Croatia Adventure Itinerary in 14 Days

  • Day 1: Zagreb
    Estimated travel time to next location: 2 hrs by car

    Welcome to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. Begin your adventure by exploring the city’s vibrant culture, historic sites, and street art scene. Be sure to visit the Zagreb Cathedral and the Mirogoj Cemetery, which is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe.

  • Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park
    Estimated travel time to next location: 2.5 hrs by car

    Get your hiking shoes on for an exciting day at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Explore the lush forests and crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and stunning scenery. It’s an ideal location for trekking, bird watching, and photography.

  • Day 3: Paklenica National Park
    Estimated travel time to next location: 2.5 hrs by car

    Continue your adventure at Paklenica National Park, which offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing and hiking. There are many trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. One of the highlights of the park is the Anica Kuk, the highest peak of Velebit mountain.

  • Day 4: Zadar
    Estimated travel time to next location: 1 hr by car

    Visit the ancient city of Zadar, which is famous for its Roman ruins, beautiful beaches, and fantastic seafood. Explore the Old Town, walk along the walls, and discover the Sea Organ, a unique musical instrument played by the waves.

  • Day 5: Krka National Park
    Estimated travel time to next location: 1.5 hrs by car

    Embark on a nature-filled day at Krka National Park, which boasts beautiful waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, and lush forest. Swim in the waterfalls and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Don't forget to visit the charming medieval town of Skradin nearby.

  • Day 6: Split
    Estimated travel time to next location: 2 hrs by car

    Explore the vibrant city of Split, which is situated on the Dalmatian coast. Visit the **Diocletian's Palace**, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the famous Marjan Hill, which offers stunning views of the city and the sea.

  • Day 7: Hvar
    Estimated travel time to next location: 1.5 hr by ferry from Split

    Discover the beautiful island of Hvar, which is known for its lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards. Enjoy the pristine beaches, explore the picturesque town of Hvar, and hike up to the fortress for breathtaking views of the city.

  • Day 8: Dubrovnik
    Estimated travel time to next location: 4.5 hrs by ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik

    Visit the charming city of Dubrovnik, which is also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Explore the Old Town, walk on top of the city walls, and visit the Rector's Palace, which is now a museum. Be sure to stop by the famous Buza Bar, a hidden cliffside bar overlooking the sea.

  • Day 9: Elaphiti Islands
    Estimated travel time to next location: 1 hr by ferry from Dubrovnik

    Island hop to the Elaphiti Islands, which are a group of small, picturesque islands near Dubrovnik. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and charming villages. Take a cruise, swim, snorkel, and sunbathe.

  • Day 10: Konavle
    Estimated travel time to next location: 30 mins by car from Dubrovnik

    Visit the beautiful Konavle region, which is located near the border with Montenegro. Explore the vineyards, taste the local wine and food, and admire the picturesque scenery. Hike along the Konavle mountains, and visit the old water mills in the village of Ljuta.

  • Day 11: Peljesac Peninsula
    Estimated travel time to next location: 2 hrs by car from Konavle

    Explore the Peljesac Peninsula, which is known for its vineyards, oysters, and beautiful beaches. Visit the medieval town of Ston, which has the longest stone wall in Europe. Hike the Sveti Ilija mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.

  • Day 12: Mljet National Park
    Estimated travel time to next location: 2.5 hrs by car and ferry from Peljesac Peninsula

    Spend a day at Mljet National Park, which is famous for its lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning scenery. Swim in the saltwater lakes, hike the trails, and explore the charming villages. Don't forget to visit the **Odysseus Cave**, which is a natural wonder located on the island.

  • Day 13: Rovinj
    Estimated travel time to next location: 4.5 hrs by ferry and car from Mljet National Park

    Visit the charming town of Rovinj, which is located in the Istrian peninsula. Explore the Old Town, stroll along the charming streets, and admire the stunning architecture. For adventure enthusiasts, hike the protected nature reserve on the island of Red Island or go cave diving.

  • Day 14: Pula
    Estimated travel time to next location: 45 mins by car from Rovinj

    End your trip in the beautiful city of Pula, which is known for its Roman ruins, amphitheater, and beautiful beaches. Visit the Temple of Augustus, the Pula Arena, and do not miss the **Brijuni National Park**, a stunning archipelago of islands with rich biodiversity and ancient ruins.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Zagreb Cathedral (1 hr, free)
  • Mirogoj Cemetery (1 hr, free)
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park (1 day, 300 HRK)
  • Paklenica National Park (1 day, 50 HRK)
  • Zadar Old Town (2 hrs, free)
  • Krka National Park (1 day, 200 HRK)
  • Diocletian's Palace (2 hrs, free)
  • Hvar Island (1 day, 100 HRK)
  • Dubrovnik Old town city walls (2 hrs, 200 HRK)
  • Elaphiti Islands cruise (1 day, 200 HRK)
  • Konavle wine and food tasting (2 hrs, 300 HRK)
  • Peljesac Peninsula wine and oysters tasting (2 hrs, 100 HRK)
  • Mljet National Park (1 day, 150 HRK)
  • Rovinj Old Town (2 hrs, free)
  • Pula Arena (1 hr, 50 HRK)
  • Brijuni National Park (1 day, 300 HRK)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 1950 HRK (approx. $310 USD)

Transportation

During your 14-day adventure in Croatia, you will travel across the country by car and ferry. Be sure to rent a car early in the trip and book all ferry tickets in advance. The total travel cost is approximately $600 USD.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider exploring other islands like Brac, Vis, or Korcula, and the charming towns of Istria like Porec and Motovun. If you have less time, consider shortening your itinerary by cutting one or two destinations. Be flexible with your itinerary due to weather conditions especially if the trip is organized during the winter season.

Airports

The main airport in Croatia is Zagreb International Airport (ZAG), which is located 17km southeast of the capital city center. Other airports with frequent international connections are in Split, Dubrovnik, and Pula.

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