With 10 days in Croatia, you can hop between the dynamic cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar and Korcula on a highlights tour. Or, for a slower-paced trip, narrow your focus to the Dalmatian Coast and pick between an island-hopping adventure and an itinerary crafted for foodies. If you're seeking an active adventure, bounce between the country's pristine national parks, while those eager to delve into history can spend time amid the medieval villages and Roman ruins of Istria.

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.

After a day in the capital of Zagreb, you'll set off for the walled cities and idyllic islands of the Dalmatian Coast
After a day in the capital of Zagreb, you'll set off for the walled cities and idyllic islands of the Dalmatian Coast
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Zagreb, Stroll Around Tkalčićeva Street Zagreb
Day 2 Transfer to Split via Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes Walking Tour Split
Day 3 Walking Tour of Historic Split & Diocletian's Palace Split
Day 4 Ferry to Hvar, Half-Day Island Tour Hvar
Day 5 Blue Cave, Vis Island & Pakleni Islands Speedboat Tour Hvar
Day 6 Ferry to Korčula, lsland Bike & Food Tour Korčula
Day 7 Ferry to Dubrovnik, Old Town Walking Tour & Explore Mount Srđ Dubrovnik
Day 8 Half-Day Elafiti Islands Speedboat Tour Dubrovnik
Day 9 Free Time in Dubrovnik, Konavle Region Culinary Experience Dubrovnik
Day 10 Depart Dubrovnik  


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.

Spend time on Hvar, one of five Dalmatian islands you'll visit
Spend time on Hvar, one of five Dalmatian islands you'll visit
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Dubrovnik, Free Time Dubrovnik
Day 2 Dubrovnik Walking Tour, Cable Car to Mount Srđ Dubrovnik
Day 3 Ferry to Korčula, Lumbarda Wine Tour & Konoba Dinner Korčula
Day 4 Full-Day Guided Mljet National Park Tour Korčula
Day 5 Ferry to Hvar, Scenic Island Cycling Tour Hvar
Day 6 Sail to Vis, Half-Day Speedboat Excursion Vis 
Day 7 Vis Island Discovery Tour Vis 
Day 8 Ferry to Split, Afternoon Croatian Food Tour Split
Day 9 Full-Day Brač Island Tour Split
Day 10 Depart Split  


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 sun-kissed. Learn more

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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.

Taste the best food and wine in Croatia during this 10-day journey
Taste the best food and wine in Croatia during this 10-day journey
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Split, Explore the City Split
Day 2 Culture & Food Walking Tour in Split Split
Day 3 Day Trip to Krka National Park, Gastro Experience at Local Winery Split
Day 4 Ferry to Hvar, Guided Island Tour  Hvar
Day 5 Explore Hvar Town, Traditional Peka Dinner at Local Restaurant Hvar
Day 6 Ferry to Korčula, Lumbarda Wine Tour & Konoba Dinner Korčula
Day 7 Walking Tour of Korčula Town, Explore the Beaches of Korčula  Korčula
Day 8 Transfer to Dubrovnik via Ston Oysters Experience & Wine Tasting Dubrovnik
Day 9 Walking Tour of Dubrovnik, Konavle Region Culinary Experience  Dubrovnik
Day 10 Depart Dubrovnik  


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.

The Church of St. Euphemia marks the beautiful Old Town of Rovinj at sunset
The Church of St. Euphemia marks the beautiful Old Town of Rovinj at sunset
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Zagreb, Free Time Zagreb
Day 2 Day Trip to Zagorje Region Castles Zagreb
Day 3 Drive to Rovinj via Opatija Rovinj
Day 4 Into the Heart of Istria: Grožnjan, Oprtalj & Motovun Rovinj
Day 5 Coastal Istria: Fažana & Brijuni National Park Rovinj
Day 6 Day of Sun & Relaxation in Cape Kamenjak Rovinj
Day 7 Coastal Drive to Plitvice Lakes via Pula Plitvice Lakes National Park
Day 8 Sunrise at Plitvice Lakes, Drive to Zadar Zadar
Day 9 Morning in Zadar, Drive to Zagreb Zagreb
Day 10 Depart Zagreb  


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.

Experience the waterfalls of Krka as you visit some of Croatia's most beautiful national parks on this 10-day tour
Experience the waterfalls of Krka as you visit some of Croatia's most beautiful national parks on this 10-day tour
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Zagreb, Transfer to Rovinj Rovinj
Day 2 Day Trip to Brijuni National Park Rovinj
Day 3 Transfer to Plitvice Lakes via Grožnjan & Motovun Plitvice Lakes
Day 4 Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Transfer to Zadar Zadar
Day 5 Hiking Day in Paklenica National Park Zadar
Day 6 Day Trip to Krka National Park & Šibenik Zadar
Day 7 Transfer to Split, Afternoon Walking Tour Split
Day 8 Explore Klis Fortress & Historic Trogir Split
Day 9 Cetina River Rafting & Canyon Ziplining Adventure Split
Day 10 Depart Split  


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.

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Map of 10 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Map of 10 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas