10 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Essential Croatia: Zagreb, Split, Hvar, Korčula & Dubrovnik 

Perfect for first-time visitors to Croatia, this 10-day highlights trip features the iconic cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik and the idyllic islands of Hvar and Korčula. Throughout, you'll delve into local culture and history during walking, biking, and boat tours and fuel your adventures with stops for hearty Croatian cuisine. Plus, as you'll travel mainly by ferry, even your transfers promise to be equal parts exciting, relaxing, and scenic.

Welcome to Croatia! Your journey kicks off in Zagreb, where the afternoon invites you to wander its cobbled streets and explore contemporary shops. Then, transfer to Split, pausing en route to hike among Plitvice Lakes National Park's waterfall-lined boardwalks. Upon arrival in Split, enjoy a leisurely first night before enlisting the help of a local guide to uncover the hidden details of Diocletian's Palace. Next on your itinerary is the island of Hvar, and with two days based here, you'll find unhurried time to tour the island's highlights and explore the neighboring islands of Biševo and Vis.

Biding farewell to Hvar, you'll next catch a ferry to Korčula, an island renowned for its azure waters and pristine beaches. Make the most of your day here by joining a foodie bike tour, which will whisk you between vineyards, coastal paths, and local producers. Then, board a ferry bound for Dubrovnik and spend your first evening here strolling the medieval Old Town. With two more days based in Dubrovnik, you'll have time to boat between the islands of the Elafiti archipelago, wander at your leisure, and take part in a culinary experience at a family farmhouse before concluding your adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Island Hopping on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

Travelers seeking an island escape filled with wine tours, sailing excursions, historic villages, and culinary delights will find this Dalmatian Islands itinerary the ideal fit. With overnights on the islands of Korčula, Hvar, and Vis and side excursions to Mljet and Brač, you'll get to know the jaw-dropping beauty and storied history of the Dalmatian Coast. In addition, two nights in Dubrovnik and Split to start and end your adventure ensures you'll get to know the mainland's medieval wonders.

Your adventure begins in Dubrovnik, a city famous for its imposing walls and medieval architecture, and with two days here, you'll have time to check out its iconic sites on foot and via a cable car ride up Mount Srđ. Settled in, you'll next ferry to Korčula and embrace the slower-paced island life during a half-day wine-tasting tour. The following day promises to be equally as memorable, with a guided tour of Mljet Island and its national park on the agenda, as well as time set aside to swim and relax independently. Then, after a night back in Korčula, your adventure continues by ferry to Hvar.

Spend your time in Hvar biking alongside the island's olive groves and through charming fishing villages. Then, settle in for a superb sailing trip to the island of Vis. Here, you'll embark on a thrilling speedboat excursion featuring the nearby islands of Biševo and Ravnik and their otherworldly sea caves, and discover the island's lesser-visited sites thanks to the help of a local guide. Afterward, transfer by ferry to Split, where a food and wine tour and a full-day outing to Brač ensure you conclude your journey feeling refreshed and sunkissed. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Food & Wine Tour of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: Split, Hvar, Korčula & Dubrovnik

Crafted especially for travelers eager to indulge in Croatia's decadent food scene, this gastronomy-focused itinerary features a generous helping of seafood, rich wines, and hearty meat dishes. Starting in Split, you'll be introduced to buzzing markets, tiny eateries tucked within Diocletian's Palace, and a family-owned winery. Then, spend two days each on the islands of Hvar and Korčula, both of which offer a unique take on fresh seafood, before celebrating the end of your adventure over a cooking class in Dubrovnik's countryside.

Your adventure begins in Split, where any hints of jet lag will quickly fade as you explore the famous Diocletian's Palace independently and tuck into modern eateries lining the Riva promenade. Then, dedicate the following day to discovering the city's seafood-heavy cuisine before embarking on a side trip to Krka National Park. After Krka, enjoy a well-earned wine at a nearby family-owned winery and return to Split to prep for a ferry to Hvar. While in Hvar, join a local guide to tour the islands' villages, vineyards, and taverns and learn the secrets of Croatian cooking at a family-owned restaurant. 

Next, board a ferry bound for Korčula, and upon arrival, sip your way through the island's famed wineries during a tasting tour. Spend the following day hopping between the island's beaches and indulging in local dishes at the hidden Wine and Tapas Bar LoLe. Then, pause to indulge in the Pelješac peninsula's impossibly fresh oysters and rich wines while transferring from Korčula to Dubrovnik. After an evening arrival in the medieval fortress city, be sure to wake early to squeeze in a guided walking tour and a countryside cooking class before it's time to prep for your outbound flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Magical Istria: Zagreb, Rovinj, Zadar & Plitvice Lakes

Discover the storied ancient towns, forest-surrounded castles, and pristine national parks on this off-the-beaten-path road trip through Croatia's northern regions. Perfect for history enthusiasts who prefer out-of-the-way excursions over tourist attractions, you'll happen upon Roman ruins, an amphitheater dating back to the first century, and towns that were long cut off from the mainland. In between, explore Croatia's pristine nature at Brijuni and Plitvice Lakes National Parks.

Straight after landing in Zagreb, the choice is yours to join a city walking tour or hop between fascinating museums, such as the Museum of Broken Hearts and the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum. Venture to the nearby region of Zagorje the following morning to tour the fairy-tale Trakošćan Castle and Veliki Tabor Castle; then, collect a rental car and hit the road to Rovinj. This intriguing city will be your base for the next four days, so take your time familiarizing yourself with its maze-like Old Town before embarking on a day trip to the medieval towns of Grožnjan and Oprtalj. 

More side excursions await over the following days, first to Istria, where you'll explore the untouched Brijuni National Park, and second to Cape Kamenjak for an afternoon of beach hopping. Next, hit the road early to ensure you'll have time to check out Pula's ancient amphitheater on your way to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Another early morning allows for a quieter exploration of your waterfall-filled surroundings; then, continue to the ancient capital of Zadar. Here, you'll enjoy a leisurely day of self-guided discovery before returning to Zagreb to catch your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Croatia National Parks Adventure

Perfect for nature lovers, this active adventure in Croatia features Brijuni, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica, and Krka National Parks. Each is renowned for its unique and pristine landscapes, which means you'll be meandering amid archaeological sites, terraced lakes, dramatic canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Other notable highlights include a walking tour through Split's Old Town and side excursions to the historic settlements of Trogir, Grožnjan, and Motovun.

From Zagreb, your adventure begins with a transfer to the coastal town of Rovinj and a rejuvenating afternoon roaming cobbled streets and relaxing on beaches. Boat to Brijuni National Park the next morning and take in your unspoiled surroundings by tourist train and foot before continuing to Plitvice Lakes National Park. On the way, stop in the artistic settlement of Grožnjan and the hilltop town of Motovun. Then, wake early for a peaceful exploration of Plitvice Lakes' drowned landscapes until the time arrives to continue to Zadar for a superb day of hiking Paklenica National Park's dramatic gorges. 

During your stay in Zadar, you'll also embark on a side trip to Krka National Park, famous for its cascading waterfalls, and the picturesque port town of Šibenik. Continue to Split next and spend the evening roaming Diocletian's Palace and strolling along the Riva promenade. The following morning, join a guide for a half-day exploration of the ancient coastal city of Trogir, followed by a detour to the "Game of Thrones"-famous Klis Fortress. Then, spend your final full day immersed in nature, with a whitewater rafting trip down the Cetina River and a thrilling zipline excursion on the agenda. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Croatia? Check out these other 10-day Croatia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.