8-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration of Croatia

Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia on May 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Vincek Bakery

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at Vincek, a popular spot in Zagreb known for its traditional Croatian cakes and sweets.
HRK45, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Ban Jelačić Square and Upper Town

Discover Zagreb's historic core including the bustling Ban Jelačić Square and the charming Upper Town with its medieval streets and landmarks.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Stari Fijaker

Enjoy authentic Croatian dishes in a traditional setting at Stari Fijaker, famous for local specialities such as štrukli and lamb.
HRK120, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships

A unique museum presenting personal objects and stories related to breakups and lost love, a must-see for insight into human emotions and creativity.
HRK40, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Zrinjevac Park

Relax in this central park with beautiful tree-lined pathways, fountains, and music pavilions, a great spot for an afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Agava Restaurant

Dine on Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine in a cosy atmosphere on Tkalčićeva Street, known for fresh seafood and local wines.
HRK150, 1h30m

Day 2: Nature at Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Dubrovnik Zagreb

Early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Drive approximately 2 hours south to reach the stunning Plitvice Lakes, renowned for cascading lakes and waterfalls.
Transport cost approx HRK250, 2h0m

10:30am

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Spend the day hiking around the wooden trails and bridges over the turquoise lakes and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 7am-8pm.
HRK180, 5h0m

3:30pm

Late Lunch at Licka Kuca Restaurant

Enjoy traditional mountain fare such as wild game and river trout near the park entrance.
HRK110, 1h0m

5:00pm

Travel to Zadar

Drive south approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the coastal city of Zadar.
Transport cost approx HRK150, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Bruschetta

Dine on fresh seafood and Italian-inspired dishes on Zadar's scenic waterfront.
HRK140, 1h30m

Day 3: Historic Zadar

Zadar, Croatia on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at the Garden Lounge

Start your day with healthy options, fresh juices, and coffee in a hip garden café setting.
HRK50, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Zadar Old Town

Walk along the Roman Forum, visit St Donatus Church, and experience the famous Sea Organ and Sun Salutation installations.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kornat

Enjoy Dalmatian specialities with views of the harbour, famous for grilled fish and local wines.
HRK130, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the Archaeological Museum Zadar

Explore Croatia's oldest museum showcasing artefacts from prehistoric to Roman times. Open 10am-6pm.
HRK30, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Zadar’s riva promenade

Enjoy the lively atmosphere, seaside views, and cafés for a relaxing afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pet Bunara

Savour locally sourced ingredients and creative Dalmatian cuisine in a charming restaurant in Old Town.
HRK160, 1h30m

Day 4: Waterfalls & History

Šibenik and Krka National Park, Croatia on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Niko, Zadar

Fuel up with a hotel breakfast before your day exploring nearby Šibenik and Krka National Park.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Šibenik

Drive about 1 hour south from Zadar to the historic town of Šibenik.
Transport cost approx HRK70, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Šibenik Cathedral

Explore this UNESCO-listed Renaissance cathedral, famous for its unique stone construction and artistic details.
Free, 1h0m

10:45am

Travel to Krka National Park

Short 20-minute drive to Krka National Park, renowned for its stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.
Transport cost approx HRK30, 20m

11:15am

Explore Krka National Park

Walk trails around waterfalls like Skradinski Buk and enjoy the natural beauty; swimming allowed in designated areas. Open 8am-8pm.
HRK150, 4h0m

3:30pm

Lunch at Konoba Dalmatino, Šibenik

Enjoy hearty Dalmatian cuisine with excellent grilled meats and fresh seafood back in Šibenik.
HRK140, 1h30m

5:30pm

Travel to Split

Drive along the coast approximately 1h15m to the city of Split.
Transport cost approx HRK150, 1h15m

7:00pm

Check into accommodation and Dinner at Villa Spiza

Settle in and enjoy dinner at Villa Spiza, known for its home-style Dalmatian dishes located in Split’s Old Town.
HRK120, 1h30m

Day 5: Split and Diocletian’s Palace

Split, Croatia on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kavana Procaffe

Start with coffee and pastries at this popular café near the waterfront.
HRK40, 45m

9:00am

Tour Diocletian's Palace

Explore this vast Roman Emperor’s palace complex, now a lively area full of shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Free to roam; optional guided tours approx HRK60, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fife Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Dalmatian dishes at a local favourite with reasonable prices and authentic flavours.
HRK100, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Marjan Hill Park

Take a relaxing hike or cycle in this park offering panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic Sea.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Walk along Riva Promenade

Enjoy vibrant evening street life by the sea with cafés and bars.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine

Experience modern Mediterranean cuisine and excellent local wines in a stylish setting.
HRK180, 1h30m

Day 6: Island Escape Hvar

Hvar Island, Croatia on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before catching the ferry to Hvar Island.
Included, 30m

7:45am

Travel to Hvar Island by Ferry

Drive to Split ferry port for a 1 hour ferry crossing to Hvar, known for its lavender fields and vibrant nightlife.
HRK70, 1h0m

9:00am

Check into accommodation in Hvar Town

Drop off luggage and get ready to explore the island.
Varies, 30m

10:00am

Explore Hvar Old Town

Discover the Renaissance architecture, Fortica Fortress with commanding views, and the main square full of cafés.
HRK30 for fortress entry, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dalmatino

Relax with a seafood meal and local wines in a lively restaurant close to the harbour.
HRK150, 1h30m

3:00pm

Beach Time at Dubovica Beach

Take a taxi or hike to this beautiful pebble beach known for crystal-clear water and a charming beach bar.
Transport cost approx HRK50, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Giaxa

Experience traditional Dalmatian cuisine in a historic setting within Hvar's old town.
HRK160, 1h30m

Day 7: Dubrovnik Arrival

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before ferry or catamaran travel to Dubrovnik.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Ferry or Catamaran to Dubrovnik

Enjoy a scenic ride from Hvar to Dubrovnik, travel time approx 3 hours. Book tickets in advance.
HRK200, 3h0m

11:30am

Check into Dubrovnik accommodation

Settle in and prepare for city exploration.
Varies, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Taj Mahal

Sample Bosnian and Dalmatian fusion dishes in a well-reviewed restaurant near the Old Town entrance.
HRK140, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk Dubrovnik City Walls

Explore the famous 2 km-long ancient walls offering breathtaking views over the Adriatic and the Old Town. Open 8am-7pm.
HRK200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Rector's Palace and Old Town

Tour this historic palace and stroll the limestone streets featuring shops, churches and cafes.
HRK120, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Proto Fish Restaurant

Delight in fresh seafood and Croatian wines in one of Dubrovnik’s finest dining establishments.
HRK200, 1h30m

Day 8: Dubrovnik Departure

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal

Enjoy coffee and breakfast with views of the marina before departure.
HRK60, 1h0m

9:30am

Cable car to Mount Srđ

Take the cable car for stunning panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, ideal for photos and relaxation. Open 9am-8pm.
HRK170, 2h0m

12:00pm

Last-minute shopping in Old Town

Pick up souvenirs such as local lavender products, olive oil, and handmade crafts in the markets.
Variable, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lady Pi-Pi

Enjoy grilled Dalmatian meats with spectacular views from this popular hillside restaurant.
HRK160, 1h30m

3:30pm

Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport

Prepare for your departure with transport arranged to Dubrovnik Airport, approximately 30 minutes away.
Transport cost approx HRK150, 30m