Croatia is a magnificent country renowned for its picturesque coastline, fascinating history, and stunning ancient architecture. This six-day itinerary will take you on a journey to explore some of the most iconic landmarks and hidden gems of the country.
Welcome to Zagreb, the capital and largest city of Croatia. Begin your day by soaking up the charming history of the city from the legendary Lotrscak Tower. Built-in the 13th century, the tower was constructed to defend the city from invasion. You can climb up to its terrace for panoramic views of the city or witness the traditional "Gric cannon firing" that takes place every day at noon.
Get ready to explore one of the most magnificent natural wonders in Europe - Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here, you'll discover a vast network of cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and rich flora and fauna. The park offers various walking trails to explore its different sections. You can also take a boat ride across the lakes or a hiking trail for a closer encounter with the wildlife.
On the third day, immerse yourself in the Dalmatian culture of the coastal city of Split. Start your day with a visit to the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site built-in 305 AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. As you stroll through the narrow streets of the palace, you'll find various shops, cafes, and local vendors adding to the vibrant atmosphere. You can also explore the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use in the world.
Take a day trip from Split to explore the picturesque town of Hvar located on an island in the Adriatic Sea. The town boasts of a rich cultural heritage and is home to exquisite Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Walk through the old town streets, explore local boutiques, and enjoy the famous Hvar lavender products. You can also indulge in a variety of water sports activities or relax and soak in the dazzling sun on the beautiful beaches.
Spend your fifth day walking on the ancient city walls, exploring Gothic and Baroque architecture, and discovering the local flavors and traditions in Dubrovnik. Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture, preserved medieval city walls, and fantastic views of the Adriatic Sea from the hilltops. Walkthrough the main street Stradun, visit the ancient Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and enjoy the sunset at the Buza Bar.
On your last day in Croatia, return to the capital city and get lost in its vibrant energy. You can explore the Maksimir Park, one of the largest parks in Zagreb or explore its museums and galleries like the Museum of Broken Relationships or the Art Pavilion. Indulge in some of the local cuisine before heading home with a heart full of enchanting memories from Croatia.
To travel between cities, you can choose to rent a car or take a bus. It's also recommended to take the ferry while visiting Hvar Island. Taxis or Uber are easily available within urban areas, but it's recommended to book early. The average cost for car rentals starts from 350 HRK/day.
The ZAG airport is the main airport in Croatia and connects well with other parts of the world.
Instead of Hvar, you can visit other islands like Brac or Korcula depending on your preference. You can also extend your trip and explore nearby countries like Slovenia, Bosnia or Montenegro.
The Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) is the main airport of Croatia located about 10 km south-east of the Zagreb city center.