Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a city full of history and culture. Spend the day exploring the city's iconic landmarks, including the Ban Jelačić Square, the Zagreb Cathedral, and the St. Mark's Church. Take a stroll through the charming Tkalčićeva Street and explore the local markets to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Split offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern architecture, as well as a variety of cultural experiences. Visit Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built-in 305 AD by the Roman emperor Diocletian. Take a walk down the Riva Promenade, where you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and street performers. End the day by exploring the Narodni Trg, a local market known for its fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
Hvar, an island located in the Adriatic Sea, offers a plethora of cultural experiences. Start your day by exploring the town's medieval architecture, including the iconic Hvar Fortress, and then spend the afternoon relaxing by one of the island's many beaches. End your day with a visit to one of the local vineyards, where you'll discover the wine-making traditions that the region has been known for since ancient times.
Dubrovnik, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city packed with historical landmarks and cultural experiences. Take a walk around the city's iconic walls and explore the narrow alleys of the Old Town to discover the history of the region. Visit the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery to learn about the city's rich cultural heritage.
Istria offers a unique blend of Croatian and Italian culture. Explore the picturesque Hilltop Towns, known for their medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Take a visit to the Pula Arena and discover the history of the Roman Empire along with the world's sixth-largest remaining amphitheater. End your day with a visit to a local restaurant offering the regional specialty, Truffle pasta.
Travelers must consider travel costs to get from one city to another as well as the time it takes to get there. High-speed ferries are available from Split to Hvar, which takes about an hour. Private car or bus options are available to travel from Dubrovnik to Istria, which takes about six hours. Expect transport costs to start from 200 HRK to 400 HRK per-person ($30-$60 USD) depending on the mode of transport and time of year.
If time is limited, you may consider adding or subtracting destinations from the itinerary. While most of the tourist locations mentioned above offer free walking tours, reservations may be needed. Consider traveling during the shoulder season (April to May or September to October) to avoid excessive crowds and enjoy moderate prices.
The main airport is the Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG), located about 10 km from the city center with frequent shuttle transfers for about 30kn ($4.50) per-person. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is located about 20 km from Dubrovnik's city center and offers frequent bus services to the city for about 40kn ($6) per person.