5-Day Family Road Trip in Croatia Including Island Tour and Coastal Exploration

Day 1: Zagreb Exploration

Zagreb, Croatia on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Otto & Frank

Begin your Croatian road trip with a hearty breakfast at this popular Zagreb café known for fresh pastries and excellent coffee.
HRK60, 1h

9:00am

Zagreb Cathedral Visit

Explore Croatia’s iconic neo-Gothic cathedral in the heart of the city, open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Free, 45m

10:00am

Museum of Broken Relationships

Enjoy this unique museum with interactive emotional stories told through personal items, open 9am to 8pm.
HRK40, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Stari Fijaker

Taste traditional Croatian dishes in a family-friendly environment before your long drive south.
HRK160, 1h

1:00pm

Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Depart Zagreb for a 2-hour drive to Plitvice Lakes, enjoying scenic countryside en route.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Plitvice Lakes National Park Visit

Explore the spectacular waterfalls and lakes of Plitvice National Park. Open 7am to 7pm. Family-friendly walking trails and boat rides available.
HRK300 adults, HRK150 children, 2h

5:30pm

Drive to Zadar

Continue your journey for approx 1.5 hours to Zadar for overnight stay.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Bruschetta, Zadar

Dine at a popular family-friendly restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine in the old town.
HRK180, 1h30m
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Day 2: Zadar to Split Coastal Drive

Zadar to Split, Croatia on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast Hotel Zadar

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the scenic drive along the Adriatic coast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Sea Organ and Sun Salutation in Zadar

Experience these unique sound and light installations by the sea, open all day and free to visit.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Split via coastal route

Embark on a 2.5-hour drive along the scenic Dalmatian coast visiting small villages and beautiful beaches en route.
Free, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch stop in Šibenik at Pelegrini

Enjoy local Dalmatian cuisine with family options in this Michelin-starred restaurant.
HRK250, 1h

2:30pm

Continue Drive to Split

Drive remaining distance to Split and check into hotel.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Diocletian's Palace

Walk through the ancient Roman palace complex, a UNESCO site open day-long, perfect for a family stroll.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Konoba Nikola

Relax with freshly grilled local seafood and Croatian specialties in a welcoming atmosphere.
HRK200, 1h30m
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Day 3: Split to Korčula Island

Split to Korčula, Croatia on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Split

Start early with a filling breakfast to prepare for the ferry and island exploration.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Split Ferry Port

Prepare your car for boarding on the ferry to Korčula; the journey by ferry takes approximately 2 hours.
HRK250 for car and passengers, 2h

10:00am

Arrive Korčula and Island Drive

Use your car to explore Korčula’s scenic coastline, vineyards and villages at leisure.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Konoba Adio Mare

Enjoy fresh local seafood with stunning sea views in a family-friendly setting.
HRK180, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Korčula Old Town

Walk the historic streets and see sites such as Marco Polo’s House and the Cathedral, open daily.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Lumbarda Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon on one of Korčula’s best sandy beaches, perfect for families.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Massimo

Treat your family to contemporary Dalmatian cuisine served in a stylish yet welcoming environment.
HRK220, 1h30m
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Day 4: Korčula to Hvar Island

Korčula to Hvar, Croatia on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Korčula

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking the short ferry to Hvar.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Ferry to Hvar

Take the 30-minute ferry from Korčula to Hvar, bringing your car or parking at Hvar port if required.
HRK100 for car and passengers, 30m

9:45am

Explore Hvar Island by Car

Drive the island’s scenic routes visiting secluded beaches and villages such as Stari Grad and Jelsa.
Free, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dalmatino, Hvar Town

Savour delicious Mediterranean dishes with options suitable for children and adults.
HRK180, 1h

2:00pm

Hvar Fortress (Fortica) Visit

Climb up to the fortress for breathtaking panoramic views over Hvar Town and the sparkling Adriatic. Open 9am to 9pm.
HRK50, 1h30m

3:30pm

Afternoon Swim at Dubovica Beach

Relax on this beautiful pebble beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for family swimming.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Giaxa Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Dalmatian dishes in a welcoming and historic setting perfect for families.
HRK210, 1h30m
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Day 5: Island, Split and Zagreb Drive

Hvar to Zagreb via Split, Croatia on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Hvar

Start your day with a good breakfast to prepare for the drive and ferry crossings.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Ferry from Hvar to Split

Board the ferry from Hvar to Split, bringing your car on board. Journey approx. 1.5 hours.
HRK150, 1h30m

9:30am

Explore Split’s Riva Promenade and Diocletian’s Market

Enjoy a morning walk along the bustling seafront and visit the historic market for souvenirs.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Begin Drive to Zagreb

Start your approximately 4-hour drive back to Zagreb via the highway with a comfort stop en route.
Free, 4h

3:00pm

Arrive Zagreb and Check-In

Relax and freshen up at your hotel before the evening.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Stari Fijaker

Enjoy your final Croatian dinner with traditional dishes in a friendly atmosphere ideal for families.
HRK220, 1h30m
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