7-Day Ultimate Croatia Itinerary: From Historic Cities to Stunning Coastlines

Day 1: Explore Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Otto & Frank

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with fresh pastries and specialty coffee in this cozy Zagreb café, perfect to start your day.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Zagreb Cathedral

Explore the magnificent Neo-Gothic Zagreb Cathedral, iconic for its twin spires and rich history.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Stroll through Dolac Market

Immerse yourself in local life by browsing fresh produce and artisan goods at Zagreb’s bustling open-air Dolac Market.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bistro Šalša

Taste authentic Croatian dishes like ‘štrukli’ in this friendly bistro known for traditional cuisine.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Mimara Museum

View an extensive collection of art and artifacts from ancient times to modern works in this well-curated museum.
EUR8, 1h30m

3:30pm

Take a walk in Maksimir Park

Relax and enjoy nature at this large, scenic park with lakes, woodlands, and zoo options.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mundoaka Street Food

Dine on innovative Croatian street food with a twist, using local ingredients in a vibrant setting.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Plitvice Lakes Visit

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel in Zagreb

Fuel up early with breakfast before heading out to Plitvice, as the park opens early and is best experienced in the morning.
Included with stay, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Travel approximately 2 hours to reach this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its cascading lakes and waterfalls.
Fuel approx EUR30, 2h0m

10:30am

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Hike through scenic trails winding around 16 terraced lakes connected by beautiful waterfalls. Park opens 7:00am-8:00pm.
EUR20, 4h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Licka Kuca Restaurant

Taste local Lika regional dishes like lamb and trout in a rustic setting near the park.
EUR18, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Zadar

Head towards the coast with a 1.5-hour drive to scenic Zadar, known for historic sites and sea views.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk along Zadar's Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

Enjoy the unique sea-powered musical installation and the solar light display along the waterfront, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pet Bunara

Relish fine Dalmatian dishes in one of Zadar’s highly-rated local restaurants offering fresh seafood and regional wine.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Zadar to Split

Zadar and Split, Croatia on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bar Bok

Grab coffee and a light bite in this cozy spot before exploring more of Zadar.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit St. Donatus Church

See this iconic 9th-century pre-Romanesque church, a symbol of Zadar's history and architecture.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Zadar Old Town

Wander cobblestone streets and admire Roman ruins, old city walls, and charming squares.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kornat Restaurant

Enjoy Croatian coastal cuisine with fresh seafood specialties in a family-friendly restaurant in the old town.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Split

Travel 1.5 hours south to Split, a vibrant coastal city known for its Roman heritage and lively atmosphere.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Tour Diocletian’s Palace

Explore this massive ancient Roman palace complex, a UNESCO site that forms the heart of Split’s old town. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

5:30pm

Relax at Riva Promenade

Stroll along the vibrant harbor promenade lined with cafes, perfect for people-watching and sunset views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Spiza

Experience homemade Dalmatian dishes in this cozy, popular restaurant near Diocletian's Palace.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Split and Hvar transition

Split and Hvar Island, Croatia on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kava2

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh pastries at this trendy café in Split’s old town.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Climb Marjan Hill

Take a scenic hike or bike ride up Marjan Hill for panoramic views over Split and the Adriatic Sea.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Ferry to Hvar Island

Catch the ferry from Split to Hvar, approximately 1 hour ride through stunning turquoise waters.
EUR15, 1h0m

12:45pm

Check-in and lunch in Hvar town

Have a seaside lunch at Fig Cafe Bar, offering fresh Mediterranean dishes and local wines.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Hvar Fortress

Explore the Fortress Fortica, walk the walls for breathtaking views of Hvar Town and surrounding islands. Open 9:00am-8:00pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Dubovica Beach

Take a short taxi or drive to this beautiful pebble beach ideal for swimming and unwinding.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dalmatino

Enjoy excellent Croatian seafood and steak dishes in one of Hvar’s top-rated restaurants.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Explore Hvar and Return to Mainland

Hvar Island and Split, Croatia on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at bakery Pekara Pokrajac

Grab fresh baked goods and coffee from this popular local bakery in Hvar town.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Boat tour to Pakleni Islands

Spend the morning exploring nearby Pakleni Islands by boat, with stops for swimming and snorkeling in secluded bays.
EUR40, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House

Dine on freshly caught seafood right by the water on Palmizana, one of Pakleni Islands.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return ferry to Split

Ferry back to Split, ensuring a comfortable ride to prepare for evening activities.
EUR15, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit the Gallery of Fine Arts

Explore Croatia’s largest fine arts collection in this central Split gallery, open till 7:00pm on weekends.
EUR6, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar

Experience modern Croatian cuisine paired with excellent local wines in a chic atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Dubrovnik Arrival and Old Town

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have a light breakfast in Split before traveling to Dubrovnik to maximize sightseeing time.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive or bus to Dubrovnik

Travel approximately 3.5 hours along the scenic Adriatic coast to reach Dubrovnik.
Fuel/bus ticket EUR35, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Taj Mahal (not Indian cuisine but Bosnian specialties)

Taste Bosnian-style grilled meats and traditional dishes in this well-loved Dubrovnik restaurant.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Dubrovnik City Walls

Explore the iconic fortified walls offering unparalleled views of the Adriatic and old town; open 8:00am-6:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit Stradun and Old Town

Wander Dubrovnik’s marble-paved main street and narrow alleys rich with history and charm.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Cable Car Ride to Mount Srđ

Take a cable car for panoramic sunset views over Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands; operates 9:00am-10:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Proto Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood in one of Dubrovnik’s most historic and acclaimed dining spots.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Dubrovnik Surroundings

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836 Restaurant

Start the day with breakfast overlooking the city walls and Lovrijenac Fortress.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:00am

Day trip to Lokrum Island

Take a 15-minute ferry to Lokrum, an island with botanical gardens, a salt lake, and historic ruins to explore. Ferries run 9:00am-4:30pm.
EUR15, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch picnic on Lokrum or back in Dubrovnik

Bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens or have lunch at the Lokrum café before heading back.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Dubrovnik and visit Rector’s Palace

Explore this Gothic-Renaissance palace with exhibitions on Dubrovnik’s history, open until 5:00pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

4:30pm

Relax and shop in Old Town

Spend your final afternoon browsing local shops or enjoying a coffee at a terrace café.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Nautika Restaurant

Celebrate your week in Croatia with an unforgettable dinner at Nautika, featuring fine dining with spectacular sea views.
EUR50, 2h0m
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