Collect luggage and pick up your pre-booked rental car at Zadar Airport; give yourself time for paperwork and a quick grocery/coffee stop before heading to the city. Car rental desks typically operate until late flights but confirm your pickup window with the company.
A seaside spot near the fort; ideal first meal with fresh Adriatic fish and Dalmatian starters. Most harbour restaurants open lunchtime through dinner (roughly 12:00–22:00) so it’s a reliable first stop.
Drop bags at your hotel or guesthouse in or near the Old Town so you can explore on foot for the evening. Standard check-in times are 14:00–15:00 but many places will accommodate later arrivals.
Walk the waterfront to hear the Sea Organ’s wind-driven music and see the solar 'Greeting to the Sun' light installation at sunset; both are public and accessible 24/7 and are magical at golden hour.
Choose a cosy konoba for traditional Dalmatian dishes (peka, grilled fish) and house wine; typical dinner service runs 18:00–22:30. A relaxed first-night meal sets the tone for the trip.
Drive ~45–50 minutes to Skradin, the most convenient access point to Krka’s Skradinski Buk falls; aim to arrive early to avoid crowds. Krka NP opening hours around early October are typically 08:00–19:00 but confirm before travel.
Explore loop trails, wooden walkways and swimming areas around Skradinski Buk waterfall; the walk and photos take ~2–3 hours. Swimming may still be possible in September/early October depending on water/park rules; check signage and seasonal closures.
Lunch along the river in Skradin; try fish or Dalmatian grilled meat paired with local olive oil. Riverfront restaurants typically open through the afternoon (12:00–21:00).
Short drive (~20–25 min) to Šibenik to visit the UNESCO Cathedral of St. James (open ~09:00–18:00); the cathedral and fortifications are worth 1–1.5 hours for photos and interior.
Drive ~1h10 to Split; check into your Split accommodation and prepare for an evening strolling the Riva promenade. Driving times can vary with traffic.
Well-regarded restaurant for tapas-style plates and good wine in the old town; typical dinner service 18:00–23:00. Reserve if possible — Split gets busy.
Walk through the living Roman palace, visit the underground cellars and climb the Cathedral bell tower (cellars/bell tower open ~09:00–19:00). Allow 2–3 hours for highlights and small museums.
Excellent small-plate dining with local wines; ideal to try more refined Dalmatian cuisine. Dinner service typically 18:00–22:30; reservations recommended on weekend nights.
Quick breakfast near the port; catch a morning passenger catamaran from Split to Hvar (services typically run multiple times daily — morning departures from ~07:30).
Wander the charming streets, visit St. Stephen’s Square and hike up to Fortica for sweeping views; fortress opening hours roughly 09:00–18:00 (check local signage).
Take a water taxi to one of the Pakleni coves for swimming/snorkeling (private water taxis run all year but frequency is reduced outside peak season — check before you go). If weather or schedules don’t allow, enjoy a long swim at a Hvar pebble beach.
Catch an evening catamaran back to Split (late-afternoon/evening services commonly available but check timetables); arrive back in Split and stroll the Riva.
Fresh seafood and Dalmatian specialities on Makarska’s Riva; restaurants typically open 12:00–22:00. Great spot to relax and sample local olive oil and wine.
If weather and season allow (Biokovo attractions often open ~09:00–17:00), visit the Skywalk for dramatic cliffs and views; otherwise enjoy coastal viewpoints and local evening atmosphere.
Drive back to Split (approx 1h15) to catch a ferry to Brač; ferry schedules vary off-peak so check the timetable and decide if you take a car ferry (Supetar) or passenger catamaran (if available to Bol).
Car ferry takes about 50 minutes to Supetar; if you leave your car in Split and use passenger services, check the direct options to Bol. Car ferry costs more but gives flexibility on the island.
Iconic shaped pebble beach ideal for swimming, windsurfing or sunbathing; public access year-round but services/water sports may be reduced in October.
Return to Split by late ferry; have dinner near the port or Riva after arrival. Confirm ferry times as evening crossings may be limited in shoulder season.
Depart Split early for the ~1.5–2 hour drive to Zadar; consider scenic stops in Primošten or Šibenik for coffee or short strolls. Driving time depends on chosen stops and traffic.
Short detour near Zadar to visit Nin’s tiny old town, salt pans and the Church of the Holy Cross (often called the smallest cathedral); Nin is great for a 45–60 minute stroll.
Return to Zadar and enjoy a relaxed lunch; many Old Town restaurants stay open midday (12:00–15:00) so it’s perfect timing for local cuisine and a last Dalmatian meal.
Check into your final-night hotel and rest or do last-minute souvenir shopping. Confirm your car plan — if you plan to return the car at the airport in the morning, keep it overnight.
Visit the Museum of Ancient Glass (typical hours ~10:00–18:00) or the Roman Forum and nearby small museums for a couple of hours if you want more culture before your final evening.
Choose a top local restaurant for a memorable final meal: seafood or a meat-based Dalmatian meal with local wine. Dinner hours typically 18:00–22:30; book if possible.
Pack, confirm car-drop details (many renters allow morning return at Zadar Airport), and set an alarm for your departure day; you’ll need to be at the airport ~2 hours before your 15:00 flight on 2025-10-07.