12-Day Romantic Croatia and France Itinerary from India

Your journey from India to Dubrovnik will typically take 12–16 hours with one European connection, often through Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Zagreb, or Istanbul. An overnight departure is ideal, but keep at least 2–3 hours between flights if your ticket is not on one protected booking. After landing at Dubrovnik Airport in Čilipi, allow roughly 45 minutes for immigration and baggage, then take a pre-booked transfer or taxi to the Old Town—about 25–35 minutes, usually €35–50. Ask your hotel whether the driver can help with luggage, as cars cannot enter the pedestrian centre; you may need to walk from Pile Gate or Ploče Gate over polished stone streets.

Late Afternoon

Once checked in, take an unhurried first walk along Stradun, Dubrovnik’s beautiful limestone main street. This is deliberately a gentle introduction after the flight: admire the shuttered stone houses, fountains, and small lanes branching towards the harbour, rather than trying to sightsee exhaustively. The street is free to explore and remains lively into the evening; comfortable shoes are essential, especially if your hotel is inside the walls.

Sunset and Dinner

For sunset, walk through Buža Gate to Buža Bar, perched on the rocks outside the city walls. It is a simple, atmospheric place for a first drink rather than a full meal; arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best cliffside tables. Drinks generally cost €5–10, and the uneven approach can be slippery, so avoid carrying heavy luggage. Afterwards, return to Proto in the Old Town for a celebratory seafood dinner. Reserve ahead, particularly for a terrace table; expect approximately €45–70 per person before wine. Order local fish or shellfish with Croatian wine, and keep the evening relaxed—after the long flight, an early night will make tomorrow’s Dubrovnik sightseeing much more enjoyable.

Morning: Entering the Old Town and Walking the Walls

Start early at Pile Gate, ideally around 8:00–8:30, before the narrow lanes become busy with day-trippers. Pass through the gate and pause at Onofrio’s Fountain, where you can refill your water bottle from the traditional stone fountain. From here, follow the signs to the entrance of the Dubrovnik City Walls. Allow roughly two hours for the complete circuit, stopping often for photographs of the terracotta rooftops, Fort Lovrijenac, and the Adriatic. The walk is exposed, with many steps and little shade, so wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and check the official opening time and ticket price locally; admission is commonly around €35–40, with occasional combination-ticket options.

Late Morning and Lunch

After descending from the walls, continue along Stradun to the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. Its quiet cloister is a welcome change from the lively main street, while the historic pharmacy collection offers a glimpse into Dubrovnik’s long medical tradition. Set aside about 45 minutes; entry is generally around €5–7, and modest clothing is appreciated. Walk downhill toward the old harbor afterward for lunch at Gradska Kavana Arsenal, a relaxed spot overlooking the water. A light meal or coffee typically costs about €15–30 per person. This is a good place to slow down rather than add another sight—reserve a waterfront table if you want the most romantic setting.

Afternoon Exploring

Spend the afternoon at Rector’s Palace, just beside the harbor. The former seat of Dubrovnik’s government is beautifully proportioned, with elegant courtyards, stone staircases, and richly furnished rooms; allow about an hour. Tickets are usually approximately €15, often as part of a wider museum pass. From Gradska Kavana Arsenal, it is only a few minutes’ walk, so there is no need for a taxi. Afterwards, wander the quieter lanes around St. John’s Fortress and the eastern end of the Old Town, or return to your accommodation for a rest before dinner.

Evening: A Special Dinner in Ploče

For your celebratory evening, walk through the eastern side of the Old Town toward Ploče—about 10–15 minutes from the harbor—or take a short taxi if you prefer to dress up comfortably. Reserve 360° Restaurant well ahead and request a terrace or window table with views toward the harbor and city walls. Expect approximately €90–150 per person for a refined dinner, depending on the tasting menu and wine. May evenings can still feel cool beside the sea, so bring a light layer; sunset reservations are especially lovely, but an earlier table gives you time to enjoy the changing lights over Dubrovnik without making the day feel rushed.

Morning: A Quiet Coastal Start

Leave the historic centre after breakfast and take Libertas city bus 6 toward Lapad, a straightforward 15–20-minute ride from Pile Gate; taxis usually take about 10 minutes and cost roughly €10–15. Spend around two relaxed hours following the promenade around Lapad Bay, where pine trees, rocky swimming platforms, and open Adriatic views replace the Old Town crowds. Go at an easy pace rather than trying to complete every side path—the western shoreline is especially pleasant for photographs and a seaside pause.

Late in the morning, settle into Cave Bar More, built into a natural cave beneath the cliffs. It is a memorable place for coffee, a cold drink, or a light snack, generally costing about €8–18 per person. Seating is limited and the cave can be damp underfoot, so wear sensible shoes; check the day’s opening hours locally, as coastal venues sometimes adjust schedules before the summer season.

Afternoon: Mount Srđ and Dubrovnik from Above

Return toward the centre and make your way to the Dubrovnik Cable Car station near Buza Gate. A return ticket is commonly around €27–30 per adult, though prices and operating hours may change before May 2027; allow roughly 1½ hours including queues and time at the summit. The ride takes only a few minutes, but the views over the terracotta roofs, Lokrum, and the islands are best enjoyed without rushing. May is an excellent time to go in the mid-afternoon, when the light is softer and temperatures are more comfortable. From the upper station, walk a short distance to Fort Imperial, whose museum explains the fort’s strategic role and Dubrovnik’s wartime history; allow about 45 minutes. Bring water and sun protection, as the summit is exposed, and confirm museum hours before setting out.

Evening: Bosnian Comfort Food

Descend by cable car and wander back through the Old Town for dinner at Taj Mahal, a small, well-known restaurant specialising in Bosnian cooking. Order ćevapi with flatbread, grilled meats, or a shared plate of traditional sides; expect approximately €15–25 per person. Reservations are worthwhile in May, particularly for an early dinner around 18:30–19:00, when you can eat comfortably before the narrow lanes become livelier. Afterward, keep the evening unplanned—an ideal finish is simply walking slowly toward the harbour and enjoying the illuminated stone streets rather than adding another major sight.

Morning: Dubrovnik to Split

Take the 08:00 intercity bus from Dubrovnik to Split, allowing roughly 4.5–5.5 hours depending on coastal traffic and the brief border crossings through Bosnia and Herzegovina. Keep both passports handy, and avoid scheduling anything fixed immediately after arrival. If travelling by private transfer, the timing is similar but stops at viewpoints are easier; by bus, reserve seats ahead through FlixBus or Arriva Croatia, especially for May weekends.

Late Afternoon: Settle into Split

After checking into your hotel and taking a short break, walk onto the Riva promenade for an easy introduction to Split. The palm-lined harborfront is at its best in the late afternoon, when café terraces fill with locals and the light softens over the boats. Allow about an hour here rather than rushing into sightseeing; luggage storage or early check-in can usually be arranged with your hotel if the room is not ready.

Early Evening: Marmontova Street

From the Riva, walk inland along Marmontova Street, Split’s lively pedestrian shopping spine. Spend around 45 minutes browsing small shops, pharmacies, cafés, and local boutiques before turning toward the fishing quarter of Matejuška. The walk is short and level, though the polished stone can be slippery after rain, so comfortable shoes are useful.

Dinner and Evening: Fife and Matejuška Harbor

Have a relaxed, no-frills Dalmatian dinner at Fife, near Matejuška. Order local comfort food such as grilled fish, seafood, black risotto, or pašticada; expect approximately €15–25 per person, and arrive early or be prepared to wait during the dinner rush, as reservations are not always the norm. Afterwards, wander through Matejuška harbor for 30–45 minutes, passing traditional fishing boats and small waterfront restaurants. It is a lovely first evening in Split—keep it unhurried after the long transfer, and save the major historic sights for tomorrow.

Morning

Begin around 8:30 at Diocletian’s Palace, before Split’s lanes fill with tour groups. Enter through the Golden Gate, then wander slowly through the Peristyle, the palace cellars, and the residential lanes that now hold cafés, boutiques, and small galleries. Allow about two hours; the palace itself is free to explore, while the cellars generally cost around €8–10. Wear shoes with a good grip—the polished limestone can be slippery, especially after rain.

From the Peristyle, continue to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and Bell Tower. Set aside roughly an hour for the cathedral complex and the climb; the narrow stairway is not ideal for anyone uncomfortable with heights, but the compact panorama over Split’s rooftops and harbor is well worth it. Tickets are usually around €8–10 for the cathedral and tower combination, with opening times often beginning around 8:00 or 9:00; confirm locally because religious services can affect access. Descend back into the palace center for Jupiter’s Temple, a small but atmospheric Roman space that takes about 30 minutes and is best appreciated without rushing.

Afternoon and Evening

Walk a few minutes east to Pazar Market for an easy, local-style lunch stop. Browse the stalls for cherries or other seasonal fruit, fresh bread, pastries, and Croatian cheeses; prices are usually modest, and it is a pleasant place to assemble a picnic rather than sit through a long meal. Markets are most lively in the morning and early afternoon, so aim to arrive before 13:00. Afterward, leave the rest of the afternoon open for a coffee or a restful break at your hotel—today’s sightseeing is compact but involves plenty of uneven paving and stairs.

For dinner, reserve a table at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar in the Old Town, ideally around 19:30–20:00. Share several Mediterranean-inspired plates and ask about Croatian wines from Hvar, Pelješac, or Istria; expect approximately €35–60 per person before extra drinks. After dinner, finish at the Vestibule on the palace’s southern side. Its domed ceremonial space feels especially atmospheric once the daytime crowds thin, and half an hour is enough to admire the acoustics and Roman scale before strolling back through the softly lit palace lanes.

Morning

Begin with Marjan Forest Park, Split’s green hill and one of the best places to slow down after yesterday’s palace sightseeing. Take a taxi to the Marjan access road, or walk uphill from the waterfront if you feel energetic; allow about 15–20 minutes by taxi and roughly 30–40 minutes on foot. Spend around 2½ hours following the shaded paths toward the viewpoints above the Adriatic, with broad panoramas over Split, Čiovo, and the nearby islands. Start around 8:30–9:00, when the air is cooler and the trails are quieter. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and note that some paths are uneven; there is no meaningful entrance fee, although café and restroom facilities are limited higher up.

Continue within Marjan to Bene Beach for an unhurried late-morning break. Depending on the weather, swim from the rocky shore, rent a lounger, or simply sit beneath the pine trees with a coffee. The sea can still feel fresh in May, so treat swimming as optional rather than planning the day around it. A taxi is the easiest connection if you do not want to walk the full forest route; otherwise, allow extra time for the descent and coastal paths. May sunshine is strong even when the temperature feels mild, so bring swimwear, a light cover-up, sunscreen, and a towel.

Lunch and Afternoon

Head back toward town for lunch at Konoba Fetivi in Varoš, a short taxi ride from Bene Beach or approximately 20–25 minutes on foot from the waterfront. This welcoming neighborhood konoba is a good setting for traditional Dalmatian seafood: ask about the catch of the day, grilled fish, octopus, or black risotto, and pair it with a local white wine. Budget about €30–50 per person, and reserve ahead for a preferred table because the restaurant is popular despite its relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, leave the afternoon intentionally open; if you have ordered several courses, take a slow walk through Varoš before making your way to the sea.

Evening

In the late afternoon, stroll along the West Coast promenade on Obala kneza Branimira. This is an easy, level one-hour walk with boats in the harbor, palm-lined views, and a particularly lovely atmosphere as the light softens. Choose a bench or waterfront step for a quiet pause rather than trying to pack in another attraction. Finish at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar in the city center, where you can share Croatian wines and small plates in an intimate setting. Allow about 1½ hours and €25–45 per person; it is worth reserving, especially for a weekend evening. A light jacket is useful after sunset, and check the day’s opening hours when booking, as restaurant schedules can change outside peak summer.

Morning — Flight from Split to Paris

Take a morning or midday nonstop flight from Split Airport to Paris, allowing about 2 hours 10 minutes in the air. Arrive at the airport roughly two hours before departure; seasonal 2027 schedules and the Paris airport served can vary, so confirm whether you are landing at Charles de Gaulle or Orly. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is easiest with luggage, while public transport generally takes 35–60 minutes: the RER B serves Charles de Gaulle, and Orlyval plus RER B connects Orly with central Paris. Expect compact lifts and stairs in older Paris stations, so pack accordingly.

Late Afternoon — Île de la Cité

After checking in and taking a short break, keep your first Paris walk gentle. Head to Île de la Cité for about an hour, strolling along the quieter riverside quays and the historic lanes around Place Dauphine. This is a lovely introduction to the city without committing to a major museum or long sightseeing circuit. Allow extra time for airport delays and hotel check-in; in May, daylight lasts well into the evening, so there is no need to rush.

Early Evening — Shakespeare and Company Café

Walk across to Shakespeare and Company Café, beside the Seine, for coffee, tea, and a pastry—roughly €8–15 per person. The café is small and popular, so expect a brief wait; the bookshop next door is worth browsing, but keep the visit respectful and unhurried. From Île de la Cité, it is only a few minutes on foot, making this an easy transition into the Latin Quarter.

Dinner — Le Procope

Finish at Le Procope in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, around a 15-minute walk from the café, or take a short taxi if you are tired after the flight. Reserve ahead for a comfortable table and allow about 1½ hours; classic French mains and a romantic historic setting typically place dinner around €40–70 per person before drinks. Keep the evening relaxed—this is best treated as an arrival day, with a slow walk through Saint-Germain-des-Prés afterward rather than another major attraction.

Morning — Trocadéro Gardens and the Eiffel Tower

Start around 8:30 at Trocadéro Gardens, when the terraces are pleasantly quiet and the morning light falls across the Eiffel Tower. Allow about an hour for photographs and a relaxed walk through the fountains toward Pont d’Iéna. From there, cross to Champ de Mars for your reserved Eiffel Tower entry. Plan roughly 2½ hours, including security, the lifts, and time on the second floor or summit. Summit tickets are especially popular, so book an official timed ticket well in advance; prices commonly range from about €12–€36 per person depending on level and lift access. Metro stations Trocadéro and Bir-Hakeim are useful, but walking between today’s stops is often more enjoyable.

Lunch — Rue Cler

Walk about 15 minutes from Champ de Mars to Rue Cler, a lively market street in the 7th arrondissement. Take your time browsing cheese shops, bakeries, fruit stalls, and delicatessens, then assemble a simple picnic-style lunch for around €15–30 per person. Café du Marché is a dependable casual option if you prefer a table, while Maison Constant is convenient for takeaway pastries and sandwiches. Shops generally become busiest around midday, so avoid lingering too late if you want a quieter meal.

Afternoon — Musée Rodin

After lunch, stroll or take a short taxi ride—roughly 10 minutes—to the Musée Rodin near Invalides. Spend about two hours moving between the elegant mansion galleries and the garden, where works such as The Thinker look particularly beautiful among the clipped hedges and rose beds. The museum is generally open Tuesday–Sunday, approximately 10:00–18:30, with last entry earlier; check the 2027 calendar because it is usually closed on Mondays. Garden-only or combined tickets are available, commonly around €14–16, and reserving online helps avoid a queue.

Evening — Dinner at Les Ombres

Finish at Les Ombres, on Quai Branly, for a celebratory dinner with a striking view of the Eiffel Tower. From Musée Rodin, allow about 15 minutes by taxi or 25–30 minutes on foot through the Invalides area. Reserve a window or terrace table several weeks ahead and request it specifically when booking; dinner is typically around €80–140 per person before drinks. Arrive near sunset so you can enjoy the changing light and, if timing allows, the tower’s evening illumination. Dress smart-casual, and confirm the restaurant’s 2027 menu, hours, and reservation policy before the day.

Morning

Start at Marché Maubert around 8:30–9:00, when the stalls are at their liveliest and the Latin Quarter still feels local rather than touristic. Browse seasonal fruit, pastries, cheeses, and prepared foods for a relaxed breakfast picnic; allow about an hour. The market usually operates on selected mornings rather than every day, so check the current 2027 schedule before setting out. From Place Maubert, it is roughly a 10-minute walk to the Panthéon. Arrive late morning and spend about 90 minutes inside, seeing the monumental nave, the Foucault pendulum, and the crypt memorials to figures including Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. Admission is generally around €13–15, with the dome sometimes requiring a separate ticket or seasonal opening; reserve ahead if the upper viewpoint is operating.

Midday and Lunch

Walk downhill through the Latin Quarter toward the Jardin du Luxembourg, about 15 minutes from the Panthéon. Take the longer, prettier route via Rue Soufflot and Rue de Vaugirard, then slow down beside the Medici Fountain and the central pond. Spend around 90 minutes here without trying to cover every path—this is an ideal place for a coffee, people-watching, and a little downtime. For lunch, return toward Rue Racine and settle into Bouillon Racine, an ornate Belle Époque dining room where classic dishes such as onion soup, eggs mayonnaise, and steak-frites are usually €20–35 per person. A reservation is wise, particularly for a leisurely couples’ meal; allow about an hour.

Evening

Keep the afternoon free for a hotel break and make your way to Pont de l’Alma around 30 minutes before your Bateaux Mouches departure. From Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, take RER C toward Pont de l’Alma, or use a taxi if you would rather avoid changing trains. The evening cruise lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and passes illuminated landmarks along the Seine, including Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre; expect roughly €16–20 per person, with dinner-cruise options costing considerably more. Check the exact timetable and sunset time in advance—an early evening sailing often gives you both daylight and the first city lights. After disembarking, take a taxi or Metro toward Bastille for a late, informal drink at Le Baron Rouge, where you can share cheese and charcuterie with a glass of wine for approximately €10–25 per person. It is a standing, convivial wine-bar experience rather than a formal final dinner, so go early enough to find space and verify closing hours before heading over.

Morning — Musée du Louvre

Begin around 9:00 at the Musée du Louvre, entering through the Pyramid after allowing time for security. Set aside roughly three hours, but keep the visit focused: choose highlights such as the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and a few rooms of French or Italian painting rather than trying to cover every wing. Advance timed tickets are strongly recommended; admission is generally around €22, though 2027 prices and entry rules may change. Wear comfortable shoes, and check the official opening calendar before booking, as the museum is usually closed on Tuesdays.

Early Afternoon — Palais Royal Garden and Lunch

Walk about 10 minutes through the 1st arrondissement to Palais Royal Garden, a lovely place to decompress after the Louvre. Spend around 45 minutes beneath the arcades and around the fountains, with time for photographs at Daniel Buren’s Columns in the courtyard. For lunch, stay nearby in the Rue Saint-Honoré area—Café Kitsuné Palais Royal is convenient for a light meal or coffee, while Le Grand Véfour offers a much more formal experience if reserved well ahead. Keep the afternoon gentle rather than adding another major museum.

Continue to Angelina Paris on Rue de Rivoli, about a 10–15-minute walk from the garden. Order the celebrated hot chocolate and a pastry—approximately €10–20 per person—and expect a possible queue, especially in mid-afternoon. Afterward, stroll west toward Place de la Concorde, roughly 20 minutes along Rue de Rivoli and through the Jardin des Tuileries. Allow about 30 minutes in the square to admire the obelisk, fountains, and long views toward the Champs-Élysées; take care crossing the surrounding traffic lanes, as this is a busy junction.

Evening — Dinner and the Paris Skyline

For a special final dinner, take the Métro from Concorde toward Charles de Gaulle–Étoile—allow around 15–20 minutes including the walk—or use a taxi if you prefer door-to-door comfort. Reserve L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile well in advance and choose the counter-style tasting menu, where you can watch the kitchen at work. Dinner typically lasts about two hours and costs approximately €100–180 per person before drinks; smart-casual attire is appropriate.

If you still have energy, finish at the Arc de Triomphe, only a short walk away. The rooftop climb involves 284 steps, but the nighttime panorama over the illuminated avenues is one of Paris’s most rewarding views. Entry is generally around €16, with the final admission often about 45 minutes before closing, so check the current schedule and avoid leaving this stop too late. If the stairs feel like too much after dinner, simply admire the monument from the pedestrian underpass and enjoy the lights of the Champs-Élysées instead.

Morning — Montmartre’s Quiet Corners

Begin around 9:00 at Montmartre Cemetery, entering from Avenue Rachel for a peaceful final morning in Paris. Allow about an hour to wander beneath the mature trees and find the graves of figures such as Dalida, François Truffaut, and Hector Berlioz. It is generally open from around 8:00 on weekdays, with free admission; wear comfortable shoes, as the paths can be uneven. From the cemetery, walk uphill for 15–20 minutes through Montmartre to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, or take Metro line 2 from Place de Clichy toward Anvers if you prefer to save your legs.

Spend roughly an hour inside Sacré-Cœur Basilica—entry to the basilica is free, though the dome has a separate ticket—and enjoy the broad view toward central Paris from the steps outside. Continue a few minutes through the lanes to Place du Tertre before midday, when the artists’ square is lively but not yet at its most crowded. Browse the portrait stands and small galleries, but keep this stop to around 45 minutes; the surrounding streets are better for an unhurried wander than for shopping.

Lunch — Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Take Metro line 12 from Abbesses or Pigalle, changing as needed for Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and settle in at Café de Flore for a classic Parisian lunch. Allow about an hour and budget approximately €25–45 per person for a main course, coffee, or a simple café meal. The terrace is atmospheric, but an interior table gives you the full historic brasserie feel; service is leisurely, so mention any later timed booking when ordering.

Afternoon and Final Dinner

After lunch, take Metro line 4 toward Châtelet and continue on foot or by line 1 toward the Tuileries. Spend about 90 minutes at the Musée de l’Orangerie, whose oval rooms of Monet’s Water Lilies are especially fitting for a quiet final afternoon. Reserve a timed entry in advance—tickets are commonly around €12, with opening usually from 9:00 to 18:00 and the museum closed Tuesdays—and leave a little time afterward for a gentle walk through the gardens.

Finish at Le Train Bleu inside Gare de Lyon, reached conveniently by Metro line 14 or line 1. Book dinner ahead for around 19:30–20:00 and allow two hours; expect approximately €60–100 per person before drinks. Arrive 10 minutes early to admire the ornate Belle Époque dining room, and keep passports, valuables, and tomorrow’s travel documents together afterward—the station is busy, and an early night will make the return journey easier.

Morning — Paris to the airport

Have breakfast near your hotel, then leave central Paris around three hours before your international departure. A pre-booked taxi is the simplest option with luggage: allow roughly 45–75 minutes to Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport, depending on traffic and terminal. Public transport can be cheaper, but it is less convenient with suitcases and may involve stairs or transfers. Confirm the airport and terminal the night before, and check your airline’s baggage and online check-in requirements before leaving. Keep passports, travel documents, medicines, and valuables in your cabin bags.

Paris–India return flight

Your return journey to India will usually take about 9–12 hours nonstop, or longer with a European or Middle Eastern connection. At the airport, allow time for bag drop, security, and exit formalities; May can be busy with leisure travellers. If your itinerary uses separate tickets, leave a generous connection window and verify baggage-transfer rules rather than assuming bags will be checked through. Once aboard, set your watch to Indian time, drink water regularly, and keep a light layer handy—the cabin can feel cool.

Before leaving the hotel, check drawers, the safe, charging points, and passport pockets, and download boarding passes in case airport Wi-Fi is unreliable. If departure is later in the day, store luggage with the hotel and enjoy one final coffee nearby rather than attempting another major sightseeing stop; Paris traffic can make an ambitious airport run unnecessarily stressful.