Skip to content
Illustrative header image for Croatia First-Timer's Guide
AI-generated illustration

10-day itinerary

Croatia First-Timer's Guide

10-day overview of Croatia's coastal highlights and historic towns

Length
10 days · 38 sights
Pace
Challenging
Estimated cost
€875 per person
Based in
Croatia

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb & City Highlights

    Arrive in the capital, explore the historic Upper Town, and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere.

    • 10:00

      Arrival & Transfer to City Center

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

      About 60 min

    • 11:30

      St. Mark's Church & Upper Town

      Explore the medieval Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and see the iconic tiled roof of St. Mark's Church.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch in Ban Jelačić Square

      Traditional Croatian lunch at a nearby tavern.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:00

      Mimara Museum or St. Mark's Square

      Walk through the main square and visit the Mimara Museum if interested in art, or simply people-watch.

      About 2 hours

    • 17:30

      Dolac Market & Shopping

      Browse the famous open-air market for fresh produce and souvenirs.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Ban Jelačić Square Area; Dinner at Tkalčićeva Street
    Where to stay:
    Stay in the Gornji Grad or near Ban Jelačić Square for easy access to sights.
    Getting around:
    Walking is sufficient for the city center. Use trams for longer distances.

  2. Day 2: Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Drive north to one of Croatia's most famous natural wonders, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Plitvice Lakes

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

      About 3 hours

    • 11:00

      Plitvice Lakes Hiking

      Walk the wooden paths across the turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Take the boat and electric train.

      About 5 hours

    • 16:00

      Dinner at Hotel Jezero

      Dinner with a view of the lakes.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Park Entrance Area; Dinner at Hotel Jezero
    Where to stay:
    Stay near the park entrance (Korana or Kozjak entrance) or in the town of Plitvička Jezera.
    Getting around:
    Car rental is essential for this leg. Parking is available at the park.

  3. Day 3: Plitvice to Istria (Labin & Motovun)

    Drive west into the Istrian peninsula, known for its medieval towns and truffles.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Labin

      Long drive from Plitvice to Labin in Istria (approx. 4 hours).

      About 4 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Labin

      Lunch in the historic center of Labin.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:30

      Explore Labin Old Town

      Visit Saint Florian’s Gate and wander the cobblestone streets of Labin.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:30

      Motovun Hill Town

      Short drive up to the walled town of Motovun for panoramic views.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Labin; Dinner at Motovun or Labin
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Labin or a nearby agriturismo in the Istrian countryside.
    Getting around:
    Car is necessary. Roads in Istria are well-maintained but winding.

  4. Day 4: Istrian Wine & Truffles

    Explore the culinary delights of Istria, focusing on wine and local produce.

    • 09:00

      Franko's Wine/Liquor Collection

      Visit Hum to see the Franko's collection of Istrian red wines and truffle liquors.

      About 2 hours

    • 11:00

      Poreč Euphrasian Basilica

      Visit the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Euphrasius in Poreč.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Poreč

      Seafood lunch in the old town of Poreč.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:00

      Beach Time

      Relax on one of Poreč's many beaches.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Poreč Old Town; Dinner at Poreč
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Poreč or Rovinj for a coastal experience.
    Getting around:
    Car is recommended for visiting smaller villages like Hum.

  5. Day 5: Istria to Split via Zadar

    Drive south along the coast, stopping in Zadar before heading to Split.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Zadar

      Coastal drive from Istria to Zadar (approx. 3 hours).

      About 3 hours

    • 11:00

      Zadar Sea Organ & Sun Salutation

      Listen to the unique sounds of the Sea Organ and see the solar-powered art installation.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Zadar

      Traditional Dalmatian cuisine in Zadar's old town.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:00

      Drive to Split

      Short drive south to Split (approx. 2 hours).

      About 2 hours

    • 17:00

      Diocletian's Palace

      Explore the UNESCO-listed palace, the heart of Split.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Zadar; Dinner at Split Riva
    Where to stay:
    Stay inside or near Diocletian's Palace for a historic feel.
    Getting around:
    Car is useful for the drive, but walking is best in Split.

  6. Day 6: Split to Omis & Cetina Canyon

    Explore the dramatic canyon of the Cetina River and the pirate history of Omis.

    • 09:00

      Drive to Omis

      Short drive from Split to Omis (approx. 45 mins).

      About 45 min

    • 10:00

      Cetina Canyon Rafting/Ziplining

      Optional activity: Rafting or ziplining through the Cetina Canyon.

      About 3 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch in Omis

      Lunch with a view of the Cetina River mouth.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:00

      Omis Old Town & Pirate Tower

      Walk through the old town and visit the fortifications.

      About 2 hours

    • 17:00

      Return to Split

      Drive back to Split.

      About 45 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Omis; Dinner at Split
    Where to stay:
    Return to stay in Split.
    Getting around:
    Car is needed for Omis. Public bus is also an option.

  7. Day 7: Split to Dubrovnik via Makarska Riviera

    Scenic drive south along the Makarska Riviera to the Pearl of the Adriatic.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Makarska

      Scenic coastal drive from Split to Makarska (approx. 2.5 hours).

      About 4 hours

    • 11:00

      Biokovo Skywalk

      Visit the glass-bottom skywalk on Mount Biokovo for stunning views.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch in Makarska

      Lunch at a beachside restaurant in Makarska.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 16:00

      Drive to Dubrovnik

      Drive south to Dubrovnik (approx. 3 hours).

      About 3 hours

    • 19:00

      Dubrovnik Old Town Evening Walk

      Walk the Stradun and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Makarska; Dinner at Dubrovnik Old Town
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town or nearby Gruž district.
    Getting around:
    Car is recommended for the Riviera stop. Parking in Dubrovnik can be difficult.

  8. Day 8: Dubrovnik City Walls & Lokrum

    Explore the walled city of Dubrovnik and take a short boat trip to Lokrum Island.

    • 08:30

      Dubrovnik City Walls

      Walk the entire perimeter of the city walls for panoramic views.

      About 3 hours

    • 11:30

      Lunch in Dubrovnik

      Lunch in the Old Town.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:30

      Lokrum Island Boat Trip

      Take a short ferry to Lokrum Island for nature trails and the Botanical Garden.

      About 3 hours

    • 16:30

      Banje Beach

      Relax on Banje Beach, famous for its views of the Old Town.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Dubrovnik Old Town; Dinner at Dubrovnik
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Dubrovnik.
    Getting around:
    Walking and local ferries are sufficient.

  9. Day 9: Dubrovnik to Kotor (Montenegro) or Return

    Option to take a side trip to Kotor, Montenegro, or explore more of Dubrovnik's surroundings.

    • 09:00

      Visit Cavtat

      Short drive south to the charming town of Cavtat.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Shell Museum

      Visit the private seashell collection in a historic church in Cavtat.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 12:00

      Lunch in Cavtat

      Seafood lunch by the waterfront.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:00

      Relax in Cavtat

      Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beaches of Cavtat.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:00

      Return to Dubrovnik

      Drive back to Dubrovnik for final evening.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Cavtat; Dinner at Dubrovnik
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Dubrovnik.
    Getting around:
    Car is useful for Cavtat. Bus is also available.

  10. Day 10: Departure from Dubrovnik

    Final morning in Dubrovnik and departure.

    • 09:00

      Final Morning Walk

      A final stroll through the Old Town or a coffee at a cafe overlooking the sea.

      About 2 hours

    • 11:00

      Breakfast near Airport

      Light breakfast before heading to the airport.

      About 60 min

    • 12:00

      Transfer to Airport

      Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for departure.

      About 30 min

    Meals:
    Breakfast at Near Airport
    Where to stay:
    No accommodation needed.
    Getting around:
    Taxi or shuttle to airport.

Practical information

The optimal time to visit Croatia is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October. These periods offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months of July and August, when coastal towns become densely populated and accommodation costs surge. If you prefer swimming, late June through early September provides warm sea temperatures, but expect higher humidity and significant tourist congestion. Winters are mild along the coast but can be chilly and rainy in inland Zagreb, making it less ideal for beach activities but perfect for cultural exploration. For transportation, renting a car is highly recommended for a 10-day itinerary, particularly if you plan to explore the Istrian Peninsula and national parks like Plitvice Lakes. This offers the flexibility to reach remote waterfalls and coastal villages that public transport cannot easily access. However, if you prefer to avoid driving on narrow, winding coastal roads, you can rely on a combination of domestic flights (Zagreb to Split or Dubrovnik), ferries between islands, and intercity buses, which are efficient and affordable. Note that parking in historic centers like Dubrovnik and Split is scarce and expensive; staying in accommodations with parking or using peripheral lots is essential. Accommodation should be strategically located to minimize transit time. In Zagreb, stay in the Upper Town or near the main train station for easy access to attractions. In Istria, base yourself in towns like Rovinj or Pula for better dining and nightlife options. For the Dalmatian Coast, consider staying in Split’s Diocletian’s Palace area for history buffs or in quieter suburbs for better value. In Dubrovnik, staying in the Old Town offers immersion but comes at a premium; nearby neighborhoods provide easier parking and lower rates. Budgeting should account for high summer costs, especially for fuel and lodging. Exclude entry fees to national parks, which are significant, and assume mid-range dining costs for meals. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for summer, but include layers for cooler evenings and potential rain. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, swimwear, and a power adapter (Type C/F). Finally, carry cash for small vendors and rural areas, as card acceptance is widespread but not universal. Always book ferries and popular attractions in advance during peak season to secure availability.

Questions people ask

Book your stay

More itineraries

All itineraries