13 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Istria, & Dalmatia

Over the course of this 13-day trip, you'll go from medieval hilltop towns in vineyard-covered Istria to charming coastal cities of the Dalmatian coast. 

Arrive in Croatia's capital with time to explore Zagreb's sites such as Tkalčićeva street and St. Mark's Square on your own. The next day, you'll drive to Rovinj, a colorful former Venetian outpost in Istria, with a stop in the 19th-century elite resort town, Opatija. Visit the hilltop towns of Buzet, Grožnjan and Motovun for a day of truffle-hunting with trained dogs and dining on some of Croatia's finest ingredients. On day four, you'll head to Cape Kamenjak, the Istrian peninsula's most southern point, for some sun and a slower pace.

From Rovinj, drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park on day five with time to relax once you arrive. The next day, you'll rise early for a sunrise tour of the park which proves to be a stunning morning walking the incredible lakes and cascading waterfalls before driving to Zadar. Be sure to see the Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun before heading to Split and Šibenik on day seven. On day eight, you'll see the best historical sights in Split like Diocletian's Palace on a walking tour. Escape to the islands on a ferry from Split to Vela Luka, and later Korčula on day nine. 

You'll have time to wander the stone streets of Korčula before visiting Ston, a small coastal city known for its fresh oysters and mussels, with time along the Pelješac Peninsula where many of Croatia's red wines are made. Walk the fortification walls of Ston on day eleven before driving on to Dubrovnik. Spend your last full day with a historic walking tour of Dubrovnik to learn the city's rich history and see its most notable sights. Depart for the airport on day thirteen, which requires 45 minutes. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Hidden Gems of Croatia

On this 13-day tour of Croatia, you will explore some of the country's lesser-visited treasures, featuring the barren islands in the Kvarner Gulf and forgotten villages on the Pelješac peninsula as well as the beautiful islands of Rab, Goli Otok, and Pag.

Begin your journey in the Croatian capital, Zagreb, where you will have free time to wander the Green Horseshoe or visit the Museum of Broken Relationships after hotel check-in. Set off for the Zagorje region studded with castles and fortresses with time to explore old villages like Kumrovec nearby. On day three, you'll head to the island of Rab in the Kravner Gulf, where you can explore the four Romanesque bell towers in Old Town or visit Kaldanac, the oldest quarter. Follow a guide for a five-mile hike of the island or walk the Dundovo woods that take you over the Kalifront peninsula for a more moderate option. On day five, you'll take to the water for an hour and a half sea kayaking tour around Goli Otok.

Ferry from Rab to Pag, which makes some of Croatia's best cheese and salts. On day seven, you'll take a tour of Pag island which includes visits to a 16th-century salt warehouse, an olive grove, and the Gligora cheese factory. Return to Zadar on the mainland by ferry with time to see the Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun with a stunning sunset in the background. Board a sailboat to venture back out to the Kornati Islands, which includes about 90 islands, on day nine.

From Zadar, you'll go for a hike through Paklenica National Park among rugged Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, "big" and "little" limestone canyons. From Zadar, you'll turn to the port city of Trpanj with a guided tour of Pelješac Peninsula, home to some of Croatia's best red wines. This port city will be your point of access to Korčula for a quick visit before moving on to Dubrovnik. Spend your last night wandering the stone-paved streets of the fortified city, and depart for the airport with a 45-minute transfer on day thirteen. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Croatia Multisport Adventure

Designed for active travelers, this 13-day route explores the beautiful nature of Croatia in addition to some of its cultural highlights from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. 

Fly into Zagreb, the Croatian capital, with time to stretch your legs and see 17th-century neo-baroque architecture found at Zagreb's Art Pavilion and Croatian National Theater. The next day, head to Plitvice Lakes National Park where you can choose between a number of paths to walk among the 16 emerald lakes and more than 90 lush waterfalls. From Plitvice, you'll continue south to Zadar with a guided hike in Paklenica National Park among craggy limestone cliffs. On day four, you'll drive to Split with a stop in Šibenik, known for its fortresses and medieval gardens.

On day five, get your blood pumping by rafting, canyoning, and zip-lining over the Cetina River. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Split with more time to see sights like Diocletian's Palace. Ferry from Split to Hvar, known for its nightlife, on day six. The following day, you'll take to the water for a sea kayaking tour of the Pakleni Islands. Continue moving south between islands by ferrying to Korčula. Explore the old town before hitting the road on a bike to visit Lumbarda for a day of cycling and wine tasting. Hike the Pelješac Peninsula with a stop in Ston for incredible oysters for lunch before transferring to Dubrovnik. 

On day eleven, enjoy a historic walking tour of Dubrovnik to learn about its rich history and see the most popular sights like Rector's Palace. Spend a relaxing last full day in Croatia with a wine tasting tour of Konavle wine region. Transfer to the Dubrovnik airport on day thirteen. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Classic Croatia: Zagreb, Plitvice, Brač, & Dubrovnik

This 13-day tour blends culture and history with adventure and relaxation from Croatia's capital to the Dalmatian coast and even a day trip to nearby Montenegro.

Land in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, and check into your hotel with time to see some of the city's many museums such as Image of War or the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum. The next day, you'll head northwest to the Zagorje region which is known for its many castles and old villages among the hilly landscape. Next, you'll turn south for Plitvice Lakes National Park where there are more than 16 incredible lakes and 90 lush waterfalls to see. On day four, you'll continue south to the coastal city of Zadar with time to see the famous Sea Organ and Monument to the Sun. 

Spend day five on your own in Zadar by visiting the 1st-century remains of the Roman Forum and the 9th-century Church of St Donatus. Transfer overland to Split with a visit to Krka National Park along the way where you can see the beautiful Skradinski Buk waterfall. Take a bike tour of Split to see sights such as Diocletian's Palace and Marjan Park as well as the waterfront on this 12-mile ride. Ferry to Brač on day eight where you can explore the old town and stop in Pučišća, the oldest stone masonry school in Europe. 

Visit the King's Stairs in the heart of Bol before taking a guided hike to Dragon's Cave with time to relax on Zlatni Rat Beach on day nine. Depart for Dubrovnik on day 10 with time to walk the city's fortified walls after checking into the hotel. On day eleven, discover the history and culture of Dubrovnik with a historic walking tour and stops at the must-see sights. Spend day 12 venturing off to Montenegro to see the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Depart Dubrovnik on day 13, which requires a 45-minute transfer to the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore Dalmatia: Split, Hvar, Korčula, Dubrovnik

Immerse yourself into the coastal culture of the Dalmatian region with this 13-day journey through Croatia. You'll see incredible national parks, sail among beautiful islands, and explore the country's most popular city, Dubrovnik. 

Arrive in Split and explore the city on your own during the first day. Check out the Bronze Gate, which has great restaurants nearby, as well as Diocletian's Palace, among other top sights. The next day, take off for Krka National Park where you'll see the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall and stop at Šibenik. Be sure to see their medieval gardens and fortresses. Get an adrenaline rush on day three while zip-lining and rafting across the Cetina River Canyon.

On day four, take off from the mainland with to Hvar. In the afternoon, you'll kayak around the Pakleni Islands. Keep rolling with an offroad tour of Hvar through lavender fields and olive tree groves. Next, you'll take a day trip from Hvar to sail around Vis Island on a private sailboat with plenty of time to swim and snorkel. On day seven, ferry to Korčula where you can explore Old Town and the birthplace of Marco Polo. 

After a few days of rest, get active again with a cycling tour of the island's Lumbarda region with stops at its award-winning wineries. You'll certainly have enough wine the next day too, on the Pelješac Peninsula, known for its robust red wines. Dine on delicate local oysters with a lunch stop in Ston. Spend day ten exploring Dubrovnik's many breath-taking sights such as Pile Gate, Gundulić Square Market, and views from Lovrijenac fortress. 

Finally, set sail to three of the Elafiti Islands: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. Each island has its own personality and offers something a little different from the last. Take your swimsuit to go swimming. Spend your last full day in Croatia taking a wine tour of Konavle, a famous wine region that stretches from Cavtat to the south-easterly tip of Croatia at the Montenegrin border. Depart for the Dubrovnik airport on day 13, which requires a 45-minute transfer in normal traffic conditions. Learn more

More Great 13-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Croatia trip? Check out these other 13-day Croatia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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