Start your adventure in the capital city of Croatia. Visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the most monumental and impressive building in town. Take a stroll through Strossmayer Square and enjoy the beautiful architecture and scenery. End your day with a visit to the Dolac Market, the largest open-air market in Zagreb with fresh produce and local products.
Embark on an adventure in Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the incredible waterfalls and cascades of turquoise water on Plitvice Lakes and take a hike through the park's stunning landscapes. Keep an eye out for the park's wildlife including bears, wolves, and rare bird species.
Make your way to the coastal city of Split. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian's Palace, a magnificent ancient Roman palace in the heart of the city. Take a stroll along the Riva waterfront promenade and indulge in some local cuisine at the Grgur Ninski Statue which is known to be a landmark spot in Split.
Experience an adventure-filled day trekking through the Paklenica National Park, famous for its impressive canyons and peaks. Here, you can embark on fun activities like rock climbing, canyoning and paragliding. This is a perfect spot for all adventurers and nature lovers, so don't miss it!
Head to the city of Zadar next. Take a walk and explore the charming old town and visit landmarks like the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, which displays stunning light show after sunset. For a filling lunch, find a local eatery and try traditional Croatian dishes like Pašticada or Black risotto.
Visit the stunning Krka National Park and witness the famous Krka Waterfalls which is a beautiful sight to behold. Go ahead and take a swim in the refreshing waters and take in the picture-perfect views like never before! On your way back, visit the picturesque town of Šibenik, and enjoy some local wine from the region.
End your adventurous trip in the magnificent city of Dubrovnik. Explore the historical walled city and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dubrovnik Old Town, walk around scenic Lokrum Island, and marvel at one of the most photogenic viewpoints in the world, Banje Beach. Finish off with an unforgettable sunset from the top of the Srd Hill overlooking the city.
Croatia offers a variety of transportation methods to choose from. Buses are usually the cheapest option, especially when travelling from one city to another, but they can be slow and often get crowded. Trains are faster but also more expensive, and they have limited routes. Taxis and Uber are available in most cities and are quite affordable, but don't forget to bargain for a price before jumping in. Car rental is possible, but driving in Croatia may take some getting used to, so be sure to check the road rules before hitting the road!
Estimated Total Transportation Cost: $100-150 AUD
If you have extra time, consider adding a visit to the Croatian islands, for example, the fabulous Hvar Island which is a major tourist hotspot. If you'd like to take a break from the adventure and chill, check out some of the Croatian beaches like Brela Beach. On the other hand, if you have less time, consider dropping an activity in order to maintain an adequate pace for the remainder of the itinerary.
Croatia's largest airport is Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) in the capital city of Zagreb, which is a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Other notable airports include Split Airport (SPU) which is 20 km from the city centre and Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) which is 20 km from the city centre. Expect a taxi ride from ZAG Airport to cost around $30 AUD while a ride from SPU Airport to the city centre costs about $40 AUD, and a ride to the Dubrovnik city centre costs $45 AUD.