journey 2 croatia

Ivana Tomić, founder & CEO

Passionate traveler who loves people, adventures, new experiences and all that life brings … She knows how to enjoy in every part of it. That is the secret beyond the most wanted travel consultant of luxury journeys in Croatia.

It all started when she was 21. As much as she loved her country, family and friends, she packed her bags and left Croatia only by herself. Ivana had a vision and she accomplished it. She wanted to live and work in travel industry in NYC, travel across USA and Europe. She even spent months, ONLY BY HERSELF, living and doing voluntary eco projects in Cost Rica jungle. That was a unique, ONE OF THE KIND experience …

…and then came the day when one phone call changed her life and she needed to return to her home country Croatia…

After 15 years in travel industry, where she got chance to connect the best she had as Croatian travel consultant in New York City and Croatia, working in corporate world at manager positions on investment project in hospitality industry she decided to open her own travel consulting company and travel agency Journey 2 Croatia, located in her home town Zagreb.

I only can say that traveling has always been a part of me, from my childhood days, and I’m happy now to live and work in my beautiful home country with my family and friends, still loving life, new experiences AND TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD but this time as proud owner of Journey 2 Croatia, well know and respected agency in luxury travel industry across Europe, USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA… says arranging passionately trips for VIP clients to Croatia AND NEARBY COUNTRIES.

Ivana and her team love to share with clients the unique magic of her homeland. That includes the world famous places as well as the carefully hidden secrets of local inhabitants such as local gastronomical delights, the best beaches, the most romantic views and adventure experiences.

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• The Collection

J2 COLLECTION

Your gateway to luxury travel & hospitality journeys.

Travel consulting is our specialty that brings dreams to life with J2 Collection ’ s meticulous attention to detail and passion for crafting unforgettable journeys and stories in each destination we represent.

J2 Collection’ s owner, Ivana, specialises in promotion services tailored to showcase the essence and allure of each destination, property and service provider J2 Collection showcases as our long-term partners in crafting journeys in Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro.

CONNECTIONS

It ’ s always about connections, relationships, personality, hospitality and people you know. Yes, J2 Collection has it all and we ’ ll share our passion for this fantastic industry with you, our precious partners.

Meet Ivana Tomić: A passionate travel connoisseur and visionary

There are many different kinds of collectors, but all seek the rarest, most precious items in their collection. Ivana began collecting her journeys at a very young age, finding the most exceptional experience gems. She started working in the New York travel industry at age 21 when she set off on an ambitious quest to merge her love and passion for travel with her professional pursuits. New York was the logical professional stepping stone after graduation in Croatia, followed by European cities working in the corporate world at manager positions on investment projects in hospitality industry.

Over the years, Ivana ’ s travel escapades took her to various corners of the globe, including immersive solo experiences in the Costa Rican jungle, where she engaged in voluntary eco projects, building PR and promotion strategies in Europe and attending various retreats in Sri Lanka, Ibiza and Japan —each adventure contributing to her unique and unparalleled perspective on Luxury Travel & Hospitality industry. 

After remarkable years abroad, pivotal phone call redirected her path, compelling her to return to her roots in Croatia. Armed with a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for her homeland, Ivana first established Journey2Croatia, a travel consulting company and agency based in Zagreb. After that successful company, the business grew to Journey2Montenegro and Journey2Slovenia.

“ I ’ ve always had a deep connection with travel, stemming from my early childhood days. Now, as the proud owner of J2 Collection, I am thrilled to share my passion for travel & hospitality in beautiful Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro with all of the fine journey collectors in the world.” says Ivana, reflecting on her path.

Fine journey collectors are similar to fine art or fine jewelry collectors. They understand the details, appreciate the exquisite experiences and, ultimately, are expert judges in matters of voyage taste.

  Ivana founded J2 Collection to share her insatiable thirst for travel and adventure with a deep love and passion for people and cultures. Because at the end of the day, the human connection is all that matters; our journeys fortify that connection if we are on the right path.

The collection

Journey 2 Croatia

Land of pristine coastlines, historic wonders, and unparalleled cultural richness, Croatia truly stands out as a gem of Mediterranean. With our intimate knowledge of Croatia, we don ’ t just plan trips – we create personalised journeys designed for travellers seeking the pinnacle of luxury and adventure. Whether it’s savouring exquisite Dalmatian cuisine amidst ancient city walls, sailing the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic on a private yacht, or immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Croatian history and culture, we ensure that every moment of your journey is a masterpiece and every day will be a new chapter in your adventure.

Journey 2 slovenia

Slovenia, with its lush alpine landscapes and historic European charm, can become the canvas for your extraordinary journey. Our mission is to craft personalised itineraries that go beyond the ordinary, ensuring every moment of your trip is a unforgettable experience. Visiting Slovenia, you have the opportunity to savour Michelin-starred cuisine, see breathtaking sceneries or take a stroll through Ljubljana capital city, immersing yourself in Slovenian culture. Your Slovenian journey is not just a dream, but can become a reality – we will orchestrate experiences that redefine luxury travel, fulfil your aspirations and create unique memories.

Journey 2 MONTENEGRO

Welcome to a world where luxury meets authenticity, and where every moment of your Montenegrin escape is a masterpiece of personalised experiences. Your journey begins here, whether you dream of exploring the medieval walls of Kotor or embarking on a boat adventures along the Boka Bay, we curate every detail to perfection. Embrace the enchantment of Montenegro, where captivating beauty of nature unfolds around you and where we are dedicated to crafting an unforgettable experience, one that will leave you with cherished memories lasting a lifetime.

Journey2Croatia

Experience croatia in the most personal of ways with journey2croatia.

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Croatia Itinerary: Ultimate 7-Day Travel Guide

Enjoy 7 days in Croatia: one of the greatest vacation destinations in Europe, offering the best of the continent’s beaches, cities, islands, and natural parks. A road trip is a perfect way to explore the country as you weave between UNESCO valleys, Game of Thrones film sets , ancient fortress cities, waterfall villages, and turquoise shores — always being treated to warm Croatian hospitality and delicious food. Get ready for this unforgettable 7-day Croatia Itinerary!

Ultimate Croatia Itinerary (7 Days)

With so much to see and do in beautiful Croatia, you could easily stay for weeks, especially if you want to make the most of the beautiful beaches, islands, and national parks. That being said, seven days is still a good amount of time to see some of the country’s highlights. Follow this 7-day itinerary for Croatia to see a good mix of historical sights, natural spots, and must-see cities.

Also see our: 10-day Croatia Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik

Start your memorable journey in the medieval city of Dubrovnik on Croatia’s southern coastline. Set your alarm early so you can explore the famous ancient walls surrounding the city, taking yourself on a historical self-guided tour before the big tour groups arrive. The early alarm is worth it for the fantastic views of the picturesque town and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic sea — a great beginning to your 7 days in Croatia!

Read: Best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Next up, head to the beautiful Onofrio Fountain, the hidden Franciscan monastery, the elegant clock tower, and Rector’s palace. Take a rest after your morning of sightseeing, watch the world go by, and enjoy a delicious lunch on one of the lovely outdoor terraces.

At dusk, head to West Harbor for a stunning sunset and spectacular views before enjoying a drink at any of the many lovely beach bars. Beach Bar Dodo was our favorite!

Tip: Get the Dubrovnik Pass , which includes entrance to all the top sights.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

There is plenty of choice for accommodation in Dubrovnik, Croatia. If you are after a more authentic experience, stay inside the city walls close to all the main sights. We stayed at this hotel in the old town .

Hotels in Dubrovnik 😴

Please note that the accommodation in this part of town is generally smaller, more expensive, and not accessible by car. If you’re traveling by car, we recommend staying on the outskirts of town, where you’ll find more parking options. 

Day 2: Travel to Split via Klis Fortress or Nugal Beach

On the way to Split, stop at the incredible Klis Fortress or Nugal Beach. The Fortress, set in the mountains, was once an ancient defensive point with stunning panoramic views over the countryside, Split, and the Adriatic Sea. These days, it’s better known as one of the settings for Game of Thrones in Croatia ! 

Nearby is the stunning family-owned estate Stella Croatica, home to beautiful gardens, an olive oil museum, and a traditional tavern. 

Stella Croatica is included in the price of the Klis Fortress ticket. Open 10 AM – 3:30 PM every day except Monday. Book your ticket for Stella Croatica and Klis Fortress .

Nugal Beach

For an off-the-beaten-track experience in your 7 days in Croatia , you might prefer to stop off at the secluded Nugal Beach, which is about an hour from Split. Cool down in the clear turquoise water and marvel at the high cliffs and lush green forests that shadow the shores.  This is the exact location . To get to this beach, you must walk for about 30 minutes, as the beach is only accessible on foot.

Tip: Bring water shoes as most beaches in Croatia are pebble stones instead of sand and to protect from sea urchins.

How to get to Split from Dubrovnik

The total journey time from Dubrovnik to Split is about 3 hours if you choose to drive. You can rent a car or take the bus. 

We recommend to rent a car in Croatia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Tip: If you arrive in Split in the early evening, we recommend spending the rest of the night strolling around the car-free old town. Explore the ancient streets and courtyards, and enjoy the social atmosphere on the waterfront promenade by having drinks on one of the outdoor terraces.

Here are all your hotel options in Split.

Day 3: Split (Stunning city on your 7-day Croatia itinerary)

On day 3 of your Croatia itinerary (7 days), discover fascinating Split: the second-largest city in Croatia! Start your day by immersing yourself in buzzing Split local life at the traditional Pazar Farmer’s Market. Here, you’ll be able to watch locals shopping and negotiating and have the opportunity to try some local delicacies.

Read about all Things to do in Split, Croatia .

Once your belly is full, move on to the Diocletian’s Palace and Cellars. This incredible historical building sits at the heart of Split and was the setting for many famous Game of Thrones scenes. 

Visit the Diocletian’s Cellars on a Game of Thrones tour

Tip: Unusually, for such a large city, Split is just a stone’s throw away from a beautiful natural forest park. This means you can hike from the city itself directly into the luscious greenery of Marjan Hill, where you’ll find spectacular views of the city and sea. If you love a sunrise, this is the place! 

Where to Stay in Split

For first-time visitors, we recommend you stay in the Old Town around the Diocletian’s Palace. This beautiful area is home to some of the most fantastic buildings in the city. Plus, is close to all the best things to do in Split ! 

Hotels in Split 😴

Day 4: Krka or Plitvice Day Trip

After city hopping through Croatia, spend day 4 of your 7 days in Croatia immersed in one of these idyllic natural paradises! 

Krka National Park

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Split is the peaceful Krka National Park famed for its beautiful waterfalls, including the popular Skradinski Buk. Visit on a day trip to discover the fantastic hiking trails and peaceful surrounding nature. There’s even an island to explore just off the shores of the roaring waterfalls and rivers. 

Read all about Krka National Park and its Waterfalls .

Tip: To explore Krka National Park, park your car in one of the main parking areas. From here, you can use the shuttle bus to take you to the start of the trails. Alternatively, for more ease, join a guided tour. These usually include a boat trip to the island or one of the nearby towns.

Book your day tour to Krka National Park from Split

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Best of your 7-day Croatia itinerary)

An alternative (and our personal favorite!) is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia: Plitvice Lakes. Although it’s a little further away from Split, it’s well worth it to discover the 16 turquoise blue lakes — fringed by green forest and plummeting waterfalls. You have the opportunity to see nature up close as you walk along the many boardwalks and hiking trails of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Note: You are not allowed to swim at Plitvice Lakes (or Krka National Park) in order to protect nature. Read more about being a sustainable traveler . 

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (Complete Travel Guide)

How to get to Krka and Plitvice

To get to the national parks on your 7-day Croatia itinerary, we recommend renting a car. It’s a 1.5-hour drive to Krka National Park or a 2.5-hour drive to Plitvice (from Split). You can also reach the parks by bus, but it will take much longer.  

If you choose to visit on a guided tour, you will return to Split at the end of the day. However, if you want to absorb the wonderful atmosphere of the parks in the evening, spend the night and drive back in the morning. 

Hotels in Krka 😴

Hotels in Plitvice 😴

Tip: We recommend you buy entrance tickets for both national parks online beforehand (boat ride included).

• Check availability for Krka National Park tickets .
• Order Plitvice tickets online via the park’s e-ticket system .

Day 5: Travel to Hvar

Discover spectacular Hvar, one of the highlights of any Croatia 7-day itinerary! This sprawling island offers everything you could want for a vacation: an upmarket town with excellent nightlife and restaurants, paradise islands just off the shore, and UNESCO -protected nature.

Take the day gently exploring the town of Hvar, meandering through the gardens and up to the Spanish Fortress for beautiful panoramic views, and stopping for coffee or gelato nearby. In the evening, discover the famous Hvar nightlife, with many great bars and clubs. The atmosphere of this luxurious town is infectious, so it’s a must-see on your 7 days in Croatia.

Read: Best things to do in Hvar, Croatia

How to get to Hvar from Split

There are plenty of ferries from Split Port to Hvar old town, with tickets costing 25-50 EUR for an hour’s trip (depending on the season). It’s best to book your tickets online before as it can get busy, especially in the summer. 

Book your ferry tickets from Split to Hvar

Tip: If you are driving, there is a car ferry to Stari Grad, which takes 2 hours.

Where to Stay in Hvar

We’d recommend staying in Hvar Town, with its lively atmosphere and range of accommodation and restaurant options. All the boat tours start from Hvar Town, and the passenger ferries arrive here, too. Please note that the car ferry arrives on the other side of the island.

Hotels in Hvar Town 😴

The downside to staying in Hvar Town is that it’s quite expensive in the high season and also busy in the evening when everyone gets dressed up to visit restaurants and bars.

Alternatively, base yourself in the quieter Stari Grad, the second biggest town on the island, and another great jumping-off point to explore the rest of the island.

Hotels in Stari Grad 😴

Day 6: Explore Hvar Island

There is a lot to see on the island, so spend day 6 of your Croatia itinerary exploring all its secret corners. We think it’s best to have your own car or motorbike to explore all the hidden gems. However, there are buses between the main towns if you are unable to drive. 

We recommend an epic Hvar Island loop, starting in Malo Grablje and stopping in Milna, Plaža Dubovica, Stari Grad, Stari Grad Plains, Vrboska, Beach Vitarnja, Jelsa, and Brusje. This loop covers all the highlights, including the lavender fields (June is the best month to see them), gorgeous swimming spots, and charming towns. There’s even a ghost town to explore!

Alternatively, explore Stari Grad Plain on this popular cycling tour from Hvar

Day 7: Travel Home via Trogir

It’s time to say farewell to this fantastic country, and there’s no better way to end your trip than with a final stop at beautiful Trogir ! The town is only a 15-minute drive to Split Airport, making visiting before you head home very convenient. 

Read more: Best Things to do in Trogir, Croatia .

Connected to the mainland and Ciovo Island by bridges, discover one of the prettiest towns in Croatia, home to charming streets, squares, and a waterfront promenade — which can all be explored in just an hour or two.

Tip: Trogir is located close to the airport, so it’s a great alternative to staying in Split, particularly if you’re looking for something quieter. In fact, this UNESCO town is car-free, making it even more tranquil! 

Hotels in Trogir 😴

How to Visit Croatia in 7 Days

Getting to croatia.

Your 7-day itinerary in Croatia starts in Dubrovnik and ends in Split, which both have international airports. You can rent a car from one airport and drop it off at the other. However, this is a more expensive option than dropping it at the same airport you collected from.

By Train: Many trains arrive in Croatia from other European cities, including overnight options. 

By Boat: Ferries depart from several ports in Italy (including Venice ) and travel to Dubrovnik and Split, among other Croatian destinations. 

Getting Around Croatia

Getting around Croatia is easy, with many great public transport options. Although the train network is limited, there are plenty of interconnected buses (and ferries) between the main towns/destinations. There are many more connections during the summer months, so bear this in mind if you are traveling outside of the high season. 

Book your transport tickets in advance online

However, for the ultimate freedom, we recommend renting a car to complete your 7-day Croatia itinerary. Please note that the roads are good in Croatia. However, traffic can be an issue around some towns in the summer, and car access is limited in many older parts of the cities.

Our Favorite Accommodations for a 7-day Croatia itinerary

Depending on your budget, there are many options for accommodation in Croatia, from exclusive hotels and seaside apartments to lively hostels or even camping. Below are our favorites:

• Dubrovnik: Villa Filaus , Guest House 44 , Liberty Rooms
• Krka National Park: Hotel Bonaca , Studio Apartment Skradin , Illyria Skradin
• Plitvice Lakes: Pansion Danica , Etno Garden , Villa Sumrak
• Hvar: Apartments and Rooms Bonkan Hvar , Apartments Haracic , Novak Guesthouse
• Stari Grad: Heritage Villa , Town House Rosario , Apartments Vukovic
• Split: Makarun Heritage Rooms , Apartment Marija , Villa Galla
• Trogir: Narancin , Villa Apartments Art , Trogir Apartments & Rooms

How Much Does 7 Days in Croatia Cost?

Once known as a budget-friendly destination, Croatia has got more expensive with its popularity in recent years. However, there are always ways to cut costs on your trip, such as buying local food from the markets or staying in self-catering accommodation. Additionally, your costs will be lower if you stay in smaller cities and towns and travel outside of the peak months. 

Costs of Traveling in Croatia

Travel on a budget in Croatia, from $580 − $730 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1390 − $2740 USD, and high-end from $2660 − $4160 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $70 − $300 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $25 − $40 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $15 − $60 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $30 − $75 USD
• Activities: $10 − $60 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Tip: The water in Croatia is excellent quality from the taps, so bring your reusable water bottle with you to save on single-use plastic and travel plastic free !

Best Time to Visit Croatia

The months of May and June and September and October are generally the best times to visit this beautiful country. The tour operators and hotels are open, the weather is cooler, and the crowds are manageable in popular cities. 

If you are visiting Croatia for the National Parks, then our advice is to visit in the Spring. During this time, the lakes and waterfalls are at their fullest, and there are fewer visitors. If it is the party scene you are after, you might prefer to travel in July when the nightlife in destinations like Hvar, Brac, Dubrovnik, and Split is at its best.

Is it Safe in Croatia?

The crime rate in Croatia is low, and walking around during the day or night feels safe. However, if you are traveling solo, it’s always a good idea at night to stick to populated areas where you won’t be alone. Despite being a safe country, it is essential to always keep your valuables secure and exercise caution in busy areas where pickpockets may operate.

Read more about travel safety

Packing Sustainable Items 

• Refillable water bottle so you can travel plastic-free .
• Insect Repellent, which is non-toxic and doesn’t harm nature.
• Sunscreen without toxic ingredients ( reef-safe sunscreen is the best), so it doesn’t harm the environment or you!
• Reusable bag for shopping for local items.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Croatia via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Best Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

9 best things to do in trogir, croatia, sibenik, croatia: the complete travel guide.

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J2Collection

J2Collection is dedicated to helping you take your well-deserved break by planning a vacation for you, your friends and your family. They are recognized for their expertise, great service, attention to detail and knowledge of history. J2Collection specializes in customized travel experiences and will consult you for every aspect of your journey to Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

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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   – A small hotel in the middle of old town Rovinj, this place has a number of rooms on offer and comes very highly rated. Breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Rooms Barbieri – Located only five minutes from the old town, this charming hotel is a great option for a place to stay in Rovinj. The rooms are large and comfortable and it also includes breakfast in the room rate. 

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:

Plitvice or Krka: Which Croatian National Park to Visit?

The Ultimate Korcula Day Trip from Dubrovnik

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary

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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Home > Two Week Balkans Road Trip Itinerary

Two Week Balkans Road Trip Itinerary

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Want an easy-to-follow two-week Balkan road trip? Then look no further; here is your guide to a Balkans road trip for 2 fun-filled weeks

Were you hoping to find some secret gems on your Balkans road trip or looking for the most stunning natural parts of the region? This guide should help you sort through the hundreds of destinations in the Balkans  so you can guarantee you are seeing the best of the best on your two-week trip through Europe’s forgotten oasis.

Fear not; if our itinerary doesn’t cover an area of the Balkans you are eager to see, we have loads of other Balkan travel guides on the site that may suit your fancy.

You don’t have to use this itinerary as an end-all-be-all for your trip. Sift through our many guides and itineraries and use the information to put together your dream trip according to your desires.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Where Are The Balkans

The Balkan peninsula is a geographic region in the southeast of Europe, usually consisting of a dozen countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece , and Turkey.

Although the Balkans region is not necessarily defined, generally, these are the countries that are referred to as part of the Balkans on Chasing the Donkey. Others disagree.

The region is named after the Balkan mountain range, which extends nearly all the way across the peninsula. The peninsula is trapped between the Adriatic Sea to the West, the Black Sea to the East, and the Mediterranean in the South and is one of the best regions for nature escapes in Europe.

How To Travel In The Balkans – We’ll Help You Plan Your Holidays In The Balkans 

Getting around the Balkans is easy and getting easier by the year. With advances to its intricate train network, bus lines and routes being added to connect popular tourist towns, and improvements in highway systems in almost every country, traveling around the Balkans has never been easier.

Not to mention, it seems budget airlines have figured out people want to travel to the Balkans and have added many affordable routes throughout the region, with many more in the works.

However, a self-driven road trip is our favorite way to get around the Balkans because of its cost, efficiency, and pure beauty. We will set an itinerary for this two-week Balkan road trip .

When To Travel In The Balkans

Between the top-notch ski run s at an affordable price, the Adriatic’s immaculate beaches , the unspoiled hiking trails among dozens of national parks, and the dashing water activities of the Black Sea , there is fun for all seasons in the Balkans.

You may take a winter vacation to ski among the fantasized peaks of the Balkans range and decide you crave a summer vacation to its beaches afterward. There is no reason not to keep coming back, as there is a journey to be had at all times of the year.

For the sake of 10 days in the Balkans itinerary, we will assume it is the travel season , and you are road-tripping during the summer months along the Adriatic Coast.

Balkan Countries To Visit In Two Weeks

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

2 Week Balkan Road Trip Itinerary

You will likely fly to the Balkans unless you travel from somewhere nearby, where you can come with your own vehicle. From there, you will need to rent a car to start your road trip . Starting from any of these destinations is suitable; we have mapped out this specific itinerary to spare you time in back-tracking and distances between cities.

Not to waste more breath, here is our suggested two-week Balkans Itinerary:

Where To Start Your Balkans Road Trip

As mentioned, you can start anywhere in the Balkans, and there is always another nearby city within driving distance worth visiting . However, we suggest starting in Albania’s capital city for convenience when planning for this itinerary.

Tirana, Albania (3-4 Days)

Tirana is the capital and largest city in Albania  but by no means the only place to be in Albania. Kruja and Durres are within an hour’s drive from the capital city and well worth your time during your visit.

We suggest spending a day in each of these cities during your stay in Albania.

Start in Tirana , where you must check out Skanderbeg Square’s main square, which is excellent for people-watching. Check out the National Historical Museum, the famous statue of Albania’s #1 hero, and the square’s namesake, Skanderbeg.

Tirana is filled with lovely people, just as all of Albania is, and prices are exceptionally affordable for things like checking out the local cuisine and bar scene.

Next, travel to Kruja – a charming medieval village between soaring mountain peaks and truly green valleys. Besides its picturesque natural appearance , Kruja also has very significant historical importance to Albania.

Very few foreign tourists make the day trip to Kruja; however, you will find a lot of Albanian weekend warriors visiting on days off of work. Despite that, the village has been able to remain wholly authentic and void of tourist traps .

Lastly, on your third and final day, you can travel to the coast of Durres for a true beach escape. It is the most ancient city in the whole country and owns the biggest port in Albania .

Durres has over 3,000 years of history, dating back to 627 B.C., earning it the nickname of the eternal city over the Adriatic. The most notable tourist attraction and historical significance is the amphitheater of the Roman Emperor Hadrian – the second-largest amphitheater in the Balkans.

When the three days are over, you will likely be craving more of Albania’s culture , and the good news is there is still plenty to see of this country, just not on this itinerary. The Albanian Riviera in the South is one of the most overlooked areas of the Balkans and Europe. Save it for another trip!

• Your Guide To Tirana, And What To Do There
• Where To Stay In Tirana
• Renting A Car In Albania

Budva, Montenegro (2 Days)

About four hours north of Tirana along the Adriatic coast is the exciting Montenegrin city of Budva. With so much to experience in the Balkans, Montenegro is often skipped in favor of more popular tourist countries; however, those who don’t miss this place will be treated to an authentic experience that many more popular countries in the Balkans cannot provide.

Budva and Sveti Stefan are two semi-secret coastal towns in the tiny country, which are both worth visiting. If you spend two days between the two places, you will probably have seen all you need to see – but it is still worth the time.

In Budva, step through the medieval gate leading to town directly onto the beach and stroll down the coast for about five minutes until you reach Mogren Beach – Budva’s best. Here, you will notice a bronze statue of a ballet dancer gazing out to sea. It is the graceful symbol of Budva – a town we would argue is just as graceful as the statue itself.

You can rent paddleboards or kayaks and cover more of the pristine waters surrounding the area that way.

Just six miles to the East is Sveti Stefan , which is a must-visit. It is a fortified town built on a small island connected to the mainland by a sand spit. It is a rare geographical feature but an even rarer town. Walk through its narrow streets, and you can easily spend a few hours soaking up the beauty. If you still have energy, find a way up the hillside on the mainland for an even better bird’s eye view of Sveti Stefan.

Again, Montenegro is a beautiful country and worth more time on your visit – however – for the sake of keeping to the itinerary, it may be better to revisit another time. Podgorica is the country’s capital and is only about an hour away. The city is known to be suffering through an identity crisis after a long history of controlling empires, which gives it a huge, unpronounced feel.

• Your Guide To Montenegro And What To Do There
• Your Guide To Budva And Sveti Stefan
• Where To Stay In Budva
• Renting A Car In Montenegro

Dubrovnik, Croatia (1-2 Day)

Just 2.5 hours northwest of Budva along the Dalmatian Coast is the bustling little seaside town of Dubrovnik in Croatia. You may have seen a few places in Dubrovnik on HBO already, as it has gained some fame as the host of many scenes from the popular series Game of Thrones .

Though tourism has soared in the past decade along the coast of Croatia, Dubrovnik is well-deserved in its attention and is still a must-see on your Balkan road trip .

Make sure you traverse the narrow lanes of its fortified Old Town and take in the excellent architecture that drew the attention of the monster series, G.O.T.

After a long day on the beach, make sure you catch the sunset at one of the seaside cliffside bars offering happy hour at golden hour. You may need to arrive early at a few more popular spots – especially during the busy season – and be ready to witness magic in the sky as the colors change all sorts of vibrant colors. Dubrovnik is one of the best places in the Balkans for sunset magic.

• Your Guide To Dubrovnik And What To Do There
• Where To Stay In Dubrovnik
• Renting A Car In Croatia
• Beaches In Dubrovnik
• Game Of Thrones Locations In Dubrovnik
• Accommodation In Dubrovnik With Pools
• Camping In Dubrovnik

Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina (1 Day)

After Dubrovnik , whether you decide to spend a night in the city or not, you can drive to your next destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina – a much quieter destination for a good night of sleep – in a tiny valley village called Mostar.

It is due north, about 2.5 hours from Dubrovnik , and has a tremendous nighttime ambiance that you will appreciate. It will likely be late by that time, so you can check into your hotel and get ready to witness the largest city in Herzegovina in the morning.

Despite being the largest city, there is no need for concern. It is quaint but full of dark history. You can hike the hills, but watch out for undetonated landmines. This might be a bit intimidating, so if you’d like, you can stay in town and witness its history on the walls – literally. Bullet holes still grace the concrete and stone walls around town. It is a tell-tale sign of a violent past, but do not fret; Mostar is such a peaceful place today.

Most people hang around the enchanting famous Old Bridge (Stari Grad), where the two sides of the town connect over the river. You can join if you dare (the bridge is about 60 feet high). If you are lucky, you may catch the locals jumping from the bridge into the river – a sort of tradition in town.

Spend the afternoon walking around the cobblestoned town, and when you feel like you have walked around the entire city, you can grab a drink and get a good night’s sleep or head to your next destination – back to Croatia !

• Your Guide To One Day In Mostar
• Where To Stay In Mostar
• Renting A Car
• Guide To The Mostar Bridge Jump

Split, Croatia (1-2 Days)

You will cross borders several times, and here you are crossing back into the long, narrow nation of Croatia to the most famous seaside town, Split.

Split has become one of the hottest destinations in the Balkan peninsula . If you are road-tripping during the summer, you may have to book accommodation in advance – especially when arriving in the nighttime; you don’t want to be left without a place to sleep.

Split is the second-largest city in the country and the largest in the Dalmatia region. Despite all the people, we like Split because of its blend of modern living and ancient history.

You only need one day to see the sites in Split , but you will notice many people hanging around at the resorts and taking boat trips for an extended stay.

Whatever you do, there are a few things we suggest, none of which include beaches or lazing in the sun.

The Old Town and its maze of narrow streets and cafes are worth getting lost in. We’d also suggest climbing the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral for unparalleled views of the city and the fifty shades of blue in the Adriatic Sea. Lastly, you must visit Diocletian’s Palace – especially as a Game of Thrones fan, as multiple scenes were shot here at this UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Alternatively, if you want to run away from the crowds, consider traveling just a short half-hour down the coast to Omis , which is regarded as very similar to Split in architecture but half the price and size (and madness) of Split.

After a full day in Split, you will need to be well-rested for your longest drive of the road trip , but don’t worry; the time is well worth it, and the ride is beautiful.

• Your Guide To Split And What To Do There
• Where To Stay In Split
• Best Clinic In Split
• Beaches In Split
• Boat Trip From Split
• How To Spend 24 Hours In Split
• How To Spend 48 Hours In Split
• Blue Cave Tour From Split

Zagreb, Croatia (3 Days)

Four hours north of Split is Croatia’s stunning capital in the northern part of the country, Zagreb. It is one of the best cities in the Balkans to to walk around and experience the culture vibrating off the walls. We love Zagreb for many reasons and believe it is worth at least two days of your itinerary .

There are so many things to see as far as sites go; however, our favorite part of the city is probably its most popular. Gornji Grad – the upper town – with its cobblestoned streets and head-turning architecture, is worth at least a few hours of walking around and grabbing photographs.

Though we could argue your time isn’t wasted leisurely strolling its streets, it is fair to assume that some people would like to stay busy seeing the sites. No worries; there are plenty of things to do in Zagreb too.

One of the more entertaining things you can do in Zagreb is spend an hour or two in the Museum of Broken Relationships. People worldwide have submitted their sob stories about lost loves, and is there anything more amusing than complicated love stories (ask Nicholas Sparks)? And yes, it is precisely what it sounds like. The museum is so well done and has become Zagreb’s top tourist attraction based on pure intrigue.

There is also a booming street art scene in the city, which has turned the dull walls into a collection of youth culture and talents, making the city the most beautiful it has ever been.

It is a vibrant city full of young people, bustling chic cafes, talented and entertaining street performers, and green parks around every corner you least expect it. The city is forever in our hearts, and we are sure it will find a place in yours, too.

• Your Guide To Zagreb, And What To Do There
• Where To Stay In Zagreb
• How To Get To Zagreb
• How To Go From Zagreb To Plitvice Lake

Ljubljana (2-3 Days)

We end our itinerary a little under two hours northwest of Zagreb in a new country – in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. It is another city with a young identity and lively streets. You can walk along the river and be entertained for hours. Or, set up shop on the river at a cafe and spend time watching life go by.

Speaking of capital cities in Europe with a lot of green space, Ljubljana has set a precedent in that category, making it one of the prettiest urban cities in Europe – and it is hard to dispute that once you see it.

Spend the majority of your stay in the gorgeous Old Town, soaking up the excellent vibe of restaurants serving up delicious traditional Slovenian foods . If you still have time left for your vacation, you MUST visit Lake Bled , which is the country’s biggest attraction and one not to be missed.

• Where To Stay In Ljubljana
• Renting A Car In Ljubljana
• Bridges In Ljubljana
• Day Trips From Ljubljana
• Your Guide To Ljubljana And What To Do There

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Enjoy your balkan road trip.

The Balkans are a vastly underrated road trip destination in Europe. As a matter of fact, when you combine its lovely coastal drives among pristine, crystal blue waters of the Adriatic, its mountainous terrain, Transylvania’s wooded forests , quaint Black Sea coastal towns , stunning old-world architecture, and wondrous lakes and waterfalls , the Balkans region is genuinely incomparable to anywhere else in the world. And the affordable prices to travel around the area don’t hurt either.

Even though this region of Europe is often forgotten, it is no less beautiful than anywhere else on the continent and deserves more attention as a holiday oasis.

Don’t be shy. Comment below if you have any questions regarding a vacation to the Balkans.

• All About Traveling In The Balkans
• Guide To Backpacking In The Balkans
• Best Beaches In The Balkans
• Top Places To Go Hiking In The Balkans
• One Month Itinerary For Traveling Through The Balkans
• Ultimate 5-Day Balkans Travel Itinerary
• Balkan Cruises – Where You Can Cruise To In The Balkans
• Southwestern Balkans Road Trip
• Beautiful Lakes In The Balkans

Comments (5)

I appreciate this article and it brings to mind an experience I have already had in this area. I have been to Montenegro and entered with a tour group out of Croatia. We spent over an hour waiting while the bus driver and tour guide spoke with the border guards and bribing them to get them to let us cross the border. I remember the tour guide making a comment once back on the bus, “that was cheaper this time” and laughing. The bus driver stepped on it across the border before the guards changed their minds. I don’t feel any need to return to Montenegro. What has been your experience with border guards in this region? Thank you!

If you don’t mind me saying so, Mostar is NE of Dubrovnik not “due north”. Due North would be Split. I teach world history and geography, so I tend to pay attention to directions. Thanks!

This is very helpful thanks. Aiming to do Balkans for 5 weeks in July and August. Looking at doing about 9 countries. Taking your tip on the smaller car + green card. Any specific countries that you found one should avoid? Or need special papers or visas?

Hi and thanks for this detailed information! It is very useful. I was wondering how easy is to collect the hire car from Tirana airport and then drop off in Croatia?

Thank you in advance

You are welcome. Choosing the airport depends on what places you want to go to and where you can get connections.

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Journey of Doing

Two Week Detailed Croatia Itinerary

The best advice I can give you about Croatia?   Go.  Croatia is a fascinating country filled with beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and warm and open people.  Our Croatia was filled with things to do and amazing places to see, and we barely even scratched the surface.  The Croatian economy is heavily reliant on tourism, so I recommend that you skip the cruise and spend time in this beautiful country.  Our guides were so thoughtful and thorough. The food was fresh and flavorful.  When I started planning our Croatia itinerary, I was amazed at how most itineraries only recommended day trips with very little time spent in cities like Dubrovnik and Zadar.  That is not my travel style.  Instead, we immersed ourselves in the city, connected with local guides, and made day trips within the Istria region.  

We’re already planning our next trip back because there is still so much to see.  

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links for tours and products I love at no additional cost to you.  You can read my  full disclosure policy here.

Croatia Itinerary Tips

Book an open jaw ticket within croatia.

One of my best Croatia travel tips is to book an open jaw ticket.  This is my favorite travel hack for long trips.  An open jaw ticket flies into one city and out of another city.  Because Croatia is so large and so long, it will save you a lot of backtracking and time.  I would recommend flying into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik – or try the reverse.  If you don’t want to make the 8+ hour drive along the Dalmatian coast, there are smaller airports in Zadar, Split, Pula, and Rijeka.  Those could help if you are looking for a shorter Croatia itinerary. (You could do one half of this itinerary in either direction for one week.)    

For reference, we flew DFW-MAD-DBV via American and Iberia Airlines (using miles!) and ZAG-FRA-DFW on Lufthansa and  United .  Our layover in Madrid was pretty long, and Madrid is NOT my favorite airport, but we survived.  Landing in Dubrovnik felt SO good.  Despite a LONG travel day, I felt energized by the cool coastal breezes and beautiful views. 

Driving in Croatia

Public transportation in Croatia can make for long travel days.  The most popular ways to get around are by boat, car, or bus.  We opted to drive so that we would have the most flexibility with our Croatia itinerary.  It was very easy to drive in Croatia; the roads are new, smooth, and easy to navigate.  We have driven in Italy extensively, taken road trips through the Alsace in France and on multiple itineraries to visit European Christmas Markets , so driving in Croatia definitely felt easy! 

Croatian drivers are not aggressive.  There are speed cameras in small towns, but most drivers do not speed.  They may pass you, but it is so much more relaxed than driving in the US.  Our rental car included GPS that had a speed monitor on it.  That was a nice bonus.  We usually just rely on Google Maps when we take road trips .

I booked a one-way rental car that we picked up in Dubrovnik and dropped off in Zagreb.  You don’t need a car in Zagreb. I booked through Enterprise for this trip, but I find that Priceline usually has the best deals on one-way car rentals.  Like Italy, opt for a smaller car.  Our little Clio served us very well.   

Originally I planned that we would just drive from Dubrovnik to Istria in a single day.  It is more than eight hours though.  I decided to break up the long distance by booking a couple of nights in Zadar.  (Split is also a great option.)  I’m really glad that I did.  Zadar has the most gorgeous sunsets in Croatia and it is completely fascinating.  We spent about a week in Istria and ended our Croatia road trip in Zagreb.        

4 Days in Dubrovnik

Since we arrived in Dubrovnik so late, we added an extra night to our Dubrovnik itinerary to make up for our travel day.  I wouldn’t spent less than 3 days in Dubrovnik, especially if you plan to spend time on the beaches or head to the islands.  Words cannot express how beautiful I found Dubrovnik to be.  I really expected it to be overrated, honestly.  It surpassed all of my expectations, though at times, I can’t imagine returning because there’s no way that it will ever be as magical it seemed on that first trip.  (I still want to go back though.) 

Wandering around Dubrovnik at blue hour made me sad for all the people who only come to the city as a cruise port and only spend one day here.  The way the light reflects of the white stone is absolutely stunning in the evenings, and especially after it rains.  We spent hours walking through the city, exploring the tiny alleyways, photographing the cats, and appreciating the beauty.  

We stayed at the Hotel Stari Grad in Dubrovnik in the city center, and I don’t think I would stay anywhere else.  They were so very kind.  I have a full review of the Hotel Stari Grad , along with my Dubrovnik hotel research on the blog.

Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik old town walking tour.

Book a  walking tour of Dubrovnik on your first morning in town.  NOT A GAME A THRONES TOUR.   A tour of Dubrovnik.  Elvis is an incredible guide.  As a native, he offers a vast amount of knowledgable and is extremely candid about his life experiences and the changes he has seen in Croatia.  (His daughter does offer a Game of Thrones tour if you insist.)  Elvis walks you through the history of the Dubrovnik republic to present day Croatia .  Dubrovnik is relatively compact, but it has a fascinating history.  He covers a lot of information in his tour and provides the perfect introduction to the city.

One of the things that makes Croatia fascinating to me is the Roman and Venetian influence that you will see throughout the country.  This tour was essential for me to better understand the Venetian influence on Croatia. Dubrovnik was a rival of the Venetian republic because of its unique position and wealth.  This tour gave me a better understanding of the history between the great European powers of the days – the Romans, the Venetians, the Austrians, and the Croatians, all of which came up throughout our time in Croatia.  Perhaps what surprised me the most is how progressive the republic of Dubrovnik was, even as early as the 1400s.

Elvis was in Dubrovnik during the Homeland War and he was able to share more about his experiences during that time. It is incredibly enlightening to hear first-hand knowledge about the former Yugoslavia and the current situation in Croatia.  As Americans, we have very little knowledge of Homeland War and how the present-day countries were formed.  It is staggering to realize how little history we are taught about how parts of Europe were settled after World War II.  Our understanding of world history is so limited and so far from complete. After spending just a few hours with Elvis, I almost find it imperative that we stretch world history far beyond a single course or two if we are ever wish to understand the world as we presently know it. 

PLAY: Dubrovnik walking tour

Croatian Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik

I’m a big believer in the idea of eating and drinking locally.  On our first night, we had dinner at Above 5 (our hotel restaurant), and our waiter was excited to introduce us to Croatian wines.

We decided to visit D’Vino Wine Bar to try more wines on a quiet afternoon. We generally like red wines, so we started with the red wine flight.  Rather than just dropping the wines at our table, our waiter gave us an in-depth explanation of the types of grapes and wines produced around Dubrovnik.  (There was also information card provided to guide our tasting.)

We enjoyed it so much that we decided to try the white wine flight, too.  This flight included wines from Dubrovnik, Istria, and the northeastern corner Croatia.  The white wines were very smooth and made us excited for the Istria part of our itinerary!  

We ordered a meat and cheese plate. We were served a combination of goat and sheep cheeses (I loved the herb cheese!), and various meats, including a Slavonian wild boar and pork sausage, smoked prsut (Croatian prosciutto). It was complemented by delicious olives. 

We could have been content if eating and drinking here every day.  There are wine tasting tours from Dubrovnik that you can book if you prefer to experience the vineyard.

GOURMET: D’Vino Wine Bar for a Croatian Wine Tasting

Dubrovnik Churches to Visit

As part of our daily walks, we created our own DIY tour of the many churches of Dubrovnik.  I was absolutely stunned to walk into St. Ignatius and realize it was completely ignored by our guidebooks.  It is a stunning burst of color that I did not expect.  The Church of St. Blaise , named for the patron saint of Dubrovnik, has the most stunning stained glass of all the churches, especially in the evenings.  I thought that the Church of the Holy Annunciation , a Serbian orthodox church, had the most stunning altarpiece in Dubrovnik.  Disappointingly, we missed the Dubrovnik Synagogue . It is the second oldest synagogue in Europe, following the New-Old Synagogue in Prague.     

We also visited the Franciscan Monastery and Old Pharmacy .  It was interesting, but I really wish we had a guide for the experience. 

Dubrovnik Places to Visit

We visited some of the main attractions in Dubrovnik, but I feel like our experiences were so much less rich since we didn’t have a guide.  Our other experiences – where we were able to connect with individuals who shared their stories, interests, and knowledge – were far more important to our Croatia itinerary.  

• Rector’s Palace
• Dubrovnik Cable Car and Mount Srd
• MOMAD Museum (modern art museum) 

Dubrovnik City Walls Tour

No Croatia itinerary is complete without taking a tour of the city walls of Dubrovnik .  While you can walk around the walls on your own, I found it to be far more enjoyable to understand more about what I was seeing.  

Like Elvis, Ivo was an incredible and thorough guide for our tour of the imposing walls around Dubrovnik. He was engaging and constantly encouraged us to ask questions.  He was very conscientious and thoughtful in his comments about Croatia and Dubrovnik.  He also taught us more about the history of the city from founding to present.

Ivo’s tour covers the city walls in their entirety, not just a portion of them. With a bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik and Ivo as our guide, we were able to better understand how the unique positioning of Dubrovnik benefitted the republic immensely.  In turn, we were able to better understand local history, specific policies that were adopted, and how Dubrovnik became so popular over the centuries. Ivo also helped us understand some of the more unique aspects of life in present-day Dubrovnik. 

Beyond history lessons and pointing out numerous points of interest around Dubrovnik, Ivo provided a lot of local recommendations for us within and around the city.  

PLAY: Dubrovnik City Walls Tour

Three Days in Zadar

The first thing I booked for our Croatia trip was actually the second half our trip – Istria.  Once I realized that if we wanted to see Dubrovnik, we would need to find a way to cross the country effectively.  We could have flown, but driving seemed like more fun.  I started looking for the best midway point on the Dalmatian coast because I knew my hip wouldn’t make it 8 hours without being really unhappy.  

I was split between Zadar and Split (har, har).  Ultimately I chose Zadar because it seemed more compact than split (thus perfect for a two night stay) and because I wanted to try Hotel Bastion , another Relais & Chateaux hotel.  After being on the move for so many days in Dubrovnik, I thought it would be the perfect balance between relaxing and sightseeing.  I have NO idea how incredible the sunsets were in Zadar.

CONSIDER:  If I was planning a second itinerary for Croatia, I would consider stopping in Trogir and Split.  ( Michelle’s instagram stories from Split looked incredible!)  If you want to swap cities for nature, several people recommended that we head to Krka National Park (near Sibnenik).  If you wanted to plan a trip to Croatia by boat, you could take the ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar, spend a few nights there, and continue to your next destination.        

TIP:  If you drive from Dubrovnik to Split or Zadar, you will drive through Bosnia for a short time.  Make sure you have your passports and rental car paperwork readily available.  We also had a form that showed we were just passing through Bosnia, rather than stopping in Bosnia.  Our passport was stamped on both sides of the Bosnian border. I noticed that the passport stamp actually reflected that we crossed by car, as opposed to an airplane, something I had never noticed before.  

STAY: Hotel Bastion

Things to Do in Zadar

Sunset, sea organ, and sun salutation in zadar.

We spent two nights and three days in Zadar, and I found that it was the perfect place to explore and recharge. You don’t have a long list of things to see; there is time to explore slowly, as well as enjoy the magnificent sunsets and the sounds of the sea organ . 

Speaking of the sea organ, it is truly something you have to hear for yourself.  There is nothing like it.  Some people might think it’s cheesy, but my fondest memories of Zadar are from watching the sun set over the Adriatic sea and blue hour engulfing Zadar. 

A few steps from the sea organ is a modern art installation called the Sun Salutation.  The modern art contrasts sharply against the ancient city.  You should slow down to appreciate the sun set, the sea organ, and the Sun Salutation.  Watching children of all ages play around the Sun Salutation reminded me of being in Hawaii at sunset and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace being there. 

And, once again, the guidebooks failed to share how breathtaking Croatian sunsets are, especially in Zadar.  

Zadar Old Town Walking Tour

Sometimes it can be really hard for me to imagine a city how it was originally designed to be.  I find Venice to be the “best” preserved ancient city, while Rome requires me to use my imagination, even with monuments around every corner.  Zadar’s history has been influenced by both the Roman Empire and the Venetian Republic, and while you can recognize the architectural influences immediately, the true scope of these influences are not always clear beyond the surface of Zadar.  Without a walking tour of Zadar , you may be feel like you are walking through a museum without any context as to why it is there. 

Our guide, Dorja provided an in-depth perspective on how both Roman and Venetian influences have created present-day Zadar.  The best part of this tour, however, was how Dorja weaved together the streets with such deep knowledge that it was absolutely possible to imagine ancient Zadar.  Dorja’s words created a completely different world and lens for which I could see Zadar, and once we finished the tour, I couldn’t unsee it!

Though Zadar is small, it packs a lot of history into a small area.  Dorja covers all of it -from past to present.  She is very direct when speaking about the history of Zadar and how it has influenced the present.  Her family has lived in this area for a long time, so she, like many of our other tour guides in Croatia, has a living memory of Croatia’s past.  I appreciated both her honesty and candor. Like Ivo in Dubrovnik, she was happy to make local recommendations for us and was sincere in ensuring that we had a great trip.

BOOK THIS: Zadar Walking Tour

Try a Traditional Croatian Meat Platter

Many of the restaurants in center of Zadar felt very touristy.  We decided to cross the bridge and try Gricko Grill , which advertised traditional Croatian meats.  We were very excited about the local pivo (beers), traditional meats, and the outdoor patio, we were hoping for a great meal.  

We went into this meal with an open mind.  The owner asked us a few questions about our tastes. Shortly after that, a huge platter arrived with a sizzling variety of meats and warm bread.  I don’t even know what all we tried and ate, but it was all delicious.  Everything was fresh, tender, and tasty.  This traditional meal is a great way to try and share a lot of food.

We enjoyed this experience so much we went back twice.  The owner was so excited that we came back that he tried to put together a plate of new things for us to try, too!  (That’s the benefit of returning to the same places over and over sometimes.)      

Places to Visit in Zadar

The Zadar Archaeological Museum is absolutely a hidden gem and showcases an extensive collection.  I would liken it to the Capitoline Museums in Rome.  If you like the Roman Empire, you’ll like this museum.

We visited a lot of the major sites in Zadar with Dorja on our city tour.  Zadar is not fully discussed in guidebooks, so I highly recommend booking a guide for additional context.  If you are looking for a few more things to fill your itinerary, here are some places to consider adding:

• The Forum with all its Roman influences
• Church of St. Donat
• The Zadar Cathedral and Bell Tower
• The Monastery of St. Francis
• Zadar outdoor market

While we didn’t have time to take a food tour of Zadar , I would definitely recommend it.  They also offer wine tastings if your Croatia trip isn’t going to take you to Istria.  We were fortunate in the fact that the owner at Gricko Grill was happy for us to try as much as possible and made recommendations for us.  We went back multiple times because the food was so good.  

Five Days in Istria

The second week of our trip to Croatia is the one that started it all for me.  I had read about Istria on Stacie’s blog , and I knew I had to visit.  Istria is known for its food, wine, and hill towns, making it sound very similar to places we love in Tuscany and Umbria .

Again, it did not disappoint.  Istria is INCREDIBLE.  We made the Meneghetti Hotel our home base and took day trips for tours and dinners.  The Meneghetti was the perfect respite for our Croatia itinerary.  It allowed us to slow down and savor every part of this region.  While sometimes it felt like we were driving too far for dinner, it was always worth it.  When you are choosing where to stay in Istria, find central location that works for you, venture out when you want to, and stay close by when you are tired.  Since the Meneghetti has a spa and wine resort, we were never bored.  

I am really glad that we visited Istria as the second part of our itinerary.  Many of the Istrian towns we visited were significantly influenced by the Venetian republic and/or the Roman Empire.  Without the context of Croatia’s history, we would not have have understood why each town was so significantly influenced one way or another.  I cannot stress enough how valuable it is to book tours in Croatia.  There is so much to learn, and it is so much more than beautiful landscapes, architecture, and beaches.  Go deeper. 

NOTE:   I had weighed whether or not to cut our itinerary for Istria short to visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park before heading to Zagreb.  Ultimately, I decided that Istria was more aligned with our personal interest.  If you are less interested in food and wine, or you want to save money, you might be better served by swapping out a few days in Istria for the Plitvice Lakes.  I’d love to enjoy the natural beauty of Croatia, but we really enjoyed Istria and it is at the top of our list of places to go back to in Croatia.    

STAY: Meneghetti Hotel, Spa and Wine Resort

Things to Do in Istria

One of the best parts of Istria is the food and wine.  Similar to Tuscany, Istria is known for its truffles, olive oils, and wines.  Most towns offer food tours in Istria , and you can even go truffle hunting !  Whatever you do, make sure that food is part of the itinerary.

The other thing to know is that Istria is on a peninsula, which means you are never far from the coast.  The Meneghett i offers a beach club that is only a short walk (or bike) from the hotel.  We loved strolling through the vineyards and found the water in this area to be very calm and relaxing.  If you aren’t a beach person, our hotel offered both indoor and outdoor pools.  Istria is the perfect place to focus on your physical wellness.         

Olive Oil Tasting in Istria

Just as Alsace has the route du vin , Croatia has an olive oil route!  (There are Croatian olive oil tastings everywhere from Istria to the Croatian islands!)  Croatia, and Istria specifically, produces some of  the best olive oils in the world.  You may be skeptical since we don’t see a lot of Croatian olive oil in the United States.  This is because most Croatian olive oil producers harvest their olives earlier than the rest of the world.  This yields a smaller production of olives, which results in less (but better!) olive oil.  Other countries harvest later and are able to get a higher quantity of olive oil.    

The great thing about Istria is that you can visit a lot of small producers with relative ease and figure out which olive oils work for you.  We stayed near Bale and there were numerous small producers who were excited to show us more about their productions and have us taste their different olive oils.  We learned how to properly taste olive oil, the differences between good olive oil and what is sold in grocery stores, and how different olive oils can be used on different types of food. 

We had really incredible experiences at Brist  and  Chiavalon .  We bought several bottles from both of those producers to bring home as souvenirs.      

Motovun Truffle Hunting

Given the time of year we visited Istria, we did not book an (actual) truffle hunt in Motovun , but that didn’t stop me from hunting for truffles.  One of our tour guides recommended Pietro & Pietro as a place to try various truffle products and bring home truffle souvenirs.  We tried chopped truffles, truffle olive oil, truffle chips, truffle cheeses, and so much more… and we brought home an entire block of truffle cheese (as well as a Croatian cherry liquor). 

Not to be deterred in my Motovun truffle huting, we also had dinner at Konobo Mondo , which was absolutely delicious.  Again, we were able to try an assortment of truffle dishes, so I got my truffle fix.  However, I think the best truffle pasta in Istria is at La Grisa in Bale .  10/10 would recommend.  ( La Grisa doubles at a hotel with a spa, too.  It is on my hotel list if the Meneghetti is sold out.)  

Visit the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec

If you love the Basilica of San Marco in Venice, Porec needs to be on your Croatia itinerary.  I know that people generally get fixed on checking off the “big” things on a travel bucket list, but it’s always worth checking out the list of the UNESCO World Heritage site list when visiting smaller places.  That’s how we found out about Porec’s Euphrasian Basilica , and wow, was it worth a day trip to Porec.    

This 4th century basilica complex is incredible.  You can literally walk through the footprints of the original church, see the Bishop’s Palace, and admire the Adriatic from various vantage points.  This is a place where you can save money: you don’t need a guide to visit.  Your ticket includes a DIY guided visit that will be sufficient.  If you are able, I recommend climbing the stairs in the bell tower for the views of the Adriatic Sea.  It’s a cross between the Torcello basilica and San Marco in Venice.  You can literally walk through the evolution of churches, and it’s just incredible.     

I found the basilica more breathtaking than San Marco, mostly because I wasn’t expecting it.  The smaller size also meant that I could appreciate the beauty of the art, too. Don’t rust.  Take your time, sit in the Euphrasian Basilica, and appreciate that someone could visualize how all these tiny pieces could come together, long before technology as we know it existed.  It’s just incredible and shouldn’t be missed.  I can’t imagine coming to Croatia and not seeing this church.

Rovinj Day Trip

You could round out a full day of the Venetian Republic’s influence on Croatia by heading to Rovinj. 

When we first parked outside of Rovinj, I was shocked at how much it reminded me of Venice.  Rovinj is truly a jewel, and it is especially lovely on a quiet morning.  I loved its brightly-colored, beautiful harbor, the tiny streets that circle the town, and the outdoor cafes that lined the main street.  You should go beyond the surface though. 

We booked a walking tour of Rovinj to learn more about this coastal town with significant Venetian influence.  (If you are feeling really ambitious, you can catch a ferry from Porec to Venice and the Veneto !)  Goran, a well-traveled local, guided us through the winding streets of Rovinj while weaving together the history of both sides of Rovinj, as well as the present-day challenges.  Our tour started on the outskirts of Rovinj and ended at the basilica atop the hill, os we were able to see every part of the city with Goran.    

As many people know, I am very anti-AirBnB because of how it is hollowing out vibrant cities.  However, Goran helped me see that argument in a bit of a different light.  In some places, like Rovinj, it has almost become a necessity to rent out apartments in the city center to ensure the survival of the city.  Locals (in this area specifically) don’t want to deal with the challenges of living in the center city and navigating the streets.  His perspective certainly counters my own, and I appreciated his candor about why it would be good for Rovinj.  As with Venice, I have no interest in seeing beautiful places become living museums, so perhaps there is a balance to be struck between the two.       

Goran was a great resource for recommending places to purchase traditional Istrian products and recommending restaurants in different areas of the peninsula.  

PLAY: Rovinj Walking Tour

Pula Day Trip

If you love Rome or the Roman Empire (my husband does), Pula should be on your Istria itinerary!  Like many Istrian towns, Pula has an old town and a “new” town, and there are Roman and Byzantine mosaics and ruins throughout the city.  The most impressive Roman “ruin” in Pula is the amphitheater, which is better preserved than its Roman counterpart, if not a bit smaller.  It’s still gorgeous and impressive.   

Out of all the Istrian hill towns we visited, Pula was the most alive.  The market was especially bustling.  It also had more shopping, if that’s your thing.  (I did kick myself for not going into Max&Co for the coat I wanted though.)  

I mention the two parts of the city specifically because we had an amazing guide who led us on a walking tour through Pula .  We started our tour at the Pula Colosseum where I marveled that I could walk right up to the arcades and everything inside without any obstruction.  (They host concerts here, which would be an incredible experience.)  I really loved the landscaping and greenery around it, too.   

Like Dubrovnik, Pula was successful because of its positioning and its defenses against sea invaders.  Our guide showed us that from our position on the ground, and he took us up to the fortress to see it from the air.  After coming down the hill, we explored the ancient Roman city.  I was impressed with how well-preserved the Roman and Byzantine remains are, especially the mosaics.  Pula has preserved much of the original city design, so you will see Pula as the Romans experienced it.    

From there, you will cross through the original Roman gates into the “new” town and there is definitely a different feel.  The “new” town of Pula has an Austro-Hungarian feel, so it feels more like Zagreb, Budapest, or Vienna with its wide boulevards, grand architecture, and green spaces.  It was quite energetic and lively, and I definitely recommend carving out time to explore the market. 

Our guide, a Pula native, offered restaurant recommendations on both sides of town, as well as suggestions for more to see in Pula based our on interests.

PLAY: Pula Walking Tour

Two Days in Zagreb

Our last stop our Croatia trip itinerary was the capital city of Zagreb.  Zagreb was such an unexpected surprise and it is absolutely an underrated European capital city.  While I had Zagreb on my list because of its famous Christmas markets, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.  It reminded me of everything I loved about Bratislava but took it to the next level.  I loved the large green spaces, and the tram and Uber made it easy to cover longer distances. since we were only there for a short time. 

We stayed at the iconic Hotel Esplanade , which is where travelers on the Orient Express would have a stopover.  This hotel is iconic, but this bed was the most uncomfortable bed ever.  In hindsight, we should have asked to switch rooms.  The terraces were absolutely stunning through.  I loved the Old World vibe of the hotel.        

Things to Do in Zagreb

We had only intended to use Zagreb as an exit point on our Croatia vacation, but we will definitely be back.  We loved how vibrant the city was, and I can’t wait to visit the Zagreb Christmas markets .  The energy of the city was contagious.  The spring air was perfect for being outside, exploring the city, and enjoying the cafe culture.  We did take a tour of Zagreb, which I’ll discuss further below, and I would love to go back and spend more time learning more about the history of this area.  We only scratched the surface of it in our limited time, but there is still so much to experience.

As an aside, I really loved the market in the old town. In the past, this market was run largely by women; they would products into the city every day and head back to their villages. at the end of every day  Some stalls are still run by the same families.  It definitely felt very local based on the produce they were selling at the outdoor market.  There is also an indoor food market (try the chili-olive cheese – it makes for a delicious sandwich) and a flower market.  It’s a great opportunity for people watching, too.    

Experience Zagreb Cafe Culture

One of the things I love most about Vienna is cafe culture.  It helped me to slow down and enjoy big cities in a different way.  Zagreb has a similar feel, and it was extraordinarily lovely to end our Croatia trip this this way, especially since Zagreb offers a plethora of outdoor cafes. 

Rather than plan our meals around restaurant reservations, we opted to meander around the city and had a progressive dining experience by stopping at various outdoor bars and trying different foods.  We enjoyed pizza and beer at Mali Medo on Tkalčića street, one of the most famous streets in Zagreb with many bars and restaurants, and we tried numerous desserts at The Cookie Factory as we made our way down that same street. 

My favorite cafe in Zagreb, however, was Princess Slastičarnica .  We stumbled upon it as we were walking back to the Esplanade.  I was captivated by the case of handmade cakes and desserts, but the warm and friendly staff made this experience even more memorable.  We grabbed an outdoor table to watch the world go by, and I loved the triple layer chocolate cake.

Walking Tour of Zagreb

Even though we only had a short time before our flight back to the US, I made sure to book a walking tour of Zagreb .  For me, this is always the best way to decide where I want to go back to and what is most important to a particular place.  Petra was an incredible guide and helped us better understand the layout of Zagreb, its history, and showed us a few corners off the beaten path.

We had taken a couple of DIY tours of Zagreb that were in our guidebooks, but Petra took us to many places that were not in the guidebooks and provided some valuable context that was not described. 

I don’t want to spoil the tour by giving too many details, but I cannot reiterate how important it is to book this tour for your first day in Zagreb!  She definitely left me wanting to know so much more about this beautiful city.  

PLAY: Zagreb Walking Tour

Sara loves to help people use their vacation time more effectively by planning beautiful, memorable, and delicious trips. She spends several weeks every year exploring Italy and central Europe. In addition to her full-time job, she is constantly searching for beautiful places and spaces. She loves the direct flights between Dallas and Italy, France, and Germany but is always up for wherever a great deal on an airline ticket will take her. (Sara also really loves European Christmas markets and tries to visit at least one new one every holiday season.)

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I’m, glad you enjoyed your time in Croatia, especially Istria. a little hint for your next visit to Croatia, visit Brijuni national park in Istria, as a day trip from Pula or spend a weekend there and do golf:) also, Opatija is very nice too and perhaps next time also visit northern Croatia and its castles:)

Thank you for the suggestions! There’s so much to see that we missed – I’m excited to go back!!

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The Perfect 2-Week Croatia Itinerary

Sunny and stunning, Croatia is a European vacation destination that we fall in love with time and time again. Spending 2 weeks in Croatia will always leave you wanting more, but it’s the perfect length of time to experience the best that this Balkan nation has to offer. 

And from historic Roman ruins and towering Venetian castles to sun-drenched beaches and rustic island getaways, there’s a hell of a lot to fit into your trip. Our 14-day Croatia itinerary takes in all the highlights and a few places you might not perhaps have considered, offering a fantastic mix of coastal hotspots and inland destinations.

You’ll start in Zagreb , the lesser visited Croatian capital, where bustling markets, busy cafes, and the intriguing Museum of Broken Relationships await you. You’ll see the gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park in all its glory, explore the dramatic Istrian Peninsula, and enjoy sumptuous seafood as you travel south along the Dalmatian Coast. 

Your Croatian itinerary takes you to Diocletian’s Palace in Split , to wineries and beaches on islands like Hvar and Korcula, and finally, to the grand walls of Dubrovnik , where you’ll end your trip with seafood and cocktails as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea. If you’re planning a Balkan adventure, then keep reading as we reveal our perfect 2-week Croatia itinerary!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Croatia

Preparing for croatia.

Recently integrated into the Schengen Area and Eurozone, it’s never been easier to travel to Croatia than now. At the start of 2023, Croatia took a big step forward when it adopted the Euro as its official currency, making it much simpler for you to visit Croatia as a standalone destination and easier to incorporate the country into a wider European itinerary. 

That means you’ll now only need Euros when you’re visiting Croatia, and you’ll be able to withdraw them easily when arriving in the country. It also means that you won’t need to worry about visas if you’re holding a US passport (or a passport from many other countries, such as the UK or Australia). You’ll also find that due to its increasing popularity in recent years, Croatia is no longer a difficult country to travel around.

The official language is Croatian, a Balkan language with Slavic roots that’s written in the Roman alphabet. English is widespread in popular destinations like Split and Dubrovnik, while many Croatians might even speak English alongside other European languages like Italian or German. 

Croatian is very similar to other neighboring languages like Serbian and Bosnian – although don’t say this to a local. The legacy of the Balkan Wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s (and led to Croatian independence) is still very raw 30 years later, and it’s useful to learn a little about the conflict before you visit Croatia. 

But visiting Croatia is a fascinating experience, given its unique blend of history, cultures, and cuisines, and we know you’re going to have a fabulous time during your 2-week trip to Croatia.

The Best Time to Visit Croatia

Temperatures reach highs of 86°F (30°C) in June, July, and August, which also coincides with the summer high season. In Zagreb, things are a little cooler, but you can still expect temperatures to reach the high 20s (high 70s) in summer.

Summer brings with it packed beaches and inflated prices across almost all of Croatia, and while the weather is beautiful, we recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons instead. Try spring (April and May) or Autumn (September and October) for slightly cooler weather and quieter beach towns. 

The weather is perfect for hiking and sightseeing in the shoulder season, and to really avoid the crowds, you might consider visiting in winter. Temperatures are lower (down to 50°F/10°C during the day in places along the coast) and rain is frequent, but it’s a good time to visit historic sites and ruins rather than the beaches. 

In Zagreb, you’ll even have the chance to experience the capital in all its winter glory. From December onwards, the public squares are packed with Christmas markets, and the streets can be covered in a wintry layer of snow (yes, it gets cold in the capital; the lowest temperature ever recorded was -7°F/-22°C).

Getting Around Croatia

Croatia is well connected to major European cities by a plethora of international train, bus, and flight routes. While there are direct flights to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik from many European destinations like London, Rome, and Berlin, you’ll find that it’s necessary to transit through major hubs to reach the United States and Asia.

Because of the geography (Croatia is a very long country!), we suggest flying into Zagreb and working your way south to Dubrovnik, where you can then fly back to your home country (or vice versa). In between, you’ve got plenty of options for getting around Croatia. 

The first option is to rent a car (you can pick up in Zagreb and drop off in Dubrovnik when paying a one-way rental fee) or hire a private driver (if you’re not constrained by budgets). This is the quickest way to get around, and Croatian roads are in generally good condition and simple to navigate. Road-tripping along the Dalmatian Coast is absolutely spectacular, too.

It’s also relatively simple to get around using public transport, although you’ll need to plan your route in advance based on bus, train, and ferry timetables. There are many seasonal ferry services that don’t run in the winter months, while in peak season, public transport options are often supplemented by private transfer services that you can book through tour agencies. 

When you’re traveling along the coast, it’s convenient to use Croatian ferries. From Split, there are regular services to the nearby islands, including Hvar, Korcula, and Brac. 

You can also travel all the way south from Split to Dubrovnik, while you might consider booking a dedicated island hopping tour along the Dalmatian Coast. There are sailing ships and catamarans in the summer season, and it’s a fun way to explore while also meeting other travelers. 

Croatia Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights

Zagreb – 2 nights.

Your 2 weeks in Croatia begin in Zagreb , the quirky Croatian capital. Often overlooked by travelers intent on making their way to the coast as soon as they arrive, we highly recommend getting off the beaten track and giving the city a chance to shine. 

You won’t be disappointed, because this modern side of Croatia is a long way from its beach resorts. Here in Zagreb, the plazas are lined by centuries-old cafes bustling with students, and the galleries and museums play host to forward-thinking displays and exhibitions that you won’t find elsewhere in Croatia.

Museum of Broken Relationships

Start by visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships , one of the most notorious museums in Europe. This intriguing attraction tells the real-life stories of couples who’ve broken up, offering an unusually stark, honest, and open view of something most human beings can relate to but rarely speak about. 

Move onto the Zagreb ‘80s Museum , where you can gain a unique insight into life in communist Croatia before the breakup of Yugoslavia, then visit the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art , which explores the works of rural painters and self-taught artists who pioneered the naïve art movement in 20th century Croatia. 

Zagreb is split between its upper and lower towns, and you’ll have fun exploring the differences between the two. The best hotels are typically found in the Lower Town, which dates to the Austro-Hungarian era in Croatian history when rich merchants fueled the growth of the city. The Upper Town is the oldest district, and here you’ll find the most historic sites in Zagreb, including Lotrscak Tower and the Cathedral of Zagreb. 

Cathedral of Zagreb

Ban Josip Jelacic Square (dedicated to a Croatian hero of independence) marks the intersection of Upper and Lower towns, and you can spend hours here simply sitting in cafes while watching the city pass you by.

Ban Josip Jelacic Square

In summer, the capital has a busy events schedule, including film festivals and craft beer festivals. In winter, you can spend days just visiting the local Christmas markets and ice rinks in Zagreb. 

Christmas Market

You’ve got some excellent restaurants in the capital, too, and food here takes a tangent from the seafood you’ll soon be enjoying in bountiful portions along the coast. We recommend Pod Zidom and Zinfandel’s for fine dining experiences. 

Plitvice Lakes (day trip or overnight) – 1 night

After your first two days exploring Zagreb’s museums, galleries, cafes, and restaurants, it’s time to experience a little bit of Croatian nature. 

One of the most famous sights in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes, and this will be your beautiful outdoor destination on Day 3 of your Croatia itinerary. Now, Plitvice Lakes National Park is located a 2 hours drive from Zagreb, and it’s possible to do this leg of the itinerary either as a day trip from the capital or as a stopover. 

Accommodation is limited, though, especially so in summer, so many opt for an early start from Zagreb and return in the evening. This also saves you from packing and unpacking for one extra night!

When you arrive at Plitvice Lakes, you’ll be awed by the scale of the waterfalls, rivers, and lakes that make up this gorgeous national park. You’ll follow wooden boardwalks lining 16 terraced and interconnected lakes, enjoying expansive viewpoints above the waterfalls before taking the iconic electric boats for a close-up view of the water. 

The surrounding area is mapped out with hiking trails suitable for different abilities, and you can pick up trail maps to help you explore further afield from the main lakes and waterfalls that make up this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pula – 2 Nights

Your next stop is the Istrian Peninsula, where you’ll be introduced to the Croatia you’re probably expecting. Located in the northwest of the country, the Istrian Peninsula overlooks the Dalmatian Sea and has a rich history dating far back to the Romans. Given the proximity to Italy, you’ll love the Mediterranean influence that flows through the culture and cuisine. 

Roman-built arena

Your base on the Istrian Peninsula will be Pula, an ancient city with an iconic Roman-built arena that’s still used for concerts to this day (check out the schedule because famous bands play Pula Arena all the time in summer). 

Spend your first day exploring the historic sights of Pula (a walking tour is a great way to learn more about the history), including Roman sights like the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii. The next day you’re off on a day trip because the Istrian Peninsula is renowned for its natural beauty as much as its history. 

Head to Cape Kamenjak for rugged, windswept scenery on the peninsula’s southernmost tip, or visit Brijuni National Park, where 14 secluded islands await you in the Adriatic Sea. You can round the day off with a quick tour of Rovinj, one of the most picture-perfect fishing villages you’ll find anywhere in Croatia. 

Brijuni National Park

Of course, the Istrian Peninsula is renowned for its wine, pasta, and seafood (you’ll love the Italian influences). Visit Damir & Ornella for the famous Istrian raw fish, a particular local delicacy that’s remarkably similar to sushi. 

Zadar – 2 Nights

Your 14-day Croatia itinerary continues as you travel along the Dalmatian Coast. You’ll leave the Istrian Peninsula behind as you journey south to the city of Zadar. 

Zadar Roman Ruins

Zadar is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia, but it’s also the oldest continually inhabited settlement in the country, with a history dating back to the earliest Greek inhabitants who began settling in the city as long ago as 900 BC. Start by checking out the history, including the many Roman ruins that date from around 48 BC onwards and the later Venetian fortifications built in the medieval period. 

Despite being Croatia’s oldest city, Zadar is surprisingly contemporary in character. It’s often called Croatia’s entertainment capital, and you’ll find some iconic art pieces along the seafront which were designed by Nikola Basic. These two famous sites are the intriguing Sea Organ (which uses the sea waves to make music) and the Greeting to the Sun , an unusual art piece that reflects the sun to produce a visual light show.

Krka National Park (day trip or overnight) – 1 night

From Zadar, you’ll be visiting another of Croatia’s spectacular outdoor attractions, Krka National Park. Like Plitvice Lakes, this stunning protected area is known for its water features, including a series of seven iconic waterfalls that draw in visitors from across the world. 

Within the national park, you’ll also find a series of historic water mills and monasteries lining the rivers and walking trails. The hiking is epic, the mountain biking trails tough, and the waterfalls are brilliant locations for a wild swim. 

As with your stop earlier in the trip at Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can either spend the night nearby or visit on a day trip. If you’re driving, then a stopover is the easiest option; if you’re using public transport, it’s often easier to join a day tour from either Zadar or your next destination, Split. 

Split – 2 nights

The next stop on your 2-week Croatia itinerary is Split , one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. Settle in with a little boutique hotel in the Old Town, where you’ll be within easy reach of the city’s best historic attractions. 

The Old Town, with its narrow street and red-roofed townhouses, is made for walking, so why not start with a walking tour? You’ll learn how the city is built on the ruins of Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, which was constructed here in the fourth century AD as the retirement home of the Roman ruler. 

When the Roman Empire began to crumble, refugees from the nearby city of Salona fled to the relative safety of the palace walls to escape the barbarian invasions. They built their homes among the old columns, temples, and stately rooms intended for Emperor Diocletian, with the Old Town slowly expanding from crumbling ruins into the city you see today. 

Roman Ruins at Salona

Split is fascinating, and you can complete the history lessons by visiting the nearby Roman ruins at Salona, where there’s a ruined coliseum, temples, and much more. You can also hike to the top of Marjan Hill, visit the Ottoman-era fortress at Klis to understand how Croatia has passed through the hands of empires through history, and then hit the nearby beaches for some much-needed downtime. 

There are some great restaurants in Split, including many local taverns serving great Dalmatian cuisine. We recommend Konoba Fetivi and Konoba Matoni .

Brac/Hvar/Korcula – 2 Nights Island Hopping

Now you have a choice to make. From Split’s harbor, you’ll have seen the ferries, sailing ships, and catamarans departing for the islands, which lie just a few miles off the Dalmatian Coast.

These islands are some of the best places to go in Croatia, and we recommend at least two days to visit the highlights. You can stay in Split and book yourself onto day tours, you can use the ferries to island hop around, or you can join a dedicated island-hopping tour that ends in Dubrovnik. 

The choice is yours, but whichever option you go for, make sure you make it to the main islands of Brac, Hvar, and Korcula. The pace of life is slower away from the mainland, and you’ll find the islands are almost trapped in a time warp. Visit beaches and old Venetian ruins, tour through vineyards, and sample exceptional homegrown produce on centuries-old farms before watching the sunset gloriously over Croatia to the west. 

Dubrovnik – 2 nights

The best 2-week Croatia itinerary always includes Dubrovnik , one of the most popular destinations on the Adriatic Sea. You can arrive from Split via bus, a journey that briefly takes you through Bosnia and Herzegovina before you re-enter Croatia, or you can take a ferry or join an island hopping tour along the coast to reach this old city.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town

However you arrive, you’ll soon be lost among the red-roofed houses of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a masterpiece of Venetian architecture that’s ringed by high defensive walls. There are few places in Europe quite so historic as this, so we recommend joining a walking tour to find out more as soon as you arrive. 

Game of Thrones Site

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize the city from the hit TV show, which often stood in for “King’s Landing.” You could even join a dedicated Game of Thrones tour in order to see all those iconic filming locations. 

There’s a lot to see in Dubrovnik, including the City Walls, the old harbor, and Rector’s Palace. You can take a day trip over to Lokrum Island, kayak around the city’s sea walls, or hike (or take the cable car if you’re feeling lazy) to the top of Mount Srd, where stunning panoramas await you. 

Lapad Peninsula

Spend the first day sightseeing, then spend the second day enjoying the beaches on the Lapad Peninsula. There are beach clubs and restaurants overlooking the Adriatic Sea all across the peninsula, and it’s an excellent place to enjoy a relaxed last day in Croatia before your itinerary comes to a close.  

There you have it! That’s our perfect two-week Croatia itinerary. Where will you be visiting on your trip to Croatia?

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Sean Anderson partners with his mom's husband on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island. Sean Anderson partners with his mom's husband on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island. Sean Anderson partners with his mom's husband on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island.

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Hank : [singing] I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom, for me and for you. And I think to myself: What a wonderful world! I see giant bees, and I could have told ya: Don't trust Alexander - he's older than Yoda. And I think to myself: What a wonderful world! The island that we stand on... Well, it's currently sinking. Sending those secret codes - what the heck were you drinking? But it's all in the past, we wiped the slate clean! We're going to find Nemo's submarine! And you'll think to yourself: What a wonderful world. Oh, yeah...

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