9 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Classic Croatia: Zagreb, Plitvice, Hvar, & Dubrovnik

Tour Croatia with this nine-day itinerary beginning in the capital, Zagreb, and driving south along the Dalmatian coast to end in the medieval town of Dubrovnik.

Arrive in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, with time to explore the city's charming sites such as the main square or the Croatian National Theatre after checking into your hotel. On day two, head south to Plitvice Lakes National Park where you can choose from eight walking paths to drink in the peaceful lakes and more than 90 breathtaking waterfalls.

Continue south to Zadar on day three to see the famous Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun. Drive further along the coastline to Split on day four with a stop in Krka National Park where Skradinski Buk is a must-see waterfall. From Split, ferry to Hvar on day five where you will enjoy a beautiful sunset sea kayaking tour to the Pakleni Islands nearby.

Enjoy a full day of sampling some of Croatia's best wines on day six with stops at wineries such as Tomić, Duboković, and Plenković. Move further down the Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik where you can spend time at leisure on day seven.

A historical walking tour the next day will fill in any sight-seeing gaps you missed while teaching you all about the city's rich culture and historical importance. Depart for the Dubrovnik airport on day nine. Learn more 

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

Experience Croatia's charming capital and coastal cities, medieval hilltop towns, and peaceful islands with this complete nine-day itinerary from north to south.

Begin your journey across Croatia in the capital, Zagreb, where you can spend time discovering the city at the Art Pavillon or at St. Mark's Cathedral after checking into the hotel. Head for Istria on day two with a stop in Pula at the southern-most point of the peninsula before arriving in Rovinj. After seeing St. Euphemia Church and Balbi's Arch, spend day three hopping between hilltop villages such as Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Motovun.

Explore the port village of Fažana on day four and see Brijuni National Park which houses Roman ruins and a Byzantine fortress. Work back toward Zagreb with a lunch stop in Opatija on day five and overnight at Plitvice Lakes National Park where you'll see 16 emerald lakes and more than 90 lush waterfalls. Continue south the next day toward Zadar, home of the Sea Organ. 

Drive from Zadar to Split with time at leisure there, but enjoy a stop in Šibenik, a coastal town founded by the Croat king Petar Krešimir IV in the 11th century. On day eight, board a sailboat for a full day on the water around Šolta Island and swimming in the Adriatic. Depart from Split with a 45-minute transfer to the airport. Learn more

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

Experience Croatia's coastal cities and national parks on this nine-day adventure from Zagreb, Croatia's capital, to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." 

Jumpstart your adventurous trip in Zagreb with a stroll through the city's Green Horseshoe or Maksmir park upon arrival and hotel check-in. On day two, you'll head south to Plitvice Lakes National Park for a day of walking paths over the emerald green lakes and cascading waterfalls after a brief stop in the mill town of Rastoke. Spend the next day in the waters of Zrmanja River by rafting or kayaking before overnighting in Zadar.

After seeing the Sea Organ, head to Split with a stop in Šibenik which is known for its impressive fortresses and medieval gardens. Get the blood pumping again on day five in Zavarje by rafting, canyoning, and zip-lining over the Cetina River. Explore Pelješac Peninsula, known for its red wines, with a delicious stop in Ston for fresh oysters. Head to Dubrovnik on day seven after seeing and walking the parapets of Ston. 

Enjoy a panoramic drive along the coast to Konavle where you will stop at the awarded winemaker, Crvik, to taste the local wines on day eight. You'll also visit the Karaman family's award-winning winery. Depart Dubrovnik on day nine with a 45-minute transfer to the airport with normal traffic. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Magical Istria: Zagreb, Rovinj, Cape Kamenjak, & Plitvice

Enjoy this nine-day trip immersing yourself in Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, starting and ending in the vibrant capital of Zagreb, as well as seeing the renowned Plitvice Lakes.

Settle into Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, after checking into your hotel with a visit to one of the many wonderful museums such as the new Images of War museum. You'll see all of the city's highlights from Upper Town to Lower Town on a bike tour on day two. Depart Zagreb the following day to venture out to Rovinj with a lunch stop in Opatija, a coastal port city, along the way.

Once in Rovinj, enjoy sites such as the St. Euphemia Church and Balbi's Arch before heading inland on day four to the hilltop villages such as Motovun. On day five, you'll return to the coastal city of Fažana as well as see the Brijuni National Park which houses Roman ruins and a Byzantine fortress.

Enjoy sun and sand at Cape Kamenjak, Istria's southern-most point, on day six. Depart Rovinj for rural Grabovac near Plitvice Lakes National Park. On day eight, you'll see the sunrise over the stunning lakes and waterfalls before returning to Zagreb. Depart for the airport on day nine. Learn more

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

Soak up nine sunny days of the Adriatic Sea on a private sailboat as you cruise around some of Croatia's most popular—as well as more remote—Adriatic islands. 

From the Split airport, transfer into the city and check into the hotel with time at leisure to see Pjaca Square or stroll Marmont Street. Board the private sailboat the following day to sail to Vis for an easy day of sea breezes and waves. Explore the island itself on day three with stops in atmospheric Komiža and Kaštel, a squat 16th-century fortress.

Continue on to one of Croatia's most remote islands, Lastovo, with a stop at the Blue Cave. You'll reach Mljet, which is also a national park and an incredibly green forested island, on day five. Sail on to Korčula Town where you can disembark to see the 14th-century Land Gate and the Bishop's Treasury in Old Town, which is also the birthplace of Marco Polo. 

Sail 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 14 Pakleni Islands. Spend day eight on and around Brač before charting a course back to Split. Depart for the airport, a 45-minute transfer, on day nine. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Croatia trip? Check out these other 9-day Croatia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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