After collecting your rental car, ease into Croatia with a relaxed stroll through St. Mark's Square, admiring the colorful tiled roof of the church, then head to the nearby Upper Town (Gornji Grad) to sip a coffee at a terrace overlooking the city while you orient yourself. Follow that with a short visit to the peaceful Stone Gate shrine and a stroll down cobbled streets toward Tkalčićeva Street for a light brunch and people-watching at one of its lively cafés before hitting the road for the next stage of your trip.
With the rental car sorted and a relaxed morning behind you, spend the afternoon exploring Ban Jelačić Square and wander through nearby pedestrian streets to discover local shops and bakeries; pop into Dolac Market to sample fresh cheese, smoked ham and seasonal fruit. As the light begins to soften, drive a short way to the leafy Maksimir Park for a gentle lakeside stroll or rent a bike to cover more ground, then finish with an early dinner at a riverside bistro along Savska Street to set the tone for the road trip ahead.
As the sun sets, park near the river and wander to Zrinjevac Park to enjoy the glow of its chestnut-lined promenade, then cross to the nearby Croatian National Theatre to admire the illuminated façade. Finish the evening with a relaxed meal and local wines at Vinodol Restaurant, or grab a glass at a cozy bar in the lively British Square (Britanski trg) - both perfect for easing into Croatian cuisine before tomorrow's drive.
Begin your day with a stroll through Zrinjevac Park and grab a pastry and coffee at the charming Amelie Café nearby, then wander up to the leafy terraces of Maksimir Park for a peaceful lake-side walk and possible deer sightings. Continue with a cultural stop at the striking Museum of Broken Relationships to enjoy its quirky, emotional exhibits, then head to the historic Lotrščak Tower to climb for panoramic city views before a light brunch at a local bistro on Tkalčićeva Street.
After a culture-rich morning, head to the vibrant riverside district and cross to Jarun Lake for a leisurely paddleboat ride or lakeside café break, then cycle along the tree-lined paths to discover hidden sculptures and local kiosks. Later, drive a short distance to the hilltop neighborhood of Mirogoj Cemetery to wander its arcaded necropolis and beautifully landscaped grounds-an unexpectedly peaceful spot for golden-hour photos-then finish the afternoon with craft beer tasting at the cozy Garden Brewery near the city center.
As dusk falls, take a gentle tram ride to Medvedgrad Hill for sweeping twilight views of the city and a short walk among medieval ruins, then descend toward the riverside to join locals at Bundek Lake for an evening stroll along its illuminated promenades. Finish with a relaxed dinner at Agava on the pedestrianized promenade, savoring modern Croatian dishes and a glass of local Plavac Mali while listening to live acoustic music in the nearby squares.
Leave Zagreb after breakfast and enjoy the scenic drive through rolling countryside, stopping for a coffee and fresh pastries in the charming village of Karlovac before continuing toward the park. Arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park mid-morning to purchase tickets and set off on the wooden walkways around Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera)-take the short boat shuttle across Lake Kozjak and linger at viewpoints overlooking the cascading waterfalls for prime photo opportunities and crisp mountain air.
After exploring the Upper Lakes, take a scenic drive to the quieter southern edge of the park and follow the trails toward Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall) for a close-up view and thunderous photo moments. Continue with a relaxed hike along the wooden boardwalks of the Lower Lakes (Donja jezera)-pause at the lookout by Sastavci and finish the afternoon with a riverside picnic near Rastovača, watching trout in the clear streams before checking into nearby accommodation for an early dinner.
As daylight softens, unwind with a short drive to the charming village of Škrad for a relaxed dinner at Konoba Jankovac, sampling hearty regional dishes like slow-roasted lamb and štrukli while swapping stories of the day's hikes. After dinner, take a tranquil twilight stroll along the quiet riverbanks by Korana Bridge, then return to your lodging for a nightcap on a terrace overlooking the forested slopes of Plitvice's southern rim, listening to distant water and preparing for an early start exploring the park tomorrow.
Start early with a misty hike along the quieter trails of Bijela voda and pause at the secluded viewpoint overlooking the cascading turquoise pools of the Kaluđerovac waterfall for morning light and fewer crowds. Afterward, drive to the nearby village of Rastoke to explore its charming watermills and sip a slow coffee riverside at Café Vodenica, then continue toward Zadar with a scenic stop at the Adriatic viewpoint above the coastal highway to watch the coastline unfold as you descend to the city.
After a morning at the secluded trails and a coffee in Rastoke, drive toward Zadar and stop at the cliffside Ljubač viewpoint for sweeping sea-and-island vistas before descending to the city. Once in Zadar, wander the old town's waterfront to visit the rhythmic Sea Organ and the nearby kinetic light installation Greeting to the Sun, then settle at Kornat Restaurant for fresh seafood while the Adriatic sunset turns the Roman forum golden.
After arriving in Zadar and settling into your hotel, take a twilight stroll through Zadar Old Town Promenade to feel the sea breeze and watch fishing boats return. Continue to People's Square (Narodni trg) for lively café terraces and street musicians, then enjoy a dinner of grilled Adriatic fish and local Paška lamb at Restaurant Bruschetta before finishing the night with a cocktail at the rooftop bar of Falkensteiner Hotel for panoramic views of the illuminated harbor.
Leave Zadar after breakfast and follow the scenic coastal road to stop at Nin's Salt Works (Solana Nin) for a short tour of the salt pans and a tasting of artisanal sea salt, then continue to the picturesque fishing village of Ražanac to stretch your legs on a rocky beach and watch local boats head out. Arrive in Šibenik mid-morning to explore the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James's stonework, stroll the medieval lanes around St. Michael's Fortress for sweeping harbor views, and pause for a coffee at a terrace on St. Anthony's Square before driving on toward Trogir.
After lunch, take the coastal road toward Šibenik and pause at the seaside village of Primošten for a stroll along its sun-warmed stone streets and a swim from the pebble beaches; climb the short path to the Church of St. George for postcard views of the Adriatic. Continue to Trogir and explore the compact UNESCO old town by wandering the waterfront promenade to the Kamerlengo Fortress, then enjoy a gelato while watching boats drift in the harbor before checking into your Trogir accommodation for the evening.
As twilight settles, head to the seaside village of Mala Gospa Hill for a short sunset walk and panoramic views of the Dalmatian islands, then descend to the waterfront for an aperitivo at Batana Bar watching fishing boats glide home. For dinner, savor fresh grilled shellfish and local wines at Konoba Trs in a cozy stone courtyard, then enjoy a post-meal stroll along the lantern-lit marina to the humble seaside chapel Our Lady of Health, ending the night with gelato at Caffe Bar Luce before returning to your Trogir lodgings.
Begin with an early stroll through Pazar (Split Green Market) to sample local olives, cheeses and aromatic oranges, then pick up pastries for a picnic to carry up the hill to Marjan Forest Park for sweeping views of the city and a short coastal walk to the quiet Bene Beach cove. After soaking in the panorama, return toward the waterfront to explore the atmospheric Roman cellars beneath Diocletian's Palace on a guided tour, then pause for a mid-morning espresso at a café on the lively Riva promenade to watch ferries set off for nearby islands.
Meander through the lesser-known lanes to discover People's Square (Pjaca) and pop into the charming Caffe Bar Luxor for a leisurely lunch on a sunlit terrace, then stroll uphill to the hilltop Marjan Cemetery viewpoints for quieter panoramas of the harbor and islands. Continue with a late-afternoon visit to the waterfront neighborhood of Varoš to admire its faded stone houses and the intimate Veli Varoš Church, finishing with a sunset swim or cliff-side aperitif at the local favorite Kašjuni Beach to feel the day's warm sea air before evening in Split.
As twilight deepens, wander through the atmospheric stone alleys of Obrov Street toward the waterfront and stop for a glass of local red at Dvor, a cozy wine bar set in a vaulted cellar. Afterward, take a short drive or pleasant walk to Bacvice Beach to join locals playing picigin or to watch the gentle evening surf, then finish with a seafood-focused dinner at Konoba Fetivi in the historic Veli Varoš quarter, where lantern-lit tables and homemade gnocchi provide a relaxed, authentic end to the day.
Depart Split after an early breakfast and take the scenic coastal road toward Makarska, stopping first at the cliffside Kaštel Stari to wander its waterfront promenade and visit the small Kaštel Fortress for morning light over the bay. Continue with a detour to the pebble coves around Baška Voda for a refreshing swim or a seaside espresso at Caffe Bar Plaza, then stretch your legs on the coastal trail above Nugal Beach, a short hike offering secluded viewpoints before the final drive into Makarska for lunch.
After lunch in Makarska, take the short drive to Biokovo Nature Park and ride the glass-floored Skywalk for dramatic cliff-edge views over the islands, then follow a short trail to the scenic Botaničar viewpoint for panoramas of the Riviera. Later, descend to the quaint harbor village of Tučepi to stroll its palm-lined beach, sample locally made olive oil and dalmatian pastries at Konoba Bakica, and linger with an espresso on the waterfront as fishing boats drift by.
As the sun dips, stroll the palm-lined seafront to the scenic Makarska Harbor and catch fishermen bringing in the day's catch while enjoying a cocktail at the waterfront Marina Beach Bar. For dinner, settle into a table at Konoba Feral to sample grilled scampi and octopus under fairy lights, then end the night with a moonlit walk up to the intimate hillside viewpoint at St. Peter's Church for panoramic lights of the Riviera before returning to your seaside accommodation.
Leave Makarska early and follow the coastal road toward Dubrovnik with a photo stop at the dramatic cliffside viewpoint above Ploče, then descend to the sleepy fishing bay of Trsteno to wander the centuries-old arboretum and its azalea-lined paths while sea breezes carry the scent of lemons. Continue with a relaxed mid-morning break in the stone-walled village of Slano, where you can taste freshly grilled mussels at a waterfront konoba and stroll the marina before resuming the scenic drive toward the Dubrovnik area.
After a seaside morning, take the coastal road toward Dubrovnik and stop at the hilltop village of Orašac to wander olive groves and sip espresso at a sunlit terrace while admiring views of the Elaphiti archipelago. Continue to the picturesque bay of Doli for a relaxed seafood lunch at a family-run konoba, then stretch your legs with a short walk through the fragrant pine trails above Zaton Bay, where hidden coves invite a quiet swim before you descend to your Dubrovnik-area accommodation.
As twilight falls, head into the charming hill village of Cavtat to wander its palm-lined waterfront and watch fishermen mend nets while you sip a chilled rosé at Cavtat Harbor. For dinner, reserve a table at Restaurant Bugenvila for fresh Adriatic shellfish under fairy lights, then finish the night with a relaxed seaside stroll to the candlelit ruins of Rector's Palace for moonlit views of the Elaphiti Islands before returning to your Dubrovnik-area lodging.
Enjoy a gentle final morning along the coast with a sunrise stroll through Lopud Island's Šunj Beach, catching soft golden light and a last swim in its calm shallow bay before a ferry back to the mainland. After returning, stop for a laid-back breakfast at Gradac Harbour Café overlooking the marina, then take a short scenic drive up to Srd Hill for a panoramic farewell view of the city and islands before you continue toward your departure or the long drive back to Zagreb.
Before your journey home, take a relaxed coastal drive to the tranquil Sokol Tower viewpoint for sweeping panoramas of the Adriatic and a final photo stop, then descend to the peaceful pebble coves of Banje Beach for a last swim or coffee at a seaside café. If time allows, pause at the historic Gruž Market to pick up artisanal olive oil and local sweets as travel gifts, then return your rental car with ease and enjoy a leisurely airport transfer, savoring one last look at Dubrovnik's terracotta rooftops from the coastal road.
For a final, unhurried evening, wander the elegant waterfront of Lapad Bay and settle at Taj Mahal Lapad (or a nearby konoba) for a farewell dinner of grilled Adriatic squid and locally produced wines while watching sailboats glide by. Afterwards, take a short taxi up to Mount Srđ's lower viewpoints for a last panoramic twilight view of the Old Town's terracotta roofs, then return to your accommodation to finish packing and enjoy a nightcap at Café Buža-style cliff bar atmosphere before your morning departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| St. Mark's Square (St. Mark's Church) | Free |
| Upper Town (Gornji Grad) | Free |
| Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata) | Free |
| Tkalčićeva Street (brunch / café) | €8 |
| Ban Jelačić Square | Free |
| Dolac Market (sampling local produce) | €6 |
| Maksimir Park (bike rental) | €6 |
| Zrinjevac Park | Free |
| Croatian National Theatre (exterior / optional performance ticket) | €20 |
| Vinodol Restaurant (dinner average) | €25 |
| British Square (Britanski trg) bars - drink | €6 |
| Amelie Café (pastry & coffee) | €6 |
| Museum of Broken Relationships (entrance) | €8 |
| Lotrščak Tower (entrance/view) | €5 |
| Jarun Lake paddleboat rental | €6 |
| Mirogoj Cemetery | Free |
| Garden Brewery (craft beer tasting) | €8 |
| Medvedgrad Hill (tram + short walk) | €2 |
| Bundek Lake | Free |
| Agava (dinner average) | €30 |
| Karlovac (coffee stop) | €4 |
| Plitvice Lakes National Park (entrance ticket - mid/low season estimate) | €15 |
| Lake Kozjak boat shuttle (inside park, included in ticket) | Free |
| Veliki Slap viewpoint (within park) | Free |
| Rastovača picnic (groceries for picnic) | €6 |
| Konoba Jankovac (dinner average, Škrad area) | €18 |
| Korana Bridge (evening stroll) | Free |
| Bijela voda trails (hike) | Free |
| Rastoke (entrance / village visit & coffee) | €4 |
| Adriatic viewpoint (scenic stop) | Free |
| Ljubač viewpoint | Free |
| Sea Organ (Zadar) | Free |
| Greeting to the Sun (Zadar) | Free |
| Kornat Restaurant (seafood dinner average) | €28 |
| Zadar Old Town Promenade | Free |
| People's Square (Narodni trg) - café | €6 |
| Restaurant Bruschetta (dinner average) | €22 |
| Falkensteiner Hotel rooftop bar (cocktail) | €10 |
| Nin's Salt Works (Solana Nin) - short tour/tasting | €6 |
| Ražanac seaside stop | Free |
| Cathedral of St. James (Šibenik) entrance | €6 |
| St. Michael's Fortress (Šibenik) entrance | €5 |
| St. Anthony's Square (coffee) | €4 |
| Primošten visit / swim | Free |
| Church of St. George (Primošten) | Free |
| Kamerlengo Fortress (Trogir) entrance | €4 |
| Gelato in Trogir | €3 |
| Mala Gospa Hill (sunset walk) | Free |
| Batana Bar (aperitivo) | €6 |
| Konoba Trs (dinner average) | €22 |
| Kaštel Stari promenade | Free |
| Kaštel Fortress (small entrance / viewpoint) | €3 |
| Baška Voda swim / seaside espresso | €4 |
| Nugal Beach coastal trail (short hike) | Free |
| Biokovo Nature Park Skywalk (entrance / Skywalk fee) | €8 |
| Botaničar viewpoint (short trail) | Free |
| Tučepi seaside espresso / snack | €4 |
| Marina Beach Bar (cocktail) | €8 |
| Konoba Feral (dinner average) | €25 |
| Ploče cliffside viewpoint | Free |
| Trsteno Arboretum (entrance) | €6 |
| Slano waterfront (mussels lunch) | €18 |
| Orašac olive groves / espresso stop | €4 |
| Doli seafood lunch (konoba) | €18 |
| Zaton Bay pine trails (walk/swim) | Free |
| Cavtat waterfront (rosé drink) | €8 |
| Restaurant Bugenvila (dinner average) | €30 |
| Lopud Island's Šunj Beach (ferry) | €12 |
| Gradac Harbour Café (breakfast) | €8 |
| Srd Hill (cable car one-way / round-trip) | €21 |
| Sokol Tower viewpoint | Free |
| Banje Beach (swim / café) | €6 |
| Gruž Market (souvenirs / olive oil) | €10 |
| Taj Mahal Lapad (dinner average) | €18 |
| Mount Srđ lower viewpoints (taxi / short visit) | €6 |
| Café Buža-style cliff bar (drink) | €8 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €672 |