Skip to content
Illustrative header image for Best of Croatia in a Week
AI-generated illustration

7-day itinerary

Best of Croatia in a Week

7-day tour of Croatia's top historic towns and islands

Length
7 days · 24 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
€525 per person
Based in
Croatia

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb & Historic Center

    Arrive in the capital, explore the Upper Town, and enjoy a traditional dinner.

    • 10:00

      Arrival and Transfer to City Center

      Transfer from Zagreb Airport to the city center via taxi or shuttle.

      About 60 min

    • 11:30

      St. Mark's Church and Upper Town

      Walk through the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad), visiting St. Mark's Church with its colorful tiled roof.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:30

      Ban Jelačić Square

      Explore the main square, the heart of Zagreb, surrounded by cafes and historic buildings.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:00

      Grič Tunnel and Market Walk

      Walk through the Grič Tunnel and browse the Dolac Market for local produce.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Kulenovac or nearby Konoba; Dinner at Tavana or Konoba St. Mark
    Where to stay:
    Stay in the Upper Town or near Ban Jelačić Square for easy access to sights.
    Getting around:
    Walking is sufficient for the city center. Use taxis for airport transfer.

  2. Day 2: Zagreb Wine & Nature

    Visit Griffin Winery and relax in Medvednica Nature Park.

    • 09:00

      Travel to Griffin Winery

      Drive or take a tour to Griffin Winery in Jastrebarsko, famous for premium sparkling wines.

      About 2 hours

    • 11:00

      Griffin Winery Tour

      Explore the historic winery, learn about Croatian sparkling wine production, and enjoy a tasting.

      About 2 hours

    • 14:00

      Medvednica Nature Park

      Return to Zagreb and visit Medvednica for fresh air, views of the city, and a walk to Medvedgrad Castle.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:30

      Zagreb Zoo

      Visit the city zoo located in the park area, suitable for a relaxed afternoon.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Griffin Winery Restaurant; Dinner at City Center
    Where to stay:
    Same hotel in Zagreb.
    Getting around:
    Car rental or organized tour recommended for Griffin Winery.

  3. Day 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning waterfalls and lakes.

    • 07:00

      Drive to Plitvice Lakes

      Early morning drive from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park (approx. 2 hours).

      About 3 hours

    • 09:30

      Exploring the Lakes

      Hike the wooden walkways, see the Great Waterfall, and take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak.

      About 5 hours

    • 15:00

      Korana River Walk

      Relaxing walk along the Korana River near the park exit.

      About 60 min

    • 18:00

      Transfer to Lonjsko Polje

      Drive south towards Lonjsko Polje Nature Park area for overnight stay.

      About 3 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Park Restaurant; Dinner at Lonjsko Polje Area
    Where to stay:
    Stay at Zelen-Gaj Campground or nearby guesthouse in Lonjsko Polje.
    Getting around:
    Car rental essential. Park shuttle available inside Plitvice.

  4. Day 4: Lonjsko Polje & Sava River

    Explore the wetlands, historic villages, and Danube riverbank.

    • 09:00

      Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

      Boat tour or walking tour through the wetlands, spotting beavers and birds.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:00

      Aljmaš Village

      Visit the historic Danube village, see the Noah's Ark church, and enjoy river views.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Severin na Kupi

      Travel to Severin na Kupi, a picturesque village known for its architecture and cuisine.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:00

      Church of St. Roch

      Visit the iconic church in Severin na Kupi with its unique dome.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Aljmaš Village; Dinner at Restoran Rim, Severin na Kupi
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Severin na Kupi or nearby Karlovac.
    Getting around:
    Car rental required for this inland route.

  5. Day 5: Split & Diocletian's Palace

    Travel to Split, explore the Roman palace, and enjoy the Riva promenade.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Split

      Drive from Karlovac/Split area to Split (approx. 2.5 hours).

      About 3 hours

    • 11:00

      Diocletian's Palace

      Explore the UNESCO site, walk through the Peristyle, and visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius.

      About 3 hours

    • 14:00

      Marjan Hill

      Short hike or drive up Marjan Hill for panoramic views of the city and sea.

      About 60 min

    • 16:00

      Riva Promenade

      Relax by the sea, watch the locals, and enjoy the sunset.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Split Old Town; Dinner at Riva or Bacvice Beach Area
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Split Old Town or near Bacvice Beach.
    Getting around:
    Walking is best in Split. Car can be parked in a garage.

  6. Day 6: Omiš & Cetina Canyon

    Adventure day in Omiš, exploring the canyon and pirate history.

    • 09:00

      Drive to Omiš

      Short drive from Split to Omiš (30 mins).

      About 30 min

    • 10:00

      Cetina Canyon Rafting/Ziplining

      Experience the dramatic canyon with rafting or ziplining activities.

      About 3 hours

    • 14:00

      Omiš Old Town

      Explore the fortified old town and the Fortress of Ključ.

      About 60 min

    • 16:00

      Beach Relaxation

      Relax at one of the beaches along the Cetina river mouth.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Omiš Town; Dinner at Omiš or Back in Split
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Split or Omiš.
    Getting around:
    Car rental recommended for flexibility.

  7. Day 7: Biokovo Skywalk & Departure

    Final day exploring the Biokovo mountain and preparing for departure.

    • 09:00

      Drive to Biokovo Nature Park

      Drive from Split to the Biokovo mountain entrance.

      About 60 min

    • 10:30

      Biokovo Skywalk

      Walk on the glass-bottom skywalk with breathtaking views of the Adriatic and islands.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Snovik Summit

      Visit the highest point of Biokovo for panoramic views.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Transfer to Airport

      Drive to Split Airport for departure.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Biokovo Mountain Restaurant; Dinner at Airport or En Route
    Where to stay:
    N/A (Departure day).
    Getting around:
    Car rental required.

Practical information

The optimal time to visit Croatia for a one-week itinerary is late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September). These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, ideal for exploring historic towns and swimming, while avoiding the intense heat and overcrowding of July and August. During peak summer, accommodation prices surge, and popular sites like Dubrovnik’s Old Town become congested. Winter months are generally too cold for beach activities and some island ferries operate on reduced schedules. Transportation logistics are crucial for this itinerary. Most visitors fly into Split (SPU) or Dubrovnik (DBV), often using a "open-jaw" ticket to enter one city and exit the other to minimize backtracking. Getting between Split, Hvar, and Dubuvnik primarily involves ferries and catamarans. Book these tickets in advance, especially for Hvar, as capacity is limited. For land travel between Split and Dubrovnik, driving takes approximately three hours along the scenic coastal highway, though traffic can be heavy in summer. Alternatively, organized bus services or private transfers offer a stress-free option, though they are more expensive than public buses. Accommodation should be strategically located to maximize time. In Split, stay near the Diocletian’s Palace area for easy access to ferries and historic sites. For Hvar, consider staying in Hvar Town for nightlife and culture or Stari Grad for a quieter, authentic experience. In Dubrovnik, staying just outside the Old City walls provides better value and easier luggage access, with short taxi or bus rides to the main attractions. Booking these accommodations months in advance is essential for the best rates and availability. Budgeting for a week in Croatia requires planning for mid-range costs. Daily expenses typically include accommodation, inter-city transport, meals, and attraction fees. While Croatia is more affordable than Western Europe, tourist hotspots are pricey. Budget for approximately €100–€150 per day per person, excluding flights. This covers mid-range hotels, local meals, and entry fees. Costs exclude international flights and premium tours. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for summer, including swimwear and comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets. A power adapter (Type C/F), sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are essential. Since many islands rely on cash for small vendors, carry some Euros, though cards are widely accepted in towns. Finally, always verify ferry schedules, as they change seasonally, and keep digital copies of your bookings for easy access.

Questions people ask

Book your stay

More itineraries

All itineraries