Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

8-Day Croatia Itinerary

Viewed by 91 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Zagreb Airport and check into your hotel in the city centre. Take a leisurely stroll to the historic Ban Jelačić Square and admire the surrounding Austro‑Hungarian architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the vibrant Dolac Market for fresh local produce, then explore the medieval Upper Town (Gornji Grad), stopping at the iconic St. Mark’s Church with its colorful tile roof.

Evening: Dine at a traditional konoba in the Tkalčićeva Street area, followed by a relaxing walk along the illuminated Zagreb Cathedral before retiring for the night.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Morning: Depart early by bus or rental car and enjoy the scenic drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Stop at a local bakery for a quick croissant and coffee.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon wandering the park’s wooden walkways, taking in the cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes, especially the spectacular Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall).

Evening: Check into a nearby guesthouse, savor a hearty Dalmatian dinner, and unwind with a glass of local wine under the stars.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Plitvice to Zadar

Morning: Enjoy a final sunrise walk in the park before departing for the Adriatic coast. The drive to Zadar offers beautiful coastal vistas.

Afternoon: Arrive in Zadar and explore the Roman Forum, then marvel at the unique Sea Organ and the striking Sun Salutation (Solaris) installations on the waterfront.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant, tasting fresh oysters, and take a twilight stroll along the Riva promenade.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Zadar to Šibenik & Krka National Park

Morning: Travel to the historic town of Šibenik and visit the UNESCO‑listed St. James Cathedral, renowned for its intricate stonework.

Afternoon: Continue to Krka National Park, where you can swim near the spectacular Skradinski Buk waterfalls and explore the park’s walking trails.

Evening: Return to Šibenik for dinner, enjoying Dalmatian specialties such as black risotto, then relax at your waterfront accommodation.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Šibenik to Split

Morning: Depart for Split, stopping briefly at the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Salona en route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Split and immerse yourself in the bustling Diocletian’s Palace, wandering its hidden courtyards, the Peristyle, and the lively market.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner on the Riva promenade, sampling grilled fish and local wine, followed by a leisurely walk through the palace’s illuminated alleyways.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Split to Hvar Island

Morning: Catch an early ferry to Hvar Town, where you’ll check into a boutique hotel overlooking the harbour.

Afternoon: Explore the town’s historic centre, climbing up to the Fortica (Spanish Fortress) for panoramic views of the Pakleni Islands and the crystal‑clear Adriatic Sea.

Evening: Experience Hvar’s vibrant nightlife with dinner at a waterfront konoba and a cocktail at one of the trendy bars in the town square.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Hvar to Dubrovnik

Morning: Take a scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, arriving at the iconic Old Port and checking into a hotel within the ancient walls.

Afternoon: Walk the famous City Walls, offering breathtaking views of the terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic, and the fortresses of Lovrijenac and Fort Bokar.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a restaurant on the Stradun, then enjoy a nightcap at a bar with views of the illuminated Old Town.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Dubrovnik & Departure

Morning: Take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island for a relaxed walk among botanical gardens and a visit to the historic Fort Royal.

Afternoon: Return to Dubrovnik for some last‑minute shopping on the Stradun and a quick visit to the Rector’s Palace museum.

Evening: Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your departure, carrying memories of Croatia’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Ban Jelačić Square – 30 min – €0
  • Dolac Market – 45 min – €0 (optional purchases €10)
  • Upper Town & St. Mark’s Church – 2 h – €5 entry
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park – 5 h – €40 entry
  • Sea Organ & Sun Salutation (Zadar) – 1 h – €0
  • St. James Cathedral (Šibenik) – 1 h – €5
  • Krka National Park – Skradinski Buk – 4 h – €30 entry
  • Diocletian’s Palace (Split) – 3 h – €7
  • Fortica (Hvar) – 1.5 h – €3
  • Dubrovnik City Walls – 2 h – €35
  • Lokrum Island – Fort Royal – 2 h – €15 (incl. ferry)
  • Rector’s Palace (Dubrovnik) – 1 h – €10
  • Transportation (bus, ferries, car rental) – 8 days – €250
  • Accommodation (mid‑range hotels/guesthouses) – 7 nights – €560
  • Meals & Drinks – 8 days – €350
  • Total Estimated Cost€1,267

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in the Istrian peninsula to explore the hilltop town of Motovun and the coastal gem of Poreč. If you need to shorten it, consider skipping the ferry to Hvar and spending an extra day in Split, which still offers plenty of beaches and historic sites.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version