12-Day Relaxation Itinerary in Croatia

• Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik and settle into your accommodation. Spend the day exploring the city and take a walk along the Dubrovnik City Walls for stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
• Day 2: Take a day trip to Lokrum Island, a nature reserve just off the coast of Dubrovnik. Visit the 15th-century Benedictine Monastery, swim at the Dead Sea, and relax in the botanical gardens.
• Day 3: Head to the town of Split and visit the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace. Wander through the narrow streets, grab a coffee at a local café, and enjoy the sea views.
• Day 4: Spend the day at the beach and relax under the sun. You can visit Bacvice Beach, well-known for its crystal clear waters, and indulge in some ice cream from one of the many beachside vendors.
• Day 5: Take a day trip to the Krka National Park and admire the gorgeous waterfalls. Hike the trails, swim in the natural pools and enjoy a picnic in the serene surroundings.
• Day 6: Visit the Medieval town of Trogir, renowned for its Venetian architecture, Romanesque and Renaissance buildings. Stroll through the narrow alleys, visit the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and enjoy a traditional Croatian meal.
• Day 7: Explore the town of Zadar and visit the Sea Organ, an incredible instrument that is played by the sea waves. Stroll through the ancient Roman Forum and enjoy the sunset at the Greetings to the Sun installation.
• Day 8: Take a day trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park and marvel at the stunning waterfalls, lakes and natural landscapes. Hike the trails and revel in the peaceful atmosphere.
• Day 9: Visit the town of Rovinj, a charming fishing village on the Istrian Peninsula. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the local market and climb up to St. Euphemia's Church for amazing views of the harbor.
• Day 10: Relax at the beach in Opatija, a resort town on the Adriatic Sea. Visit the famous Lungomare promenade and enjoy the beautiful views of the coastline.
• Day 11: Head to the town of Pula and visit the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Explore the historic town center and enjoy a seafood lunch at the local restaurants.
• Day 12: Shop for souvenirs and gifts at the local markets and boutiques. Head back to Dubrovnik to catch your flight back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dubrovnik City Walls (2h, $30)
• Lokrum Island (4h, $25)
• Diocletian's Palace (2h, $20)
• Bacvice Beach (4h, $10)
• Krka National Park (6h, $40)
• Trogir (4h, $30)
• Zadar Sea Organ (2h, $10)
• Plitvice Lakes National Park (8h, $50)
• Rovinj (4h, $20)
• Opatija Beach (4h, $15)
• Pula Amphitheatre (2h, $20)
Total Estimated Costs: $300

Transportation

Public buses and ferries are the most convenient and cost-effective ways of traveling around Croatia. The buses and ferries run frequently and connect all major towns and cities. Travel costs range from $5-$20 per route, depending on the distance. Domestic flights are also available for longer distances, with costs varying from $50-$150.

Useful Tips

If you have extra days, you can consider visiting the islands of Hvar, Brač, or Korčula. For a night out, Split and Zadar have numerous bars and clubs. Be sure to try the local cuisine, such as grilled fish, cevapi, and Pag cheese. Finally, be mindful of the weather, which can be hot and humid in the summer months.

Airports

Croatia has several airports, with the largest and busiest being Zagreb Airport (ZAG) in the capital city. Other airports include Split Airport (SPU), Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), and Pula Airport (PUY). Dubrovnik Airport is the closest to the itinerary points of interest and is approximately 20 km from the city center.