10 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Classic Croatia: Zagreb, Plitvice, Hvar, & Dubrovnik

This tour highlights the best of the country from the southern Dalmatian coast with stops in the Roman port city of Split and the medieval fortressed walls of Dubrovnik to Croatia's capital, Zagreb. 

Begin in the streets of Zagreb to find Upper Town, St. Mark's Square and the Museum of Broken Relationships. On day two, venture down to Plitvice Lakes National Park with a stop at the watermill town of Rastoke for a day of hiking the trails along the stunning waterfalls and lakes. Rise early for a sunrise over the waterfalls before continuing on to Zadar to see the Monument to the Sun and the Sea Organ on day three.

On day four, drive to Split where you have the day to see the city including Pjaca Square, the Bronze Gate and Diocletian's Palace, though you'll cover the historic sites during your day-five walking tour of the city. Enjoy wine bars and fantastic seafood restaurants while in Split. 

Catch the ferry to Hvar on day six where you can tour Španjola Fortress which provides a beautiful view of Hvar Town and the nearby Pakleni Islands. Climb onto a bike to take a cycle tour of the island on day seven to see coastal villages like Jelsa and Vrboska. On day eight, ferry to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," for a leisurely day of wandering the stone streets of the walled city. Enjoy a historical walking tour of the city on day nine to ensure you cover all of the top sites. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Hidden Gems of Dalmatia: Koločep, Mljet, Šolta Island, & Trogir

Uncover the hidden gems of Croatia with this tour of the Dalmatian coast, including time in the historic, popular cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Hike, bike, swim and sail quiet islands, ancient cities, and sparkling seas during this stunning adventure.

Once you arrive in Dubrovnik, spend time getting acquainted with the "Pearl of the Adriatic" after checking into your hotel. Wander the stone streets, visit a wine bar or take in a sunset over the Elefiti Islands. On day two, you'll take a walking tour of the historic city with visits to the top stops Rector's Palace, the Church of St. Blaise and Pile Gate.

Take a day trip to one of the Elefiti Islands, Koločep, on day three for sandy beaches and quiet stone villages. See the Pelješac peninsula, best known for its robust red wines, as well as Ston and Korčula on day four. Fill up on fresh, local oysters before turning in for the night in Ston. Take a day trip to Mljet National Park on day five to enjoy the peace of Croatia's greenest island and the Benedictine monastery. 

Make your way to Split on day six for a walking tour of the historic port city. You'll see Diocletian's Palace and the Bronze Gate among other notable stops. Sail to Šolta Island on day seven for time in and on the blue Adriatic waters. Venture to Šibenik and Krka National Park where you can swim among the waterfalls on day eight. You won't want to miss the renowned Skradinski Buk waterfall in Krka.

Spend day nine exploring Trogir, Klis, and Solin and the highlights of these ancient coastal cities such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence or the Klis Fortress. Transfer to the Split airport, a 45-minute drive with normal traffic from the old town, on day ten. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Sailing Dalmatia: Vis, Lastovo, Mljet, & Brač

Enjoy 10 full days of sun and sea on a private sailboat as you cruise to and between some of Croatia's most popular Adriatic islands. From Split, you'll chart a course to quiet Vis Island before continuing to the untouched paradise of Lastovo, the island and national park of Mljet, fortified Korčula, popular Hvar, and forested Brač. 

Spend time in Split getting acquainted with the historic old town after checking into your hotel. Wander the stone streets, visit a wine bar or take in a sunset over the marina. Board your private sailboat on day two and set off for Vis where you will dock for the night and be able to visit Vis Town and walk along the long strip of buildings that make up the "center."

Uncover the villages of Vis such as Komiža, one of the oldest fishing villages of the Adriatic, on day three. Enjoy leisure time by taking a swim, going for a dive or simply soaking up the sun. On day four, sail to Lastovo to see the Blue Cave with stops for lunch and swimming. Move on to Mljet National Park on day five where you can rent a bike to cycle the island and see sites such as the Benedictine monastery or the saltwater lakes.

From Mljet, sail to Korčula to explore Korčula Town on day six. The birthplace of Marco Polo, you'll see Land Gate and St. Mark's Cathedral while strolling through the center. Continue on to ever-popular Hvar on day seven to further explore the Pakleni Islands which make up the Hvar Riviera. On day eight, arrive on Brač where you can wander Bol and see ancient and Middle Ages Greek remnants. Return to Split on day nine for an afternoon on Bačvice Beach followed by an excellent seafood feast. Transfer to the Split airport, a 45-minute drive with normal traffic from the old town, on day ten. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice & Split

Explore Croatia's top cities and cultural sights on this 10-day tour. Begin in the capital, Zagreb, before moving on to explore the Roman ruins, Venetian-style architecture, and medieval hilltop towns of the Istrian Peninsula. After spending a night in Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll visit Zadar, Šibenik, and Split.

Arrive in Zagreb with time to explore the capital's charms such as Upper Town, Zrinjvak park and St. Mark's Square after checking into your hotel. Drive to Rovinj with a stop in Pula on day two for some of the country's best ancient Roman ruins and the colorful jewel of the Istrian peninsula.

Spend day three bouncing between hilltop towns among the Istrian valleys with a visit to notable Motovun, which is well-known within truffle country. Return to coastal Istria on day four with visits to the port town of Fažana and Brijuni National Park. Continue on to one of the top attractions, Plitvice Lakes National Park, via the coastal city of Opatija on day five. 

Enjoy the sunrise over the waterfalls and lakes of the national park before reaching Zadar where you'll see the Monument to the Sun and the Sea Organ on day six. Wind down the coast through Šibenik to Split on day seven where you'll see Middle Ages architecture and have time to explore top sites such as the Bronze Gate and Diocletian's Palace.

Even if you don't see everything when you first arrive to Split, you will see all of the highlights during a historic walking tour on day eight. Board a sailboat on day nine to spend your last day in Croatia on the water and swimming near Šolta Island. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Croatia Multisport: Plitvice, Paklenica, Split, & Dubrovnik

This adventurous itinerary combines the best of culture and history with a hefty dose of adventure. Explore historical cities along the coast, hike through rugged mountain landscapes, relax on breathtaking islands, and visit Croatia's most famous national parks. 

Arrive in Zagreb with time to explore the capital's charms. On day two, you'll continue on to one of the top attractions, Plitvice Lakes National Park, where you'll spend the day walking the trails alongside the many lush waterfalls and lakes. Raft and kayak the waters of the Zrmanja River on day three before arriving in Novigrad for the night where you can relax in the quiet bay.

A guided hike in Paklenica National Park is arranged for day four, which promises to be a stunning day of climbing limestone cliffs to incredible views. Drive to Zadar to overnight where you'll find the Monument to the Sun as well as the famous Sea Organ. Head to Split with a pit stop in the beautiful town of Šibenik on day five, but save time to see Diocletian's Palace, the Bronze Gate and the Iron Gate in Split.

On day six, take to the Cetina River for rafting, canyoning and zip-lining for a full day of adrenaline-pumping adventure. Eight wires, with the highest being 492 feet (150 m), provide amazing bird's eye views to drink in while gliding through the sky. Explore Pelješac Peninsula, best known for its robust red wines, on day seven. You'll stop in Ston too, where you can dine out on incredibly fresh oysters.

Continue on to Dubrovnik on day eight where you have the day at leisure to explore the city's stone streets and walls or order a drink at a wine bar or oceanfront bar. Head to Konavle on day nine to see, tour and sample from the Ljubić family's winery. It's the perfect day of recovery after ten days of active adventure and exploration. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Croatia trip? Check out these other 10-day Croatia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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