Affordable 12-Day Honeymoon in Croatia and Portugal from California

Day 1: Arrival and Dubrovnik Evening

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 18, 2025

4:00pm

Arrival at Dubrovnik Airport and Check-in

Arrive from California via connecting flights likely through Europe. Check into an affordable guesthouse or Airbnb in Old Town for charm and budget-friendliness.
USD100, 1h0m

6:00pm

Walk Dubrovnik Old Town Walls

Explore the stunning medieval walls at sunset, offering breathtaking Adriatic views and historical insights. Open until 7pm.
CURRENCY35, 1h30m

7:45pm

Dinner at Nishta

Enjoy a vegetarian-friendly, affordable, and cozy dinner in Dubrovnik's Old Town featuring local Mediterranean flavors.
CURRENCY20, 1h15m

Day 2: Dubrovnik & Travel to Split

Dubrovnik / Split, Croatia on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Festival

Start your day with traditional Croatian coffee and pastries at this budget-friendly cafe near the main square.
CURRENCY8, 1h0m

9:30am

Morning in Dubrovnik Cable Car

Ride the cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views over Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast. Open from 9am to 6pm.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m

12:00pm

Travel to Split by Bus

Take an efficient 4.5-hour bus ride to Split, an economical option to stay within budget while enjoying scenic Dalmatian landscapes.
USD20, 4h30m

5:00pm

Check-In and Explore Split Old Town

Check into a budget hotel or Airbnb, then stroll through the historic center including Diocletian's Palace, absorbing the vibrant local atmosphere.
USD80, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Villa Spiza

Eat at this popular local spot offering fresh, homemade Dalmatian dishes with reasonable prices in a cozy setting.
CURRENCY18, 1h15m

Day 3: Split & National Park

Split, Croatia on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kava2

Enjoy a light breakfast with great coffee and pastries made locally to fuel your day.
CURRENCY7, 1h0m

8:30am

Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Join a budget-friendly organized tour or bus trip to Croatia’s famous Plitvice Lakes to explore spectacular waterfalls and lush scenery. Open 7am-8pm.
USD50, 9h0m

6:00pm

Return and Dinner at Fife

End the day with a casual and affordable Dalmatian meal at Fife, perfect for local atmosphere and hearty dishes.
CURRENCY15, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to Portugal

Split, Croatia / Lisbon, Portugal on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at locals' market

Grab a quick breakfast from Split’s Green Market for fresh fruit and pastries under budget.
CURRENCY5, 0h30m

9:00am

Fly from Split to Lisbon

Take an early flight to Lisbon to maximize time exploring Portugal's capital.
USD150, 4h0m

1:00pm

Check into Lisbon guesthouse

Stay in a centrally located budget guesthouse or Airbnb in Lisbon's Baixa district for easy access to sites.
USD90, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Time Out Market Lisbon

Sample various Portuguese specialties and international dishes at affordable prices in this lively market space.
CURRENCY15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Alfama District & São Jorge Castle

Walk through Lisbon’s iconic Alfama neighborhood with colorful streets and visit the historic castle offering city views. Castle open 9am-6pm.
CURRENCY10, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Enjoy fresh seafood in this popular Lisbon spot known for great quality and reasonable prices, perfect for a honeymoon indulgence.
CURRENCY30, 1h30m

Day 5: Lisbon & Sintra Day Trip

Lisbon / Sintra, Portugal on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at A Padaria Portuguesa

Start with delicious, affordable local pastries and coffee at this popular Lisbon bakery chain.
CURRENCY6, 0h45m

9:00am

Train to Sintra

Catch an early train to Sintra (40 mins), a fairytale town with castles and palaces to explore.
CURRENCY5, 0h40m

10:00am

Visit Pena Palace

Explore Pena Palace with its colorful architecture and stunning views. Opens 9:30am, closes 7pm.
CURRENCY14, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy authentic Portuguese tapas in the heart of Sintra at reasonable prices.
CURRENCY12, 1h0m

1:45pm

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

Visit mystical gardens and the enigmatic Initiation Well; a romantic and captivating spot. Open 9:30am-6pm.
CURRENCY10, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Train back to Lisbon for evening activities.
CURRENCY5, 0h40m

6:00pm

Relax or visit Miradouros

Visit one of Lisbon’s scenic viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Catarina for sunset views over the Tagus River.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores

Enjoy classic Portuguese petiscos (small plates) in a cozy and affordable setting popular with locals.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

Day 6: Lisbon Leisure & Departure Prep

Lisbon, Portugal on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Enjoy excellent coffee and light breakfast in Lisbon’s hip Chiado district.
CURRENCY8, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Jerónimos Monastery

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with exquisite Manueline architecture. Open 10am-5:30pm.
CURRENCY10, 1h30m

11:30am

Belém Tower nearby

Walk to Belém Tower, another landmark along the Tagus river to admire its historic defense architecture.
CURRENCY6, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pasteis de Belém

Try the famous custard tarts (pastéis de nata) and light snacks at this iconic bakery.
CURRENCY8, 1h0m

2:30pm

Afternoon stroll / shopping

Explore local shops and enjoy the relaxed vibe around Baixa and Rossio squares.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Mercado da Ribeira

Return to Time Out Market for your last dinner, selecting your favorite dishes from multiple vendors in a lively space.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

Day 7: Flight back to California

Lisbon, Portugal / California, USA on May 24, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Airport Transfer

Have a quick breakfast at the guesthouse or nearby cafe, then take a taxi/shuttle to Lisbon airport for your flight home.
CURRENCY10, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight Departure

Board your flight back to California via connecting flights through Europe.
Included in flight ticket, 12h0m+