Budget-Friendly One-Week Croatia Itinerary: Hostels, History & Coastal Beauty

Day 1: Zagreb Exploration

Zagreb, Croatia on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vincek

Start your day enjoying authentic Croatian pastries and coffee at this centrally located café, open 7am – 8pm.
CROEUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Zagreb Upper Town

Visit iconic sites like St. Mark's Church and Lotrščak Tower for stunning city views.
CROEUR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Štruk

Taste traditional Croatian cheese-filled štrukli at this local favorite, open 11am – 10pm.
CROEUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Croatian Museum of Naive Art

Explore Croatian naïve paintings in a unique collection, open 10am – 6pm.
CROEUR6, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Chillout Hostel Zagreb

Affordable and centrally located hostel offering a social atmosphere and comfortable dorms.
CROEUR25, ---

7:00pm

Dinner at Agava Restaurant

Enjoy Dalmatian specialties and local wines in a charming atmosphere, open till 11pm.
CROEUR30, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Plitvice Lakes Adventure

Plitvice, Croatia on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Chillout Hostel

Start your day with the hostel's simple continental breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Zagreb to Plitvice

Catch an early bus (approx. 2 hours) to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
CROEUR15, 2h0m

10:30am

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Discover stunning lakes and waterfalls in Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage site, open 7am – 8pm.
CROEUR40, 4h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Licka Kuca

Enjoy traditional Lika cuisine such as grilled lamb or trout near the park entrance, open until 5pm.
CROEUR18, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at Hostel Plitvice Lakes

Budget-friendly private rooms and dorms located close to the park for easy access.
CROEUR35, ---
View Hotels

Day 3: Travel to Split

Split, Croatia on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Light breakfast to start the journey south to Split.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Bus to Split

Travel approximately 3 hours by bus from Plitvice to Split.
CROEUR20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Konoba Nikola

Fresh seafood specialties in Split’s old town, open 12pm – 10pm.
CROEUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Diocletian's Palace

Tour this ancient Roman complex and explore shops and museums, open 9am – 7pm.
CROEUR0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Check-in at Hostel Split Backpackers

Well-rated, affordable hostel located near the old town.
CROEUR20, ---

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Spiza

Enjoy authentic Croatian home-cooked meals in a lively setting, open until 11pm.
CROEUR20, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Split Beaches and Views

Split, Croatia on June 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine

Start with a tasty breakfast featuring local ingredients, open 8am – 11pm.
CROEUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax at Bacvice Beach

Spend a few hours soaking up sun and swimming at the sandy Bacvice Beach.
CROEUR0, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Fife Restaurant

Explore affordable Dalmatian dishes served in a bustling atmosphere, open 11am – 11pm.
CROEUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike Marjan Hill

Walk trails with panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic Sea, open daylight hours.
CROEUR0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar

Try modern Croatian cuisine with a great wine selection, open until midnight.
CROEUR30, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Transfer to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hostel

Prepare for the day with a simple filling breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Bus to Dubrovnik

Enjoy a scenic 4.5-hour bus ride along the coast to Dubrovnik.
CROEUR25, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nautika

Savor upscale seafood with waterfront views, open noon – 10pm.
CROEUR45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check into Hostel Angelina Old Town

Affordable, highly rated hostel located inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls.
CROEUR30, ---

5:00pm

Walk Dubrovnik City Walls

Stroll Dubrovnik’s iconic medieval walls with spectacular sea views, open 8am–7pm.
CROEUR35, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Proto

Dine on Dalmatian seafood and specialties inside the Old Town, open until 11pm.
CROEUR50, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Dubrovnik & Lokrum Island

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Revelin Culture Club

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal with views at this popular spot, open 8am onwards.
CROEUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Guided Old Town Walking Tour

Learn about Dubrovnik’s history and architecture during this 2-hour walk starting at 10am.
CROEUR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Taj Mahal

Try Bosnian and Dalmatian dishes in this well-loved eatery, open 11am – 10pm.
CROEUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat trip to Lokrum Island

Take a 15-minute ferry to Lokrum Island to explore gardens and serene beaches, open 9am to sunset.
CROEUR15, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Above 5 Restaurant

Enjoy a Mediterranean meal with city views on a rooftop terrace, open until 11pm.
CROEUR50, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Departure Day

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Have a final meal at your hostel before departing.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Last-minute shopping and sightseeing in Old Town

Stroll through Dubrovnik’s streets picking up souvenirs and enjoying last views.
CROEUR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport

Take a taxi or shuttle 30 minutes to the airport in time for your flight.
CROEUR10, 1h0m
View Hotels