16 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Croatia - Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Hvar, & Dubrovnik

This comprehensive sixteen-day tour includes all the best Croatia has to offer, from the dynamic capital of Zagreb to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Stroll through historic hilltop towns, go truffle hunting Rovinj, discover the island of Hvar on an offroad tour, feast on freshly-caught oysters in Ston, and much more. 

Start your trip off in Zagreb, Croatia's capital. Tour the city and visit Gornji Grad (Upper Town), take the funicular down to the parks and boulevards of Donji Grad (Lower Town), and spend a few hours learning about the city's history and culture. From Zagreb drive on to Rovinj, a small jewel of a town located on the Istrian Peninsula, and spend the rest of the day exploring its labyrinth of narrow, cobblestoned streets.

On day four you'll set out for a culinary tour of the Istrian Peninsula. First, you'll join a team of eager truffle-hunting dogs near Buzet and spend an hour searching for the elusive mushrooms, before settling in for a six-course tasting menu at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit Grožnjan, a medieval hilltop town that's now home to artists and local galleries. Next, spend a day on Cape Kamenjak, the southernmost point of the Istrian Peninsula, to enjoy the crashing waves and salty air. 

From there you'll drive on to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Set out early the following morning to see the sunrise and hike around the park's many lakes, waterfalls, and caves. Then, continue on your way to Zadar and spend your evening relaxing on Old Town’s waterfront to see one of the city's legendary sunsets.

Spend day eight sailing around the Kornati Islands and stop in a secluded cove for a swim. 

Next, continue along the Dalmatian Coast to Split, where you'll take a ferry to the island of Hvar to sea kayak around the Palenki Islands and goy offroading around the island's lesser-known villages and up Hvar's tallest peak, St. Nicholas.

On day 12, hop on a ferry to Korčula to explore the island, then continue on the Pelješac Peninsula to Ston and feast on the fresh oysters the town is famous for.

Finally, spend your last few days in Croatia exploring Dubrovnik, one of the prettiest cities in Europe that's often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Take an early morning walking tour to see all of the city's sights and avoid the crowds, and hit Lovrijenac Fortress. Alternatively, take a cable car up to Srđ Mountain and enjoy the views. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Croatia & Slovenia - Zagreb, Ljubljana, Istria, & Dalmatia

This sixteen-day itinerary covers the best Croatia and Slovenia have to offer. Discover walled hilltop towns on the Istrian Peninsula, explore Zagreb and Ljubljana and work your way through the stunning landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park before finishing your trip in Dubrovnik, one of the most spectacular fortified cities in Europe. 

Start your trip in Zagreb, Croatia's capital, and visit the Renaissance castles and medieval fortresses in the nearby Zagorje Region. Then, drive across the border to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. Spend the rest of the day sight-seeing before heading to Lake Bled in the morning. 

Spend the next couple of days in the beautiful green hills around Lake Bled. Take a boat to visit the chapel on the island at the center of the lake, tour Bled Castle, and make a trip to Lake Bohinj, Bled's lesser-known but equally-scenic neighbor. 

Your next stop is Kobarid, across the Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest pass. From there, cross back into Croatia and continue on to Rovinj, a fishing port known for its Venetian-inspired architecture. Make sure to sample the town's fresh local seafood. Spend a day inland exploring the rolling hills of Istria, before making your way to Plitvice Lakes National Park and its 16 glittering lakes. Take in the sunrise at the park early on the morning of day 10, then continue to Split, where you'll catch a ferry to the island of Hvar. 

Spend days 12 and 13 exploring everything Hvar has to offer: trek up to the 16th-century Španjola Fortress for views of Hvar Town, drive along the coastline to see olive groves, lavender fields, and vineyards, or simply spend some time enjoying the island's gorgeous beaches. Spend the last few days of your trip in Dubrovnik, one of the most ancient fortress cities in Europe. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Classic Croatia - Plitvice, Hvar, Korčula, & Dubrovnik  

This classic sixteen-day tour of Croatia covers the length of the country, from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Explore the bucolic hills of Zagorje and make your way along the Dalmatian Coast. Then, island-hop to Hvar, Korčula, and Trogir, and spend a day in Montenegro before finishing your tour in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." 

Start your adventure off in Zagreb, and tour some of the many castles in nearby Zagorje, before heading south to UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park to stroll on the paths through the park's lush beech forests and along the shores of sparkling blue travertine lakes. Next, make your way to the ancient Roman city of Zadar and take in one of the city's legendary sunsets, before continuing on to Split on day seven. Spend a day touring this 1,700-year-old city, and make sure to visit Diocletian's Palace. 

After Split, take a ferry to Hvar and grab your bathing suit for an afternoon of sea kayaking around the neighboring Pakleni Islands. Spend another day enjoying the charms of Hvar, including its lovely beaches and Hvar Town's ancient piazza overlooking the Venetian loggia. Then it's time to hop on a ferry to Korčula, a little island with numerous restaurants, taverns, shops, and bars for you to enjoy. 

Next, join a cycling and wine tasting tour across the island to Lumbarda, home to the local Grk white wine varietal, and try some of Croatia's best wines. 

Finally, make your way to Dubrovnik overland on the Pelješac Peninsula, where Croatia's best-known red wines are produced. Spend the last few days of your trip touring Dubrovnik. Visit Onofrio's  Fountain, the 15th century Rector's Palace, Luza Square, the Church of St. Blaise (St. Vlaho), and the cafés of Brsalje Street. In the evening, take a cable car up Srđ Mountain for views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Consider making a day trip to Montenegro to see the Bay of Kotor and visit the village of Perast, which feels like a small slice of Venice dropped onto the Adriatic Coast. Finish your trip with a visit to some of Dubrovnik's museums, like the Franciscan Monastery and Museum or the Rector's Palace and Cultural Historical Museum. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Croatia Multisport - Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice, & Zagreb 

This sixteen-day multisport itinerary is filled with all of the outdoorsy activity Croatia has to offer. From sea kayaking around Lokrum Island to cycling in Konavle wine country to a day of rafting, zip-lining, and canyoning on the Cetina River, this route is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to experience Croatia's beautiful countryside. 

Start your adventure in Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful fortified cities in Europe. Spend some time exploring the city and go sea kayaking around nearby Lokrum Island, and enjoy a unique view of the city. Then, spend the following day cycling around Konavle wine country, where you'll bike your way through villages and valleys, and have the chance to sample some local vintages. 

On the morning of day four, leave Dubrovnik behind and travel along the Pelješac Peninsula to Orebić, where you can catch a ferry to Korčula. Hike on Korčula's ancient Napoleon path along olive groves and small vineyards. Then, take a ferry to nearby Hvar. Take a guided cycling tour to explore the island, from ancient Greek ruins on the Stari Grad Plain to small hidden villages further inland. 

Next, take a ferry to Split, a good jumping-off point for active day trips. After touring the city, make sure to spend a morning hiking or cycling in Krka National Park. Then, head to the coastal town of Šibenik in the afternoon to see fortresses and medieval gardens. On day ten, get ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure and drive south on the coast to Zadvarje for a day of rafting and canyoning on the Cetina River. 

On day 11, make your way along the Adriatic Coast to Zadar. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy one of the city's famous sunsets before walking over to see the patterned lights of the Monument to the Sun. The following day, sail from Zadar to Kornati National Park and take in the beauty of this archipelago's jagged rocks and indented coastlines. 

Next, travel to Plitvice Lakes, with an optional stop in Paklenica National Park to go hiking or rock climbing. Spend the night in Plitvice to catch the sunrise in the park early the next day before continuing on to Zagreb, Croatia's capital and the final stop on your trip. Spend your last few days in the country touring the city, until it's time to depart. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Self-Drive Croatia & Slovenia - Dubrovnik to Zagreb  

This sixteen-day self-driving itinerary covers the Dalmatian Coast and the most beautiful landscapes Croatia and Slovenia have to offer. From the peaceful shores of Lake Bled to the fortified city of Dubrovnik, visit sandy beaches, hidden coves, emerald-green rivers, lush forests and more on this self-guided tour. 

Start your road trip in Dubrovnik, and spend your first couple of days in Croatia getting to know the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Then, hop in your rental car and drive to Ston for some tasty fresh oysters, before continuing along through the spectacular mountains of the Pelješac Peninsula until you reach Orebič, and catch a ferry to Korčula. 

Spend day five exploring Korčula's rocky limestone hills and hidden pebbly beaches, then stroll through Korčula Town's old, cobblestone-covered alleys and squares. Next, drive across the island and take the ferry to Split, and from there make your way to Plitvice Lakes National Park and spend the day walking the paths that connect the park's 16 emerald lakes.

On day seven, cross the border into Slovenia to go to Piran, a town on the tip of a narrow peninsula known for being one of the oldest and prettiest towns in the country. Next, drive north through the Soča River Valley, with stops at the Boka waterfalls and the Velika korita gorge, until you reach Bled, one of Slovenia's most picturesque lakes. Spend a day exploring the area before finally continuing on to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. 

Early the next morning, take a cable car up to the sub-Alpine highland plateau of Velika Planina for a day of hiking in the mountains. The following day takes you to Slovenian Styria, where you'll visit Žalec, the capital of hop-growing in Slovenia, and its famous beer fountain. Finally, make your way across the border to Zagreb for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 16-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Croatia trip? Check out these other 16-day Croatia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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