Highlights
- Kayak white water as you traverse the Zrmanja River
- Trek under dramatic limestone cliffs in striking Paklenica National Park
- Hike, climb, swim, and jump your way down the Cetina River
- Scuba dive off the Dalmatian coast and float amid the colorful schools of curious fish
- Dine on fresh oysters and mussels after a day of hiking the Pelješac Peninsula
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Zagreb! | Zagreb |
| Day 2 | Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park | Plitvice Lakes National Park |
| Day 3 | Kayaking & Rafting on the Zrmanja River | Novigrad (Dalmatia) |
| Day 4 | Guided Hike in Paklenica National Park | Zadar |
| Day 5 | Zadar to Split, Visit Šibenik | Split |
| Day 6 | Historical Walking Tour of Split | Split |
| Day 7 | Rafting, Zip-lining, & Canyoning on Cetina River | Split |
| Day 8 | Scuba Diving off the Coast of Dalmatia | Split |
| Day 9 | Ferry from Split to Hvar | Hvar Town |
| Day 10 | Sea Kayaking around Pakleni Islands | Hvar Town |
| Day 11 | Ferry from Hvar to Korčula | Korčula Town |
| Day 12 | Cycling & Wine Tasting Tour in Lumbarda | Korčula Town |
| Day 13 | Hike through Pelješac Peninsula | Dubrovnik |
| Day 14 | Historical Walking Tour of Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik |
| Day 15 | Konavle Wine Tasting Tour | Dubrovnik |
| Day 16 | Depart Dubrovnik |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb!
Start your adventure from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel to settle in. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. The city center is easily walkable and the streets and parks are easy to navigate by foot. All the main attractions and restaurants are within walking distance.
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's also modern shopping complexes, outdoor malls, and endless dining and drinking options. Consider heading out on a guided walking tour of the historic heart of the city. This involves walking from the main square to Zagreb's Upper Town and passing through local markets before reaching St. Mark's Square.
Alternatively, you can 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 great 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 2: Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Today, you'll make the drive south to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most popular national parks. Along the way, make a point to stop at Rastoke. Rastoke is a small village known for its old watermills and beautiful waterfalls as two rivers converge in the area. This is a nice precursor of the sights to come at Plitvice Lakes.
A short drive later, you'll arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park in the early afternoon and can explore the park at your leisure. A must-visit for any traveler to Croatia, the UNESCO-protected park is comprised of an exquisite collection of 16 glassy emerald green and blue travertine lakes, more than 90 cascading waterfalls that seemingly cover every corner of the park, and numerous caves. The terraced lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife.
Choose one of eight different hiking trails, ranging from three to eight hours in duration, where the upper lakes tend to be less crowded during the peak season. You may wish to bring a bought lunch (and a bottle of wine!) with you to enjoy a picnic. Tickets are purchased at the entrance of the Park.
Driving time (Zagreb to Rastoke): 1.5-2 hours
Driving time (Rastoke to Plitvice): 30 minutes
Day 3: Plitvice Lakes to Novigrad, Kayaking & Rafting on the Zrmanja River
Leave Plitvice Lakes behind and make your way south toward Novigrad, stopping for an adrenaline-fueled excursion down the Zrmanja river amid Velebit's craggy karst landscape. Depending upon the day's water level, you will either whitewater kayak or raft the Zrmanja, enjoying the dramatic scenery of rapids, waterfalls, and crystalline waters.
After an afternoon of fun, you'll head a short distance west to the nearby waterfront town of Novigrad in Zadar County, a fishing village on a small bay of the Novigrad Sea. Its small size and pleasant waterfront location mean it is more tranquil than the nearby big cities, and it also features views of the biggest mountain in Croatia, Velebit.
Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, soaking in the peaceful charms of this picturesque town. If you have the energy, you might like to trek up to the medieval Fortress Fortica ruins and ramparts that loom over Novigrad. Alternatively, stick closer to home and wander the maze of narrow streets, stopping to check out the Church of St. Kate, the Aleroj clock tower, and the ruins of the Church of St. Martin before finding your way to a suitable restaurant to dine on fresh-caught shellfish.
Another, more relaxing option is to take to the beach for a late afternoon of swimming and sunbathing at one of the small, isolated coves.
Driving time (Plitvice to Zrmanja): 1.5 hours
Driving time (Zrmanja to Novigrad): 1 hour
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes to Zadar, Guided Hike in Paklenica National Park
From Plitvice Lakes, you'll make your way south to Paklenica National Park, the most accessible hiking area in the southern Velebit mountains. Made up of dramatic karst formations, the park is most known for two limestone gorges, Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica (literally meaning Big Paklenica and Small Paklenica) which run down toward the sea and offer plenty of hiking and rock-climbing options for the active traveler.
You'll meet your local guide in Starigrad where you'll lace up your hiking boots and set out to trek through black-pine and beech forests under the 1,312 feet (400 m) craggy limestone cliffs of Velika Paklenica. A prime rock-climbing destination in Europe, you'll complete a 12-mile (19 km) loop and stop for a traditionally prepared lunch in the one-house village of Ramići before making your way back to Starigrad.
After a day of hiking, you'll continue your journey west to Zadar, where you'll check into your hotel before setting out to familiarize yourself with the ancient capital of Dalmatia.
A historical center of the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is famous for its picturesque coastline full of islands and vibrant blue waters, as well as fresh seafood and unforgettable sunsets. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore. You may wish to 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 capella groups called Klapa that serenade the passersby, including folks on yachts who dock there.
Take in a legendary sunset (Alfred Hitchcock is on record saying they're the best in Zadar) from Café Brazil before discovering the pretty patterned lights of the Monument to the Sun while listening to the nearby Sea Organ.
Driving time (Novigrad to Starigrad): 30 minutes
Driving time (Starigrad to Zadar): 1 hour
Day 5: Zadar to Split, Visit Šibenik
This morning you'll continue south along the Dalmatian coast to Split, breaking up the journey to explore Šibenik. A true Croatian town 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 UNESCO-protected St. James' Cathedral, before selecting a restaurant for your lunch—perhaps Pelegrini, a restaurant and wine bar just above the cathedral. If there's time, check out the 16th-century war architecture masterpiece, St. Nicholas Fortress.
From here, carry on your way south to Split. Upon your arrival, check into your hotel and settle in before taking the rest of the afternoon to wander Split's historic center.
Start at Pjaca Square for pretty views of white marble tiles, the Iron Gate (the western entrance to Diocletian's Palace), a Romanesque clock tower with the remains of a medieval sundial, and the 15th-century Town Hall. Stop for lunch at Trattoria Bajamont, just north of the Iron Gate. From there, visit the popular Voćni trg or Fruit Square. Here you can enjoy renaissance architecture, influenced during Split's Venetian era. For a bit of shopping and a bite to eat head to Marmont Street, though you'll want to head to the waterfront to catch the sunset.
In the evening, take a stroll along Split's seafront Riva to admire the waterfront views before finding the off-beat Konoba Dioklecijan restaurant, just to the left of the Bronze Gate for a bite to eat, its outdoor terrace built into the walls of Diocletian's Palace.
Driving time (Zadar to Šibenik): 1 hour
Driving time (Šibenik to Split): 1.5 hours
Day 6: Historical Walking Tour of Split
An ancient coastal city founded 1,700 years ago by Roman Emperor Diocletian, Split's Old Town includes a number of impressive sites, including Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Dominus, the Piazza, and Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. Meet your expert guide in Peristyle Square for a walking tour, taking in the 3,500-year-old sphinxes Diocletian brought back from Egypt before exploring the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace and other noteworthy sites.
If there's time following your tour, climb the Romanesque bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Dominus (St. Duje)—considered the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use—for stunning views over the city and Adriatic. Another option for great views is to hike or bike to the top of Marjan Hill. Referred to as the "lungs of the city," the entire Marjan peninsula is dotted with tiny centuries-old churches, large cypress and black pine trees, and Mediterranean plants and herbs.
In addition to the stunning vistas, you'll be rewarded with attractions less visited: the Jewish cemetery and 13th and 15th-century churches, St. Nicholas and St. Jerome, respectively. Afterward, head to Bačvice Beach and relax on the sand warmed by the day's sun before choosing a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Rafting, Zip-lining, & Canyoning on Cetina River (Day Trip)
You'll get an early start this morning to drive south along the coast to Zadvarje for a day of rafting and canyoning the Cetina River, ending with the option to zip-line in Omiš.
You'll begin with rafting in a protected area of the river canyon popular with tourists every summer. The quiet parts of the river, as well as the second and third-grade rapids, create the perfect combination of relaxation with high-adrenaline adventure over the course of three hours. Next, you'll meet your guide and change into your gear (wetsuit, life vest, and helmet) to hike, climb, slide, swim, and cliff jump (optional) your way down the river until you reach Omiš. Celebrate the fun with a break for lunch, before taking the early afternoon to zip-line over the Cetina.
After lunch, you'll experience a true adrenaline rush. You'll have the chance to zip your way across the magnificent Cetina River Canyon suspended by a harness and wire. There are eight wires in total running a length of 6,890 feet (2,100 m), the highest wire reaching 492 feet (150 m) above the river canyon. Enjoy incredible bird’s eye views of the surrounding scenery on this three-hour excursion.
After the tour is complete, you'll transfer back to Split.
Driving time (Split to Zadvarje): 1 hour
Driving time (Omiš to Split): 45 minutes
Day 8: Scuba Diving off the Coast of Dalmatia
Head underwater for a half-day of scuba diving off the Dalmatian coast (diving spots available for all skill levels). You'll be picked up from your accommodation at a pre-arranged time and driven to a nearby diving center for a brief orientation, followed by a practice session in shallow waters. From there, you'll move to your dive spot where you'll immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, a perfect environment to take in the unspoiled natural beauty!
The entire program lasts around four hours, providing ample time to suit up and dive in to admire the patchwork walls of wrecks overgrown with a variety of marine life. There's an excellent chance you'll come across delicate corals and alien-like sponges and snails, as well as colorful schools of curious fish.
Day 9: Ferry from Split to Hvar
This morning, catch the ferry to the island of Hvar and check into your hotel. A Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a popular destination with tourists due to its natural setting, mild climate, and its historic port town of the same name. Highlights of Hvar Town include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress, and the main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Cathedral.
For some of the best views of the island, Hvar Town, and the nearby Pakleni Islands take a short walk up to the 16th-century Španjola Fortress. Or, join a kayaking tour and head out on the Adriatic to discover the many secluded coves that outline the islands. To cover some ground and appreciate the variation in island landscape: from lavender plantations and olive groves to vineyards and pine woods, you may like to join a (wine tasting) cycling or hiking tour. The less active might opt to rent a scooter for faster coverage of the local scenery.
After the day's adventures, treat yourself to a drink in the ancient piazza of Hvar overlooking the Venetian loggia, 7th-century fortification walls, and the oldest municipal theater in Europe.
Ferry time: 1.5-2 hours
Day 10: Sea Kayaking around Pakleni Islands
In the morning, head out on a sea kayaking adventure to the Pakleni Islands, just off the coast of Hvar and explore their many hidden beaches and lagoons. 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.
You'll meet your guide at Krizna Luka beach, just a short walk from Hvar's city center, to choose your kayak (single or double) and grab your gear. Here you will listen to a short safety talk and be introduced to the sea kayaking basics. From Krizna Luka, you'll paddle southeast along the coast to a secluded beach before continuing on through the channel to the south side of the Islands. You will get to experience the open sea and unending views of the horizon, as well as admire views of Hvar Town from this vantage point.
If there are southerly winds, the alternative is to stick to the north side of the islands to be protected from the winds. This route takes you through narrow straits and around the islands to reveal small, pebbled beaches—beaches you will have all to yourself for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Day 11: Ferry from Hvar to Korčula
Collect your things and catch a ferry to Korčula. Once on Korčula, the afternoon and evening are yours to discover this little island's numerous restaurants, taverns, shops, and bars as you roam the maze of gray stone houses, alleys, churches, and squares.
Enjoy a traditional lunch of lamb and goat in Korčula's Old Town, one of the finest examples of Venetian architecture on the Dalmatian coast. Next, visit the 14th-century Land Gate on top of an elegant staircase, before heading to the St. Mark's Cathedral to admire its strange sculptures of beasts and people. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bishop's Treasury next door for a small but impressive art collection, including works from Carpaccio, Bassano, and Tiepolo. From there, you may wish to visit the unremarkable house thought to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.
If beaches are what you're after, rent a bike or ride the bus the 5 miles (8 km) to the sandy beaches of Lumbarda. Afterward, grab a bite to eat and pair it with the local dry white, Grk, indigenous to Lumbarda and nowhere else.
Ferry time (Hvar to Korčula): 1.5 hours
Day 12: Cycling & Wine Tasting Tour in Lumbarda
Spend the day on a cycling tour (private or with a group) across the island from Korčula Town to Lumbarda with stops along the way to visit beaches and wineries. Pick up your bike and meet your guide in Korčula and ride out of the town south toward Lumbarda. You will 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 Mt. Ilija on the nearby Pelješac Peninsula.
This gentle route explores the ancient and historical 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.
You'll also have the opportunity to visit Bire Winery, a family-run winery that produces Grk wine as well as its own varietals, including a rosé. All the wineries in the area produce Grk which is unique to this region due to its sandy soil and Plavac Mali (a red grape grown extensively across South Dalmatia that acts as a pollinator for the Grk vines).
Take some time to relax on one of Lumbarda's beaches before returning to Korčula Town for the evening.
Cycling time: 3-5 hours
Day 13: Hike through Pelješac Peninsula
Start the morning early with a short boat ride to the 15th-century maritime town of Orebić on the Pelješac Peninsula. From Orebić, you'll pass by charming stone villas, once occupied by famous sea captains, as you start your hike out of the town. You'll trek along the southern slopes of Mt. Ilija, passing remote vineyards and an old Franciscan monastery.
Along the way, stop to enjoy great vistas of nearby Korčula and the Pelješac archipelago before continuing your hike to the coast and along the waterfront to explore the laid-back Dalmatian villages, Kučište and Viganj.
Later this afternoon, you will make your way to Dubrovnik on the mainland. En route, you will stop in Ston to explore one of the longest defensive stone walls in Europe (originally built to keep predators away from the town's saltpans) and discover the importance this area held in the 14th century. Discover beautiful views over Ston and its glittering saltpans from a parapet walkway on Ston's wall. Reward your efforts with a light meal of fresh oysters or mussels before transferring overland to Dubrovnik.
Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", Dubrovnik is a world-renowned city of exceptional charm. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, allowing time for you to wander and explore this magical city. Climb the 16th-century city walls for incredible views of countless red rooftops of old stone houses, towers, turrets, churches, and palaces. And be sure to find your way to the limestone-paved Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street to get your bearings and choose from some of Croatia's best restaurants and wine bars.
Hiking distance: 2.5-6 miles (4-9.7 km) depending on route
Hiking time: 2 hours (optional Ston wall walk: 1 hour)
Day 14: Historical Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Start your day early (around 8 am) to avoid the crowds and to embark on a tour of Dubrovnik where you'll meet your expert guide outside the entrance to the medieval city at the 16th-century Pile Gate. Entering Old Town, you'll uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you listen to stories of local life and legends and of the importance Dubrovnik once held in the era of the 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 streets and alleys, 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 high, offering excellent vantage points for photos of the coastline.
For the rest of the afternoon, explore Dubrovnik and its surroundings on your own or enjoy the afternoon sun on the nearby beaches. Come early evening, you can get stunning panoramic views over the city and Adriatic by taking the cable car up to Srđ Mountain before descending back down for dinner at one of Dubrovnik's great restaurants.
Day 15: 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 shuttle transfer and a panoramic drive 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, as well as 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, Prošek alongside traditional Padispanj cake.
Day 16: Depart Dubrovnik
Depending on when you depart, you may have time to visit one of Dubrovnik's museums, like the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. This large complex houses many treasures, including the world's third oldest pharmacy dating from 1317.
Alternatively, for a collection of 15,000 pieces of interesting works, visit the Rector's Palace and Cultural Historical Museum. Wander this well-preserved palace-turned-museum and explore its exhibits, some detailing life in the Republic of Ragusa during medieval times.
The drive to the airport from Dubrovnik takes around 45 minutes with normal traffic.