7 days
Best of Croatia in a Week
7-day tour of Croatia's top historic towns and islands
View Itinerary →Grand Tour of Croatia
14-day tour of 17 Croatian destinations
14 days
•
Challenging difficulty
•
Est. €1,400
Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb & Historic Center
Arrive in the capital, explore the Upper Town, and enjoy a welcome dinner.
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10:00
Arrive at Zagreb Airport & Transfer
Transfer from Zagreb Airport to city center hotel.
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12:00
Upper Town Walking Tour
Explore St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Church, and the Ban Jelačić Square.
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14:00
Lotrščak Tower & Cannon
Visit the historic tower and see the daily cannon firing tradition.
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16:00
Tkalčićeva Street Stroll
Relax at one of the many cafes along the vibrant pedestrian street.
Meals:
Lunch at Upper Town Restaurant , Dinner at Tkalčićeva Street Bistro
Where to stay: Stay in Zagreb City Center (Gornji Grad or near Ban Jelačić Square).
Getting around: Walking within the center; Taxi/Uber for airport transfer.
Day 2: Zagreb to Istria: Labin & Hum
Drive north to Istria. Visit the medieval town of Labin and the smallest city in the world, Hum.
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08:00
Drive to Labin, Istria
Scenic drive from Zagreb to the Istrian peninsula via the A1 motorway.
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12:00
Explore Labin Old Town
Visit Saint Florian’s Gate and wander the cobblestone streets of Labin.
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14:00
Visit Hum (The Smallest City)
Short drive to Hum. Visit Franko's Wine/Liquor Collection for tastings.
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16:00
Hum Piazza Relaxation
Enjoy the panoramic views from the main square of Hum.
Meals:
Lunch at Labin Town Center , Dinner at Istrian Farmhouse (Obitelj)
Where to stay: Stay in Labin or nearby Motovun for an authentic Istrian experience.
Getting around: Car rental essential for this day.
Day 3: Istria Wine Road & Northern Coast
Explore the Baranja wine region (if extending north) or focus on Istrian coastal gems like Rab Island.
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09:00
Drive to Rab Island
Drive north to Rabac and take the ferry to Rab Island.
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12:00
FKK Kandarola Beach
Visit the oldest naturist beach in Croatia. Relax and swim.
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14:30
Rab Old Town Exploration
Walk through the medieval streets of Rab Town.
Meals:
Lunch at Beach Bar near Kandarola , Dinner at Rab Town Seafood Restaurant
Where to stay: Stay on Rab Island, preferably near Rab Town or Vrbnik.
Getting around: Car rental recommended; ferry included in car transport.
Day 4: Rab to Zadar & Kornati Islands
Travel south to Zadar. Visit the Sea Organ and Roman Forum.
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08:00
Ferry to Zadar
Ferry from Rab to Zadar mainland.
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11:00
Zadar Old Town
Visit the Sea Organ, Sun Salutation, and Roman Forum.
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14:00
Kornati Islands Boat Trip
Half-day boat tour to the Kornati National Park archipelago.
Meals:
Lunch at Zadar City Center , Dinner at Zadar Harbor
Where to stay: Stay in Zadar Old Town.
Getting around: Walking in Zadar; Boat tour for afternoon.
Day 5: Zadar to Split & Trogir
Drive south to Split. Visit the UNESCO site of Trogir and Diocletian's Palace.
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09:00
Drive to Trogir
Short drive from Zadar to Trogir.
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10:30
Trogir Old Town
Explore the compact UNESCO World Heritage site.
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13:00
Diocletian's Palace
Walk through the ancient Roman palace in Split.
Meals:
Lunch at Trogir Waterfront , Dinner at Split Riva Promenade
Where to stay: Stay in Split, preferably near the Riva or Old Town.
Getting around: Car rental for day, but walking is best in Split/Trogir.
Day 6: Split to Omis & Cetina Canyon
Adventure day in Omis. Rafting or ziplining in the Cetina Canyon.
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09:00
Drive to Omis
Short drive south from Split to Omis.
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10:00
Cetina Canyon Adventure
Rafting or ziplining through the dramatic Cetina River canyon.
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15:00
Omis Old Town & Pirate History
Visit the pirate castle and enjoy the Adriatic views.
Meals:
Lunch at Omis Riverbank Restaurant , Dinner at Split
Where to stay: Return to stay in Split.
Getting around: Car rental essential.
Day 7: Split to Makarska Riviera & Biokovo
Drive along the coast to Makarska. Visit the Biokovo Skywalk.
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09:00
Drive to Makarska
Scenic coastal drive from Split to Makarska.
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11:00
Biokovo Skywalk
Walk on the glass-bottom skywalk with panoramic Adriatic views.
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14:30
Makarska Beach Relaxation
Relax on the pebble beach of Makarska.
Meals:
Lunch at Makarska Town , Dinner at Makarska Seafood
Where to stay: Stay in Makarska.
Getting around: Car rental recommended for Biokovo access.
Day 8: Makarska to Dubrovnik (via Elafiti Islands)
Travel south to Dubrovnik. Stop at Elafiti Islands for a break.
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08:00
Ferry to Elafiti Islands
Ferry from Makarska or Korčula to Lopud or Koločep.
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11:00
Elafiti Islands Exploration
Hike or bike around the peaceful Elafiti Islands.
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15:00
Ferry to Dubrovnik
Ferry from Elafiti Islands to Dubrovnik.
Meals:
Lunch at Lopud Island , Dinner at Dubrovnik Old Town
Where to stay: Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town or Pile-Gruz area.
Getting around: Ferries and walking.
Day 9: Dubrovnik City Walls & Cable Car
Full day exploring Dubrovnik's historic center.
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09:00
Dubrovnik City Walls
Walk the full circumference of the famous city walls.
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12:00
Stradun & Rector's Palace
Walk the main street and view the exterior of the Rector's Palace.
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14:00
Mount Srđ Cable Car
Take the cable car up Mount Srđ for panoramic views.
Meals:
Lunch at Dubrovnik Old Town , Dinner at Dubrovnik Old Town
Where to stay: Stay in Dubrovnik.
Getting around: Walking.
Day 10: Dubrovnik to Cavtat & Shell Museum
Short trip to the charming town of Cavtat.
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09:00
Drive to Cavtat
Short drive south from Dubrovnik to Cavtat.
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10:00
Shell Museum
Visit the private seashell collection in a historic church.
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12:30
Cavtat Beach & Town
Relax on the beach and explore the quiet town.
Meals:
Lunch at Cavtat Waterfront , Dinner at Dubrovnik
Where to stay: Return to stay in Dubrovnik.
Getting around: Car rental or taxi.
Day 11: Dubrovnik to Zadar via Šibenik
Drive north, stopping in Šibenik to see St. James Cathedral.
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09:00
Drive to Šibenik
Drive north along the coast to Šibenik.
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12:00
Šibenik Cathedral
Visit the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral.
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15:00
Drive to Zadar
Continue north to Zadar.
Meals:
Lunch at Šibenik , Dinner at Zadar
Where to stay: Stay in Zadar.
Getting around: Car rental essential.
Day 12: Zadar to Plitvice Lakes
Drive inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
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08:00
Drive to Plitvice Lakes
Drive east to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
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11:00
Plitvice Lakes Hiking
Walk the wooden paths among the waterfalls and lakes.
Meals:
Lunch at Park Restaurant , Dinner at Near Park Entrance
Where to stay: Stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance.
Getting around: Car rental essential.
Day 13: Plitvice to Zagreb via Karlovac
Return to Zagreb, stopping in Karlovac.
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09:00
Drive to Karlovac
Drive west towards Zagreb.
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12:00
Karlovac Old Town
Short stop to see the unique radial layout of the old town.
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14:00
Drive to Zagreb
Final drive to Zagreb.
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16:00
Zagreb Market & Souvenirs
Buy souvenirs and relax before departure.
Meals:
Lunch at Karlovac , Dinner at Zagreb
Where to stay: Stay in Zagreb.
Getting around: Car rental return.
Day 14: Departure from Zagreb
Final breakfast and departure.
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09:00
Final Breakfast
Enjoy a final Croatian breakfast.
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10:00
Transfer to Airport
Transfer to Zagreb Airport for departure.
Meals:
Breakfast at Hotel
Where to stay: N/A
Getting around: Taxi/Uber.
Practical Information
The optimal time for a 14-day Grand Tour of Croatia is late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October). During these shoulder seasons, temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing and hiking, typically ranging from 20°C to 25°C, while avoiding the intense heat and overcrowding of July and August. Summer offers the best sea conditions for swimming but brings higher prices and congested coastal roads. Winter is mild in coastal cities but many island ferries and tourist services operate on reduced schedules.
Transportation logistics are crucial for this itinerary. Most travelers fly into Zagreb (ZAG) or Dubrovnik (DBV). For a 14-day tour covering Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, renting a car provides the most flexibility, especially for exploring Istria or inland national parks like Krka and Plitvice. However, driving on the Dalmatian coast can be stressful due to narrow roads and limited parking in historic centers. Alternatively, Croatia has an efficient network of interstate buses connecting major cities, and high-speed catamarans link coastal hubs like Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik. For island hopping, standard passenger ferries are cost-effective, while fast ferries save time but cost more.
Accommodation strategies should vary by region. In Zagreb, stay in the Upper Town or around Ban Jelačić Square for walkability to historic sites. On the coast, Split offers a mix of city hotels and apartments within Diocletian’s Palace walls. For islands like Hvar or Korčula, boutique hotels or private apartments provide authentic experiences but require booking well in advance. Inland areas near Plitvice Lakes benefit from staying in nearby towns like Korenica or Senj to minimize commute times.
Budgeting for a two-week trip varies significantly based on style. Mid-range travelers should expect costs to include mid-tier hotels, rental cars, and domestic flights or buses. Meals at local konobas (taverns) offer good value, while tourist traps in Dubrovnik’s Old Town are expensive. Note that many museums and national parks charge entry fees, and summer accommodation prices can double. Always check if city taxes are included in booking rates.
Pack layers, including light clothing for summer days and a windbreaker for evenings, especially on islands. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets and national park trails. Bring a universal power adapter (Type C/F), sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe in most urban areas but variable on islands. Finally, carry cash (Kuna was replaced by Euro in 2023, so ensure you have EUR) for small vendors, as card acceptance is widespread but not universal in remote areas.
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