Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik
Begin your honeymoon by spending a day wandering around the historic city of Dubrovnik, known for its stunning Old Town, fortified walls, and beautiful coastline. Walk the Stradun, the city's main street, where you'll find charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Be sure to catch the sunset from the top of Mount Srdj, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of Dubrovnik.
Day 2: Day Trip to Lokrum Island
Take a 10-minute ferry from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island. This beautiful nature reserve, with walking trails, gardens, and ruins of an old monastery, is a perfect spot to spend a romantic day. You can also swim at the Dead Sea, salted lake within the island. Don´t forget to bring swimsuits.
Day 3: Explore Korcula Town
Travel by bus and ferry to the island of Korcula, known for its stunning medieval walled town, Marco Polo house and delicious Korčula wine. Stroll the narrow streets and take in the medieval architecture. Kayak from Korčula town to Badija Island for a nice swim in secluded bays, turquoise waters, and a dose of sunshine.
Day 4: Discover Hvar Town
Take a ferry to Hvar. The town has a Venetian Old Town, trendy beach clubs, and a lively nightlife scene. Visit the Franciscan Monastery and Church of St. Stephen to see some beautiful artwork and artifacts. Hvar Island is also popular for its sandy beaches, so choose one of those to sunbathe and Rest well.
Day 5: Blue Cave and Vis Island
Tour the Blue Cave via boat where the azure water will take your breath away. Then visit Vis Island, where the town of Vis offers more ruins, a great restaurant, and restaurants of fresh seafood. Sample some of the local dishes that are made from freshly caught seafood in the Adriatic sea.
Day 6: Diocletian's Palace at Split
Head to the Split, the second-largest city in Croatia. The star attraction here is the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace, known for its large stone walls, underground cells, and grand temples. Wander around the old town, visit the nearby islands or take a day trip to the Krka National Park where you can see many impressive waterfalls, nature and spot various animals Just relax and feel the sun.
Day 7 and 8: Zagreb
Take the train from Split to Zagreb, where you'll find a blend of Soviet-era architecture and old town charm. Explore the cobbled streets of the Upper Town, visit the impressive St. Mark's Square, Dolac Market, museums and more. If you enjoy a bit of nightlife, make sure to have a drink in Tkalča street that has street performers and bars.
Day 9: Departure from Zagreb
Catch your flight home from Zagreb, although it is so wonderful here you may want to extend your trip a little longer.
Time and Costs Estimates
Dubrovnik Old Town (1 day, free entry)
Lokrum Island (1 day, $14 for the ferry)
Bus from Dubrovnik to Korcula (3.5 hours, $30)
Ferry from Korcula to Hvar (2 hours, $20)
Blue Cave and Vis Island Tour (1 day, $110)
One-way train ticket from Split to Zagreb (6 hours, $20)
Museums and Monuments (1-2 days, average $10-$25)
Restaurants ($20-$60 depending on cuisine and fancy level)
Total Estimated Costs: $280-$435 per day per person
Transportation
Transportation in Croatia is generally good, but requires planning to get between the different cities on this itinerary. Take buses and/or ferries to travel between locations depending on your destination. Depending on your budget there are regional airlines and taxis. To save money, a bus is your best option. They are relatively cheap, and they usually run on time. Do get a small fold out when you arrive to have a full listing of the last time of return journeys they are often limited.
The train journey from Split to Zagreb is scenic, and it is the slowest way to get there but still it usually runs on time, and can be a fun experience.
You should budget around $100-$200 for transportation during the trip, depending on the amount of train, bus, and ferry travel you undertake.
Useful Tips
The best time to visit Croatia is during the high season which spans from June to September when the weather is glorious and the days are long. Due to this, you should expect bigger crowds, long queues, less privacy and higher prices. Try to book your accommodation, transportation and attractions in advance, as popular destinations can get sold out quickly. However, this itinerary gives you an option to visit in other seasons too, everything is open but might be less crowded.
If you have more time, visit other islands such as Brač or Mljet. If you have less time, consider cutting a day from Zagreb and spending it elsewhere.
Airports
The largest airport in Croatia is Zagreb, Pleso Airport (ZAG), also known as Franjo Tuđman Airport, which is located in the district of Pleso, about 17 km from the city center. Other airports include Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) and Split Airport (SPU) which are the main destinations for international flights as they are near tourist destinations. However, make sure to check which airline operates as some will only fly to certain destination airports. Both airports offer taxi and bus connections to the main tourist destinations.