a little bit of everything without feeling rushed.

TRAVEL TIP: My favorite road trip through Croatia was this 2 weeks from Pula to Dubrovnik Like a Local – take what you need from it and explore at your leisure.

And with a little bit of logistical planning around car rental, ferry rides, and strategically placed tours, you can minimize the time on the road and maximize the time sipping wine, eating your way through truffle pasta, and sunbathing on the Dalmatian coast!

14-Day Croatia Road Trip Itinerary

This is the Croatia road trip I’ve done, and the one where I fell in love with this incredibly culture-rich and beautiful country. Here is the quick itinerary of the trip, with highlights and lodging tips.

Day 1 – 2: Rovinj

You’ll likely be landing in Pula by way of Zagreb. When you get to Pula, rent a car and head the short distance up to the special town of Rovinj. Get ready for an overload of winding cobblestone streets, cute bars and restaurants, and charming little houses.

• La Grisia  – This is the most popular (and biggest) street in Rovinj.
• The Church of St. Euphemia  – Great for sunset views!
• The Old Town  – Explore inside the city walls, no cars allowed!
• Punta Corrente Forest – Great park for a leisurely walk in a forest by the sea.

Where To Stay

I recommend booking lodging south of the Old Town so you will have the advantage of being in a picturesque area within walking distance of the town. As you may imagine, the Old Town itself is a car-free area.

📍 Mid-Range:  Room & Apartments Antea – More spacious and more adorable than the pictures give it credit for. I also loved the light in the space! 📍 Luxury: Hotel Casa Garzotto – While this little boutique is in the Old Town center, I recommend it because they do take care of your parking (it’s included), and it is SO cute and cozy to be right in the middle of everything!

Day 3: Motovun

This is all wine country. Here are a few of my favorite spots:

• Tomaz Winery:  A little outside of town, my favorites were their Rose’s.
• Fakin Winery:  Great tour of the cellars and delicious aged Malvasia. Pairs splendidly with their meat and cheese boards!
• ROSSI Winery & Distillery : Beautiful views, good wine selection, and even better gin cocktails!

This was my favorite all-inclusive tour: ➡️ Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Rovinj ⬅️

Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Just a 3-hour drive from Rovinj is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of stunning green & blue pools, over 90 waterfalls, and tons of caves. This will be a welcome change from the first few days of eating, drinking, and small-town life.

Where to Stay

I recommend the local bed & breakfasts around Plitvice Lake National Park.

📍 Mid-Range :  B&B Villa Sumrak – Think gorgeous sunsets and welcome drinks! 📍 Luxury: Ethno Houses Plitvice Lakes Hotel – You’ll notice this hotel as you head down to the dock to start your trail around the lakes. They gave me Colorado winter cabin vibes!

Day 5: Zadar

This is actually a lesser-known hidden gem of a town in Croatia. Once you get to Zadar, there are a few places to explore:

• Sea Organ  – An organ mounted underneath a staircase, played by the waves of the sea.
• The Land Gate  – The main entrance to the city.
• The Park of Vladimir Nazor  – At night, there is a magical little bar that opens up –  Ledana Lounge Bar & Club .
• Narodni Trg (People’s Square ) – Yes, the Croats need more vowels in their lives!

I loved the lodging selection inside the Old Town of Zadar.

📍 Mid-Range: Sweet Studio MARE – This is a great studio apartment in the city center – clean, bright, and priced at around $30 when I stayed. 📍 Luxury:   DeZign Superior Apartments – These apartments are great for one-night stays, especially great bang for your buck!

Day 6: Krka National Park

More fun with waterfalls today! I plan to spend half a day here before heading south to Split for the next few days. Because this is a road trip, pack a lunch and a wine, have a picnic in the park, and enjoy some light hiking!

Day 7: Split

My favorite city in Croatia. The old town of Split is very walkable, and that’s what you should do!

➡️ I booked this  Small-Group Walking Tour of Split because the guides are history professors!

This is also when you return your rental car , as you will not need it for the next week as you’re exploring the Islands and Dubrovnik.

The best places to stay in Split is inside or just outside the Diocletian Palace.

📍 Mid-Range:   Stara Kala Varos Apartment – Think old-world charm with brick walls, but with new appliances and a comfy bed, remodeled and cozy, right outside the Diocletian Palace and walking distance to everything. 📍 Luxury: Luxury Residence Mareta – In the heart of the Diocletian palace. While it is snazzy and well decorated, it’s a great value for your money because it’s Croatia!

Day 8: The Island of Mljet

Grab a quick morning ferry from Split to one of the largest islands off the Dalmatian Coast, the Island of Mljet ( pronounced Mil-yet ). I like this island because it’s off the beaten path when it comes to the usual Croatia road trip things to see, and has remained largely unspoiled, covered in forests, and surrounded by the sea.

PRO TIP:   Check ferry times here . Don’t miss the boat back to Split for the night, there are not a lot of options off this island.

Day 9 – 10: The Island of Vis

Take the ferry from Split to Vis (2.5 hours) and explore the old town in the afternoon. I rented a scooter for the 2 days I was on the island and it was well worth it. This is where you can visit the famous Blue Cave in Croatia . A few other local recommendations:

• Lola Konoba & Bar  – The perfect dinner date and atmosphere!
• Restaurant Vatrica  – Great for a seafood lunch by the sea!

📍 Mid-Range:   House Bava – A 2-minute walk from the ferry port, this place is cozy and quaint. 📍 Luxury: Heritage Apartment Lilly – Highly recommend it if it’s available, it’s super reasonable for the luxury it offers, and the views are stunning!

Day 11: The Island of Hvar

Grab the morning ferry from Vis to Hvar and settle into the city. This island is known for its party scene and is both a port and resort town. As you only have one night, I recommend enjoying the city, sampling the foods in the local Konobas, and getting lost.

Book ahead of time, as this is a popular spot on our Croatia road trip!

📍 Mid-Range:   Mar e Sol Apartments – You will 100% want to book early to grab this. 📍 Luxury: Heritage Hotel Park Hvar – In the heart of the city, this is one of those well-done remodels of a heritage stone hotel from way back when.

Day 12 – 14: Dubrovnik

Today is another ferry ride, this time from the Island of Hvar to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is the last stop on this Croatia road trip itinerary. Jump right into it with a  Walking Tour of Dubrovnik  to get a better sense of what you’re looking at and the history inside the city walls – the real history, not Game of Thrones history .

You can also take a boat out to Lokrum , a small island with tons of rabbits and peacocks, and a little museum area with an iron throne. Lastly, don’t miss the cable car up ot the top of the big mountain to get a good view of the entire city from Mount Srdj . The war museum is supposed to be excellent – the history of the region and politics is fascinating.

Fly out of Dubrovnik on the last day!

Staying in Dubrovnik is a bit tricky, as the town is very condensed and old.

📍 Mid-Range:   Eddie’s Sea View Rooms – Right in the old town, but not breaking the budget, this is a bright little spot to park your butt at the end of your trip! 📍 Luxury: Royal Princess Hotel – I stayed here ( in a suite with two big balconies overlooking the Adriatic! ). It takes about 15 minutes to take the bus into the walled city.

7-Day Croatia Road Trip Itinerar y

Below are 3 options for a 7-day Croatia road trip, so pick and choose how you want to build your own itinerary based on what you are into.

• Northern Croatia : Best for foodies, wine & dine vibes, waterfalls & hiking
• Southern Croatia: Best for culture, ancient cities, and island life vibes
• Islands of Croatia: Best for party life, taking it easy, and romantic getaways.

Northern Croatia Road Trip For Foodies & Wine

If you really want to dive into your foodie nature, the best region for Croatian wines, truffles, and meats is the Northern region of Istria . This area is influenced by its Venetian and Roman past and offers wineries, boutique restaurants, and growing culture of unique gins. 

There are also 2 wonderful National Parks in Croatia, both promising incredible waterfalls and windy hiking trails through the woods. Both of these parks are also on the Northern side of the country .

Day 1 & 2: Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia and is known for its food scene and wines. This beautiful city is also home to a few cultural sites, including a unique museum that I love, The Museum of Broken Relationships . This is likely where you will fly in and rent a car for your road trip through northern Croatia.

Day 3 & 4: Rovinj

Rovinj is just the most pleasant old town in Istria, straight out of a storybook. One of the days can be used to explore and eat your way through Rovinj, while the other can be used to take a little side trip to Pula just an hour south.

Day 5: Motovun

Motovun is about an hour north of Rovinj, sitting neatly on top of a mountain among many vineyards and gin distilleries. This is a wonderful place to get boozy and indulge in Croatian truffle pasta.

Day 6: Plitvice National Park

Plitvice National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a few hours’ drive from Rovinj. Take a picnic with you and spend the day exploring the trails and waterfalls.

Day 7: Krka National Park + Zadar

Krka National Park is about a half-day adventure and super close to another adorable Croatian city, Zadar. Both the old town and the waterfalls in the national park can be enjoyed in one day, and you can still call it a relaxing day.

Southern Croatia Road Trip For Culture

For ancient cities’ iconic culture and stories, the south is where you need to go. To explore the Diocletian Palace in Split, the iconic town of Dubrovnik, and everything in between, you’re best served by the Southern coastal area of the country. 

Day 1 & 2: Dubrovnik

The city of Dubrovnik needs no introduction, and the old town is exactly as you might imagine, but even better. The coolest part of the town is this massive wall they built to protect Dubrovnik from the Venetians in Split. That and the winding streets with tucked-in restaurants and bars, and a general vibe of a good time.

Day 3 & 4: Mostar

Mostar is technically located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and it’s best to spend a couple of days in order to really enjoy the beauty of this town. A pro tip would be to stopover in the town of Ston on the way up from Dubrovnik – it is a village known for its oysters and salt.

Day 5 – 7: Split

My favorite city on this Croatian road trip! Split is equally as stunning as Dubrovnik, but a little less touristy. I would spend a day exploring the Diocletian Palace, in which you could spend a few days getting lost.

This is also the city where you can take a quick ferry to one or two islands for fun in the sun.

Islands of Croatia For Party

There are about 1200 islands on the coast of Croatia (only about 60 of them inhabited) that will give you the fix you need – among them my favorites are Vis, Hvar, Brac, and Mljet.

Don’t forget that Croatian beaches are not sandy, but rather pebble-y and rocky. This only serves to increase the allure for me not only because the contrast of lush green forest spilling over a rocky edge to meet the ocean is breathtaking, but also because you don’t get sand in all the weird places. 

Day 1: Split

This is likely where you’ll land and spend the day exploring the Diocletian Palace. You won’t need a car for this part of the road trip, just pay special attention to the Jadrolinea Ferry routes.

Day 2 & 3: Island of Vis

The Island of Vis is one of the smaller, less ‘party’ islands, and home to one of the Blue Caves. I loved spending a couple of days here exploring Komiza and the port of Vis. I will never forget a very special dinner date at the beautiful Lola Konoba & Bar.

Day 4 & 5: Island of Hvar

An island that needs no introduction, this is definitely a party island. Not only is the food scene and nightlife great, but exploring the town of Hvar during the day is just as pleasant.

Day 6: Mljet

This forest-covered island is best for hiking and swimming in its many salt-water lakes. Bring a packed lunch and wine, and unwind in nature.

Day 7: Island of Brac

A quick ferry ride from Split, this is one of the bigger islands off the coast of Croatia. You will need a scooter or car to explore this island properly. Alternatively, you can rent a boat for the day, sail around, and just play in the sea.

Croatia Road Trip Map

A quick visual of a few of the stops on the 14-day Itinerary around the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

Driving in Croatia

Here are a few tips and things to consider when driving in Croatia.

What to consider when renting a car? 

Definitely go for a small car so that you can fit into some of the tiny parking spots in Rovinj or Split. Otherwise, find the best bang for your buck – I use Discover Cars to see my options.

Check Prices & Availability ▶️ DISCOVER CARS ◀️

Be careful of high fees when you rent the car in one city and want to return it in another – I almost got charged $100 and so had to switch rental car companies for something more reasonable.

How do you handle tolls in Croatia?

Croatia has a system of toll roads, which you can pay with cash or a card at the booth.

Is driving difficult in Croatia?

The highway systems along the coast are in very good condition. Apart from a few potholes and slight congestion in the old towns, it’s simple enough to road trip Croatia.

I used my Google Maps to navigate everywhere without a problem and even managed to pay a few parking tickets I got along the way with the assistance of Google Translate and a few kind local’s help!

All in all, it is not difficult to drive in Croatia, and it feels like driving in any other western European country or America.

Croatia Road Trip Advice

Before you get going, here are a few things to remember as you start planning your adventures.

Is Croatia safe?

The short answer is yes. Croatia is a super well-touristed country for many reasons, and one of them is safety.

Despite the scary’ish history of being part of the former Soviet Union umbrella, Croatia is a beautiful country with good people. The towns are quaint, the pickpocketing is definitely less of a worry compared to Italy, and in general, most people speak English and are very helpful to tourists.

Regarding driving, the roads are in good condition and Croatian drivers are rule-abiding. That said, it’s important to be aware of safety before you hit the open road. If you’re traveling from the USA, you can review this FAQ on Travel Medical Insurance for any eventuality – I recommend this one because it’s inexpensive ( around $40 a month ).

This is what I use: ▶️ SAFETYWING: Nomad Travel Insurance ◀️

When is the best time for a Croatia road trip?

Summer or fall is the best time to visit Croatia, no matter what you do. High seasons are between the month of July and August, so if you want to avoid increased prices and decreased availability, shoot for a time slightly before or after.

Where should I start my Croatia road trip?

It really depends on how much time you have and which region you are sticking to. If you’re focusing on the North, then Zagreb is your airport. If you’re focusing on the Islands or the South, then Split or Dubrovnik is your hub.

Flights in and out of Zagreb and Split are the cheapest. That said, local flights go north to Pula and south to Dubrovnik for minimal cost. 

Where should I book lodging?

Airbnb is your friend in Croatia, as most places are renovated and well-kept. The best location to book for someone on a road trip is slightly outside of the old towns.

This will give you a walking distance proximity to the restaurants and old town, allow you a place to park your car as you cannot drive into most old town streets, and help out on the budget side as lodging tends to be a little cheaper. 

How Much Does a Road Trip in Croatia Cost?

Croatia is more affordable than most countries in Europe. And as of 2023, it will start adopting and using the Euro as its currency. That said, credit cards are widely used, and ATMs are everywhere.

A few tips to stay within your budget would be to avoid high season, choose to lodge outside of the old towns (it will still be within walking distance to everything you want), shop at the farmer’s markets outside of the old towns and cook at home if you can along your road trip.

Here are the average costs:

• Car Rental: $30-50 a day
• Lodging: $50-70 a night
• Meals: $10 for lunch, $20 for dinner
• Drinks: $5 a cocktail

Conclusion: Croatia Road Trip

These 7-day and 14-day Croatia road trips are great for visiting some of the best places in the country. Here’s the list of my favorite spots:

✅ Diocletian Palace in Split

The Diocletian Palace is a palace built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in Split, and is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palace is now part of the city of Split and home to more than 3,000 people. It is also one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world.

✅ Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. The city is known for its stunning architecture, medieval walls, and turquoise waters. Dubrovnik is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers alike.

Located on the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia, Rovinj is a picturesque fishing town that is known for its Venetian-style architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere. The town’s vibrant Old Town is situated on a small peninsula and is home to a number of historic churches, including the Church of St. Euphemia, which overlooks the Adriatic Sea.

✅ Krk National Park

Krk National Park is an absolute gem! It is well known for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers worldwide.

✅ Plitvice National Park

Located in central Croatia, Plitvice National Park is one of the country’s most popular natural destinations. The park is home to a series of 16 cascading lakes and numerous waterfalls and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the park on foot or take a boat ride across one of the lakes.

✅ Island of Vis

The Island of Vis is one of Croatia’s smaller islands. Situated in the Adriatic Sea, Vis is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and the famous Blue Cave.

✅ Island of Hvar

The Island of Hvar is equally as pretty and is known for being a party island. Full of cute restaurants on white cobblestone streets and chic nightclubs, this is Croatia’s answer to Mykonos.

Zadar is located on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and is a city with a long history dating back to Roman times. But Zadar isn’t all about history – there’s also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re taking a dip in the sea or hiking up one of the nearby hills, this is a Croatian gem.

The ancient town of Motovun in Croatia is one of the most picturesque and charming places in the country. Nestled atop a hill in Istria, the town offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and great wineries to partake in.

✅ Capital of Zagreb

Quickly becoming a foodie hub, the capital of Croatia should not be missed. Zagreb is known for its beautiful architecture, ranging from Baroque churches to Art Nouveau buildings. It is also home to numerous museums and galleries, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

How to Get from Italy to Croatia (and Vice Versa)

Getting from Italy to Croatia by Ferry

• Ferries from Venice to Croatia: >> to Mali Losinj, Piran, Pula, Rovinj, Porec, Rabac (Venezia Lines – these are passenger ferries only, no cars)
• Ferries from Ancona to Croatia: >> to Zadar, Split (Jadrolinija Ferries) >> to Split, Vis, Stari Grad/Hvar Island (Blue Line Ferries) >> to Split (SNAV Ferries)
• Ferries from Pescara to Croatia: >> to Split, Stari Grad/Hvar Island (SNAV Ferries or Jadrolinija Ferries)
• Ferries from Bari to Croatia: >> to Dubrovnik (Jadrolinija Ferries)

Look at a map of the departure and arrival ports listed above and you’ll understand why things like travel time and ticket prices will vary depending on where you’re leaving Italy, where you’re going in Croatia, and also when you’re making the trip. So you’ll need to look up all your options before deciding which one suits your travel budget and style best – but here are some reference points to get you started.

• A one-way ticket from Venice to Rovinj on Venezia Lines ranges from €48 in the low season to €53 in the high season (and that’s not including taxes, fees & surcharges).
• A deck-only one-way ticket from Ancona to Split or Bari to Dubrovnik on Jadrolinija Ferries ranges from €40 in the low season to €48 in the high season and €55 on a summer weekend. You can pay as much as €173 for a deluxe 2-berth cabin on that same trip on a summer weekend, and there are lots of options between those two extremes.
• A one-way ticket from Pescara to Hvar Island or Split on SNAV Ferries runs from €50-95 depending on the season and what promotions are going on.
• A one-way ticket from Ancona to Split or Hvar Island on Blue Line Ferries can be €40-48 for a deck ticket, all the way up to €116-136 for a “VIP Cabin” (with lots of options in between), and this doesn’t include any charge for a vehicle or the summer weekend rate increase.
• The trip from Venice-Rovinj takes about 2.5 hours if you get a direct boat.
• The trip from Ancona-Split takes about 9 hours.
• The trip from Bari-Dubrovnik takes about 8-9 hours.
• The trip from Pescara-Hvar Island takes about 4.25 hours.

For more information about all your options, your best bet is to check with the individual ferry companies. There are sites which claim to have the information for all the different companies, but in my searches I found some were outdated and others incomplete. If there’s one that’s always up-to-date and thorough, please let me know – but in the meantime (and even if there is) it’s probably best to check each ferry company’s website. Here are the sites for Jadrolinija Ferries , Blue Line Ferries , Venezia Lines , and SNAV Ferries . Be warned, not all of those sites are created equally when it comes to ease of use. Be patient… (Note that with the exception of the catamaran service from Venice to Croatia, the rest of the ferries you can take from Italy to Croatia are car ferries that also have passenger service. If you’re leaving from Venice, there’s no car ferry to Croatia.)

Flying from Italy to Croatia

• easyJet – Milan to Dubrovnik, Milan to Split
• Germanwings – Milan to Zagreb, Bologna to Zagreb
• Ryanair – Pisa to Zadar

With a budget airline you can sometimes find one-way promotional fares for ridiculously low prices, even under €10. These fares are rarely as cheap as advertised, since the airlines then end up charging you for every little thing you thought was “free” on airlines, but it’s always worth looking – as long as you read the fine print. A quick scan of some of the round-trip tickets from Italy to Croatia at the time of this writing revealed a €11 fare to Zadar on Ryanair, a couple of €41 fares to Split and Dubrovnik on easyJet, and one that came in over €170 into Zagreb on Croatia Airlines. All of those options should be considered in the “extremely cheap” range, because you’ll also find fares in the €300-400 range as well for a flight from Milan to Dubrovnik or Rome to Split. As far as schedules go, remember that even though you’ll be seeing a flight that lasts less than two hours between Italy and Croatia, because it’s international travel (Croatia’s not yet part of the EU) you’ll need to factor in extra time spent at the airport and getting to and from the airport, as well. Be sure to weigh all that when you’re thinking about how much time a flight could potentially save over a ferry. Flights to Zagreb: Flights to Split: Flights to Dubrovnik: Flights to Zadar:

Getting from Italy to Croatia by Train

• Venice to Zagreb can take from 7.5-10 hours and can require 1-2 train changes along the way.
• Venice to Split can take from 15-20 hours and require as many as 3 train changes.
• Rome to Zagreb can take from 11.5-15.5 hours and require 1-2 train changes.
• Milan to Zagreb can take from 10-12 hours and require 1-2 train changes.
• A one-way ticket from Venice to Zagreb on the train can cost roughly $40-110 for a 2nd class ticket or $120-195 for a 1st class ticket (for direct trains that’s for either a couchette or a sleeper cabin, and including reservations where required).

Getting from Italy to Croatia by Bus

Driving from Italy to Croatia

And now that you’re in Croatia…

• BootsnAll has a Croatia travel guide you might find useful, called WhyGo Croatia.
• You’ll find all kinds of accommodation options in Croatia , including hotels in Croatia , hostels in Croatia , and resorts in Croatia (if you’ve got the budget for them!).
• There are plenty of things to do in Croatia , from sailing and diving to checking out the beautiful national parks .

photos, top to bottom, by: jimmyharris , lostajy , bortescristian , Goran Zec , kawanet , vacation2 , jonsson

10 Days in Croatia Itinerary | How to plan your next trip to Croatia

The ultimate 10 day Croatia itinerary, a guide through the best of Croatia. So start your journey and make the most of your 10 days in Croatia itinerary.

Last Update: March 12, 2024

• Destination

So often Croatia is considered one of the best destinations in Europe. You can roam around easily and with a mid-range budget, making Croatia perfect for a 10-day itinerary in Eastern Europe .

Before our extended 10 day trip to Croatia, we also thought it was cheap; however, reality doesn’t always match your expectations. This guide about 10 day Croatia itinerary will walk you through the best destinations to explore in the eastern country. We will get in deep into the ways to lower the costs and still have fun.

Make yourself comfortable, as the long trip to Croatia will prepare you for one of the most amazing experiences in life. Croatia has been increasing in popularity recently, attracting tourists to the prominent landmarks. The white walls of Dubrovnik, the roman features of Split, and the Venetian architectonic details of Hvar are well known; however, we will also suggest you go off the beaten path and make the most of your time, seeing as much of this beautiful country as you can.

10 Days in Croatia Itinerary

The map itinerary of Croatia is an essential feature of our guide. Save locally on your device our detailed 10 days Croatia itinerary to use offline and tour the county even if you don’t have a network. Personalise the map with our “other suggestions” that will take you off the beaten path in Croatia .

Best Time to Visit Croatia

Many people love to travel to Croatia in summer ; however, this might not work out as the cheapest period to explore the country. That said, of course, you are making an excellent choice to visit Croatia in summer , as it is one of the most incredible locations to explore in Europe .

However, we suggest you discover Croatia during the shoulder season. The main reason is that Croatia becomes really packed when the good season starts. Tourists overcrowd the beaches and main touristic places, making your 10 days in Croatia less enjoyable.

Alternatively, we suggest April and May (better the beginning) enjoy the sunshine and the beaches heading south. This period of the year offers reasonable prices almost everywhere. Also, consider September and October for your next trip to Croatia. The country is in a strategic location in Europe, which gives you still wonderful sunshine days at the end of summer and the beginning of October. The temperatures and incredible natural resources make Croatia a perfect location to explore in Europe in Autumn and winter .

However, consider that transport (mainly ferries) works at a slower pace in winter in Croatia . But check down below for a breakdown of Croatia in every season.

Winter in Croatia

A winter trip to Croatia can be a fantastic way to save money and enjoy some sun during the northern hemisphere’s harshest months. Still, it will surely be a different sort of Croatian trip.

Visiting significant cities like Split and Dubrovnik , you will feel the Christmas atmosphere in Croatia; this time of the year is unbelievable everywhere. The winter is mild on the coast, but with high chances of rain, and very cold in the internal part of the country.

Spring in Croatia

If you want a classic Croatian holiday with plenty of sun and maybe some beach days (if you are lucky and visit at the end of the season), late spring can work. The sea is still a bit cooler to swim; however, there is plenty of sunshine and sunny days ideal for exploring the islands. This is the perfect time to plan an itinerary around the Dalmatian islands and see places like Korcula, Hvar , and Brac.

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Summer in Croatia

With the best weather in Croatia comes a little down point as well. Summer means high prices. However, you can’t get wrong about planning a 10-day itinerary in Croatia in the summer . The country is blessed with good weather throughout the whole period and, of course, is the best season to enjoy the beaches. If this is the only time you can go on a vacation in Croatia , plan an off the beaten path itinerary to skip the crowds and don’t get disappointed.

If you are willing to explore Croatia in the summer, we suggest basing yourself in Split and touring around the central coastal city. We wrote a compelling guide about three days in Split and a few days’ trips around.

Autumn in Croatia

Even though Europe in autumn is wet, Croatia still benefits from warm temperatures, especially on the coastal side. Central Croatia has more precipitation compared to the Adriatic cities, making Croatia in Autumn the best combination weather-wise and beating the crowds.

Croatia in the shoulder season is also perfect for saving some money, with hotels offering the best-discounted rates, even booking next to the arrival date. Check the best hotels in Croatia .

How long you should stay in Croatia

You can plan a short itinerary through Croatia in 7 days, but it will be short and around a few strategic locations. Therefore, you must plan a perfect road trip for at least 10 days in Croatia . If you can stay a bit longer, anything between 12 days and 2 weeks is ideal; visiting Croatia in Spring or late summer, when it is less crowded but still has pleasant weather.

Croatia is a wonder on the Med, a beauty full of unspoiled scenic scenery where you can get lost. We create a perfect 10-day itinerary of Croatia to give insights about the most incredible locations in the East Europe country. A 10-day trip is the perfect amount of time to explore, get lost and be amused by the many sights and cities. Check out our blog post about the best places to visit in Croatia .

However, don’t take just our advice for staying 10 days as the perfect length to explore the country entirely. We also suggest most of the time to plan a longer trip. In our opinion, Croatia is also a good location for a perfect workation in Europe .

Tips for travelling to Croatia

• Travel by bus during the night for long distances (It’s cheaper and you save on the night stay)
• Take the ferry and stay overnight on the islands
• Avoid passing the border with Bosnia will take you sometime
• Base yourself in Split to take advantage of a few day trips nearby (Trogir, Sibenik , Krka National Park, Hvar)
• Take the ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik to enjoy the Dalmatian Islands
• Book your tours in advance

Things to know before travelling to Croatia

Below are a few extra tips necessary to know before travelling to Croatia.

Travel Insurance | We love two insurance companies and always suggest them. Safety Wings and Hey Mondo . Our digital whole-year insurance is with the second, and it covers everything, including the expensive equipment we carry with us. Check out both of them , and you will help us run this blog gaining a commission at no extra cost to you.

Language | The official and most extensively used language is Croatian. However, we had no problem speaking English. Croatia is a destination well known by tourists and locals. We had just a few problems while exploring the countryside, but with some creativity and gestures, we made our point of contact. In Istria, instead, the northern part of Croatia is widely spoken Italian, and it was no trouble for us to chat with locals.

Currency | In Croatia, you pay in Kunas. However, while on our trip, we found that some shops also allow paying in Euro. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in large cities. Amex and other credit cards are accepted just in a few restaurants.

Safety | We felt safe in Croatia for the whole trip. However, you have to use common sense at all time, especially in crowded places where tourists gather or on public transport, there are always pickpocketing around. So take care of your belongings.

How to get around Croatia

We have done the whole 10-day Croatia itinerary using public transport. Our journey was through flixbus , trains, regular buses and ferries. However, we had to rent a car to explore Istria, but this was just because we extended our trip, even though there were fewer modes of transport between the northern cities. If you are short on days, we suggest booking tours in advance and enjoying multiple locations in a single day.

If you keep your itinerary simple, you need just to take buses between the main cities. However, you might have multiple options to reach some locations, like Split to Dubrovnik . Of course, the ideal plan is to do island hopping from Split, passing by Hvar and Korcula, but if you don’t want to waste days, you can just pass by the island for a day trip and ride Flixbus for a 3.5 hours journey from Split to Dubrovnik .

As said, if you aim for freedom, renting a car is the perfect plan. Having your own method of transport allows you to reach places quickly, and gas is less expensive compared to other Western European Countries.

Don’t forget to bring with you some essential items to rent a car in Croatia:

• Credit Card (They don’t accept debit cards)
• International Driving Permit
• Check your journey before travelling (download the map offline and save on data)

How to explore Croatia?

Your 10 days in Croatia will go much more smoothly and at your own pace if you rent a car. Sometimes was hard to coordinate timetables between multiple modes of transport, and having a car can reduce the hassles.

We advise using Discover Cars or Rental Cars to obtain a rental car since they can help you find the best company and rates for your dates. To rent a car in Croatia is necessary to have a credit card. It’s worth knowing that you can take the car with you on the ferry, the ticket might cost a little more, but you can freely explore the cute little towns on the islands.

Our trip was mostly by bus, which is the best choice for backpackers in Croatia . Buses are the most popular form of public transportation in Croatia. You can go by bus from Zagreb to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik , making your trip easy and smooth.

Train journeys are less prevalent in Croatia. Definitely, buses are the most widely used form of transportation. You probably will only take a train during your 10-day Croatia trip if you are arriving by rail. In fact, while touring the Balkans, many people arrive from Ljubljana in Slovenia to Zagreb by train, as there is a direct link between the two cities that will take you from point A to B in about 1 hour.

We suggest taking some guided tours. The best way to make friends on the road is going on a group tour, especially if this has multiple attractions. The costs of the trips are split between the participants, and you will reach destinations hassle free with a local guide.

We work closely with two tour companies, Get Your Guide and Viator , and they offer the best tours for a reasonable price. While in Croatia, we explored Krka National Park on tour, and it was fantastic to check in Skradin for a few hours.

Check the best-suggested tours:

It should come as no surprise that many people use ferries to travel between Croatia’s islands and coastal regions. You’ll take a boat to Hvar from Split for this Croatia itinerary and return. Still, you can also stay in Split overnight and take the ferry to Dubrovnik the day after, passing by Korcula, one of the hidden gems in Croatia .

Budget for 10 Days in Croatia

We thought Croatia was more affordable; however, it didn’t work out as cheap as many think. I visited Croatia previously around 2010, and that was a very reasonable time. Unfortunately, in 2022 Croatia wasn’t the same, prices soared up, and costs may be comparable to those in Western Europe. In some tourist cities like Dubrovnik , prices were high, especially for suitable accommodations. However, the more inland you travel, such as to Zagreb, the cheaper your lodging, meals, and transportation will be.

How much will it cost to travel to Croatia?

We estimated that our trip cost about €120 per day for two people, booking in advance and with a few restaurants, local food for dinner, and primary sandwiches for lunch. Summer in Croatia will make your trip costly, and you should add about 30% more to the budget.

However, if you book your accommodations and tours in advance , you can get back the 30%. For a two-person trip, you should budget around €600 per person for a 10-day trip to Croatia.

The best Croatia 10-days Itinerary | Seaside locations

Day 1 | arrive in zagreb.

On the ideal 10-day Croatia itinerary , Zagreb, the capital city, is the first stop. We loved Zagreb, as it has cool vibes, cosy cafes, friendly locals and cheap accommodations. As we love photography, Zagreb offered us stunning architecture and scenic spots. You can spend about 2 days in Zagreb and get the best of the city. We stayed over 3 days in Zagreb to enjoy the vibes and have a relaxing journey.

Some of the top things to do in Zagreb include touring the Old Town and St. Mark’s Church, going to the lower town, and strolling around the parks while the city is bustling. At night take advantage of cheap beers, and hang out with locals at Pivnica Medvedgrad. We also suggest checking out the local food tours , as these are the leading way to get into the skin of local culture.

Things to do in Zagreb

• St. Marks Church
• Zagreb Cathedral
• Ben Jelai Square
• The shortest Funicular in the World

Check out more things to do in Zagreb in our guide.

Where to stay in Zagreb

Bumblebee luxury apartments, day 2 | explore plitvice lakes.

On the second day of exploring Croatia is time to discover Plitvice Lakes National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site .

A lush wonderland with lovely waterfalls and pure blue lakes, secluded in a flowery paradise large enough to make you busy for at least half-day. Plitvice Lakes is about 2 hours away from Zagreb, passing through a dreamy scenery and Rastoke, a charming Croatian Village included in our guide of the most hidden gems .

Because of the journey, we suggest you book this tour for the entrance and this other tour if you want to include Restoke and a skip-the-line ticket .

Day 3 | From Zagreb to Split

It’s the first day of actual travelling through Croatia. Start your journey from Zagreb to reach the Dalmatia Coast. We suggest you book the trip with Flixbus, the best and cheapest way to reach the coastal city.

Split is an excellent location to base yourself for a few days exploring the surrounding without the hassle of changing accommodations daily, carrying your luggage and switching routines over and over. You might recognise Split from the popular TV show “Game of Thrones” and “House of Dragon”. 

The city that overlooks the beautiful Dalmatian islands was a Roman city, fully developed under Emperor Diocletian, which built his retirement home palace right in the centre. The incredible sightseeing of Split is today one of the major attractions. Another great way to enjoy Split is to hike Marjan Hill and enjoy the unspoiled view. We also loved our walk on the lovely Riva Promenade. Split is perfect, and we might go back one day for a workationary period in Europe.

Stay in Split for 3 days and explore the surrounding, with a few days trips to Krka National Park, Trogir, Sibenik and Hvar.

Things to do in Split

• Diocletian’s Palace
• Roam around the Old Town
• Walk on the Promenade
• Hike up Park Marjan
• Enjoy the local food

Where to stay in Split

Livo disno 12.

Day 4 | Day Trip to Krka National Park

That was one of the best highlights of backpacking in Croatia . Krka National Park is often overshadowed by the famous Plitvice Lakes but is worth the trip. Easy to reach from the coast, Krka National Park is the ideal day trip from Split.

You can either visit Krka National Park on your own, get a bus at the Split bus station in front of the port, or go on a guided tour. To be honest, the price-wise it doesn’t change that much, but a guided tour allows you to have a local explaining everything, and a bus picking you up from the hotel.

Check the bus on your own or the guided tour through Get Your Guide .

Krka National Park offers incredible scenery, unspoiled natural pools where you can swim, and lushes forests to walk through well-designed paths. We took the boat from Skradin, which costs 2€ extra on your entrance ticket but is worth the trip. On the return, we preferred the hike to enjoy the scenery, but carry water with you, as there is just a dirt path for about 2 miles.

Best tours from Split and Krka National Park

The best of 10 day croatia itinerary, day 5 | sibenik and trogir.

Another incredible day trip from Split is to visit Sibenik and Trogir. You can have the best of the two towns in just a full day exploring and using public transport you can do on your own.

Trogir is a little, old-world city with winding streets leading to a sizable dock and a fairytale castle. Visiting Croatia in summer , you can take advantage of Trogir beaches, which tend to be quieter compared to those in Split, and perfect for unwinding. The town was named the best city island in the world in 2015 by National Geographic .

READ ALSO | Things to do in Sibenik Croatia

Day 6 | Ferry to Hvar Island

The best day tour from Split is visiting Hvar Island. Our whole Croatia Itinerary was crafted around a few ideal locations, one of which was definitely Hvar Island. The most popular location within the Dalmatian Islands is heaven for a summer retreat in Croatia . We enjoyed the best view from the Spanish Fortress after an easy hike. While on Hvar Island, you need to go inland and explore the first settlement in Croatia, Starigrad. The cute coastal town will take you back in time, with winding cobblestone narrow streets lined toward the sea.

Even though Hvar Island is popular among travellers, it still features a pristine atmosphere, making our stay enjoyable. Find a cute accommodation among the hills, and stay overnight in Hvar. The following day, you will get the ferry to another incredible island, Korcula. If you stay longer on the island, check out some incredible tours which involve snorkelling, remote swimming spots and the iconic Blue Caves , a unique natural landmark in Europe .

Things to do on Hvar Island

• Explore the old town
• Stroll around the seaside
• Discover hidden beaches in Hvar
• Hike up the Fortress
• Day trip to Stari Grad
• Check the lavender fields

Where to stay in Hvar

Apartment butkovic, check out also suggestions for island hopping in croatia.

To see the islands off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, allow at least a full day. The simplest way to fit island hopping into a 10-day schedule is to book a trip in advance . We have highlighted many possible options from Hvar. So go island hopping, enjoy a perfect sunset swim, and discover inlets and hidden caves .

Also Read: Split to Hvar by Ferry and Split to Hvar Day Trip

Explore Pakleni Island from Hvar

Pakleni Island is a small archipelago away from Hvar, and there are many ways to reach the location. You can grab a taxi boat from Hvar Harbour or join one of the many tours departing every day. The roundtrip to Pakleni Island costs about 40 Kn per person for a roundtrip. On a boat trip instead, you will enjoy more unique spots and dive in crystal clear water.

Visit Mljet and explore Mljet National Park and saltwater lakes

Often left behind in Croatia travel guides, Mljet Island is the perfect location to stay away from the famous locations on the coast. The stunning national park is a paradise on a large island through the archipelago off of the coasts. You can organise an extra stop in Mljet while reaching Dubrovnik . The Island is an hour away by ferry from Hvar and already from the motor boat looks stunning and pristine.

Best Tours through Croatia Islands | Croatia 10-day Itinerary

Day 7 | Ferry to Korcula

On day seven through our 10-day Croatia Itinerary, we have included a full day in Korcula. You can work around your personal trip, depending on your travelling style. We love peaceful places where we can find cute photo spots and enjoy drinks and local food. Korcula was definitely all that and easy to reach within a 1-hour ferry from Hvar, mid-way from the last destination Dubrovnik.

Korcula might say nothing to you, and that’s why it’s on our list of hidden gems in Croatia , but worth to know that according to legend, Marco Polo was born in Korula in or around 1254. However, there is no proof apart that Marco Polo fought in the naval battle of Venice in 1298, at which point the Genoese army captured him, and he was imprisoned in Korcula.

Where to stay in Korcula

Aminess korcula heritage hotel, day 8 | explore dubrovnik.

Even though 3 days in Dubrovnik are too much, we suggest you stay longer to enjoy a few day trips from the city. Dubrovnik is very expensive, and you will need to save up in other destinations to achieve the budget expectations. We arrived at the final stop on 10 days in Croatia itinerary , the fabulous white city of Dubrovnik will create lifetime memories.

You can walk around the cobblestone streets for hours, enjoying the architecture and the atmosphere. On the top highlights, over the famous city walls, we suggest taking some time to hike up Mount Srd and enjoy the sunset over the Dalmatian Islands. If you don’t want to stress with a hike, there is the funicular, the ticket costs about €11 ( Purchase it in advance as it tends to be fully booked within a week). For a small reward for making it so far, discover the hidden Buza Bar . You must walk through the city walls to reach the bar on the rocks overlooking Lokrum island.

Things to do in Dubrovnik

• Go on a Game of Thrones walk
• Discover the old town
• Walk along the walls
• Explore the beaches of Dubrovnik
• Ride on the cable car
• Visit Fort Lovrijenac

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

Soleil luxury rooms – old town.

READ ALSO | 10 Reasons to visit Dubrovnik

Day 9 | Kotor Day Trip | Discover Montenegro

As said, it’s not worth spending other than one to two days exploring Dubrovnik, so on day 9 will suggest taking a short trip to another country. Montenegro is close enough to make it a perfect day trip from Dubrovnik , so make sure you note down Kotor. The remarkable scenery inspired artists worldwide. In addition, Kotor features a fantastic bay, which alone is worth the trip. 

The gorgeous Bay of Kotor is a well-liked tourist destination and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site . Roam around Stari Grad, Kotor’s Old Town, and walk through the cobblestone and charming narrow streets. Although Kotor is a trendy tourist destination is still worth the trip. You can even end your Balkan tour by staying around Kotor and flying back home from Podgorica, the country’s capital.

Day 10 | Stay in Dubrovnik and prepare for your return

If you are willing to spend your last day in Dubrovnik, without a doubt, you should hit the beaches if visiting Croatia in summer .

If not, prepare your luggage and walk around the town for the last glimpse of sunshine. It was so sad for us to leave Croatia as all the towns have their character.

If you have a late flight, you might get the local public transport at Pile Gate toward Cavtat, a cute village 40 minutes away from Dubrovnik. There is only one bus, the n.10, departing every hour. You can purchase the ticket on board or at the Kiosk. The price for the ticket on board is 25 Kn per person; at the Kiosk, it costs 3 Kn extra. You can roam around the promenade, go for a walk into the forest, or taste fresh local products at the restaurants on the seaside. Cavtat is fantastic and will leave good memories on your last day in Croatia.

Take back from an epic 10 day itinerary Croatia

We hope our suggestions for an epic Croatia itinerary for 10 days will satisfy your need to explore. The Balkan countries are lovely, and this Croatia travel guide should help you plan a great road trip.

You can do the exact itinerary or do it the other way around. If you organise a road trip, we always suggest landing in one city and departing from another; this will optimise the time frame and give you more freedom to explore. Also, consider mixing up the destinations as you please. For example, we decided to take the overnight bus from Zagreb to Dubrovnik , starting from the south and extending the trip to two weeks in Croatia, including the fantastic and underrated Istria. If you rent the car, it is possible to explore what we have done in two weeks in just 10 days in Croatia.

We assure you that you will take back home crazy memories, from the fun nights in Split to the wonderful view from Dubrovnik’s city walls . The ferry through the Dalmatian Islands was insane, and we still couldn’t believe that the crystal-clear water of Hvar was real. We invite you to get lost, locals are friendly, and you will find a way after a lovely contact with the Croatian culture.

More time for your itinerary?

If you only have a week in Croatia , we recommend staying in at most three cities and organising day trips from there. The suggested hubs are Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik.

If you have more than ten days in Croatia, consider visiting Istria to see great cities like Pula , Rovinj and Porec. If you rent a car in Istria, you will for sure pass by cute villages on the coastline. We did that and had one of Europe’s most epic road trips so far. We have already included Trogir and Sibenik in our Croatia Guide , but staying longer, you might enjoy them more.

A day excursion to another nation, such as Bosnia from Split or Montenegro from Dubrovnik, is an option if you want to explore more countries in a single trip.

Of course, if you have more than 10 days, one of the best things to do in Croatia is to simply take your time. This Croatia itinerary is packed with activities to ensure you see as much of the country as possible, but lounging for longer in or near Hvar, Dubrovnik, or Split is absolutely stunning. You might also include an extra island; if so, check out Pag.

Hiring a car in Croatia

Croatia itinerary | alternative itineraries, 10 day croatia itinerary from dubrovnik.

If it works out cheaper to get a flight from Dubrovnik, you should consider starting your trip in the south, and heading to the north. The itinerary should be exactly as we have created above but in reverse. Check out the prices for the flight back, and you can land in Dubrovnik, fly out from Zagreb, or stop your trip at mid-way in Split.

It might not be the best itinerary for Croatia, but you will concentrate on a few locations instead of the whole country as we did. Exploring a few locations and basing yourself in Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar Town might let you gain time and energy.

10 Day Croatia and Montenegro

It is not difficult to visit two countries in a single trip. We did that many times, and once, we jumped into Austria , Hungary and Slovakia in 7 days.

Montenegro is a neighbouring Croatia, heading South, just an hour from Dubrovnik. If you plan to get the best of the two countries, we suggest landing in Split and spending at least 2 days exploring, moving to Hvar Island for a quick escape.

Afterwards, spend two days in Dubrovnik and head to Montenegro for the final part of your trip. There are many group tours that work cheaper and make your trip easier. The organised tours take care of everything for you, accommodations and transport. Check out our suggestions for this trip to Croatia.

What to pack for 10 Days in Croatia

Here is a short list of few things that can’t be missed in your Croatia packing list :

Travel Insurance — We always recommend starting a trip by subscribing to travel insurance. Good insurance can save your AXX in some SXX situations, and you don’t want to pay a lot for unexpected expenses while travelling. Your 10 days in Croatia is a long time and better safe than sorry. We use Safety Wing and Hey Mondo , which are fantastic depending on your travelling style and needs.

Reusable Water Bottle | It will be warm in Croatia in summer , so it is better to carry a reusable bottle of water; you will be sustainable, impact the environment less and have fresh water at all times. 

Sunscreen | If visiting Croatia in Summer or even late spring, you need good suncream.

Travel Adaptors for Croatia | Travelling from outside of Europe, you should carry with you adaptors. Croatia has types C and F, which operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Dry Bag | We recently added a dry bag to our necessary items, which is a fantastic addition. A dry bag can protect your camera and phone on any 10-day Croatia holiday involving time on the water.

Water Shoes | We are not very fond of water shoes, which can add an extra item to your luggage, but the shoreline is full of pebble beaches.

Nevertheless, water shoes are a must-have if you feel you need and can’t supply with flip flops.

Q&A Croatia in 10 days

Because it is wonderful and you should plan for at least a week to discover Croatia. The Region offers one of the best climates in Europe , making Croatia the desired location for chasing the sun. Croatia is one of the most popular destinations among travellers, with stunning cities, picturesque harbour and plenty of outdoor activities. The beaches, islands and crystal clear water are well-known and unmissable on a proper Croatia Itinerary .

Croatia isn’t cheap anymore; however, it is still possible to lower the costs in some ways. On average, you can expect your trip to Croatia to cost anywhere between €50 and €150 per day, depending on your travelling style. Depending on spending habits, a couple can have the best vacation, still spending about €75, staying in a hostel (Check our guide about staying in a hostel as a couple ).

A plan to travel through Croatia can be tricky. Only some of the buses and routes are advertised online; for many, you need to be on the spot and book at the local counter. Book in advance for all the possible rest, long transfers, ferries, taxis and transfers from the airport, as it tends to be sold out quickly, especially in the high season. If you want to book buses, we suggest you check Busbud ; for ferry tickets, the best is to book a way, which is the only trusted seller for Croatia ferry tickets. If you want to compare the routes, look at Omio , we use it for any trip, and it is always accurate.

Are you planning to visit Croatia soon?

Before you travel to Croatia, we have some recommendations for you:

SEASIDE AND BEACHES

How to spend 3 days in Split Things to do in Dubrovnik Summer in Croatia, things to do and places to see How to get from Split to Hvar by ferry Split to Hvar day trip

ITINERARIES AND GUIDES

The most instagrammable places in Dubrovnik Backpacking in Croatia Guide Things to do in Zagreb Discover the best-hidden gems in Croatia Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?

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How to Plan a Trip to Italy and Croatia in 6 Steps (2024)

Italy and Croatia are neighboring countries with complementary tourism. Combining these two destinations is a popular choice for those seeking a journey filled with history, art, natural beauty, and beach relaxation.

For a memorable and stress-free trip, follow this guide with six steps to make the most of your time without unnecessary detours.

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It is recommended to take a 14-day trip to Italy and Croatia to fully immerse yourself and get a well-rounded experience. 

Allocate 1 week to explore the art and history of major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, and the other week to Croatia, enjoying its breathtaking islands and beach destinations along the Adriatic coast, such as Split and Dubrovnik.

Having 10 days or less...

If you have a maximum of 10 days for your intercountry journey, consider spending 5 days in each country to capture the essence of each place.

If your interests lean towards Italy, split your time with 7 days in Rome and Venice, reserving 3 days to explore Zagreb's old city and Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. But if you prefer Croatia more, dedicate 3 days to Rome for art and history, and spend a week in Croatia to unwind along the Adriatic coast in Split and Dubrovnik. 

With fewer days available, we suggest sticking to one country to gain a more complete experience.

Having more than 2 weeks...

If you have more than 2 weeks to spare, consider exploring Milan for fashion and Naples for traditional cuisine in Italy. Alternatively, delve deeper into Croatia by visiting Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, and also include Zadar and Pula to marvel at medieval ruins and sample local wines in the region.

The following are two itinerary ideas for inspiration. If these ideas don't suit you, please feel free to contact us and we will customize a hassle-free private tour to meet your requirements.

1) 10-Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary 

• Days 1–2: Rome, Italy
• Days 3–4: Venice
• Day 5: Venice and fly to Zagreb, Croatia
• Days 6–7: Zagreb
• Days 8–9: Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Day 10: Departure

Explore a 10-day itinerary that combines art appreciation in Italy with the natural wonders of Croatia.

Begin by immersing yourself in Italy's rich history with visits to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican in Rome . Experience the magnificence of ancient civilizations and diverse architectural styles. Don't miss the chance to float through the Venetian canals on a gondola for a unique cultural experience.

Continue your journey in Croatia with a leisurely walking tour of Zagreb 's historic old city and savor its culinary delights. We would arrange a classic funicular ride to let you experience the slow-paced local life in Croatia.

Head to the enchanting Plitvice Lakes National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty. Wander by the picturesque lakes, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the lush landscapes that unfold before you.

2) 14-Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary 

Week 1: Italy

• Days 1–3: Venice
• Days 4–5: Florence
• Days 6–7: Rome

Week 2: Croatia

• Days 8–9: Dubrovnik
• Days 10–11: Korcula
• Days 12–13: Split
• Day 14: Departure

In the first week in Italy, you could take the classic "golden triangle route known for its artistic and historical treasures.

Marvel at the ancient ruins and architectural wonders of Rome , lose yourself in the Renaissance art galleries and winding streets of Florence , and bask in the romantic ambiance of Venice 's enchanting canals and singing gondoliers.

In Croatia, discover the medieval charms of Dubrovnik while checking off the Game of Thrones filming locations for Westeros's kings in the city. Then, embark on an island-hopping trip based in Korcula for its stunning views, where breathtaking vistas await you at every turn. Round off your journey in Split , where the harmonious melodies of the sea and bay create a lullaby for your dream trip.

Generally speaking, the best times to visit Italy and Croatia are within the months of April, May, June, September, and October. During these periods, you could expect pleasant weather with daily highs ranging from 20–29°C (68–84°F), fewer crowds, and more affordable prices compared to the peak season.

From July to August, the summer months make up the peak season to visit Italy and Croatia. If you are considering a summer trip, it is advisable to book your flights and accommodation 3–6 months in advance to secure better deals. Feel free to contact us to personalize a hassle-free private tour that avoids the crowds as much as possible.

The winter months from November to March could be chilly and rainy, and hence they are the low season for visit Italy and Croatia. Most businesses on the islands and coasts are closed during this period. On the positive side, this is the best time for budget travelers. You could take advantage of attractive discounts and explore popular mainland attractions minus the usual crowds.

The travel costs in Italy and Croatia are nearly identical. 

• A decent 4-star hotel costs about 250 USD per night in July.
• Entrance tickets for attractions range from 12 to 50 USD.
• Experiences like cooking classes or wine-tasting tours cost about 70 USD per person.
• Flights between Italy and Croatia typically cost between 15 to 70 USD for an economy class ticket, while domestic flights range from 50 to 200 USD.

Typically, a private tour of Italy and Croatia would cost 400 USD per person per day. These prices include English-speaking guided touring, stays in 4-star hotels, entrance tickets to attractions, airfares within and between the countries, and private transfers, guaranteeing you a hassle-free travel experience.

Children under 10 years old could enjoy discounts ranging from 30% to 50%.

Contact us to book your tour in advance and benefit from an early bird discount.

Considering the accessibility and regularity of flights, we suggest entering Italy first instead of Croatia for more flexibility in choosing your trip start dates.

For instance, travelers from the USA could land in Rome with direct flights every day from cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, and Los Angeles. In contrast, only New York offers direct flights to Dubrovnik three times a week.

Taking a flight is the most convenient and quickest way to travel between Italy and Croatia. Typically, direct flights from Italy to Croatia have a duration of 2 hours (about 1½ hours from Rome to Dubrovnik).

If you prefer a more leisurely approach and have more than 2 weeks to spare, ferries allow for a scenic journey. For instance, traveling from northern Italy, a ferry ride from Venice to Pula takes about 3½ hours. On the other hand, departing from southern Italy, a ferry from Bari (after a 3-hour train ride from Naples) to Dubrovnik takes about 8 hours.

International trains are not recommended for traveling intercountry due to the absence of direct routes and their slower pace with multiple stops and a travel time of 8 hours or longer.

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Experiences

Experience the Magic: Croatia to Venice Day Trip Guide

When you’re on holiday in Croatia , it’s easy to forget how close you are to the romantic city of Venice , Italy. Planning a day trip to Venice from Croatia is an exciting way to add an Italian touch to your Croatian vacation.

With our Croatia to Venice ferry day trip , you can delve into the wonders of Venice and its iconic attractions. Expert guides ensure your trip is both enlightening and comfortable. Here’s a sneak peek into what awaits you on your unforgettable Venice experience.

The Ultimate Pula to Venice Day Trip: What to Know

Embarking on a Pula to Venice day trip or even a Porec to Venice day trip is all part of the thrilling adventure. As you sail from any of our Croatian ports, including Poreč , Rovinj , Pula , or Piran , your journey becomes an educational experience. 

During your ferry journey from Croatia to Venice , you’ll delve deep into Venetian History , enabling you to appreciate every corner of this magical city. Moreover, the on-board breakfast will definitely energize you for the day ahead.

Once you sail into the Venetian lagoon, a picturesque 45-minute journey through the shimmering canals leads you to the port . You can either catch a shuttle boat or take a scenic 40-minute walk into the heart of the city. Throughout your journey, our experienced guides share intriguing tidbits, making every moment worthwhile.

Embark on a Memorable Day Trip to Venice from Croatia

Venturing into Venice around noon? Be ready for a captivating guided tour of St Mark’s Square . From the towering campanile to the historic Doge’s Palace and the ethereal Bridge of Sighs , you’ll be taken on a journey back in time. Your guide is there to point you in the right direction if you wish to delve deeper into any attraction .

The afternoon grants you the freedom to explore. Whether you’re dreaming of a gondola ride or aiming to snap a picture on the Rialto Bridge , Venice will not disappoint you. 

Food lovers can treat their taste buds with cioccolata caldo (hot chocolate), bookworms can rummage through the treasures of the Acqua Alta Bookshop . And before you board the ferry back to Croatia at 5:00 pm , seize the chance to pick a Venetian souvenir . Your return ensures you’re back in Croatia just in time for a delightful dinner , reminiscing about your Venetian escapade.

Sail Away: Ferry from Croatia to Venice in a Day

Considering a Croatia to Venice ferry day trip ? Our packages, available from May to September , are priced at €83 per person . This fee covers the catamaran crossing , port taxes , and even an enlightening tour of St Mark’s Square . 

While the attractions await you, remember some may charge an entrance fee , though St Mark’s Basilica welcomes you for free ! For the trip, keep your passport or EU identity document handy, and for non-EU citizens, a valid visa is essential .

Before planning your trip visit our website to check specific departure dates and times for your day trip to Venice.

You can find out more and book your Venice day trip here .

We can’t wait to welcome  you to this stunning city!

Venice-Croatia: Trip Highlights

1. can you do a day trip from croatia to venice.

Absolutely! Our Croatia to Venice day trips are tailored to let you enjoy the best of Venice in a day , returning to Croatia by evening.

2. How long is the ferry from Croatia to Venice?

The ferry duration depends on the departure point . Generally, it takes approximately 2-3 hours , followed by a serene 45-minute journey through Venice’s canals.

3. A day trip to Venice is enough?

Yes, Venice is perfect for day-trippers . With its compact size and rich history, a day is more than enough to experience its major attractions, though many find themselves returning to Venice to delve deeper into its charm.

Embarking on a Croatia to Venice day trip is more than just a journey; it’s a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be unravelled. Book your trip today and let Venice captivate your heart!

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6 Fabulous Reasons To Take A Side Trip To Croatia When You’re Visiting Italy

• Destinations

Croatians joke that Americans always say they want to visit Croatia — but then confess they don’t know where it is. Formerly a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later Yugoslavia, Croatia emerged as a modern, independent nation in 1991, enduring a bitter civil war between the Croats and Serbs that lasted until 1995. While many Americans didn’t consider vacationing in Yugoslavia or in the war-torn country that first emerged from it, modern Croatia soon became a cheap alternative to nearby Italy. Now, three decades into its independence, Croatia is a destination all its own with many reasons for you to visit while in Europe.

Since it’s nestled along the Adriatic Coast across from Italy , a side trip to Croatia while on an Italian holiday is pretty easy. If traveling by car, it’s just 3 hours from Venice to Rijeka in northwest Croatia. From there, a trip along the Adriatic to the walled city of Dubrovnik in southernmost Croatia is another 6 hours or so. 

The popular Flixbus runs service from all parts of Italy to many regions in Croatia. The trips can run on the long side, but they’re cheap and comfortable. Ferries are another option, with one line running from Venice to Istria — an Italian-influenced county in northwest Croatia — taking about 3 and a half hours. If you’re a more dedicated sailor, a route from Ancona, east of Florence, to Split in southern Croatia takes a little less than 12 hours.

For those who prefer the speed of flying, it’s just 90 minutes from Rome to the Croatian capital Zagreb, with flights often under $100 round-trip. Similar, short, and cheap flights run from Rome to coastal destinations like Split.

Knowing how easy it is to get to Croatia, the next step is figuring out what to do there. The coast is the main attraction for most visitors, but there is a lot more to see and do away from Croatia’s famous beaches. Visitors have no problem finding sights and experiences to make a short (or long) side trip worth the effort. 

1. Plan A Trip To The Islands

While Italy has its own collection of must-visit islands like Capri and Ponza, Croatia boasts a line of islands down its entire Adriatic Coast. Hvar is probably the best known to international travelers. Summertime visitors flock there for its hot, sunny beaches and bright, turquoise water. But the island offers plenty to see on dry land, including historic settlements and scenic paths for biking and hiking.

Less well known is wooded Korčula , south of Split and north of Dubrovnik. Throughout history, the island changed hands from various empires, each leaving its mark on the villages and culture of the island. Korčula Old Town, on the eastern end of the island, is a walled city in the style of Dubrovnik — but without the pressing crowds. The town is quite small, which makes it possible to take in all of its history, food, and shopping in just a day. With all the battles over this territory, there’s a decidedly martial feeling to the place, including an annual sword dance festival in June. Like most Croatian islands, the hiking and biking are superb, with the island’s forests adding to the beauty here.

Another island gem is Lošinj in the northern Adriatic off the coast of Rijeka. Locals call it “the island of vitality” and have doubled down on promoting the many health spas and local wellness centers there. Most hotels and resorts here offer spa and other wellness services. Those who want to experience the island vitality on their own can put together a list of activities to take advantage of the island’s clean air and water, using a comprehensive scientific guide to the natural remedies found there. When you’re done healing and want some more typical tourist activities, the island boasts some of the best dolphin watching in the region, with numerous boat tours to view the sea mammals.

Pro Tip: One of the biggest challenges for island travel in Croatia is getting there. Most use ferry service from the main coastal cities. Be sure to check on ferry schedules for the time of year you plan to visit and factor the ferry costs into your travel budget. 

2. Visit The Best Roman Ruins Outside Italy

If history is your thing, Croatia offers a lot of options. Its location in one of the heavily-traveled crossroads in the Mediterranean leaves it with many relics of the past. 

Among the best attractions are the Roman ruins in Istria, the part of the country nearest to Italy. Top of the list to see here is the ancient Roman colosseum in Pula, near the tip of the Istrian Peninsula. Known as Pula Arena , it is the only remaining such structure in the world with all the outside tower walls intact, meaning it’s in better condition than the famous colosseum in Rome . Not only can you visit the site and tour the grounds, but it’s still in use as a concert and theater venue. You could see your favorite band play this 2,000-year-old stage. 

Up the coast a bit in Poreč, you can find the remains of two Roman temples , while east of Pula, near Valtura, the remains of Nesactium date back to before the Romans, who later took the city as their own. Hop over to the Brijuni Islands to experience the Roman ruins that litter this national park, covering 14 islands in all. The park has two Roman villas , the Byzantine castrum, and the Roman villa in Verige Bay. And if that’s not old enough for you, you can check out the Bronze Age fort and even some dinosaur footprints . 

Pro Tip: While everyone should see the Roman forum and colosseum at some point in life, the crowds at these famous sites can become overwhelming. Croatia’s Roman heritage offers a much less-crowded way to see these antiquities.

3. Tour A Castle — Or Spend The Night There

We tend to think of northern Europe when we think of castles, but Croatia has dozens of them spread across its regions — including some where you can rent a room to spend the night. Known as a dvorac in Croatian, these structures often contain excellent museums and are easy to reach by car. 

One castle many find to be the most beautiful in Croatia is Dvor Trakošćan , just an hour’s drive north of Zagreb along the Slovenian border. The castle is furnished in the style of a Croatian aristocrat from the 15th century, with side exhibits of hunting gear, tableware, and more from that period to the present. 

Also in the north is nearby Veliki Tabor Castle , whose name means “grand camp” in Croatian, thanks to its history as a military fort. Its museum focuses on that military heritage. Be advised that the castle is undergoing serious restoration and some areas may be covered or closed during your visit. 

Spending the night in a castle can run from modern luxury to something just south of rustic. If you prefer your castle stay to come with all the amenities, consider Valamar Isabella Castle in Poreč. This 19-century home of the Marquis Polesini has all the comforts of a modern hotel housed in a historic shell. But if you want something a little more authentic, turn to Airbnb to rent someplace like the Ruina di Molino a Vento

in the center of Hvar city on the island of the same name. This standalone turret dates to the 18th century when it was originally built as a windmill. The stone walls still give you the feeling of staying in a castle, but the modern conveniences are there to make your stay comfortable.

Pro Tip: Many castles here list themselves as “the most beautiful castle in Croatia.” Some live up to that label, but others can be a disappointment. As they often are miles from other tourist cities, research them thoroughly before making a long drive to see a place that might not live up to expectations.

4. See The Birthplace Of The Father Of Modern Electricity

When we hear the name “Tesla,” most of us think of the electric car company. The man whose name is on all of those electric cars is Nikola Tesla, inventor of alternating current power and winner of the current wars with Thomas Edison to electrify America and the world. 

Tesla was born in what is present-day Croatia (though he is of Serb descent) and the town of his birth has a museum and memorial center . The center is divided into two parts — one highlights Tesla’s country upbringing as the son of an Eastern Orthodox priest and the other features his professional accomplishments. 

Visitors can tour the house in which Tesla was born, participate in hands-on experiments, and watch a documentary about Tesla. The center is in Smiljan, which lies just off the main Zagreb to Split highway, about 2 hours from the capital. Admission prices run less than $10 to see all the exhibits.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time to make the trip to Smiljan and sill want to see a little bit of Croatia’s love for Tesla, an impressive statue just off the main square in Zagreb pays tribute to the country’s favorite son. Located at the end of the street that bears his name — ulica Nikole Telse — the statue shows a seated Tesla with his chin resting on his fist in a thoughtful pose.

5. Relive Croatia’s Recent War History

Strolling the streets of the capital or dipping your toes in the Adriatic, it’s easy to forget Croatia was the site of a bloody civil war just a generation ago. While scars of war-like bullet holes and shrapnel are visible in many parts of Zagreb and points east, you can also choose from a number of formal war tours that put the conflict into perspective. 

In Zagreb, a 2-hour tour in English takes visitors back to World War II and then moves forward through the Yugoslavia years and the fight for independence in the ‘90s. The tour includes the underground tunnels and air-raid shelters used in the conflict. Tickets run around $30. 

In Karlovac, about 45 minutes southwest of Zagreb, a whole museum dedicated to the war welcomes visitors year-round. Located on the site of an old barracks and fort, the museum’s main feature is a detailed telling of the key role the city of Karlovac played in the war, told through the artifacts left behind, multimedia exhibits, and hands-on displays. For those traveling the coast, a similar museum in Dubrovnik highlights the war in the south.

Pro Tip: For another tragic piece of recent history, look around Zagreb for damage left behind by the major earthquake that shook the city in March 2020. Repairs are still underway to major structures like the city’s Roman Catholic cathedral, and cracks and other damage are visible in most of the city center’s older buildings. 

6. Pour A Glass Of Croatian Wine

A side trip from Italy and all its fantastic wine wouldn’t be complete without sampling the diverse and tasty offerings from Croatian winemakers. The country has four major wine regions: from Istria in the northwest, with its rich reds; Slavonia in the east, with its wide array of whites; Zagorje in the north, with its Germanic tastes; and Dalmatia in the southwest, with its heavy use of native grapes. 

Wineries across the regions have grown popular for wine tourists and come prepared to deliver a tasting experience that rivals what you would find in any busy wine country. Among the most popular wineries is Skaramuča Family Vineyard , located on the Pelješac Peninsula in Dalmatia. The winery boasts spectacular views of the Adriatic and the grape-laden slopes around the vineyard. It specializes in wines produced from local grapes grown only in that region. 

For a taste of several vineyards, travel the Štrigova Wine Road in the far north. Families here tend the grapes first planted by the Romans. Here, you’ll find nearly two dozen wineries and tasting houses, all featuring the region’s best wines.

Even if you can’t make it to a winery, Croatian wine will be on any menu when dining out. A few suggestions to sample are Plavac mali , a Dalmatian red with a strong, slightly bitter flavor; or Traminer wine, an Alpine white grown in Zagorje with its light, fruity flavors. Try Istrian Malvasia , a white with strong acid and fruity flavor; or Žlahtina , an island-grown white that carries the minerality of its origin.

Pro Tip: To go with your wine, Croatian food represents a delicious mix of Mediterranean, Turkish, Italian, and local flavors. Don’t miss the excellent street food found in Zagreb where meat is king, or the coastal offerings with its wide variety of seafood.

If Italy is your main destination and Croatia is your side trip, your Italian itinerary may set the schedule for your visit. Still, keep in mind that coastal Croatia is best visited in the warmer months to take advantage of beach time and other outdoor activities. Zagreb and central Croatia can be a destination any time of year, keeping in mind summer temperatures often reach the 90s there, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing and bring snow or ice.

For more bucket-list Croatian experiences , check out these articles:

• ​​ 6 Incredible Balkan Dishes To Try When Visiting Croatia
• I Chartered A Sailboat In Croatia For 2 Weeks — Here’s What I Learned
• 8 Can’t-Miss Ways To Experience Croatia On The Water

He has done just that over his more than 40 years as a journalist, visiting popular places such as Italy and the United Kingdom, as well as some lesser-visited locales such as Moldova and Niger. His favorite thing to do as a traveler is to try local food he’s never eaten before. Stacey also enjoys exploring a new city on foot, ducking down shaded streets and unassuming alleys to find something unexpected. While airplanes make it much quicker to get there, once in a new spot, Stacey wants to explore by bike, car, or train to see it all up close and from ground level.

10 Days in Croatia Itinerary

By: Author Gabi Ancarola

Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2023

If you’re planning a multi-day holiday in the Balkans, Croatia is a popular place to visit as it offers tons of entertainment, remarkable cultural experiences, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic, and natural landscapes that will take your breath away.

Many travelers have fallen in love with Croatia and have visited the country time after time, always discovering a different interesting corner to enjoy.

If you’re curious about what to do in Croatia and wish to experience the best of the country, then this 10-day Croatia itinerary is exactly what you need to plan your trip!

This post contains compensated links and Solo Trips and Tips may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See our disclosure about affiliate links

In This Article:

Planning Your 10 Day Visit to Croatia

When is the best time to visit croatia.

With a long coastline and dozens of stunning little islands to visit, summer seems to be the best time to check out Croatia. However, this is also the most popular season , with high prices and fewer options for affordable accommodations.

Besides, temperatures can also be too hot for some people. Yes, summer is great for the fantastic Croatian beaches , but you will still find amazing weather in September , a more tranquil time to discover and do some travel on the road.

Winter is perfect if you enjoy some snow and tranquil cities, with less traffic and fewer tourists around. As a plus, most attractions (including national parks, museums, and exhibitions) have reduced fees during winter, making the trip overall much more affordable.

But I can’t deny that Croatia is a summer destination. It’s best to visit in June , before European vacations begin, when the weather is nice, and prices are still on the cheaper side.

How Much Time You Should Spend in Croatia

Ten days may seem like a lot, but the country has a lot to see. With this ten-day plan, you will be able to check out the most remarkable places without leaving out important Croatian landmarks.

I’ve planned the route carefully including all those unmissable things you’re longing to discover, so you will have every opportunity to see the best of the country.

If it is too packed with activities for you, it will be easy to eliminate those attractions that interest you the least and spend more time doing activities or visiting places that mostly appeal to you.

As with any itinerary, it was created to inspire you and give you the basic input, it’s up to you to shape it according to your taste and style of travel.

LEARN MORE: 10+ Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Where to Stay in Croatia

Picking an important town as the place to stay during your trip is key to ensuring easy access to transportation.

You will probably arrive in the capital of the country, Zagreb , but other important cities like Dubrovnik , Zadar , and Split have airports too. The country also has a good long-distance bus system and a decent rail network to move around the country.

When touring a whole country for 10 days, which is a fairly long period, and to visit many different towns you want to do it without spending a fortune on gasoline or bus and train tickets.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to divide the country into two or three parts and stay for a couple of days in each of them to visit the neighboring areas with day trips.

For instance, you can spend one or two days in Zagreb to discover the capital and then continue to Zadar or Istria , to move around the most extensive area in the country, try the food, and visit some really interesting spots, such as the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park.

After a few days, you can continue down along the coast to spend a few days in Split to spend time in town as well as to tour Hvar , and other famous Croatian islands.

Here you can find a place to stay on the mainland or go for some relaxing time off and splurge staying in Korcula .

Finally, you can end your vacation in Dubrovnik to visit the old town, the city, and the southern coast.

Affordable Accommodation Zagreb

B&B Cool Centre Zagreb is a great 4-star place to stay offering a convenient airport shuttle service.

The property is in a central position within a short walk from most landmarks in the city.

This B&B offers continental breakfast as well as a shared kitchen with a dining area and a laundry service.

Book your room at B&B Cool Centre  now!

Affordable Accommodation Zadar

Boutique Hostel Forum is a newly built, super value-for-money property right by the sea, close to local landmarks such as Saint Anastasia’s Cathedral and the Roman Forum.

It’s located near cafés, restaurants, and shops as well as a bus stop and the ferry port.

Book a room at Boutique Hostel Forum now!

Affordable Accommodation Split

Downtown Hostel is ideal if you’re looking for affordable yet comfortable accommodation in the old town. The property offers rooms with shared or private bathrooms and a bike rental service to explore the city.

There is a shared area with a kitchenette to save on meals, a terrace, and a common room to spend time meeting other travelers.

As a plus, this hotel is close to the ferry port, bus, and train stations, while the airport is about 20 minutes away.

Make a reservation at Downtown Hostel now!

Affordable Accommodation on Korcula

At Apartments Sunny Town you can have a whole place just for you right in the heart of Korcula’s picturesque old town to enjoy some peaceful, solo quality time.

The place is just 50 meters from the beach, with views over the historic district, close to restaurants, bakeries, and shops, as well as water sports facilities.

The property also offers bike, scooter, and car rentals while the bus stops just a few minutes from the apartment.

Check availability and book Apartments Sunny Town

Affordable Accommodation Dubrovnik

Guest House Blaise is a perfect place to meet new people in town and maybe enjoy a coffee with a new friend.

The place offers affordable but cozy accommodation overlooking the impressive red roofs of the old town and the sea, and it’s only 550 meters from Banje Beach and a stone’s throw from the old town.

Reserve your room at Guest House Blaise

Remember: When exploring the country over a longer time (from one to two weeks), arriving at one city and leaving from a different one is never a bad idea.

This way you will be able to make your way along the country without having to spend the last day traveling back to your starting point to catch a plane.

Practical Tips to Get Around in Croatia

Of course, bus and train travel is quite inexpensive, however, this is the most popular choice in summer so you’re bound to find crowds.

Driving a rental car lets you change routes, make frequent stops, and enjoy everything at your own pace.

Renting a car is not very convenient when you’re spending two or three days in Croatia, but for a 10-day trip, it’s a winning idea.

Car rental in Croatia is cheaper than in other European countries and you will only need an international driving license and a credit card.

10 Days in Croatia: First-Time Visitors’ Itinerary

There are a lot of things to see and do in Croatia even though the country is not as big as some other Balkan destinations.

And even when a 10-day vacation can seem to offer a lot of time to explore, the truth is that in such a rich and diverse country your time there will never seem enough.

Therefore, being organized and planning plenty of time ahead of the trip will be helpful when you have to decide what you want to see, and how much time you need to spend on the road to go from one point to another.

Note: You may be arriving in the capital of the country, especially if you’re flying from places outside Europe. However, if you land in Dubrovnik instead, you will only need to move around the days on this itinerary to fit your starting point in Croatia.

Zagreb Cathedral Croatia

Days 1: Zagreb, the Capital

If you manage to arrive in Zagreb early in the morning, this will let you spend the first day exploring at a relaxed pace until you recover from jet lag .

Otherwise, if you arrive late in the afternoon or the evening, go for a short stroll in the old town, have a snack or a light dinner, and get up early on the next day ready to discover the best of Zagreb.

The capital of Croatia houses a picturesque old town with dozens of cobblestoned alleys, perfect to spend time taking pleasant walks while sightseeing.

Take a funicular ride to the old town to explore landmarks including the Cathedral , St Mark’s Church , and Lotrscak Tower .

Another stop you cannot miss is the Museum of Broken Relationships , an original and unique art project which is more of a journey around the world through hundreds of break-ups exploring the heartache behind divisions due to class, wealth, and culture.

In the afternoon, spend some time taking a stroll along Strossmayer Promenade and then head to visit the WWII tunnels and learn about the former Yugoslavia under the communist rule of Tito.

If you want a first-class explanation of the place as well this Zagreb tour includes a visit to the tunnels and a multimedia exhibition about war.

Days 2: Zagreb & Plitvice Lakes

Early wake up on day two, it is time to visit one of the most amazing spots in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes.

It is an easy and very rewarding day trip. To get from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes the most convenient (and affordable) solution is to go by bus via Plitvička Jezera, the ride is about 2 hours and a half.

Trains are a bit more expensive, and the ride is about 3 hours.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO-listed site with dreamy landscapes made of hundreds of cascades, waterfalls, small lakes, and watermills which you can explore by boat or foot.

The area is huge and there is a lot to see all around.

Take a day to visit the gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

As with most entrance fees in Croatia, the prices to enter the park go from around $30 in summer to $14 in winter when you might even see some frozen waterfalls!

In the nearby area, you can also check out the riverside village of Rastoke and have lunch before going back to town.

If you prefer to trust your experience with an organized tour and forget all about schedules, public transport, and entry fees, this Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Tour from Zagreb is great value for money.

If your time in Zagreb is longer than what this itinerary suggests, you could easily squeeze in a short visit to nearby Slovenia and its picturesque capital, Ljubljana, and the beautiful Lake Bled.

Dozens of organized tours take you there for a day trip, and it is really a unique visit.

Days 3: Split

Although Split can be a good day trip from Zagreb, traveling down along the coast and staying in the area is a more practical way to enjoy this Croatia itinerary.

Located in the central portion of the Dalmatian Coast, it allows for magnificent day trips to several different areas.

Note: Due to its privileged position, if you’d rather stay in one place during your whole vacation, then check Split as your location in Croatia. Most of the country can be easily reached from Split by train or bus.

When reaching Split, the first thing you should do is to pay a visit to the old town and historic center.

The city’s most visited spot is the UNESCO-listed Diocletian Palace.

It’s a well-preserved complex that was built back in the fourth century that includes an impressive villa, incredible cellars, and a huge military camp on the premises that were used to film several Game of Thrones scenes.

You could even spend two morning hours touring the palace and the rest of the old town with a local expert for further insight into the history of the place.

The old town in Split is home to other magnificent gems.

And even when Split is most notable for its attractions that date back to Roman times, such as the Temple of Jupiter , in the city, you will also find Medieval and Renaissance buildings, such as Saint Domnius Cathedral , the city gates , and the Old Town Hall .

Beautiful Split Croatia

Day 4: Split

On day four in Croatia, get your daypack ready to discover the amazing Krka National Park and its waterfalls, enjoy a boat ride down the river canyon and enjoy the wonderful landscape around the Krka River.

Not far from the area, there are several charming riverside villages where swimming is possible too.

The area is populated with wonderful restaurants and there are also a few wineries worth a visit.

If you want a tour that shows you a bit of everything, also taking care of transport, wine, and food tasting, village hopping, boat rides, and swimming in the rivers, then check out this Krka National Park Tour with entrance ticket, local guide, food stops, and wine tasting.

Day 5: Split & Island Hopping

Devote your last day in the Split area taking another popular day trip to the nearby islands, a marvelous adventure highlighted by the amazing marine landscapes that you will encounter and the mesmerizing deep blue seas.

Since island-hopping is not something easy to plan because you must depend on timetables, boat schedules, tides, and weather conditions, a tour that takes care of all the practical detail leaves you enough time to focus on enjoying the landscape, taking awesome pictures, and indulging in amazing Croatian food .

There are two different tours that I suggest you compare, so you can choose exactly what you want to do.

The first of them takes you on a day trip to three different islands , including visit to the Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veli Island.

The price of this tour is affordable if you consider all that it packs in just a day.

The other alternative is a five-island tour that also includes the gorgeous island of Hvar in the itinerary.

The day includes a stop at the Blue Grotto , a silvery-blue color tinted cave where light refraction of sunlight creates impressive visual effects.

You continue visiting Bisevo Island (Biševo), the village of Komiža on Vis Island , and the small Svetac .

Next up, the journey continues on Stiniva Cove and its pristine, rather unusual shores surrounded by high cliffs.

The trip also features a stop on Budikovac Island with its Blue Lagoon where you can go snorkeling (the equipment is included).

More stops on the visit feature Pakleni Islands and Hvar , known as the sunniest town in Croatia.

Visit sunny Hvar Island from Split Croatia

Day 6: Split and Mostar Slovenia

Since the Balkans are a compact group of countries, some of them within easy reach from each other, just as you could add a day visiting Slovenia’s capital right after Zagreb, why not devote a day of your 10-day trip to explore one of the most stunning destinations in the region, Mostar?

Located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is quite easy to reach the country and cross the border when traveling from any point in Croatia, especially from Split.

You can easily get from Split to Mostar by bus, the ticket is about $23 one way and the ride lasts a bit more than 3 hours… but it’s well worth it!

Mostar is located about 110 kilometers from Split and it is one of the most enchanting cities in the whole Balkan Peninsula.

Once you’ve reached the city, head to the Neretva River to admire the impressive Stari Most a stone arch bridge with two medieval towers over the river which is the most important landmark in the town and the whole country.

After admiring the beautiful Old Bridge , spend some time in Mostar’s legendary Old Bazar with its oriental structured streets and buildings.

Here, soak in the laid-back atmosphere, hunt for some gorgeous souvenirs, and indulge in some delicious street food.

Not far from the bridge, you can visit Koski-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque and the small medieval village of Pocitelj , built on a rocky cliff on the Neretva River.

If you still have some free time, take a local taxi for a short visit to the Koćuša Waterfall , another gorgeous landmark in town, right after, head back to the center of town to board your bus back to Split.

Of course, there are also affordable organized day trips to Mostar that cover all the mentioned stops and a few more surprises along the way.

And if your time is up in Split, it’s good to know that it’s also possible to take this day trip from Dubrovnik .

You can easily make a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina from Split or Dubrovnik

Days 7: Dubrovnik

The last leg of this ten-day Croatia itinerary arrives with your final stop, Dubrovnik , the most popular destination in Croatia and certainly the place with more things to visit, so get ready for four days full of activities and experiences.

The most popular thing to do upon arrival is to head directly to the old town, especially if you are a big Game of Thrones fan and want to experience the most famous locations where some iconic scenes were filmed.

There are some extremely popular Game of Thrones tours that for just a few dollars will show you secret locations and tell you every insight you want to know.

In the afternoon, rent a bike and explore the rest of Dubrovnik’s Old Town , check out the high protective walls and stone towers that surround the city, which account for one of the safest protective systems in Europe in the Middle Ages.

In the center of town, check out the Fountain of Onofrio , a complex engineering system channeling water from a close-by aqueduct.

Old Town Dubrovnik and the marina

Day 8: Dubrovnik & Island Hopping

Start your second day in Dubrovnik early and head to the port to board a boat.

Today you will be island-hopping around the gorgeous Ela phite Islands and spend a fantastic day swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun.

You can choose to visit just one of them or opt for an organized tour that takes care of your food as well, and that takes you on a trip to Lopud , Sipan , and Kolocep islands.

An island tour is a perfect way to spend a day outdoors

Day 9: Dubrovnik and Montenegro?

Surely Dubrovnik has a lot to offer, and you can spend the last day of your trip, before heading back to Zagreb, visiting the endless cafeterias and restaurants in the old town, having a great time at the marina, or kayaking in the sea.

Or, if you want to squeeze in one more interesting destination, you could even take a day trip to neighbor Montenegro , one of the lesser-known countries in the Balkans, quite a stunning destination.

You can have the time of your life renting a car and driving along the southern Dalmatian Coast , along the way you can experience what life is like in some gorgeous, small Adriatic villages and towns making Kotor , your final destination.

The UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor is Europe’s southernmost fjord, opening to a spectacular bay offering a jaw-dropping landscape to admire.

During your trip to the area, you can visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rock situated on a small island on the bay that is accessible by a short boat ride.

You can also visit the Kotor Old Town on your own with its picturesque narrow streets and churches.

If you have the luxury of a little extra time on the road, check out Budva , a gorgeous Montenegrin town perfect for a trip to the beach before heading back to Dubrovnik.

If driving is not in your plans, you can get to Montenegro by bus or even join an organized trip to Montenegro like this one.

Day 10: Dubrovnik Food Tour & Travel to Zagreb

Devote your last day to last-minute shopping for souvenirs in Dubrovnik’s Old Town before starting your trip back to Zagreb if your plane back home departs from the capital.

Alternatively, enjoy your last hours in town by joining a Dubrovnik food tour or explore the Peljesac Peninsula, about an hour north of the city.

Here you will find interesting wineries producing some of the best wines in the country.

You can reach the peninsula by car or taxi since there is no public transportation. It’s a good idea to book a wine tasting tour to avoid drinking and driving.

Final Thoughts on Croatia 10-Day Itinerary

Croatia is an amazing country, safe for solo travelers, where there is so much to do that your days will be full of amazing experiences and interesting visits.

The weather is stable and warm from spring to autumn, allowing you to make the most of your Balkan adventure!

About the Author

Croatia Trips & Tour Packages

Be it on land or sea, walking or adventure cruising – Croatia will have you in the palm of its hand.

Croatia's glittering Adriatic coast, charming cobblestone towns and thriving food and wine scene are certain to reward curiosities. Join one of our small group tours and wander through the ancient streets of Split to find the perfect gelato, dance up a storm in Dubrovnik’s castle nightclubs, and shout a hearty ‘zivjeli!’ while sipping sundowners on Hvar’s mountaintop fortress. You might even island hop in the Adriatic Sea , bathe in the turquoise waters of Zlatni Rat, or take a dip in the emerald-green lakes of Mljet. Trust us when we say uncovering the treasures of this Balkan beauty will be the adventure of a lifetime. 

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Croatia departures by month

We also travel to, croatia at a glance, capital city.

Zagreb (population 930,000)

4.4 million

(GMT+01:00) Sarajevo, Skopje, Warsaw, Zagreb

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Croatia

Best time to visit croatia.

Croatia's peak season runs between July and August, with temperatures in the high 60s or mid 80s on the coast. But in this region, you can expect plenty of sunshine from May to October, which are the best times to visit if you want to take advantage of Croatia's beautiful beaches and islands. The inland areas are also hot in the summer but can get cold in the winter with low temperatures and snowfall. Winter on the coast is milder and frequent rain can be expected.

Read more about the best time to visit Croatia

Culture and customs

Generally, Croatians are very proud of their country and cultural heritage. While this may not be obvious in everyday life, the Slavic heritage of Croatian people becomes more evident during festivals and national holidays, where cities and villages come to life with traditional costume, folk music and feasts. While most of Croatia's population are Roman Catholic, there are also groups of people who identify as Serbian Orthodox, Muslim, Protestant and Jewish. Having endured war, hardship and frequent earthquakes, the people of Croatia have a great amount of national pride and connection to their country and family. It's quite common for extended families to live together and children to remain close to their parents well into adulthood. Time for leisure and family is highly valued, particularly along the coast, where many offices end their day at 3pm.

Eating and drinking

Croatian cuisine   is heavily influenced by its surrounding countries. Separated from Italy by the Adriatic Sea, cuisine along the coast tends to have more of a Mediterranean flair. Fish and seafood are integral to many coastal dishes, such as brodet (fish stew) and crni rizot (black risotto made with squid). Homemade pasta and olive oil are also dietary staples. Further inland, you’ll find heartier dishes with Austrian, Hungarian, and Turkish influences such as cobanac (a goulash-like stew) and kulen (paprika-seasoned sausage).

Foodies will definitely want to visit Istria – home to award-winning olive oil, wild asparagus, rare white truffles and excellent wines – which has gained an international reputation as a foodie destination.

Croatians enjoy their beer (Karlovacko and Ozujsko are two of the most popular local brews), but they love their kava (coffee). Take a cue from the locals and spend a morning people-watching at a cafe over a kava – it’s a Saturday morning tradition in Zagreb. Rakija (brandy) is the spirit of choice, with many restaurants offering a small glass before a meal. Another favorite is Pelinkovac, a must-try bitter liqueur.

Things to try in Croatia

1. Pasticada

A slow-cooked beef dish usually served with gnocchi. This Dalmatian staple can be found in many restaurants in this region.

2. Manestra

There are many variations to Istria’s hearty take on minestrone soup, but it usually includes beans, corn and meat.

3. Paski sir

This popular hard cheese is produced exclusively from the milk of sheep on the Island of Pag. It gets its unique pungent taste from the sheep’s aromatic herb diet.

These grilled skinless sausages are common throughout Croatia and are usually served with onions and ajvar (a red bell pepper relish) on a flatbread

Geography and environment

Sharing borders with  Bosnia and Herzegovina ,  Slovenia ,  Hungary ,  Serbia  and  Montenegro , Croatia benefits from more than 5,000 km of coastline that spans along the Adriatic Sea. In addition to the mainland, Croatia also has many islands, some inhabited, some not. Croatia's terrain is very diverse and varies from flat plains to low mountains and highlands, limestone karst cliffs, wetlands, lakes and forests of cypress. Nature reserves and wetland areas are home to large populations of migratory birds, deer, bats and bears. Visitors will also see much of the land is used for agriculture with vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and orchards being prevalent in rural areas. Croatia's cities, while developed, have managed to maintain a high level of charm with cobblestone streets, ancient housing, historic squares and heritage buildings being preserved and still used by the current population.

History and government

Early history.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the land now known as Croatia has been occupied by humans since the Stone Age. Croatia's geographical position in  Europe  allowed a great amount of influence from neighboring regions, with tribes and people from different cultures and groups making their mark. The first Kingdom of Croatia was formed in 925 but by the 12th century Croatia had formed a union with Hungary, with a Hungarian King instated as leader of both territories. During the 15th century, Croatia lost territory to the Ottoman Empire and, in later centuries, once again came under Hungarian rule. Evidence of these many cultural influences can be seen in the architecture, cuisine and archaeological ruins of contemporary Croatia.

Recent history

Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia formed a union in 1918 to create the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, but the occupation of Axis forces during World War II lead to the creation of the Independent State of Croatia, which only lasted a couple of years during the war. By the end of the war in 1945, Croatia had become a Socialist Republic (within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, together with Bosnia, Serbia, Slovenia, Macedonia and Montenegro), with the constitution of 1963 attempting to alleviate tensions surrounding the balance of power between Serbians and Croats. By 1980, after the death of President Tito (founder of modern Yugoslavia), economic and political difficulties resulted in a near collapse of government. What followed was years of conflict, polarity and political turmoil. The referendum of 1991 resulted in an overwhelming vote for independence, with Croatia and Slovenia declaring independence from Yugoslavia in June of the same year. Much armed conflict followed and lasted until 1995, leading to great loss of civilian life and displacement, creating large populations of refugees. However, the last two decades have been a time of peace and reconciliation for the people of Croatia and the country even joined the European Union in 2013.

Top 10 historic buildings of Croatia

1. cathedral of the assumption of the virgin mary.

One of Zagreb’s most visited historic sites, this grand neo-Gothic cathedral has been renovated and reconstructed many times since it was originally built in the 13th century. With massive twin spires, a marble interior and 800-year-old treasury, this is a monumental masterpiece.

2. Church of St Donatus

Considered one of the most impressive examples of early Byzantine architecture, this church in Zadar was built way back in the 9th century. With much historical value, its simplistic, circular design is quite unlike other buildings in Croatia, making it a standout, must-see church in a country with so many churches and cathedrals to see.

3. Croatian National Theatre

Built in 1895, this national treasure located in Zagreb is an elegant example of neo-Baroque style architecture. Visitors lucky enough to catch an opera, ballet or classical music concert here will be able to revel in all the fine details, from the luxe furnishings to the excellent acoustics.

4. Diocletian’s Palace

One of Split’s main attractions, this UNESCO World Heritage monument is considered one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world. The sprawling complex is home to many fine examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, so visitors will be able to admire open-air courtyards, marble arches, columns, gates and walls from a variety of different periods.

5. Cathedral of St Lovro

This cathedral located 30 minutes from Split is well known for its distinct Romanesque portal crafted by one of Croatia's most celebrated sculptors, Radovan. Mythological creatures and biblical figures all feature heavily, with saints, lions, sirens and centaurs all gracing the spectacular doorways.

6. Rector’s Palace

Also known as Dubrovnik Museum, Rector’s Palace is an impressive building in itself. With soaring arches, period furniture and a dramatic staircase, this structure steals the show from the museum exhibits it holds within.

7. Dubrovnik Synagogue

Reported to be the second oldest synagogue in Europe and the world’s oldest Sefardic synagogue still in use, Dubrovnik’s synagogue is still a place for the local Jewish community to worship on holy days. Sustaining damage from earthquakes and wars, this small but well-cared-for structure stills stands today due to its historical value and unique design.

8. Marco Polo Tower

While not the most elaborate or opulent building in Croatia, the Marco Polo Tower of Korcula has much historical significance. It is believed that Marco Polo was born in this medieval, walled city and this tower named in his honor rises above the town as a reminder of his legacy. Climb to the top for phenomenal views and panoramic photo opportunities.

9. Franciscan Monastery

Featuring 14th-century cloisters, intricately carved columns and a striking, sculptured facade this Dubrovnik wonder is also home to the third oldest pharmacy in Europe, so you can get a prescription filled while seeing the sights.

10. Trakoscan Castle

This lovely castle located in northern Croatia was inhabited from the 13th century right up until the 1940s. Featuring all good things a castle should have - including a dungeon, hunting room and tower - visiting here is like stepping back to a time when castles weren’t just historical monuments, but actual places to live.

Top places to visit in Croatia

1. islands of kornati.

There are plenty of enchanting islands along the coast of Croatia but perhaps none more so than the secluded Kornati, a collection of 89 spectacular islands full of islets and reef systems just waiting to be explored. Known as the largest and densest archipelago in the Adriatic region, the Kornatis present the perfect way to spend a couple of days with beautiful bays to swim in and fascinating nature parks to adventure through.

2. Dubrovnik

Steeped in both beauty and history, Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is, quite simply, the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its beautiful white stone-covered buildings, tiled-roof houses, and limestone streets all encompassed within sea-facing city walls, this city is full of charm and splendour. Whether you want to wander the bustling streets on foot or view the town from the sparkling water of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one character-filled city you can’t miss. Wander the cobblestoned streets of Dubrovnik on our 15 day Dubrovnik to Athens tour or on our 15 day Dubrovnik to Bled tour.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik then setting sail for the small island of Lokrum is the best way to achieve it. Covered in lush vegetation and surrounded by sparkling blue waters you’re never going to want to leave, this sleepy island presents the perfect opportunity to relax under the warm Croatian sun. Whether you want to soak up the rays on rocks by the sea or wander through the Botanical Garden, you’re guaranteed to find peace within Lokrum’s stunning surroundings. Sail to the small island of Lokrum on our 10 day Dubrovnik to Venice tour or on our 8 day Explore Croatia adventure.

Another day, another magnificent city in Croatia to adventure through; this time, it’s Zadar. Once the capital city of Dalmatia, Zadar boasts a rich heritage that’s easily visible when you start wandering its ancient buildings such as the Roman Forum and St Donatus’ Church. From walking through cultural exhibitions at the Museum of Church Art and exploring the spirited fish markets at the port to admiring the ‘Greeting to the Sun’, a modern monument dedicated to the sun, this energetic destination will surely capture your heart (and your camera’s remaining storage). Explore historic Zadar on our 8 day Croatia & Slovenia tour.

Packed with a rich history you’re going to want to explore, Korcula Island is a hidden gem with as many beautiful sights and ancient buildings as some of the bigger islands, such as Hvar, but without the crowds. Offering a lot of sun to soak up, plenty of golden sandy beaches to lie on, and an abundance of sparkling blue waters to swim in, this seaside destination is truly one-of-a-kind. And you can't forget about the food. From traditional beef stews to the sweet delicacy of travarica, you'll never go hungry in Korcula. Marvel at the sights of Korcula on our 8 day Croatian Coastal Cruising or on our 7 day Cycle Croatia tour.

Split may be Croatia’s second largest city (after Zagreb) but it’s first when it comes to personality and soul with historic streets, a World-Heritage listed palace, and a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants scattered throughout its picturesque Old Town. From sipping on frothy kava at a table on the Riva waterfront promenade to listening to street musicians filling ancient courtyards with their sweet sounds, Split promises to take your Croatian tour to another level. Eat your way through Split on our 11 day Slovenia & Croatia Real Food Adventure.

7. Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you thought Croatia couldn’t get any more beautiful, only one visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park is enough to make you change your mind. Gaining World Heritage listed status 20 years ago, this spectacular park covers 19 hectares of wooded hills and 16 turquoise-covered lakes all connected by a series of waterfalls that won’t hesitate to take your breath away. Whether you want to spot some wild animals (think wolves, deer, and birds), wander through the park’s forest vegetation, or simply marvel at the captivating landscape that surrounds you, this dazzling park will be etched in your mind forever. Walk through Plitvice Lakes National Park on our 26 day Budapest to Rome adventure or on our 17 day Dubrovnik to Rome tour.

If culture’s what you’re after, then visiting the spirited city of Zagreb should be high on your Croatia bucket list. Bursting with museums such as the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships or the more traditional Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, and historic locations such as the Mirogoj Cemetery and Lotrščak Tower, you’ll never run out of things to do in Zagreb. Perfect for exploring on foot, this lively destination blends the best of crafts, cuisine, and culture for an adventure you’ll want to relive over and over again. Absorb the Croatian culture on our 19 day Budapest to Venice tour or on our 10 day Dubrovnik to Venice tour.

On the surface, Osijek may seem like just another breathtaking Croatian town but as soon as you start wandering its streets full of grand buildings and popular landmarks, you’ll see why it deserves to be explored. With a laidback atmosphere and bubbling personality, this town will easily have you entranced from its many cafes and restaurants lining the Drava River to its captivating medieval structures. Spend your time walking through the Museum of Slavonia or strolling down the European Avenue for an in-depth look at this remarkable region. Stroll the streets of Osijek on our 29 day Vienna to Dubrovnik tour or on our 15 day Balkan Adventure.

If Dubrovnik is known as the ‘Jewel of the Dalmatian Coast’ then Hvar is the ‘Queen of the Dalmatian Islands’ thanks to its picture-perfect town full of wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades. Boasting plenty to do including admiring the views of the town and the Adriatic Sea from the Spanjola Fortress, wandering the streets full of unusual boutiques and interesting galleries, and sipping on cocktails at a bar by the water, this spectacular island town is like something straight out of a fairytale. 

Croatia has an interesting mix of quaint outdoor markets, modern malls and hip clothing boutiques. There's plenty of options that make better souvenirs than the usual lurid magnets or tourist t-shirts.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. The   United States   and   Canada  generally have strict customs laws.

Things to buy in Croatia

1. Local produce

If you're able to take food products back to your home country, then Croatia's markets are filled with delicious gourmet produce. Honey, olives, cheese, wine and lavender products are good choices that help to support local farmers and the rural economy.

2. Traditional handicrafts

Embroidered tablecloths, handmade dolls and lace from the island of Pag make authentic gifts for friends back home.

3. Natural cosmetics

Croatia has many brands of natural soap, body butter and shower gel derived from ingredients like olive oil, goat's milk, lavender, almond oil and seaweed.

Festivals and events

Dance week festival.

This celebration of dance and movement hits Zagreb each year. Featuring a diverse range of contemporary and traditional dance from local and international dancers and choreographers, the eclectic program highlights the artistic vision of many coming together to celebrate their love of dance.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Classical music, theatre, dance and opera combine to create an enriching program of events performed in open air venues around Dubrovnik. Held every year since 1949, Croatia's temperate summer climate ensures the perfect conditions for outdoor performances.

International Folklore Festival

This important festival held in Zagreb each year helps to preserve cultural diversity by promoting traditional dance, costume, music and handicrafts from all over the world. Visitors can see everything from African drumming performances to traditional Croatian dancing and Bulgarian bands.

Read more about festivals in Croatia

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Anti-Fascist Resistance Day

Statehood Day

Homeland Thanksgiving Day

Independence Day

Please note that the dates of  Croatia's public holidays  may vary.

Further reading

Croatia travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to visit Croatia?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Croatia?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Croatia, although feel free to round up the bill or leave spare change for wait staff. Tip more if the service has been particularly good. Some restaurants and cafes will already include a 10-15% margin in the bill, to account for taxes and tips. In this case, generally no further tip is required.

What is the internet access like in Croatia?

Travelers will be able to access the internet at internet cafes and hotels in Croatia's large cities and tourist-orientated towns. Expect less internet accessibility in rural areas.

Will my cell phone work in Croatia?

Cell phone coverage is generally very good in Croatia's large cities and urban areas. Islands and remote areas may have less reliable service.

Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before arrival.

What are the toilets like in Croatia?

Western-style, flushable toilets are the norm in Croatia's cities and urban centres.

Can I drink the water in Croatia?

Tap water is considered safe to drink in Croatia; however, due to the different mineral content, some people may get stomach upsets from the drinking water if they aren't used to it. A better option is finding filtered water rather than relying on bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Croatia?

Large hotels, restaurants and tourist sites will most likely accept credit cards. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases and when shopping at vendors like market stalls and smaller cafes and hotels, which may not have credit card facilities.

What is ATM access like in Croatia?

ATMs are readily available throughout Croatia. Cities and large towns will have more ATM access than small villages or rural areas, so prepare accordingly if traveling out of urban areas.

What is the weather like in Croatia?

Croatia's climate is split into two different regions - along the coast and in the mainland.

Depending on which region you're travelling to, the weather may vary slightly with temperatures higher in the mainland area due to a lack of sea breeze.

Winter temperatures are also lower in the mainland with snowfall expected and enjoyed, whereas on the coast, snowfall is quite uncommon.

Is Croatia a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQIA+ travelers in Croatia. Homosexuality has been legal in Croatia since 1977 and is tolerated but not widely accepted. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may be met with hostility in lesser populated cities. Gay venues are virtually non-existent outside Zagreb but this is improving every year. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

What's the transport like in Croatia?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Croatia, you may find yourself traveling by:

No tourist coaches here! Travel through Croatia the way the locals do, aboard a local bus. It's a cheap, reliable and authentic way to get around.

Trip: Explore Croatia

Amazing views and quick access to the islands - what better way to see Croatia's splendid coast than aboard a ferry?

Trip: Cycle Croatia

Trip: Dubrovnik to Bled

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to Croatia support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Croatia directly support our foundation partner, Humana Zagreb.

Humana Zagreb

Humana Zagreb provides job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textile industries for people with disabilities. Donations fund educational programs run by Humana employees with disabilities. These programs teach school children about the issues of fast fashion, the importance of reusing and recycling clothes, and the barriers that people with disabilities face when searching for employment.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

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Croatia set to massively outnumber Italy in final Group Stage game at EURO 2024

Croatia are expected to be backed by more than double the number of Italy supporters when the two nations meet for the final EURO 2024 group stage match in Group B on Monday evening.

Croatia set to outnumber Italy in Leipzig

The decisive fixture between against Croatia will be played at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, which has a designated capacity of around 38,000 on Monday night.

Football Italia understands that there will be around 25,000 Croatian supporters in attendance, while Italy are set to be backed by just 10,000 fans.

Italy have not yet secured automatic qualification to the knockout rounds at EURO 2024. Luciano Spalletti’s side currently sit in second with three points after the opening 2-1 victory over Albania and the subsequent 1-0 loss to Spain on Thursday.

A win or a draw against Croatia will be enough to secure second position in the group and therefore mathematically guarantee qualification to the round of 16, regardless of the result in the other Group B match between Spain and Albania.

A loss on Monday night means that Croatia will overtake Italy on points. The Azzurri would then have to qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams in the tournament in order to feature in the knockout rounds.

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What Euro 2024 games are today? Albania vs. Spain, Croatia vs. Italy on Monday

S pain already has secured first place in Group B, but there is still a lot on the line when the group finales are played at UEFA Euro 2024 on Monday.

The group's other three teams — Albania, Croatia and Italy — all have a chance to advance to the knockout round:

➤ Italy — the defending European champions — must avoid defeat by Croatia to finish as runners-up in the group. They will be out with a loss and if Albania defeats Spain.

From NFL plays to college sports scores, all the top sports news you need to know every day.

➤ Albania can finish as runners-up with a win over Spain and if Croatia defeats Italy. They will be out if they lose and Croatia wins.

➤ Croatia can also finish as group runners-up with a win over Italy and if Albania does not win against Spain. Croatia will be out with a draw and if Albania does not lose.

The Group B runner-up will face Switzerland in the Round of 16.

Here's everything you need to know for Monday's  UEFA Euro 2024  matches:

How to watch Monday's UEFA Euro 2024 games

➤  Albania vs. Spain, 3 p.m. ET (FS1)

Darren Fletcher (play-by-play), Owen Hargreaves (analyst), Geoff Shreeves (sideline reporter) and Mark Clattenburg (rules analyst) will provide coverage for FOX Sports.

➤  Croatia vs. Italy, 3 p.m. ET (FOX)

Ian Darke (play-by-play), Landon Donovan (analyst), Tom Rinaldi (sideline reporter) and Mark Clattenburg (rules analyst) will provide coverage for FOX Sports.

Spanish-language television broadcasts are available on TUDN, Univision, and UniMás.

How to stream UEFA Euro 2024 games

FOX Sports  will provide live streams for matches.  Vix  will provide a streaming option for Spanish-language broadcasts. Streaming also available on  Fubo .

Where are Monday's UEFA Euro 2024 games being played?

Albania vs. Spain — Düsseldorf (Düsseldorf Arena): The stadium is the regular home for German Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf. This is the third of five UEFA Euro 2024 matches to be played at the venue, which also will host a Round of 16 knockout match and quarterfinal.

Croatia vs. Italy — Leipzig (Red Bull Arena): Red Bull Arena is the regular home stadium for German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. The stadium hosted five games during the 2006 World Cup. It will host four UEFA Euro 2024 games, including a Round of 16 knockout game.

Which UEFA Euro 2024 group is in action on Monday?

Albania, Croatia, Italy and Spain are all in Group B, which is led by Spain with six points through two matches. Spain already has clinched first place in the group.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Euro 2024 games are today? Albania vs. Spain, Croatia vs. Italy on Monday

These are the most popular summer travel destinations for Coloradans

Are you traveling to Italy this summer? The European country is the most popular travel destination abroad for Coloradans, a USA TODAY Blueprint analysis found .

In fact, Italy was the top choice for international travel destinations for nearly half of the most populous states.

The second and third most popular international destinations for Coloradans are the United Kingdom and Canada, respectively. The fastest growing destination is Croatia, up 600% since 2023.

The analysis on sales data from a travel insurance website also found “Americans are spending 11% more on international trips this summer than they did in 2023.”

For Coloradan travelers, they found the average cost of a 15-day trip is $9,882. 

Explore the table below to see where people in other states are traveling to: