Six days in Croatia might be a quick trip but it is plenty of time to explore the best of the country. Consider focusing on a single region like the Dalmatian coast or the northern peninsula of Istria. Or, if you don't mind a fast pace and flying open-jaw—thanks to the frequency of international flights to both Zagreb and Dubrovnik, you can start your trip in the north and work your way to the southern coast. Get a sense of what's possible with the following itineraries.

Itinerary #1: Best of the Dalmatia Coast

Uncover the highlights of Croatia's Dalmatian region from Split to Dubrovnik in a short amount of time with this coastal itinerary.

Mali Ston, Croatia
Mali Ston, Croatia
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Split! Split
Day 2 Ferry from Split to Hvar, Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour Hvar Town
Day 3 Cycling & Wine Tasting in Lumbarda Korčula Town
Day 4 Korčula to Dubrovnik via Pelješac Peninsula Dubrovnik
Day 5 Historical Walking Tour of Dubrovnik Dubrovnik
Day 6 Depart Dubrovnik  

Arrive in Split and check into the hotel before spending time on your own wandering the Old Town to see Diocletian's Palace or take dinner at Konoba Dioklecijan restaurant near the Bronze Gate. You'll take a ferry on day two in order to reach Hvar. Enjoy the sunset near the Pakleni Islands while paddling the coastline in a sea kayak. 

On day three, continue on to Korčula Town. Pick up a bike and cycle across an easy terrain through fields, villages, and wineries before reaching Lumbarda. Explore the rambling town, then head to Bire Winery for a tasting. Move on to Dubrovnik by way of Pelješac Peninsula on day four. The peninsula is known for its robust red wines and fresh mussels and oysters in nearby Ston

Spend the last day of the trip learning and exploring the rich cultural history of Dubrovnik with a walking tour that covers all fo the best sites. Unwind at a wine bar in the Old Town or enjoy watching people cliff dive at Buza Bar just through the city walls. Depart for the airport on day six, which is a 45-minute transfer. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore Northern Dalmatia

Uncover Croatia's rich history and culture on this six-day itinerary from the capital to the coast with an emphasis on Northern Dalmatia. 

Explore Šibenik's fortresses and medieval gardens en route to Split.
Explore Šibenik's fortresses and medieval gardens en route to Split.
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Zagreb! Zagreb
Day 2 Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park Plitvice Lakes National Park
Day 3 Plitvice Lakes National Park to Zadar Zadar
Day 4 Zadar to Split, Stopping in Šibenik Split
Day 5 Walking Tour of Split Split
Day 6 Depart Split  

Begin your adventure in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, by wandering charming Tkalčićeva Street up to St. Mark's Square to see the cathedral's tiled roof. On day two, you'll head south to Plitvice Lakes National Park to walk the winding paths along the peaceful lakes and lush waterfalls.

Continue south to the coast on day three to visit Zadar which is famous for its Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun. On day four, drive further along the scenic coast to Split with a stop in Šibenik, a true Croatian town founded by the Croat King Petar Krešimir IV in the 11th century. Šibenik is home to impressive fortresses and medieval gardens worth seeing during a break from your journey.

See the best of Split, such as Diocletian's Palace and Pjaca Square during a historical walking tour on day five. Depart for the airport on day six, which requires 45-minutes to reach. Learn more

Itinerary #3: The Magical of Istria

Spend six magical days touring Croatia's northern peninsula, Istria, starting and ending in the lively capital of Zagreb. Soak in the stunning beauty of the romantic countryside as you work your way through hilltop villages and colorful seaports.

The idyllic medieval town of Motovun, Istria
The idyllic medieval town of Motovun, Istria
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Zagreb! Zagreb
Day 2 Zagreb to Rovinj, Lunch in Opatija Rovinj
Day 3 Into the Heart of Istria: Grožnjan, Oprtalj, & Motovun Rovinj
Day 4 Coastal Istria: Fažana & Brijuni National Park Rovinj
Day 5 Walking Tour of Pula, Return to Zagreb Zagreb
Day 6 Depart Zagreb  

A lively European city, begin your Croatian journey in Zagreb, the capital. Check into your hotel, then head to a few of the city's wonderful museums such as the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum or the ever-popular Museum of Broken Relationships. On day two, drive to the Istrian peninsula with a stop for lunch at the vibrant coastal town of Opatija. Once you reach Rovinj, explore the Old Town by walking to St. Euphemia Church or under Balbi's Arch

Head for the hills on day three to see the small, sleepy hilltop villages of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Motovun among truffle country. Return to coastal Istria's Fažana on day four where there are Roman ruins, a Byzantine fortress and Brijuni National Park to see. 

Spend day five taking a walking tour of Pula, famous for its first-century Roman amphitheater, before returning to Zagreb. Depart for the airport, a 30-minute transfer from the city center, on day six. Learn more

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Itinerary #4: Croatia Multisport Adventure

This six-day itinerary is a wonderful mixture of adventure and culture among the best cities in Croatia. See the laid-back capital, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park and the historic port city of Split. 

16 glassy emerald green and blue travertine lakes
Walk among 16 glassy emerald green and blue travertine lakes at Plitvice National Park.
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Zagreb! Zagreb
Day 2 Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park Plitvice Lakes National Park
Day 3 Sunrise at Plitvice Lakes, Drive to Split Split
Day 4 Rafting, Zip-lining, & Canyoning on the Cetina River Split
Day 5 Sail & Swim around Šolta Island Split
Day 6 Depart Split  

Arrive in Zagreb with time to walk among the capital's notable Hapsburg institutions such as the Croatian National Theatre after checking into the hotel. On day two, you'll leave the city for Plitvice Lakes National Park with a stop in Rastoke, a charming mill town. Choose from several hiking trails to see the 16 lakes and more than 90 lush waterfalls.

Rise early to see the sun come up over the waterfalls before heading to the coastal port city of Split on day three. Enjoy waterfront views along the city's Riva or perhaps go shopping or enjoy a glass of wine on Marmont Street. Day four is action-packed in Zadvarje for rafting and canyoning along the Cetina River with the option to go zip-lining in Omiš. 

On day five, explore Šolta Island with a full day on board a sailboat with plenty of time to swim and snorkel in the Adriatic. Leave for the airport on day six, which requires roughly 45 minutes to transfer. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Scenic Southern Dalmatia

This coastal itinerary provides an in-depth look at popular Dubrovnik and its surrounding scenic attractions such as nearby Lokrum Island, the Elafiti Islands and a visit to an oyster farm in Mali Ston.

St. Blaise Church on Stradun
St. Blaise Church on Stradun
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Dubrovnik! Dubrovnik
Day 2 Walking Tour of Dubrovnik, Sea Kayaking around Lokrum Island Dubrovnik
Day 3 Pelješac Wine & Oyster Tour from Dubrovnik Dubrovnik
Day 4 Sail the Elafiti Islands: Koločep, Šipan, & Lopud Dubrovnik
Day 5 Cycle through Konavle Wine Country Dubrovnik
Day 6 Depart Dubrovnik  

Arrive in the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik, and check into your hotel before exploring the Old Town's sites. Unwind with a glass of wine after seeing Pile Gate and enjoy your first night in Croatia. On day two, you'll take an in-depth walking tour of the historic sites in Dubrovnik then get your blood pumping with an afternoon sea kayaking tour to nearby Lokrum Island.

On day three, head to Pelješac peninsula, which is known for its red wines such as that made from the Plavac Mali grape. You'll visit an oyster farm in the Bay of Mali Ston and taste some of the best–and freshest–oysters and mussels Croatia has to offer. Sail the Elafiti Islands on day four with time to stop and explore three of the 13 lush islands. You'll stop on Lopud on the way back to Dubrovnik to see the Franciscan monastery too.

Spend day five cycling through Konavle wine country with lunch and a rakija (local brandy) tasting along the Ljuta River. After a busy week, head for the airport on day six, which will require 45 minutes with normal traffic. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Sailing Dalmatia: Vis, Korčula, Hvar & Brač 

Sail to four of Croatia's most popular Adriatic islands—Vis, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač–one this six-day itinerary. Enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine onboard your private sailboat, stopping along the way to swim, snorkel, and explore charming coastal towns. 

Scenic view at picturesque Vis Town
Scenic view at picturesque Vis Town
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Split! Split
Day 2 Sail from Split to Vis Vis Town
Day 3 Sail from Vis to Korčula, Stopping at the Blue & Green Caves Korčula Town
Day 4 Sail from Korčula to Hvar Island via Pakleni Islands Hvar Town
Day 5 Sail from Hvar to Split via Brač Split
Day 6 Depart Split  

Arrive in Split with time to explore some of the city's best sites such as Diocletian's Palace or Pjaca Square after checking into your hotel. The next day, you'll board your private sailboat and chart a course to Vis for a laid-back day of dolphin sightings, swimming and snorkeling the blue Adriatic waters. 

On day three, continue on to Biševo Island where you will see the Blue Cave and swim in the Green Cave before sailing on to Korčula Town. En route to Hvar on day four, you'll take time to explore the secluded coves of the Pakleni Islands with time to swim and snorkel. 

Sail back to Split with a stop in Brač, filled with historic sites from the ancient Greeks and the Middle Ages. Enjoy one final night in Split before departing for the airport on day six, which requires 45 minutes to transfer in normal traffic. Learn more

More Great 6-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Croatia trip? Check out these other 6-day Croatia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.

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Map of 6 Days in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Map of 6 Days in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas