Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Dubrovnik, settle in, and get your first commanding views of the Old Town from the city walls.
Morning
Arrival & Check-in
Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) or bus station. Take a taxi or airport shuttle to your accommodation in or near the Old Town. Drop your bags and start to soak in the atmosphere of the historic streets.
2-3 hours
$30-40 (airport transfer)
Pre-book a private transfer for convenience, or use the reliable airport shuttle bus (Atlas) for a budget option.
Lunch
Lady Pi-Pi
Grilled Meat & Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Walk the Ancient City Walls
Embark on the iconic 2km walk atop Dubrovnik's magnificent city walls. This is the best introduction to the city, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of terracotta rooftops, the shimmering Adriatic, and Lokrum Island. Don't forget your camera!
1.5-2 hours
$35
Purchase tickets online in peak season to skip the long queue at the Pile Gate entrance. Go in the late afternoon for softer light.
Evening
Dinner in the Old Town
Enjoy a welcome dinner at a konoba (tavern) like 'Konoba Jezuite' for authentic Dalmatian dishes like black risotto. Afterwards, savor a cocktail at the famous 'Buža Bar', carved into the cliffside outside the walls.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Town or Ploče District (just east of Old Town) (Boutique hotel or apartment)
Staying in or very near the Old Town allows for magical early morning and late evening walks when the day-trippers have left.
Buy the 'Dubrovnik Pass' for 1, 3, or 7 days. It includes your City Walls ticket, bus transportation, and entry to several museums, offering great value.
Day 1 Budget: $170
Delve deeper into Dubrovnik's rich history at the Rector's Palace and Franciscan Monastery, then escape to the tranquil island of Lokrum.
Morning
Explore Stradun & Cultural Gems
Start with a stroll down the polished limestone Stradun, the main street. Visit the Franciscan Monastery and its ancient pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe. Then, explore the Rector's Palace, a beautiful blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that once governed the Republic of Ragusa.
3 hours
$15 (covered by Dubrovnik Pass)
Use your Dubrovnik Pass for entry. Visit the Rector's Palace early to avoid crowds.
Lunch
Poklisar
Mediterranean & Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Island Escape to Lokrum
Take a quick 15-minute ferry from the Old Port to the nature reserve island of Lokrum. Hike to the Fort Royal for stunning views back to Dubrovnik, visit the Benedictine monastery and the 'Game of Thrones' Iron Throne replica, or simply relax and swim in the Dead Sea, a small saltwater lake.
3-4 hours
$27 (round-trip ferry)
Ferries run frequently; buy tickets at the port. The last ferry back is usually around 7 PM, so check the schedule.
Evening
Cable Car & Panoramic Dinner
Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car up Mount Srđ for a spectacular sunset over the city and Elafiti Islands. Dine at the restaurant at the top or return to town for a meal at 'Nautika', known for its sublime terrace views.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Town or Ploče District (Boutique hotel or apartment)
Same as Day 1, for continuity and convenience.
Pack your swimsuit and a towel for Lokrum. The rocky beaches are perfect for a refreshing dip, but water shoes are highly recommended.
Day 2 Budget: $160
Travel up the coast by catamaran to the glamorous island of Hvar, famous for its lavender fields, bar and club scene, and historic fortress.
Morning
Coastal Catamaran to Hvar
Check out of your Dubrovnik accommodation and take a morning high-speed catamaran (operated by Jadrolinija or Krilo) from Dubrovnik's Gruž Port to Hvar Town. The 3-4 hour journey is scenic, passing numerous islands along the Dalmatian coast.
4-5 hours (including transfer to port)
$40-55
Book catamaran tickets online well in advance, especially in summer. Seats can sell out.
Lunch
Dalmatino
Dalmatian & Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Hvar Town & Fortica Fortress
After checking in, explore Hvar Town's main square (one of the largest in Dalmatia) and the elegant Cathedral of St. Stephen. Then, make the steep but rewarding climb up to the Spanish Fortress (Fortica) for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pakleni Islands and the town below.
2-3 hours
$7 (fortress entry)
The climb to the fortress is steep; wear good shoes and carry water. Alternatively, a taxi can take you partway up.
Evening
Harborfront Stroll & Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the yacht-filled harbor as the sun sets. For dinner, try 'Konoba Menego' in a rustic stone courtyard for a true 'peka' (meat or seafood baked under a bell-like dome) experience, which requires advance ordering.
Where to Stay Tonight
Hvar Town (Hotel or private apartment)
Hvar Town is the transportation hub and has the most dining/nightlife options. Staying within walking distance of the port is ideal.
If you have energy in the evening, join the locals for a drink at 'Kiva Bar', a beloved, no-frills spot hidden in a back alley, for a contrast to the glitzy harborfront clubs.
Day 3 Budget: $180
Spend a day hopping between the pristine coves of the Pakleni Islands or exploring the island's rural lavender-scented interior.
Morning
Boat Trip to Pakleni Islands
Rent a small private boat (self-drive if confident, or with a skipper) or join a group tour to explore the Pakleni Islands archipelago. Anchor in secluded coves like Palmizana on St. Clement Island for swimming in crystal-clear water and relaxing on pebble beaches.
4 hours
$80-150 (depending on rental/tour)
Book a half-day boat tour from Hvar harbor, or for more freedom, rent a small boat from companies like 'Hvar Boats'. A license is not required for the smallest motors.
Lunch
Toto's on Palmizana (St. Clement Island)
Seafood & Mediterranean
Upscale
Afternoon
Lavender Fields or Beach Time
Option A (Active): Rent a scooter and ride to the inland village of Velo Grablje or Brusje to see (and smell) the famous lavender fields (in bloom June-July). Option B (Relaxed): Return to Hvar and spend the afternoon at Bonj Beach, a popular swimming spot just a 20-minute walk from town.
3 hours
$25 (scooter rental) or $0 (beach)
For the lavender fields, July is peak bloom. Scooters should be booked a day in advance during high season.
Evening
Sunset Drinks & Casual Dinner
Grab a sunset cocktail at the iconic 'Hula Hula Beach Bar', known for its afternoon party vibe. For a more low-key dinner, head to 'Konoba Luviji' in the back streets for excellent pizza and pasta.
Where to Stay Tonight
Hvar Town (Hotel or private apartment)
Continuity for a two-night stay.
If you rent a boat, bring plenty of water, snacks, and a waterproof bag. Also, cash is king at many of the simple beach bars on the Pakleni Islands.
Day 4 Budget: $190
Take a ferry to the mainland, explore the magnificent waterfalls of Krka National Park, then continue to the colorful city of Split.
Morning
Ferry to Drvenik & Transfer to Krka
Take an early car ferry from Hvar Town to Drvenik on the mainland. From there, take a pre-booked transfer or rent a car for the day to drive to Krka National Park (Skradin entrance). This allows maximum flexibility.
3 hours (travel total)
$50-70 (ferry + transfer/rental)
Book the Jadrolinija ferry in advance. For a seamless experience, book a guided tour from Split or Trogir that includes transport from Hvar.
Lunch
Park cafeteria or picnic
Croatian/International
Budget
Afternoon
Krka National Park Waterfalls
Explore Krka's stunning travertine waterfalls. Take the park's boat from Skradin to Skradinski Buk, the park's largest and most accessible series of cascades. Walk the wooden pathways over and around the roaring water. Note: Swimming at Skradinski Buk is no longer permitted.
3 hours
$40 (park entry & boat)
Buy tickets online to guarantee entry, as visitor numbers are limited. Arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Evening
Arrival in Split & Riva Promenade
Drive/transfer from Krka to Split (approx. 1 hour). After checking in, take your first evening stroll along the active Riva promenade. For dinner, dive into the Diocletian's Palace cellars at 'Villa Spiza' for delicious, daily-changing home cooking.
Where to Stay Tonight
Varoš or within Diocletian's Palace (Design hotel or traditional stone house apartment)
Varoš is a charming, less touristy old neighborhood steps from the palace. Staying within the palace walls is a unique, immersive experience.
If you prefer to swim, visit the Krka's 'Roški Slap' area or the nearby town of Drniš, where swimming in the Krka River is still allowed in designated spots.
Day 5 Budget: $160
Step back in time within Diocletian's Palace, a living Roman monument, then hike or bike through the serene Marjan Forest Park.
Morning
Diocletian's Palace Exploration
Explore the labyrinthine streets of Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO site that forms the heart of Split. Must-sees include the Peristyle Square (the central courtyard), the Cathedral of St. Domnius (originally the Emperor's mausoleum) and its bell tower, and the atmospheric basement halls (substructures).
2.5-3 hours
$15 (combined ticket for Cathedral, Bell Tower, Treasury, and Baptistery)
Climb the bell tower first thing for the best views without crowds. The basement halls are often used as a market and are free to walk through.
Lunch
Konoba Fetivi
Dalmatian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Marjan Hill & Bene Beach
Escape the city bustle by walking or renting a bike to explore Marjan Hill, a large forested peninsula known as 'the lungs of Split'. Follow the paths to scenic lookouts like Vidilica and visit the ancient Jewish cemetery and St. Nicholas church. Descend to the popular Bene Beach for a swim.
3 hours
$10 (bike rental)
Rent bikes from shops near the base of Marjan. The hike to the top is moderately strenuous but shaded. Bring water.
Evening
Farewell Dinner in Split
Enjoy a final celebratory dinner at 'Konoba Matejuška', a fantastic seafood spot in the Veli Varoš fishing district. For a nightcap, find the tiny 'Ghetto Club' in the palace for great wine and live music in a quirky setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Varoš or within Diocletian's Palace (Design hotel or traditional stone house apartment)
Continuity for a two-night stay.
For a unique souvenir, visit the 'Morana' etching workshop on Marjan Hill, where an artist creates beautiful prints inspired by Dalmatian motifs using traditional techniques.
Day 6 Budget: $140
Experience the colorful local market, pick up last-minute souvenirs, and depart from Split with memories of the Adriatic.
Morning
Pazar Green Market & Fish Market
Immerse yourself in local life at Split's active Pazar (green market) just outside the palace's eastern wall. Sample fresh fruit, cheese, and olives. Then, peek into the adjacent Fish Market (Peškarija) to see the morning's catch. It's a sensory feast and a perfect place for foodie souvenirs.
1.5 hours
$0-$20 (for snacks/souvenirs)
The market is busiest in the morning until about 1 PM. Be respectful when taking photos of vendors.
Lunch
Buffet Fife
Traditional Croatian
Budget
Afternoon
Last-Minute Souvenirs & Departure
Take a final stroll through the palace, perhaps picking up some local lavender products, olive oil, or Maraschino liqueur from shops like 'Uje Oil Bar'. Depending on your flight/bus time, make your way to Split Airport (SPU) or the bus station for your onward journey.
2-3 hours
$25 (airport taxi)
Allow plenty of time for transport to the airport (30-40 min by taxi). The airport is small but can have queues in peak season.
Evening
Departure
Catch your flight or evening transport, reflecting on a week of unforgettable Adriatic adventures.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
If you have a late flight, consider storing your luggage at the bus station or your hotel and taking a short public ferry trip to the nearby town of Kaštela for a final seaside coffee.
Day 7 Budget: $70