Classic Croatia: Dubrovnik to Zagreb - 14 Days

Highlights

• Walk the ancient fortress walls of Dubrovnik
• Ride a bike through wine country on Korcula and taste grk, a native white
• Marvel at the remains of Diocletian's Palace in the coastal city of Split
• Explore the waterfalls, lakes, and rivers of Krka and Plitvice Lakes
• Tour Zagreb, one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik, Free Time to Explore

Welcome to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." This Croatian coastal destination is one of Europe's most ancient fortress cities. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is enclosed by robust city walls, and within, you'll find well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures, including the City Walls and Sponza Palace. A private driver will meet you at the airport to transfer to your Dubrovnik hotel. Check in and refresh, then venture out to get your first look at the city.

Take some time to explore its 16th-century stone walls, including the Minceta, Lovrijenac, and Revelin fortresses, visit Onofrio's Fountain and the Church of Saint Blaise (St. Vlaho), and stroll along the marble-paved Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street. In the late afternoon, hop in a cable car and ride to the top of Mount Srđ for stunning views of Dubrovnik and the nearby Elafiti Islands. For some exercise, you can walk back down the hill while enjoying views over the city. Dubrovnik also has excellent nightlife and some of Croatia's best restaurants and wine bars.

Day 2: Historical Walking Tour of Dubrovnik

Start your day early to avoid the crowds and meet your expert guide at the 16th-century Pile Gate. Together, you'll enter the Old Town to uncover centuries of the city's rich history while your guide shares stories of local life, legends, and tales of the importance Dubrovnik once held in the era of its Republic. Highlights include Onofrio's Fountain, the 15th-century Rector's Palace, Luza Square, the Church of St. Blaise (St. Vlaho), and the café-lined streets of Brsalje Street.

After touring the Old Town, you'll head for Lovrijenac Fortress, as well as the city's impressive defensive walls, the second-largest set of city walls in the world. At certain places, the wall rises 75 feet (22 m) high, offering excellent vantage points for photos of the coastline. For the rest of the afternoon, explore Dubrovnik on your own or enjoy the afternoon sun on the nearby beaches. If you didn't make it up Mount Srđ yesterday, today you could take the cable car to the top for panoramic views over the city and the Adriatic, then stay for dinner at Panorama Restaurant. 

Day 3: Konavle Wine Tasting Tour

This morning, you'll head to Konavle, a famous wine region outside of Dubrovnik, where you'll visit three wineries and their famous winemakers—all families whose tradition of winemaking has endured for centuries. The tour lasts six hours and starts with a panoramic transfer along the coast to Konavle. First, you'll stop at the awarded winemaker, Crvik, to taste the local white, red, and rosé, including a unique white, dubrovacka malvasia, pressed from old grapes from the days of the Dubrovnik Republic.

Next, you'll continue to another winery belonging to the Ljubić family, where you'll taste merlot and a variety of herb liqueurs, then enjoy a traditional meal in their wine cellar. From here, you'll carry on through the Konavle Valley to the Karaman family's award-winning winery to sample their dry dessert wines like prošek alongside traditional padispanj cake. After, return to Dubrovnik for a night by the sea.

Day 4: Transfer to Korčula via Pelješac Peninsula

Today, you'll leave Dubrovnik behind and transfer about an hour northwest to the Pelješac peninsula as you make your way to Korčula. En route, you'll stop in the medieval city of Ston to explore one of the longest defensive stone walls in Europe (originally built to keep predators away from the town's salt pans) and discover the importance this area held in the 14th century. Discover beautiful views over Ston and its glittering salt pans—one of the oldest still active in the Mediterranean—from a parapet walkway on Ston's 3,937-foot (1,200 m) wall.

Reward your efforts with a light meal of Ston's famous fresh oysters or mussels accompanied by a glass of local dingač red wine. If you choose, you can also tour one of the area's family-run wineries. After, continue to the nearby island of Korčula by ferry. Check into your hotel in the Old Town before heading out to explore one of the secluded beaches on the island. Discover this little island's numerous restaurants, taverns, shops, and bars as you roam the maze of gray stone houses, alleys, churches, and squares, and be sure to sample Korčula's delicious grk and pošip white wines.

Day 5: Day Trip to Mljet Island National Park

Combine cultural exploration and outdoor adventure with a day trip to the nearby gem of Mljet Island. Watch the Adriatic Sea sparkle as your 30-minute ferry glides toward the lush greenery and azure waters that make this island famous. Over one-third of the island is a protected national park, and you'll explore the highlights on a private guided tour and then enjoy free time to hike or swim.

Together with a guide, you'll see the island's twin lakes of Veliko and Malo, including a scenic boat trip across to the famous 12th-century Benedictine monastery on St. Mary's Island. Set within Veliko Jezero (Great Lake), this historical gem invites history enthusiasts to delve into Mljet's rich past. After the tour, spend your free time discovering the island's pristine beaches and hidden coves, or opt for something more active on the many hiking and cycling trails. 

Day 6: Cycling & Wine Tasting Tour in Lumbarda

Olive groves and vineyards dot the landscape of Korčula, contributing to the island's agricultural richness. Today, you'll jump in the saddle of a bike for a two-wheel wine-tasting adventure across the island. Meet your guide in Korčula Town and ride out of the town south toward Lumbarda. You'll cycle through fields, villages, and wineries, covering asphalt, gravel, and dirt roads with vistas opening up to the Adriatic Sea as well as to the impressive Mount Ilija on the nearby Pelješac peninsula.

This gentle route explores the ancient and historic sites of the eastern side of the island as you work your way to the spread-out village of Lumbarda. Boasting beautiful beaches and centuries-old winemaking traditions, Lumbarda is home to grk, a white grape variety that will pair well with your lunch or dinner. Some of Croatia's best white wines are produced on Korčula, and you won't be left wanting. Spend some time relaxing on one of Lumbarda's beaches before returning to Korčula Town for the evening.

Day 7: Ferry to Hvar, Sea Kayaking Adventure in the Pakleni Islands

Catch a 90-minute morning ferry to Hvar, the most popular island in Dalmatia. Hvar draws visitors for its natural setting, mild climate, and its historic town of the same name. You'll have the rest of the morning to explore Hvar Town, where you can visit St. Stephen's Cathedral or climb the steps to the terrace outside of the historic Arsenal to enjoy views over the harbor and the surrounding area.

In the afternoon, pack your swimwear and towel and head to the beachfront for your guided kayak and snorkel trip to the Pakleni Islands. The islands are the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera and are a favorite retreat for locals seeking to escape the summer heat. Altogether, there are 14 wooded and rocky islets, which you can explore by kayak.

Day 8: Full-Day Vis Island Sailing Trip

Today, you'll enjoy the sun and sea with the help of a private sailboat (and skipper). Climb aboard and begin the journey to the small, nearby island of Vis. You'll depart from Hvar Port on the western coast of the island for a leisurely full day of sailing. Lunch is arranged on the boat, and there will be time to drop anchor for swimming and snorkeling before docking to explore some of the island's beaches and quaint towns, like Komiža.

Your skipper can also stop at Biševo Island, a popular, though often crowded destination, to see the mesmerizing iridescent blue waters of the Blue Cave (Modra špilja). You'll have to switch to a smaller cave-friendly boat before floating inside to discover the natural phenomena for yourself. Or visit Ravnik Island, off the southern coast of Vis, to swim inside the Green Cave—a special treat as you aren't allowed to do so in the Blue Cave. You could also take guided tours of the small fishing towns of Komiža and Vis to see ancient Roman ruins.

Day 9: Ferry to Split, Walking Tour of Split

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and home to the dazzling Diocletian's Palace, a fourth-century haven built for the Roman emperor Diocletian. This morning, you'll board a one-hour ferry to the ancient coastal city founded 1,700 years ago by the emperor. The well-preserved palace has been transformed into the heart of the city, and upon arrival, you'll join a guide to explore Split's Old Town to learn all about it. Visit the Cathedral of St. Dominus, the Piazza, and Peristyle Square, where you can admire the 3,500-year-old sphinxes that Diocletian brought back from Egypt.

If there's time following your tour, climb the Romanesque bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Dominus—considered the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use—for views over the city and Adriatic. If you like walking, continue down the Riva and up to the local Marjan Park for beautiful vistas over Diocletian's Palace, the city of Split, and the Adriatic Sea. You'll also find a few historical sites in the park, plus quiet swimming coves and access to Split's most beautiful beaches, like Bačvice Beach.

Day 10: Day Trip to Krka National Park & Šibenik

Krka National Park is just over an hour's drive away from Split, and your driver will take you on an early day trip to discover the park's natural beauty before the crowds arrive. Once you reach Krka, explore on foot or by rental bike, choosing from a number of trails. You can't miss Skradinski Buk, the largest waterfall in the park, or Roški Slap, where you can take a short walk across the river to a small set of rapids said to resemble a pearl necklace from above. At Roški Slap, there's a restaurant that serves locally produced prosciutto, cheese, and seasonal salads.

In the afternoon, continue to the coastal town of Šibenik for the afternoon. A true Croatian gem founded by the Croat king Petar Krešimir IV in the 11th century, Šibenik is home to impressive fortresses, music festivals, and medieval gardens. Start with a visit to the famous St. James' Cathedral, a UNESCO-protected site for good reason, before selecting a restaurant for your dinner—perhaps Pelegrini, a restaurant and wine bar just above the cathedral. Return to Split in the evening.

Day 11: Transfer to Zadar, Free Time to Explore

In the morning, transfer two hours west toward the ancient Roman city of Zadar. A historic center on the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is famous for its picturesque coastline full of islands and vibrant blue waters, as well as fresh seafood and memorable sunsets. It's only a 90-minute drive, and the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore. Walk the walled Old Town—a treasure trove of ancient architecture from Roman and medieval times. Discover the ninth-century Church of St. Donatus, a 16th-century Venetian city walls, and the first-century Roman Forum.

Later, stroll along Zadar's Riva, a wide ribbon of stone paths bordered by a grassy park on one side and the sea on the other. It runs along Old Town's waterfront, where it comes alive at night with vendors and Dalmatian a cappella groups called klapa that serenade the passersby, including folks on yachts who dock there. Take in a legendary sunset from Café Brazil before discovering the pretty patterned lights of the Monument to the Sun while listening to the nearby Sea Organ. This urban musical instrument uses waves and sea breezes to make a series of haunting chords. 

Day 12: Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park

First thing in the morning, you'll take a 90-minute transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park, the first Croatian national park—and a must-see destination. Plitvice is Croatia's natural masterpiece, gorgeous at any time of year. The park is home to an exquisite collection of 16 emerald green and blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls, and numerous caves, which together comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife.

Here, you can request a private, expert local guide to lead you through the park along the wooden paths and bridges to show you the most impressive points of interest and explain the significance of its history and natural features. After your tour, you'll have some free time to continue exploring, or you may wish to bring lunch (and a bottle of wine!) with you to enjoy a picnic.

Day 13: Transfer to Zagreb, Explore the Capital

On the penultimate day of your trip, you'll transfer a couple of hours north and further inland to Zagreb, the Croatian capital. A gem of a European city, Zagreb is at once historic and new. It's filled with leafy green parks and Gothic/neo-Renaissance buildings, yet there are also modern shopping complexes, outdoor malls, and endless dining and drinking options. Check into your hotel, refresh, and get ready to explore. Consider heading out on a guided walking tour of the historic heart of the city, taking you from the main square to Zagreb's Upper Town through local markets to St. Mark's Square.

Alternatively, you could visit one of the many museums and art galleries, like the Homeland War Museum, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, or the ever-popular Museum of Broken Hearts. Or stroll through the city center, enjoying 17th-century neo-Baroque architecture found at Zagreb's Art Pavilion and Croatian National Theater. Zagreb also has a number of beautiful city parks, which are perfect for exploring and people-watching, especially in the late afternoon. Maksimir is a great option, with a variety of cafés nearby to pick up a coffee for your stroll.

Day 14: Depart Zagreb

If you have a free morning before departing, make like a local and visit one of the many café-bars in central Zagreb. Try the pedestrianized section around Bogovićeva and Preradovićeva or the popular Tkalčićeva Street for a morning coffee and pastry and to people-watch before you say farewell to Zagreb and head to the airport.

When the time is right, a private transfer will collect you for the 30-minute drive to the airport with enough time to check into your departing flight home or onward. This concludes your grand Croatian adventure. Safe travels!

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