Ultimate 3-Week Croatian Itinerary: From Historic Dubrovnik to Scenic Dalmatian Coast

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town

Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 17, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal

Enjoy a scenic breakfast with views of the old town harbor, offering traditional Croatian pastries and strong coffee.
EUR15, 1h

10:30AM

Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls

Explore the iconic medieval city walls that offer panoramic views of the Adriatic and the red-roofed old town. Open 8:00AM-7:00PM.
EUR35, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Taj Mahal

Savor Bosnian cuisine in the heart of Dubrovnik's old town, a favorite for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious cevapi.
EUR20, 1.5h

3:00PM

Relax at Banje Beach

Spend your afternoon unwinding at this popular pebble beach with crystal clear water just outside the old town walls.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Nautika Restaurant

Indulge in fine dining featuring fresh seafood with stunning views over the Adriatic Sea. Reservations recommended.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 2: Island Day Trip

Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

Start with a hearty breakfast near Pile Gate, overlooking the ancient walls, serving fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR15, 1h

9:00AM

Day Trip to Lokrum Island

Take a 15-minute ferry to Lokrum Island, explore botanical gardens, the old Benedictine monastery, and relax at secluded beaches. Ferries run roughly 9:00AM-5:00PM.
EUR12, 5h

2:30PM

Lunch Picnic on Lokrum

Bring or buy a picnic to enjoy in the tranquil gardens or by the Dead Sea lake on the island.
EUR12, 1h

5:00PM

Return to Dubrovnik and Rest

Head back to your hotel to freshen up and relax after your outdoor adventure.
Free, 1.5h

7:30PM

Dinner at Proto

Dine at one of Dubrovnik’s oldest restaurants known for expertly prepared Croatian seafood dishes.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 3: Travel to Split

Split, Croatia on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Dubrovnik accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Drive or Bus to Split

Take a 3-4 hour scenic coastal drive or bus ride, heading north along the Dalmatian coast to Split.
EUR20, 4h

2:00PM

Lunch at Fife Restaurant

Taste authentic Dalmatian dishes in a lively local eatery popular among locals and tourists alike.
EUR15, 1.5h

4:00PM

Explore Diocletian's Palace

Walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient Roman palace complex at the heart of Split. Open 8:30AM-7:00PM.
Free entering palace grounds, certain museums EUR10, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Konoba Matejuška

Savor fresh seafood in this cozy harbor-side restaurant with authentic Croatian flavors.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 4: Island Hvar Day Trip

Split, Croatia on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Kava2

Fuel up with a quality coffee and light breakfast before your island excursion.
EUR10, 0.5h

8:00AM

Ferry to Hvar Island

Catch the ferry to Hvar, about 1 hour ride. Explore the town, beaches, and local vineyards. Ferries run from 7:00AM to 7:00PM.
EUR15 return, 6h

12:30PM

Lunch at Gariful Restaurant

Eat fresh seafood with harbor views in Hvar town, known for its excellent service and ambiance.
EUR45, 1.5h

3:00PM

Relax at Dubovica Beach

Take a bus or taxi to this picturesque pebble beach with crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 2h

5:30PM

Return Ferry to Split

Head back to Split to enjoy the evening at your pace.
Included in return ferry ticket, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar

Casual dining with an excellent selection of local wines to unwind after your day trip.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Relax in Split

Split, Croatia on April 21, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bajamonti Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with people-watching in the lively central square.
EUR15, 1h

10:30AM

Marjan Hill Walk

Take a gentle hike in this pine forest park with viewpoints over the city and sea. Perfect light exercise and nature time. Open all day.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Nostromo

Sit at this friendly seafood bistro near the harbor serving fresh local fish and excellent wines.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00PM

Beach Time at Bačvice Beach

Relax on the sandy Bačvice Beach, the best urban beach in Split, ideal for swimming and people-watching.
Free, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Villa Spiza

Cozy eatery offering traditional Dalmatian dishes in a casual setting, popular for quality and good value.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Travel to Zadar

Zadar, Croatia on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation in Split

Enjoy a light breakfast before departing to Zadar.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Drive/Bus to Zadar

Travel approximately 2 hours north along the coast to reach historic Zadar.
EUR15, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Pet Bunara

Dine on creatively prepared local dishes using fresh regional ingredients in the old town.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00PM

Explore Roman Forum and Sea Organ

Visit Zadar's Roman Forum ruins and enjoy the unique Sound and Light installation - the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Relax at Kolovare Beach

Spend the late afternoon unwinding at this rocky beach near Zadar’s old town.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Bruschetta

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with beautiful views of the sea from the restaurant terrace.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice, Croatia on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at accommodation in Zadar

Have an early breakfast to prepare for the day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Travel about 1.5-hour inland to this famous national park known for stunning lakes and waterfalls.
EUR10 toll, 1.5h

10:30AM

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

Enjoy hiking the marked trails to witness breathtaking waterfalls, lakes, and lush forested scenery. Open from 7:00AM to 8:00PM in spring.
EUR50, 5h

4:00PM

Return to Zadar

Drive back to Zadar after your nature immersion.
EUR10 toll, 1.5h

7:30PM

Dinner at Kornat

Relax with fresh seafood and Croatian specialties in a welcoming atmosphere in Zadar’s old town.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 8: South to Šibenik

Šibenik, Croatia on April 24, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Antika in Zadar

Start your day with coffee and pastries in a charming café before traveling.
EUR10, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to Šibenik

Travel 1.5 hours south to the historic coastal town of Šibenik.
EUR15, 1.5h

11:30AM

Visit St. James Cathedral

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a remarkable Renaissance masterpiece built entirely from stone.
EUR5, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at Pelegrini Restaurant

Experience top-notch Dalmatian cuisine in an elegant setting steps from the cathedral.
EUR50, 1.5h

3:00PM

Beach time at Banj Beach

Relax at the popular sandy beach near downtown Šibenik for sunbathing and swimming.
Free, 3h

7:30PM

Dinner at Lungo Mare

Dine on fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes with a sea view just outside Šibenik’s old town.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 9: Relax & Explore Šibenik

Šibenik, Croatia on April 25, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Bar Boheme

Enjoy coffee and a relaxed breakfast in the old town center.
EUR10, 1h

10:30AM

Fortress St. Michael

Walk up to this impressive fortress offering panoramic views over Šibenik and the Adriatic Sea. Open 8:00AM-8:00PM.
EUR7, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at DaR Wine Bar

Taste local wines and light Mediterranean dishes accompanied by a cozy atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00PM

Leisure Afternoon at Solaris Beach Resort

Unwind at the spa or beaches of Solaris Resort just north of Šibenik for a touch of luxury and relaxation.
EUR20 entrance or spa optional, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Konoba Nostalgija

Enjoy classic Croatian coastal cuisine in a rustic setting.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 10: Return to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Šibenik accommodation

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast before the journey south.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Dubrovnik

Begin the scenic 3.5-hour drive back down the coast to Dubrovnik.
EUR25, 3.5h

1:00PM

Lunch break in Ston

Stop in this historic town famous for the longest ancient stone walls and oysters. Try oysters or local seafood.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00PM

Arrive and check into Dubrovnik hotel

Relax and freshen up for a restful evening.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant

Enjoy modern Croatian cuisine with unparalleled views overlooking the old town rooftops at sunset.
EUR55, 2h
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Day 11: Leisure Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 27, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

Relax with a waterfront breakfast with a view of Lovrijenac Fortress.
EUR15, 1h

10:15AM

Cable Car Ride to Mount Srd

Ride the cable car for sweeping views over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. Open 9:00AM-7:30PM.
EUR25 round trip, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant on Mount Srd

Enjoy lunch with panoramic views back towards the city and sea, a perfect scenic spot.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00PM

Relax at your hotel or Spa treatment

Unwind with some downtime or perhaps book a spa treatment to recharge.
EUR60 optional spa, 3h

7:30PM

Dinner at Lady Pi-pi

Sample authentic Dalmatian grilled specialties in a rustic open-air setting with a lively ambiance.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 12: Pelješac Peninsula Trip

Pelješac, Croatia on April 28, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for a full day trip on Pelješac Peninsula known for wine and beaches.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Pelješac

Drive north about 2 hours to this peninsula famous for vineyards and oysters.
EUR20, 2h

11:00AM

Visit Winery in Dingač

Tour and tasting at a renowned Zlatan Otok or Matuško winery, open till 5PM weekdays.
EUR20, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Konoba Vino Pelješac

Enjoy local Dalmatian fare paired with the peninsula’s wines in a charming winery restaurant.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:30PM

Relax at Trstenica Beach

Unwind on the long pebble beach near Orebić with crystal clear waters.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Return to Dubrovnik

Drive back to Dubrovnik for a relaxed evening.
EUR20, 2h
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Day 13: Day of Leisure in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 29, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Banje Beach Bar

Casual breakfast by the beach to start your relaxed day.
EUR15, 1h

10:30AM

Shopping and Strolling Old Town

Take a slow day browsing local shops, artisan crafts, and enjoy coffee breaks in hidden squares.
Free, 4h

2:30PM

Light Lunch at Lokanda Peskarija

Relax with a seafood salad or pasta near the fish market, fresh and authentic.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00PM

Afternoon Rest or Optional Kayaking Tour

Relax or join a sea kayaking tour along the city walls and nearby caves. Kayaking tours last about 2 hours and operate till early evening.
EUR50, 2h

7:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Proto

Celebrate your trip with a memorable seafood feast at one of Dubrovnik’s finest restaurants.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 14: Departure

Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a final relaxing breakfast in Dubrovnik before departure.
Included, 1h

10:00AM

Airport Transfer

Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home.
EUR30, 1h
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