Planning tip: Hop on the ferry for the short trip to tiny Zlarin, a car-free island. Best Places to Stay in ibenikD-Resort ibenik Heritage Hotel Life Palace Apartments Palma. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Does this sound like a plan? Zagreb has a gritty, artistic feel to it and has a number of interesting things to do. For your second day in Split, you can take your pick at any of these super fun options to fill your Croatia itinerary. Map - 7 days in Croatia. We do recommend renting a car for this itinerary, however, if you want to save money, a car is not necessary for the Zagreb portion of this trip. January end Feb beginning? Learn about the excesses of the Croatian aristocracy in its well-presented museum and wander 215 acres of castle grounds, landscaped into a romantic English-style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake. The ultimate 7 day Croatia itinerary and travel guide - Helena Bradbury With an economy that depends heavily on tourism, Croatia has made it easy for citizens from many nations to come and visit without a visa. If you are only planning a one-week Croatia itinerary and want to make the most of your time, you need to be able to optimise your transport so you spend more time sightseeing and less time in transit. Hope this helps and you have a great trip! Two days in Zagreb is a perfect amount of time to spend in order to really get a feel for the city and will probably lend to you longing to return one day! We took a bus down the coast from Split to Dubrovnik. You will mostly find rocky beaches but the water is so clear and perfect for swimming. Enjoy the finer hotels and spas also. Old fortress walls, beautiful stonework, fountains and friendly people. If youre a history lover, you should definitely make time to see the Archaeological Museum. At the end, this is not a criticism and have no negative connotations, but just maybe a pointer that there is another side of Croatia, that is far from the sea and common touristic spotlight, however still beautiful and wort to visit. One of the beauties of discovering Croatia and its lesser-known destinations is that many of them are islands. While most visitors to Croatia set their sites on Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, they fail to dig deeper and explore the seemingly endless wonderful places to visit in the country. Thanks for the comment, Frank! It is scenic, but can be slow. So we r planning the following Like mentioned earlier, plan to leave Zagreb in the late afternoon, spend the night near the park, and get to the Lakes as early as you can the following morning before heading onto Zadar in the afternoon. How to Plan the Perfect 10 Days in Croatia Itinerary - Taylor's Tracks Split's sea-facing Diocletians Palace is a surprising maze of streets and lanes, a mini 4th-century Roman city chock-full of cafes, shops and restaurants. Hi Jacob, thanks for your comment. The best way to explore Croatia is with a car! Istria delights with its undulating hills, charming hilltop towns and many seaside spots Vera Petrunina / Shutterstock. Start by heading to the funicular so as to climb all the way up to Zagreb's upper town, the picturesque historic district of Croatia's capital. Planning tip: Korula Town is an easy day trip from Dubrovnik by ferry. Hey Y'all! Its certainly much different than the cities in Dalmatia, but its still a fantastic place to visit and I think including it on a Croatia itinerary is important to get a feel for all sides of the countryeven if you only have a short period there. Croatia is a lot bigger and has a more diverse climate than most visitors expect. If heading to Istria doesnt appeal to you but you want to head a little bit off the typical tourist trail, then follow this itinerary It is very similar to the Classic Croatia Itinerary, with one major variation. Nothing better than the Adriatic Sea! The best ways to travel around in Croatia. Visit in June 5:18 pm. Head from the airport, straight to Hotel Excelsior, a spectacular hotel just up the street from Old Town Dubrovnik. Rubidoux. Land Zagreb, 7 days, finishing in Dubrovnik (probably fly into Athens from here Im thinking). What did we miss? The star of the show at this national park is the Krka River, rushing through canyons, broadening into lakes and splashing over numerous falls and cascades. Only about an hours drive from Dubrovnik, Ston is a charming town that is a big salt producer and filled with oyster farms. Robin, Thank you so much for your wonderful article. Thanks so much for this blog it is awesome! I certainly plan to go back to Croatia because there is so much left for us to explore. Heres a quick rundown of things to do and the best way to spend 4 days in Dubrovnik. If you want to visit another coastal town, Zadar will make a nice stop. As typical with many European hotels, the pool was inside, but doors opened to the outside seaside area, bringing the outside in. This is not always the case and you will be turned away at the border if you dont have the proper papers. Click here to see their latest prices, Downtown Boutique Hostel This small boutique hostel is located in the centre of Old Town Zadar. The best thing for you to do is park your car, and journey through the city on a bike. Along the way, a visit to Ston is a must oyster farms galore! This massive network of lakes and waterfalls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is enough to charm even the most ardent of city people and visiting is a highlight of any trip to Croatia. Lounge on the beautiful beach, wander the streets, sit down for a seafood lunch. Any suggestions as to routes? Wander along the tree-lined Strossmayer promenade, which winds along the citys medieval defensive walls to the Upper Town for panoramic views over the red rooftops and church spires of the Lower Town. Based on your pictures it truly is such a beautiful place. Keep in mind that if you are planning on driving yourself that your rental car has the proper documentation to cross the borders. For more information, see our privacy policy. Both Krka and Plitvice are similar, but you can still get different things out of them if you want to visit both. Afterwards, stop off at open-air Dolac Market, where farmers peddle their fresh produce under bright red umbrellas. Hire a guide or explore the park yourself, but whatever you do, dont skip Plitvie Lakes National Park. However, we wouldnt be surprised if you decide to stay longer, Croatia has a way of stealing travelers hearts :). Its eastern side gets a steady breeze, drawing swarms of wind- and kitesurfers. Begin your trip, as suggested in the Classic Croatia Itinerary, in the capital of Zagreb. Not quite what youre looking for? All rights reserved. But if you dont feel like searching through millions of listings, no worries. But it was a great 4 days. Our trip starts at Opatija and ends at Bled. Going from Zadar-Zagreb-Split-Zadar or Zadar-Split-Zagreb-Zadar both work equally well and are all easily accessible via public transit. Age Range 10-99 yrs. Maybe, if you can, try to allot more time for the trip or concentrate on travelling a little closer to home instead, this time around. Take a stroll along the wonderful seaside promenade and relax on the steps of the sea organ and listen to the music of the Adriatic waves. Was thinking of focusing on Istrian area due to time constraints & found a hotel that caters to Vegan diets. I'm Lauren! How Many Days to Spend in Croatia | kimkim This UNESCO World Heritage Site is nature at its absolute best. With so many beautiful places to discover and explore in Croatia, we know how difficult it can be to plan the perfect Croatia itinerary when you have limited time. So many great spots on the way though: Sibenik, Omis, Makarska, the island of Visand thats not even including the islands on the south. But most people will fly into Zagreb. If you like meat, fish and cheese, I can highly recommend going to lunch at Lady PiPi in Old Town. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Thanks for following! On the first full day, get up early and head over to the fortress for a, After an early walk, take a day tour of Old Town Dubrovnik. To sum up, it will be hard to squeeze all the things into 4 short days in Dubrovnik. We currently have no Itinerary but would like to spend equal time travelling the coast and inland areas. Croatia's best sights and local secrets from travel experts you can trust. You'll set sail on a private boat from the coastal city of Split to visit the lavender island of Hvarone of the most popular islands in Dalmatiaas well as the island of Bra, well-known for its rugged beauty. Set aside at least 90 minutes to wander along the walls, taking in glorious views of the Adriatic, Lokrum island and the town's sea of terracotta rooftops while peeking . They also offer complimentary beer and rakija. You need at least four hours to see the majority of the park, but you can easily spend longer. A few feet away is the Sun Salutation, a circular surface of solar panels that transforms into a colorful light show at night. Spend the next day taking advantage of all of the great things to do in Split. For a step back from the action and superb views over the town, head up to Fortica, the medieval castle looming on a hill above the town. If you prefer you can also visit the Plitvice Lakes on a day tour from Zadar or even from Split. 15 of the world's most stunning islands for every kind of traveler. Allentown's free Fourth of July Celebration is scheduled 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at J. Birney Crum Stadium. Have you visited the Dalmatian Coast? If you want to spend more time on Hvar Island, we highly recommend you add at least one of these adventures to your Croatia itinerary: Best Places to Stay in HvarAdriana Hvar Spa Hotel Apartments Bonkan Hvar Apartments Stipisic. Located in the north of the Dalmatia region, Zadar doesnt get nearly the amount of attention it deserves with so many tourists only setting their sites upon Split and Dubrovnik. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. Map: Where to watch fireworks displays in SoCal this 4th of July We are hoping to go back and explore some of the lesser know places in Croatia. Zaghreb plitvice lake- split Take a break from crowded streets in Dubrovnik and consider a day trip to Mljet! Old Town Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely deserves that title. On arriving back in Dubrovnik, take advantage of the fun nightlife and walk around to find a place for dinner and drinks. If you are traveling on a budget and rather stay at hostels, Hostelworld is another good option to look for places to stay. Most of the itineraries that I see online are an either/or for visiting those areas.. Hi Karen, unfortunately, it will likely be a bit too rushed if you plan to visit Istria and also Split and Dubrovnik in just one week. Another thing to keep in mind is that most buses do charge to put luggage into hold usually around 1-2. The free fireworks show begins at 9:00 p.m. and will be . Day 3: Plitvice Lakes. . After crossing the border, experience the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by towering mountains and medieval villages. Though not as popular a destination as other towns in Istria, there are a number of great accommodation options in Umag. As mentioned earlier, Plitvice Lakes is an incredibly popular place to visit and therefore, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Hope you have a great trip! We need a plan. After spending two days of your week in Croatia soaking up the arts, culture, and nightlife of Zagreb and another day at the incredible Plitvice Lakes National Park, its time to head to the coast and Croatias second-largest city of Split. You wont regret it. 4 day art and architecture trip visiting Pula and Rovinj in Croatia. You can spend the second day in Zadar enjoying the warm water and lounging on the beach, of which there are many within very easy walking distance from the city centre. The 3-day itinerary that follows may be short in duration, but it's long on discovery. 2023 Road Affair, LLC. 10 Days In Croatia: The BEST 10-Day Croatia Itinerary - Greta's Travels Pula is a great place to start your Istria adventure. There are 16 interconnected lakes, the 2.35km-long (1.5 miles) Kozjak being the largest, plus dozens of smaller ones some just reed-fringed ponds. Extremely friendly people, as well. The picture below is on Brela Beach (about 2 hours north of Dubrovnik we stopped here on the bus ride down from Split). On the third day, you can either take a day trip to neighbouring hill towns like Labin or spend the day lounging on a nearby beach. A very interesting mix of modern and vintage, with beautiful rooms, several restaurants and an amazing seaside area right on the Adriatic..there was even a ladder straight into the water. After all, its one of the top things to do in Croatia! However, if youre planning on renting a car in Zagreb and making your final destination in Dubrovnik, I see no reason why you couldnt just drive back to Zagreb. While youre waiting for the sun to set, Hvar has some beautiful and ancient sights that need to make it on your Croatia itinerary. These are our recommendations: Art Hotel Kalelarga This boutique hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms and free breakfast in the morning in a fantastic Old Town Zadar location. Thats why decided to give you a little hand. 1 of 39 Antuan Goodwin/CNET. Not to mention Cavtat South of Dubrovnik! Marjan Hill is a unique sight among dense forest that offers gorgeous views of the Adriatic Sea and is the perfect place for a picnic lunch. My Croatia Vacation Itinerary is short and sweet, but next time we go, were going to add in time in Slovenia and Montenegro and really get to know the region. The extraordinary fortified city of Dubrovnik is a Unesco World Heritage site for good reason. 4.1 Start your trip to Pula with a walking tour; 4.2 Visit the 2000-year-old Pula Arena; 4.3 Take a break from the sun at the Museum of Olive Oil; 4.4 Walk past the Twin Gate and through the Gate of Hercules to have lunch . 1. Alternatively, if you have only 10 days in Croatia, it is very easy to pick just one of these itineraries and expand from there. We will not be driving Could you give us a time efficient itinerary that would make it possible? Two teenagers in the waters off Long . Not quite what youre looking for? Day 4: Drive to Split via Krka or Zadar. From there, ride on to gorgeous Kotor. Its one thing to see a place and another to experience and enjoy a place. My husband and I visited Croatia in the month of June. Kopaki Rit Nature Parksits on the floodplain of the Danube and Drava Rivers and is one of the largest natural wetlands in Europe. You can enter the wall at Pile Gate. Villa Orsula is just up the road from Hotel Excelsior and an easy walk. An easy trip from Dubrovnik, Kotor is a charming little town an easy boat ride away. Enjoy! For example the bus trip from Dubrovnik to Split can take 4 to 5 hours. One could easily spend months travelling throughout this Balkan nation and barely scratch the service but if you only have time for a 7-day Croatia itinerary, then there are a number of different routes you can take. If your Mediterranean fantasies feature balmy days by sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns, Croatia is the place to turn them into reality. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Bus to Baska nova from Split bus station 6:04 pm. Free and open to the public, the two-day Grindstone Festival on the lake includes live music, inflatables . Split-havr then duprovnik, Option 1 : rent car from zaghreb and use it to go to plitvice then go to split. But with its terracotta roofs overlooking turquoise blue waters, enchanting islands that dot the Mediterranean coastline, and rich history, Dubrovnik Croatia is so much more than an HBO drama film-set. We can rent a car but I would like to start from Sarajevo and end there. If you can do open jaws and want to maximize sights, fly into Split and spend day 1 there, daytrip by catamaran to Hvar on day 2, and then catch an early bus to Dubrovnik for days 3 and 4. As your 10 days in Croatia comes to an end, grab yourself a glass of wine at Cafe Bua and jump off the cliff at the bar for one last swim in the gorgeous and crystal clear Croatian water. After gorging on oysters and lunch in Ston, a visit to the wine region and wine tasting is really fun. A cable car ride is a must for a trip to Dubrovnik. Day 1 - Explore Old Town Dubrovnik Let me preface this with a warning. At the heart of the palace youll find the Peristyle, or main square, which is a great place to relax, enjoy some coffee, and people watch. We would need to get back to Sarajevo. Or you can just take in the laid-back atmosphere and hop from cafe to cafe, enjoying an espresso drink, some local wine, or even a shot of rakija or two! They have a range of clean, comfortable rooms on offer and it comes very highly rated. This once carefully guarded city boasts three other fortresses; Barone is the most visit-worthy, thanks to its excellent visitors center and interactive exhibits. Croatia with kids: all you need to know to plan the perfect trip It is worth knowing that many restaurants and tourist attractions are closed in the winter due to low demand. 14 Jun How many days do you need in Croatia? This classic walled city is full of history and sits majestically, and strategically in southern Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. Heres a link to a few of the many tours offered in Old Town Dubrovnik. We got lost exploring the side streets in Old Town and stumbled upon Buza Bar where the people were cliff diving. Planning tip: Walk the walls first thing in the morning or an hour before closing to avoid the crowds and summer heat. What an absolutely amazing city. Planning tip: Splits harbor is the launching pad to the islands of Bra, Hvar, Vis, olta and Korula. This is why we suggest at least 10 days in Croatia to experience the best it has to offer. Your Guide To 3 Days In Pula, Croatia The Purposely Lost Berea. Contents [ hide] Top Attractions in Croatia. On your second day in Rovinj and last day of this Croatia trip, you can either spend it laying on the beach and soaking up the bright Adriatic sun or you can hop in the car and go on another day trip. Two days here should be enough. Any suggestions or is this just trying to cram too much into a week? Day 5: Day trip from Split to Hvar. Day 1: Exploring Pula. If you dont want to stay in Hvar for the night, you can also do it as a day trip from Split. Zadar is gaining popularity as a tourist destination, but it still doesnt receive nearly the amount of tourist as Split or Dubrovnik. There are countless different routes you can take on a 7-day Croatia itinerary these are our top three recommendations. 10 reviews 8 helpful votes 1. 14 things to know before going to Dubrovnik. It's crowded in high season and it's crowded in low season. However, before we get to our itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. Ferry is the cheapest option, but you can also visit with a private taxi boat or organized island cruise that also departs daily from Dubrovnik. Journey back to 1334 in Trakoan Castle, whose neo-Gothic 19th-century exterior hides far older internal structures. The island has many restaurants, bars and hotels. I briefly read the article and maybe you covered it already. Id like this to be a more relaxed trip if possibleand am so torn between chilling on an island an skipping Dubrovnik or fitting Dubrovnik in! On the island is Mljet National Park that contains two large saltwater lakes. Day 1: Zagreb. Lovely post! Or you can check out our list of the best hostels in Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. Why you should skip Dubrovnik and head to sensational ibenik instead, A reason to travel to Croatia in 2023: meet the eurozones newest member, 18 insider tips you need to know before visiting Croatia, Visa requirements for Croatia: everything you need to know, Europe delays charging non-EU travelers for entry until November 2023, Summer 2022: Lonely Planet travel experts offer incredible tips, insight and inspiration for your summer travel plans, Everything you need to know before you come to Slovenia, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Where do you recommend travelling and whats there to see. A location that made my jaw drop. Hi Pat, I would recommend flying into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik (or vice versa) if you want to see a good portion of the country in 2 weeks. A cable car ride is a must for a trip to Dubrovnik. Ferries run frequently between Hvar and Split and the journey time takes between 1-2 hours (schedules vary depending on the time of year, so check ahead). Hvar: 2-4 Days. Spend three magical days in Croatia's charming capital where you'll immerse yourself in its festive delights as well as spend a full day wandering through snow-laden Plitvice Lakes National Park, a true winter wonderland. Those old medieval structures are truly breathtaking! Especially since you only have 7 days, there are many more places to spend time in Croatia. Take some time here to explore the walled town, strolling the narrow streets, walking the 1,350 steps up to the Castle of San Giovanni for an unforgettable view. We rented bikes and explored the trail that winded between the two villages on the island. NBC is bringing back the network's 46th annual "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular" on Tuesday, with a live broadcast from New York City featuring a 25-minute firework show that . The final three days on this particular trip through Croatia should be spent in beautiful and lively Split. Like many Balkan countries, Croatia doesnt have an advanced train system and the majority of inter-city transport is dominated by the humble bus. Two other popular alternatives are World Nomads and Heymondo. Is there enough to do in that area for 6-7 days if your primary interest is pretty nature? Click here to see their latest prices. We would like to spend 1/2 day in Lubalanja and 11/2 days in lake bled , a day in Novo Mesto, 1/2 day in Pula and2 days in Dubrovnik We were thinking of a tour to Mostar and Medjagorje one day Can we do this in the time allotted? A day of team bonding activities concluded with a group trip to NASA's Johnson Space Center, which only furthered the Houston Texans rookies' off-field chemistry ahead of next season. Days 3 and 4: Split. I have heard such wonderful things about Rovinj and the Iberia peninsula, but we also want to visit Split and Dubrovnik. Stroll along boardwalks past mighty waterfalls and marvel at the multitude of fish darting through the emerald waters. All Rights Reserved. Hi Maggie, I have planned my visit to Croatia from 25th Feb to 02nd March 2020. When shes not dreaming of far-away lands, Maggie enjoys drinking copious amounts of coffee, Harry Potter, and coaxing stray cats into her home. On the first full day, get up early and head over to the fortress for a walk on the walls. All of these routes can easily be added to or subtracted from in order to make the perfect 6, 10, or 12-day Croatia itinerary or even a great two weeks in Croatia itinerary! Order a drink and some food (yes, its a restaurant too) and enjoy the entertainment! Others might require you to buy a bus ticket at the station. Lying at the islands southern end is Osor, a charming village of stone cottages and rose gardens with a pleasing artistic bent, revealed in the stylized bronze sculptures of musicians decorating its squares. Park at its base and hop on the shuttle bus, or simply walk steadily uphill to its medieval walls for vistas of rolling hills. Only three islands are inhabited: ipan, Lopud and Koloep and others are just oasis for those in search for relaxation and solitude. The earlier the better for a walk on the walls, not only because of the heat, but also the crowds. But we did not visit Stari Grad on Hvar and did not get to Corcula either. Nothing better than the Adriatic Sea! We dont need a ton of hiking but would like to see some falls. What are your thoughts on the following: Option 1: Fly into Zagreb/stay overnight > Zagreb to Plitvice overnight > Plitvice during the day and drive to Split (overnight or head to Hvar/Brac) > 4 nights in Hvar or Brac > Depart from Split, Option 1: Fly into Zagreb/stay overnight > Zagreb to Plitvice overnight > Plitvice during the day and drive to Split (overnight or head to Hvar/Brac) > Hvar or Brac for 2 nights > Dubrovnik for two nights > Split overnight > Depart from Split. And for us, that means focusing on one area and really delving into Croatia's beaches, wineries and old medieval towns in Dalmatia. You can find many affordable apartments in this area on Hotels.com or VRBO.com. And last, is Sipan, the largest of the 3 islands. The weather usually stays very nice through October, though, depending on where you are in the country! Popular things to do Full-day Tours 4WD Tours Jet Boat Rentals Day Cruises Day Trips Cultural Tours Bus Tours Half-day Tours City Tours Self-guided Tours Hop on Hop Off Buses Nature and Wildlife Tours Kayaking Tours Snorkeling Sailing Sporting Events Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Likely to Sell Out Special Offers Weddings & Honeymoons You'll need to plan your travel in Croatia carefully with only 4 days. 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary, a Memorable Trip! - Travel Ruta del Mate It is also worth noting that a good majority of Croatia isnt perennially blessed with endless sunny days. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Here are a few travel tips to make your trip run smoothly. Legend has it that Odysseus was marooned here for seven years, and its easy to appreciate why he took his time leaving. Do you maybe know anything about villa renting in Croatia?