Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Zagreb and settle into Croatia's lively capital city with a relaxed introduction to its historic Upper Town.
Morning
Arrival and Check-in
Arrive at Zagreb Airport (ZAG). Take the ZET airport shuttle bus or a taxi to your accommodation in the city center. Check in and get oriented with the city layout.
2-3 hours
$20-30 (taxi) or $7 (shuttle bus)
Pre-book your airport transfer for convenience.
Lunch
Vinodol
Traditional Croatian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
Take the funicular or walk up to the historic Upper Town. Visit St. Mark's Church with its iconic tiled roof, see the Croatian Parliament, and walk through the Stone Gate, a sacred shrine. Enjoy panoramic views from Lotrščak Tower.
3-4 hours
$10-15 (funicular & tower entry)
Evening
Dinner in Tkalčićeva Street
Find a table at one of the many lively restaurants along this pedestrian street, like Mali Medo, for local craft beer and hearty food.
Where to Stay Tonight
City Center (Lower Town) (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Centrally located for walking to all major sights, with excellent public transport links.
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships – it's quirky, moving, and uniquely Zagreb.
Day 1 Budget: $180
Explore Zagreb's green heart and museums before a scenic afternoon transfer to the Plitvice Lakes region.
Morning
Maksimir Park & Zoo or Museum Choice
Stroll through Maksimir Park, Zagreb's oldest public park. Alternatively, visit the excellent Croatian Museum of Naïve Art or the immersive Museum of Illusions. Don't miss the Dolac Market for a active local atmosphere.
3 hours
$5-15 (museum entry)
Lunch
Restaurant Agava
Modern Croatian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Plitvice Lakes
Take a pre-booked shuttle bus or rental car on the 2-hour drive south to the Plitvice Lakes area. The journey passes through lovely rural landscapes. Check into your accommodation near the park entrance.
3 hours (including check-in)
$30-40 (shuttle) or rental car cost
Book shuttle transfers in advance via providers like GetByBus or Prijevoz Knežević.
Evening
Rustic Dinner near the Park
Enjoy a hearty meal of roasted meats or trout at a local konoba (tavern) like Lička Kuća to fuel up for tomorrow's hike.
Where to Stay Tonight
Plitvice Lakes National Park area (e.g., Mukinje village) (Guesthouse or small hotel)
Staying close to the park allows for an early start to beat the crowds.
Buy your Plitvice park tickets online the night before to skip the ticket queue.
Day 2 Budget: $170
A full day dedicated to hiking and marveling at the UNESCO-listed cascade of 16 terraced lakes and countless waterfalls.
Morning
Plitvice Lakes - Lower Lakes
Enter the park as early as possible (opens 7 AM in summer). Start at Entrance 1 and follow the wooden walkways around the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera). Be amazed by the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap) and the stunning turquoise waters of Milanovac and Gavanovac lakes.
4 hours
$40 (park entry in peak season)
Online booking is mandatory in peak season. Choose the 'C' ticket for boat and train included.
Lunch
Pack a picnic or eat at one of the park's cafes (Lička Kuća)
Simple sandwiches/snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Plitvice Lakes - Upper Lakes & Boat Ride
Take the included electric boat across Lake Kozjak. Explore the Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera), a series of smaller, interconnected lakes and gentle waterfalls. Walk through beech and fir forests before taking the panoramic train back towards the exit.
4 hours
Included in ticket
Follow the recommended route on the park map to optimize your time.
Evening
Relaxed Evening & Local Cuisine
Return to your guesthouse to rest tired legs. Enjoy another dinner at a family-run konoba, trying specialties like Janjetina (lamb) under the bell.
Where to Stay Tonight
Plitvice Lakes National Park area (Guesthouse)
Convenient for a full day in the park without a long commute.
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes—the walkways can be wet and slippery. Bring a refillable water bottle.
Day 3 Budget: $150
Travel to the Dalmatian Coast and dive into the heart of Split, exploring the living Roman palace.
Morning
Transfer to Split
Take a morning shuttle or drive your rental car south towards the coast (approx. 3-3.5 hours). Enjoy the changing scenery as you descend from the mountains to the Adriatic. Check into your Split accommodation.
4 hours (with check-in)
$35-45 (shuttle)
Book a shuttle with a drop-off near your hotel or the main bus station.
Lunch
Konoba Fetivi
Fresh seafood & Dalmatian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Diocletian's Palace Walking Tour
Enter the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace through the Bronze Gate. Explore the Peristyle Square, see the Cathedral of St. Domnius (climb the bell tower for views), and wander the labyrinthine streets of the palace basement and the packed Riva promenade.
3-4 hours
$10-20 (cathedral & tower combo ticket)
A free walking tour starting at the Golden Gate is a great introduction.
Evening
Dinner in the Varoš District
Head to the charming old Varoš neighborhood for a more local vibe. Try Restaurant Šug for authentic Dalmatian dishes in a cozy setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Split Old Town or just outside the walls (Apartment or boutique hotel)
Being within walking distance of the palace and Riva is essential for experiencing Split's energy.
For a unique view, have a drink at the terrace of the Luxor Café on the Peristyle—people-watching central.
Day 4 Budget: $175
Enjoy nature within the city and take a short ferry ride to the charming island of Brač.
Morning
Hike or Bike Marjan Hill
Walk west from the Old Town to Marjan Hill, Split's lush forested peninsula. Follow the paths to scenic lookouts like Vidilica Café for stunning views over the city, islands, and Kaštela Bay. Visit the ancient Jewish cemetery and the small St. Nicholas chapel.
2-3 hours
Free
Rent a bike from the city for a quicker exploration of the hill's paths.
Lunch
Konoba Matejuška
Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Ferry to Supetar, Brač
Take a 50-minute Jadrolinija car ferry from Split to Supetar on Brač island. Explore this pleasant town: visit the mausoleum, stroll the waterfront, and see the famous 'Brač stone' in action. Alternatively, take a local bus to the stunning beach at Pučišća.
4-5 hours (round trip)
$15-25 (foot passenger round trip)
Check ferry timetables in advance; ferries are frequent in summer.
Evening
Sunset Dinner on the Riva
Return to Split and enjoy a leisurely seafood dinner at Restaurant Fife, a legendary local institution known for its simple, delicious, and affordable dishes.
Where to Stay Tonight
Split Old Town (Apartment or boutique hotel)
Maintain your convenient base for further exploration.
If you go to Pučišća, visit the stonemasonry school to see apprentices carving the famous white stone.
Day 5 Budget: $160
Catch a catamaran to the glamorous island of Hvar and soak up the sun-drenched atmosphere of its main town.
Morning
Ferry to Hvar Town
Take a morning high-speed catamaran from Split's port to Hvar Town (approx. 1 hour). Enjoy the scenic voyage across the Adriatic. Check into your accommodation, ideally within the old town.
2 hours (incl. check-in)
$25-35 (one-way catamaran)
Book catamaran tickets online in advance via Krilo or Jadrolinija, especially in summer.
Lunch
Dalmatino
Modern Dalmatian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Hvar Town
Wander the marble streets of the old town. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral and the historic Arsenal building. Climb up to the Fortica (Spanish Fortress) for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pakleni Islands and the town's red-roofed houses.
3 hours
$7 (fortress entry)
Climb to the fortress in the late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures.
Evening
Harborfront Drinks & Dinner
Experience Hvar's active evening scene. Have a cocktail at Hula Hula Beach Bar (a short walk west) or at a harborfront café. For dinner, try Konoba Menego in a hidden courtyard for traditional peka (meat baked under a bell).
Where to Stay Tonight
Hvar Town Old Town (Boutique hotel or apartment)
You want to be in the heart of the action and able to walk everywhere.
For a quieter swim, head to the rocks just east of the Franciscan Monastery or take a water taxi to a secluded Pakleni Island cove.
Day 6 Budget: $210
Spend a day on the water exploring nearby islands, then discover Hvar's fragrant interior.
Morning
Pakleni Islands Boat Trip
Join a small group boat tour or rent a private water taxi to explore the Pakleni Islands (Pakleni Otoci). Swim in crystal-clear coves like Stipanska or Palmizana, sunbathe on pebble beaches, and enjoy the laid-back island vibe.
4 hours
$40-60 (group tour)
Book a tour through your accommodation or at the harbor. Many include snorkeling gear.
Lunch
Restaurant Toto's on Palmizana (St. Clement Island)
Seafood & Mediterranean
Upscale
Afternoon
Lavender Fields & Stari Grad
Rent a scooter or take a taxi/bus to the island's interior. Visit the lavender fields near the villages of Velo Grablje or Brusje (best in June/July). Continue to Stari Grad, Hvar's older, quieter town. Explore its UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain and the Tvrdalj fortress-house of poet Petar Hektorović.
4 hours
$30-50 (scooter rental + fuel)
Rent scooters from reputable shops in Hvar Town; always wear a helmet.
Evening
Dinner in Stari Grad or Return to Hvar Town
Enjoy a peaceful dinner in Stari Grad at Antika or Jurin Podrum before returning. Or head back to Hvar Town for nightlife.
Where to Stay Tonight
Hvar Town (Boutique hotel or apartment)
Keep your convenient base for another night.
Buy authentic Hvar lavender products (oil, sachets) directly from small producers in the interior villages, not the souvenir shops in town.
Day 7 Budget: $220
A scenic ferry ride brings you to the legendary walled city of Dubrovnik. Get your first awe-inspiring views.
Morning
Ferry to Dubrovnik
Take the morning high-speed catamaran from Hvar to Dubrovnik (approx. 3 hours 15 min). This is one of Croatia's most beautiful sea journeys, passing the Elafiti Islands. Arrive at Dubrovnik's Gruž Port and transfer to your accommodation.
4.5 hours (incl. transfer & check-in)
$40-55 (catamaran)
Book this popular route well in advance. A taxi from Gruž Port to the Old Town is about $15.
Lunch
Lady Pi-Pi
Grilled meats & vegetables
Mid-range
Afternoon
Cable Car & Panoramic Views
Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car from just outside the northern walls up to Mount Srđ. Visit the Homeland War Museum at the top and enjoy arguably the best panoramic view of Dubrovnik's Old Town, Lokrum Island, and the endless Adriatic. Stay for sunset if timing works.
2-3 hours
$27 (round-trip cable car + museum)
Go late afternoon to see the city in golden light and avoid midday crowds/heat.
Evening
First Glimpse of the Stradun
Enter the Old Town through the Pile Gate as the stones of the Stradun (main street) glow in the evening light. Have dinner at a konoba inside the walls, like Proto or Taj Mahal (for Bosnian cuisine).
Where to Stay Tonight
Dubrovnik Old Town or Ploče district (Apartment or boutique hotel)
Staying in or very near the Old Town is magical and allows for early morning exploration before day-trippers arrive.
Buy the Dubrovnik Pass (1, 3, or 7-day). It includes the city walls, several museums, and local bus transport, offering great value.
Day 8 Budget: $230
Walk the iconic city walls, learn about recent history, and cool off with a sea kayaking adventure.
Morning
Walk the City Walls
Start early (walls open at 8 AM) to beat the crowds and heat. Walk the complete 2km circuit atop the magnificent medieval walls. You'll get unbeatable views of orange rooftops, fortresses like Lovrjenac, and the shimmering sea. Don't miss the Minčeta Tower.
2-3 hours
$35 (or included in Dubrovnik Pass)
Your ticket is scanned at the entrance; there's no re-entry. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
Lunch
Barba
Street food (seafood burgers, octopus salad)
Budget
Afternoon
Sea Kayaking Tour
Join a guided sea kayaking tour from Pile Bay or Banje Beach. Paddle beneath the city walls, explore hidden caves, and visit the secluded Betina Cave beach. Most tours include snorkeling and a snack/drink on a pebble beach.
3 hours
$40-50
Book online in advance. Afternoon tours often include a sunset perspective.
Evening
Dinner in the Old Town
After an active day, enjoy a well-earned meal at Restaurant 360° for a splurge with a view, or for something more casual, try Lokanda Peskarija on the old port for buzzy atmosphere and great seafood.
Where to Stay Tonight
Dubrovnik Old Town or Ploče (Apartment or boutique hotel)
Remain in your convenient location.
Visit the War Photo Limited gallery for a powerful, sobering look at the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. It provides crucial context.
Day 9 Budget: $240
Escape to the nature reserve of Lokrum Island, then transfer north to the renowned wine region of Pelješac.
Morning
Lokrum Island
Take the 15-minute ferry from Dubrovnik's Old Port to the forested island of Lokrum, a nature reserve and public garden. Visit the Benedictine monastery, the 'Iron Throne' photo op, swim in the Dead Sea lake, and hike to the fort for views back to Dubrovnik.
3-4 hours
$27 (round-trip ferry + entry fee)
Ferries run every 30 minutes. Check the last return time.
Lunch
Lacroma Restaurant on Lokrum or grab a bite in Dubrovnik before leaving
Mediterranean
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Pelješac Peninsula
Pick up a rental car in Dubrovnik or take a pre-booked transfer (approx. 1.5-2 hours) north to the Pelješac peninsula, famous for its robust red wines (Plavac Mali). Check into a rural guesthouse or agrotourism near Orebić or Ston.
3 hours (incl. check-in)
$60-80 (transfer) or rental car daily rate
Renting a car for the remainder of the trip offers the most flexibility for Istria.
Evening
Sunset Wine Tasting
Visit a family-run winery like Korta Katarina in Orebić or Miloš Winery in Ponikve for a tasting of Dingač or Postup wines. Enjoy dinner with a view at Bota Šare in Orebić.
Where to Stay Tonight
Orebić or Ston area, Pelješac (Agrotourism or family-run guesthouse)
Immersive experience in the wine country, with easy access to vineyards and the sea.
If you have time in Ston, walk a section of its impressive medieval walls (the 'European Wall of China') and taste the famous Ston oysters.
Day 10 Budget: $200
A longer travel day north to the heart of Istria, culminating in the magical hilltop town of Motovun.
Morning
Scenic Drive to Istria
Embark on a beautiful 4-5 hour drive north. You'll cross the Pelješac Bridge, drive along the Makarska Riviera (optional stop), and pass by Zadar. The landscape changes from dramatic Dinaric Alps to the rolling green hills of Istria.
5-6 hours (with breaks)
$40-60 (fuel + tolls)
Plan a lunch stop in Zadar or Šibenik if you want to break up the drive.
Lunch
Konoba Boba in Šibenik (detour) or stop at a roadside konoba in Istria
Dalmatian/Istrian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Arrival & Motovun Exploration
Arrive in the Istrian interior and check into your accommodation in or near Motovun. This iconic hilltop town rises dramatically above vineyards and truffle forests. Walk up through the medieval gates and along the walls for unobstructed views over the Mirna River valley.
2-3 hours
Free to explore town
Parking is at the base of the hill; a shuttle bus runs to the top.
Evening
Truffle-Themed Dinner
Indulge in Istria's famous black or white truffles. Restaurant Mondo in the main square or Konoba Pod Voltom are excellent choices for truffle pasta, risotto, or steak.
Where to Stay Tonight
Motovun or surrounding countryside (Agrotourism or boutique hotel)
To fully experience the fairytale atmosphere of a hilltop town and the surrounding gourmet region.
Visit the small shop 'Aura' for fantastic truffle products (oils, cheeses, spreads) to take home.
Day 11 Budget: $190
Go on an authentic truffle hunt with dogs, then continue to the most photogenic coastal town in Istria.
Morning
Truffle Hunting Experience
Join a guided truffle hunt in the forests near Motovun with a local hunter and his trained dogs. Learn about the elusive fungi, walk through the oak woods, and (with luck) witness the dogs find a truffle. Often includes a tasting afterward.
2-3 hours
$50-70 per person
Book this unique experience in advance through agencies like Karlić Truffles or your accommodation.
Lunch
Konoba Morgan in Brtonigla
Istrian truffle & pasta
Mid-range
Afternoon
Drive to & Explore Rovinj
Drive about 1 hour to the stunning coastal town of Rovinj. Its Venetian-style old town is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes climbing to the hilltop Church of St. Euphemia. Wander, shop for art, and soak in the lively, Italianate atmosphere.
3-4 hours
Free (parking fee)
Park in one of the large lots just north of the old town (e.g., Valdibora).
Evening
Sunset & Seafood in Rovinj
Climb the bell tower of St. Euphemia for a phenomenal sunset view. Then, enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant like La Puntulina or Kantinon in the old town.
Where to Stay Tonight
Rovinj Old Town or nearby (Boutique hotel or apartment)
Rovinj is the jewel of Istria's coast and deserves an overnight stay to experience its evening and morning magic.
For a unique swim, follow the path around the southern tip of the old town to find small concrete platforms and ladders into the clear sea.
Day 12 Budget: $220
Visit the Roman amphitheater in Pula, enjoy a final coastal lunch, and have a farewell dinner back in the Istrian hills.
Morning
Pula Roman Arena & Forum
Drive 40 minutes south to Pula. Visit its magnificent, 1st-century Roman Amphitheater (Arena), one of the best-preserved in the world. Explore the underground chambers. Then, see the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii in the old forum.
3 hours
$10 (Arena entry)
Visit the Arena early to avoid tour groups. The underground exhibition is fascinating.
Lunch
Bistro Alighieri near the Arena or Restaurant Vela Nera in the Verudela marina
Seafood/Istrian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Coastal Relaxation or Brijuni Islands
Option 1: Relax at a beach near Pula like Havajsko or Gortan. Option 2 (splurge): Take a boat tour from Fazana to the Brijuni National Park, Tito's former summer residence. See safari park animals and Roman ruins.
3-4 hours
$0 (beach) or $40-60 (Brijuni tour)
Brijuni tours need to be booked in advance, especially for the golf cart rental to explore the main island.
Evening
Farewell Dinner in a Hilltop Konoba
Drive back into the interior for a final, memorable Istrian meal. Konoba Vrh in Bale or Restaurant Zigante in Livade (by the famed truffle restaurant) offer incredible food and rustic ambiance.
Where to Stay Tonight
Pula or nearby (e.g., Medulin) (Hotel or apartment)
Pula has the closest international airport (PUY) for most departures, making it a practical final stop.
If interested in film, visit the small but excellent 'Museum of Optical Illusions' (Mupi) in Pula for fun photos.
Day 13 Budget: $200
Enjoy a final Croatian coffee and pastry before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Morning
Last-Minute Souvenirs & Café
If time allows, take a final stroll through Pula's market or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Enjoy a leisurely coffee and a fritule (Croatian doughnut) or kroštule (fried pastry) at a café like Cvajner in the Forum.
1-2 hours
$5-10
Check your flight time and allow ample time for the airport transfer.
Lunch
Quick bite at the airport or a light lunch in Pula before leaving
Cafe food
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Pula Airport (PUY) & Departure
Take a taxi or pre-booked transfer to Pula Airport (approx. 15-20 minute drive). Return your rental car if you have one. Check in for your flight home or to your next destination, filled with memories of Croatia's incredible diversity.
2-3 hours
$20-30 (taxi)
Confirm your airport transfer the day before.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A - Departure day (N/A)
N/A
If your flight is late, consider visiting the Pula Aquarium, housed in an old Austro-Hungarian fort.
Day 14 Budget: $80