A Shoestring Budget Adventure in Croatia

Day 1: City Exploration

Zagreb, Croatie

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mali Cafe

Start your day with a budget-friendly Croatian breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee at Mali Cafe.
Located in the heart of the city, easily reachable by foot.
HRK 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stroll through Upper Town

Wander through the charming streets of Upper Town, visiting the iconic St. Mark's Church.
Walk up from the cafe, it's only a 15-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dolac Market

Grab some local specialties such as cheese and cured meats at the vibrant Dolac Market.
Just down the hill from Upper Town, easily walkable.
HRK 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Museum of Broken Relationships

Explore this unique museum dedicated to heartache and the stories behind it.
A short 10-minute walk from Dolac Market.
HRK 40, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Zrinjevac Park

Relax in beautiful Zrinjevac Park, a perfect spot for a casual walk or people-watching.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Kebab House

Enjoy a delicious and affordable kebab for dinner to refuel after a day of exploring.
Located a 10-minute walk from the park.
HRK 60, 1 hour
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Day 2: Nature Adventure

Plitvice Lakes, Croatie

7:00AM

Travel to Plitvice Lakes

Catch an early bus to Plitvice Lakes to maximize your day in this stunning national park.
Head to the bus station in Zagreb for a direct bus.
HRK 100, 2 hours

9:00AM

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls and lakes on the trails of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Purchase a ticket at the entrance.
HRK 250, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it amidst the beautiful scenery of the park.
Bring sandwiches from Zagreb or grab some from local vendors near the entrance.
HRK 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

More Park Exploration

Continue your exploration of the park, walking along the wooden paths and soaking in the natural beauty.
Stay within the park area.
Free after entrance fee, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Bus to Zadar

Catch a late afternoon bus to Zadar, your next destination.
Head back to the bus station at Plitvice.
HRK 80, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Konoba Skoblar

Enjoy traditional Croatian dishes like peka (meat and vegetables cooked under a bell) at this local favorite.
A short walk from the bus station, located in the Old Town.
HRK 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Coastal Charm

Zadar, Croatie

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pet Bunara

Start with fresh pastries and coffee while overlooking the local squares.
Located in the city center and easy to access.
HRK 45, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Sea Organ

Experience the unique sound of nature as waves play melodies through this architectural installation.
A quick 10-minute walk along the promenade.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Zadar Old Town

Wander through the charming streets of Old Town, full of history and culture.
All sites are accessible on foot.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bistro Terasa

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes on the terrace with views of the sea.
Easily walkable from any location in Old Town.
HRK 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit St. Donatus Church

Discover the ancient St. Donatus Church, a striking symbol of Zadar dating back to the 9th century.
Just a short walk from Bistro Terasa.
HRK 50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Panoramic Views from Zadar's Bell Tower

Climb the bell tower for stunning views of the city's rooftops and the sea.
A few minutes' walk from the church.
HRK 30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Train to Split

Take a scenic train ride from Zadar to Split.
Head to the railway station.
HRK 70, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Fife

Savor authentic Dalmatian cuisine at Fife, a favorite among locals.
Located near Split's waterfront.
HRK 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Discovery

Split, Croatie

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Luxe

Have a delightful meal with freshly baked goods and delicious coffee.
Located in the city center, easy to find.
HRK 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Diocletian's Palace

Delve into the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a sprawling complex filled with shops and cafes.
Located right in the heart of the city.
HRK 60, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Climb the bell tower for panoramic views, then explore the stunning cathedral itself.
Just around the corner from the palace.
HRK 40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kavana Luxor

Enjoy a light lunch with a view of the Riva promenade.
Easily walkable from the Cathedral.
HRK 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Bacvice Beach

Unwind and soak up the sun on the popular city beach, famous for its shallow waters.
A 20-minute walk from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Evening Stroll along the Riva

Take a leisurely walk along the Riva promenade and enjoy the sunset views.
Backtrack towards the city center, very close.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Konoba Marjan

Indulge in traditional dishes like seafood risotto in a cozy atmosphere.
A short walk from the promenade.
HRK 90, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Historic Finale

Dubrovnik, Croatie

8:00AM

Travel to Dubrovnik

Catch an early morning bus to Croatia's pearl, Dubrovnik.
Heading to the bus station in Split.
HRK 130, 4.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Taj Mahal

Enjoy Bosnian-inspired dishes in the heart of the Old Town.
Located just steps from the main square.
HRK 70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Old Town

Venture through the beautiful cobblestone streets, visiting landmarks like the Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace.
Easily walkable in the Old Town area.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Climb the City Walls

Enjoy breathtaking views of Dubrovnik from the historic city walls.
Entrance located at the Pile Gate.
HRK 200, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Konoba Dubrava

Wrap your trip enjoying hearty local dishes like lamb and potatoes in a rustic setting.
Located a short distance from the city center.
HRK 110, 1.5 hours
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