8 Days Croatia Itinerary: Discover the Beauty of the Adriatic Coast

Day 1: Explore Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Dolac Market

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring fresh produce and local pastries at the lively Dolac Market.
Walk to the market from your accommodation.
HRK 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Upper Town

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Upper Town, where history meets stunning architecture at the Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark's Church.
A 15-minute walk from Dolac Market.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tkalčićeva Street

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants on Tkalčićeva Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local dishes.
5-minute walk from the Upper Town.
HRK 120, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore the Museum of Broken Relationships

Visit this unique museum that tells stories of lost love and relationships through various artistic exhibits.
A short 10-minute walk from Tkalčićeva.
HRK 40, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Zrinjevac Park

Take a break in Zrinjevac, one of the most beautiful parks in Zagreb, perfect for a leisurely walk or a coffee at a nearby café.
10-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Bistro Apetit

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Bistro Apetit, known for its inventive approach to traditional Croatian cuisine.
5-minute drive from Zrinjevac.
HRK 250, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature's Wonderland

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

8:00 AM

Drive to Plitvice Lakes

Start your journey early and drive about 2 hours to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Rental car from Zagreb.
HRK 400 (gas), 2 hours

10:00 AM

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Spend the day hiking through breathtaking landscapes of cascading lakes and lush forests on well-marked trails.
Park entrance is well-signposted.
HRK 300, 4 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Plitvice Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant inside the park, offering local specialties with a view of the lakes.
Located within the park.
HRK 150, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Continue Park Exploration

Finish exploring the remaining parts of the park, including boat rides across the turquoise lakes.
Use park facilities.
Included in entrance fee, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Etno Garden Restaurant

Relax with a hearty dinner at Etno Garden, serving traditional Croatian dishes made from local ingredients.
A quick 10-minute drive from the park.
HRK 200, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Zadar

Zadar, Croatia

8:00 AM

Drive to Zadar

Depart from Plitvice Lakes, and head to Zadar, arriving in about 1.5 hours.
Rental car to Zadar.
HRK 200 (gas), 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Breakfast at Café Maly Bar

Kickstart your day with a refreshing breakfast at this cozy café known for its delicious coffee and pastries.
Located in the old town.
HRK 80, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

Experience the magical blend of art and nature at Zadar's Sea Organ and the uniquely designed solar-powered installation.
A 10-minute walk along the waterfront.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pet Bunara

Enjoy authentic Dalmatian cuisine in a charming setting, perfectly situated in the heart of Zadar.
10-minute walk from the Sea Organ.
HRK 120, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Zadar's Historical Sites

Wander through Zadar's historical sites including St. Donatus' Church and the Roman Forum.
Walking tour of old town.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Kolovare Beach

Unwind on Kolovare Beach, a perfect spot for swimming or sunbathing with beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.
A 10-minute walk from the Forum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at 4. Vjetra

Savor dinner at 4. Vjetra, known for seafood specialties and a fantastic wine selection.
A 15-minute drive from the beach.
HRK 250, 2 hours
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Day 4: Vibrant Split

Split, Croatia

8:00 AM

Drive to Split

Leave Zadar for Split, a beautiful coastal city, driving for approximately 1.5 hours.
Rental car from Zadar.
HRK 200 (gas), 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Breakfast at Café Bustique

Start the day with a delightful breakfast at Café Bustique, offering a fantastic local vibe and pastries.
Located close to the Diocletian's Palace.
HRK 90, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Diocletian's Palace

Explore one of the most important historical sites in Croatia, where ancient ruins blend with modern life.
A short walk from the café.
HRK 150, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar

Enjoy lunch at a trendy eatery popular for its fresh, Mediterranean-inspired menu and wine selection.
5-minute walk from the palace.
HRK 150, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore the Riva Promenade

Take a walk along the vibrant Riva promenade, lined with cafes and shops, perfect for people-watching.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Relax at Bacvice Beach

Unwind at Bacvice Beach, known for its soft sand and refreshing waters, ideal for a quick dip.
15-minute walk from the promenade.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Apetit

Conclude your day with a fine dining experience at Restaurant Apetit, renowned for its exquisite culinary creations.
A 20-minute walk from the beach.
HRK 300, 2 hours
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Day 5: Charming Hvar

Hvar, Croatia

8:00 AM

Catch Ferry to Hvar

Take an early morning ferry from Split to Hvar, enjoying marvelous views of the Adriatic Sea along the way.
Ferries depart from Split port.
HRK 200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Breakfast at Before 10

Enjoy breakfast at Before 10, an elegant café near the harbor serving delightful breakfast options.
A short walk from the ferry port.
HRK 100, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Hvar Town

Discover the picturesque Hvar Town, filled with stunning architecture, historic sites, and great shopping.
Walking tour around the town.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Giaxa

Dine at Giaxa, a charming restaurant tucked away in Hvar's old town, known for its local dishes.
Located in the heart of Hvar.
HRK 150, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Fortica Fortress

Hike up to Fortica for stunning panoramic views of Hvar island and the surrounding sea.
A 30-minute hike from the town.
HRK 50, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Hvar's Beaches

Unwind with some sunbathing or swimming at one of Hvar's stunning beaches, like Pokonji Dol.
15-minute walk from the fortress.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Jadran

End the day with exquisite seafood dining at Restaurant Jadran, owned by a family with a long history of cooking.
A short stroll back into town.
HRK 250, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historic Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia

8:00 AM

Catch Ferry to Dubrovnik

Embark on a ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik, savoring the splendid Adriatic views during your journey.
Ferry leaves from Hvar's port.
HRK 200, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Royal

Enjoy breakfast at Café Royal, known for its local specialties and stunning views of the Old Town.
Located close to the Pile Gate.
HRK 100, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Dubrovnik Old Town

Wander the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, visiting historic sites like the Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace.
Walking tour through Old Town.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Nautika Restaurant

Dine with a picturesque view of the Adriatic at Nautika, offering a menu filled with fresh seafood dishes.
A short walk from Old Town.
HRK 300, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the City Walls

Climb the iconic city walls for breathtaking views of the city and the sea; a must-do in Dubrovnik.
Access points are available around the Old Town.
HRK 200, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant 360

Savor your closing dinner in Dubrovnik at the Michelin-starred Restaurant 360, famed for its stunning views and exquisite cuisine.
Located just inside the city walls.
HRK 500, 2 hours
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Day 7: Island Escape: Korčula

Korčula, Croatia

8:00 AM

Ferry to Korčula

Catch a morning ferry from Dubrovnik to Korčula, an island rich in history and beautiful landscapes.
Ferry departs from Dubrovnik harbor.
HRK 150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Caffe Bar Sikirica

Enjoy breakfast at Caffe Bar Sikirica, which boasts a lovely view over the harbor.
Walking distance from the ferry port.
HRK 90, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Korčula Town

Wander through the charming streets of Korčula Town and visit attractions such as St. Mark's Cathedral.
Walking tour in the town.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Konoba Marcela

Experience local dishes at Konoba Marcela, situated in the heart of Korčula Town.
Located just a short walk from the cathedral.
HRK 120, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Marco Polo's House

Explore the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo, which provides fascinating insights into his life.
10-minute walk from lunch location.
HRK 60, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at Vela Przina Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun at Vela Przina Beach, known for its inviting waters.
A 15-minute drive or bus from Korčula Town.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ribar

Satisfy your appetite with dinner at Ribar, renowned for its incredible seafood and authentic recipes.
Return to Korčula Town for dinner.
HRK 250, 2 hours
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Day 8: Final Day in Rijeka

Rijeka, Croatia

8:00 AM

Ferry Back to Dubrovnik

Take a ferry back to Dubrovnik and then drive about 2 hours to Rijeka.
Renting car and ferrying from Korčula to Dubrovnik.
HRK 150 + HRK 200 (gas), 3 hours

11:00 AM

Breakfast at Café de Vivre

Start your day with breakfast in Rijeka at Café de Vivre, known for its warm ambiance and local dishes.
Walking distance from parking.
HRK 80, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Explore Trsat Castle

Visit the historic Trsat Castle for stunning views over Rijeka and learn about its history.
A quick drive from the café.
HRK 40, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Konoba Feral

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Konoba Feral, celebrated for its authenticity and local specialties.
A 10-minute drive from Trsat Castle.
HRK 120, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Korzo Street

Stroll along the popular Korzo Street and enjoy shopping and people-watching at cafes.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Žužić

Conclude your Croatian adventure with dinner at Restaurant Žužić, known for its fresh seafood and local ingredients.
Final drive back to central Rijeka.
HRK 250, 2 hours
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