8 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Dalmatia: Split, Hvar, Korčula, Dubrovnik

A well-balanced combination of cultural exploration and active adventure, this eight-day itinerary highlights the southern Dalmatian coast from Split to Dubrovnik, with day trips to Krka National Park, Šibenik, and the Pelješac Peninsula. 

Begin your Dalmatian adventure in Split with time to explore the city on your own after checking into your hotel. Venture to Krka National Park where Skradinski Buk is a must-see waterfall before spending the afternoon in the 11th-century city of Šibenik. Ferry from Split to Hvar on day three for a sunset sea kayaking tour of the nearby Pakleni Islands.

Continue on to Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, on day four to enjoy the beaches or see more of the historic villages. The next day, you'll bike to Lumbarda, a sprawling town, for wine tastings at family-run, award-winning wineries. Keep the bottles flowing on day six along Pelješac Peninsula, known for its earthy red wines, with a stop in Ston for deliciously fresh oysters. 

Drive from Ston to Dubrovnik on day seven for a historical walking tour that covers all of the city's best highlights. You'll see Rector's Palace and the famous Pile Gate. Depart for the airport on day eight, a 45-minute transfer. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Pula, & Split

Enjoy eight days of cultural exploration around Croatia from Zagreb to Split and Istria to the Dalmatian coast.

Discover the coffee culture of Zagreb, Croatia's capital, after arrival and hotel check-in or head for St. Mark's Square to see the stunning tiled roof of the cathedral. After a night of rest, head to Rovinj with a stop along the southern tip of Istria in Pula, known for its 1st-century Roman amphitheater. Depart colorful Rovinj on day three to hop between the inland hilltop villages of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Motovun among truffle country. 

Depart Rovinj to head for Plitvice Lakes National Park on day four with a stop in the coastal city of Opatija for lunch. Sleep near the national park so you can rise early to see the sunrise over the breathtaking lakes and cascading waterfalls before moving further south to Zadar. After you've seen the Sea Organ in Zadar, continue along the coast to Split with a stop in the 11th-century city of Šibenik, known for its impressive fortresses and medieval gardens.

Enjoy your last full day in Croatia on a sailboat touring around Šolta Island. There will be tons of time to swim in the Adriatic as well as a potential stop in the small town of Stomorska for lunch. Depart for the Split airport on day eight, which requires 45 minutes in normal traffic. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Croatia Multisport: Zagreb, Plitvice, Paklenica & Split

Pack in eight full days of adventure as you travel from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, to the Dalmatian coast with stops such as the Zrmanja River, Paklenica National Park, and Šolta Island.

Once you arrive in Zagreb and check into your hotel, stretch your legs with a walk through Maksmir park or the Green Horseshoe. The next day you'll depart the capital for Plitvice Lakes National Park to wander the paths that wind around the blue and green lakes and lush waterfalls. Enjoy a picturesque ride to Novigrad on day three before taking to Zrmanja river in the afternoon for kayaking or rafting. 

Pull on your hiking boots for a day in Paklenica National Park with treks leading to the craggy limestone cliffs of Velika Paklenica. Then head to the coast to overnight in Zadar, home of the Monument to the Sun. Day five is one of rest with time to see the city of Zadar such as its Sea Organ or the 9th-century Church of St Donatus. Continue south to Split with a stop in Šibenik, a stone coastal city with incredible fortresses and medieval gardens. Once you arrive in Split, start in Pjaca Square before exploring the rest of the Old Town such as Diocletian's Palace or Marmont Street.

Spend your final day in Croatia onboard a sailboat to Šolta Island. There will be plenty of time for swimming in the incredible Adriatic waters as well as a lunch break in the small town of Stomorska. Depart for the Split airport on day eight, a 45-minute transfer. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Scenic Southern Dalmatia: Dubrovnik, Korčula, Pelješac, & Mljet

Soak up the sunshine on this eight-day itinerary beginning and ending in Dubrovnik with its focus on Southern Dalmatia—a perfect combination of nature and culture. 

Begin your time in Croatia as soon as you arrive in Dubrovnik. Consider walking Old Town, the city's walls or riding the cable car up to Srđ Mountain to take in the sunset over the nearby Elafiti Islands. The adventure begins the next day by private speedboat around the Elafiti Islands. You'll kayak and swim as well as explore villages like Šipan.

On day three, ferry to Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, where you can Old Town. The following day, you'll venture south by bike to the spread-out city of Lumbarda for a day of tasting Croatia's best wines from award-winning wineries. Wine sampling continues on day five along the Pelješac Peninsula, known for its red wines, followed by an incredible fresh meal of oysters and mussels in Ston.

From Ston, visit Mljet, the greenest of Croatia's islands. Return to Ston on day seven to walk the city's fortified walls and see more of the town itself before driving to Dubrovnik. Spend your final night wandering the Old Town one last time before departing for the airport on day eight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Sailing Dalmatia: Vis, Lastovo, Mljet, & Brač

A perfect combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation on this eight-day private sailing trip captures the best of coastal Croatia from the ancient city of Split to the nearby famous islands of the Adriatic. 

Arrive in Split and transfer to the city for hotel check-in and time at leisure to see Pjaca Square or stroll Marmont Street. Board the private sailboat the following day to sail to Vis for a laid-back day of swimming and snorkeling. Continue on to one of Croatia's most remote islands, Lastovo, with a stop at the Blue Cave on day three. 

You'll reach Mljet, which is also a national park and an incredibly green forested island, with time to see the two salt lakes within the island too. Sail on to Korčula Town where you can disembark to see the 14th-century Land Gate, St. Mark's Cathedral and the Bishop's Treasury. 

Continue on to Hvar where you'll have time to see the city and its main square before cruising on to secluded coves for an afternoon spent swimming the bays of the nearby Pakleni Islands. Spend day seven on and around Brač before arriving back at Split. Finally, depart for the airport, a 45-minute transfer in normal traffic conditions. Learn more

More Great 8-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Croatia trip? Check out these other 8-day Croatia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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