How many days do you need in Plitvice Lakes, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar & Zagreb?
- Most travelers spend 7-10 days in Plitvice Lakes, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Zagreb combined
- Visiting Plitvice Lakes, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Zagreb in 6 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Zadar, Korčula, and Rovinj
How Many Days to Spend in Dubrovnik
How Many Days to Spend in Zagreb
Recommended Itineraries for Plitvice Lakes, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar & Zagreb
Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Zagreb, Explore | Zagreb |
| Day 2 | Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park | Plitvice Lakes |
| Day 3 | Drive to Split via Krka National Park | Split |
| Day 4 | Ferry to Split to Hvar, Sea Kayaking around Pakleni Islands | Hvar |
| Day 5 | Cycling Tour around Ancient Pharos (Stari Grad) | Hvar |
| Day 6 | Ferry to Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik |
| Day 7 | Depart Dubrovnik |
Spend a week exploring Croatia's top highlights on this packed itinerary, from the lively capital of Zagreb to medieval Dubrovnik. Follow winding boardwalks through lush woods and glassy travertine lakes in Plitvice and Krka National Parks and ride a ferry to the coastal city of Split, dotted with impressive Roman ruins. You'll discover Hvar and its nearby Pakleni Islands on back-to-back kayaking and cycling excursions and cap off your trip touring the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
8-Day Itinerary Including Zadar
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Zagreb & Guided Walking Tour | Zagreb |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park | Plitvice Lakes |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Zadar, Explore | Zadar |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Split via Krka National Park | Split |
| Day 5 | Ferry to Hvar, Sea Kayaking Around Pakleni Islands | Hvar |
| Day 6 | Hvar Wine Tasting | Hvar |
| Day 7 | Ferry to Dubrovnik, Explore | Dubrovnik |
| Day 8 | Depart Dubrovnik |
This route covers the highlights of Croatia's southern Dalmatian coast, where you will explore beautiful landscapes and ancient culture. Begin in Zagreb and drive south to Croatia's most popular city, Dubrovnik. En route, you will stop at national parks, Plitvice Lakes and Krka, the historic port cities of Zadar and Split, and sample wine on the island of Hvar before ending your adventure in Dubrovnik. Read more
12-Day Itinerary Including Skradin & Korčula
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Zagreb, Explore | Zagreb |
| Day 2 | Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Explore | Plitvice Lakes |
| Day 3 | Drive to Skradin via Zadar | Skradin |
| Day 4 | Drive to Split via Krka National Park & Trogir | Split |
| Day 5 | Explore Split | Split |
| Day 6 | Drive to Hvar Island | Hvar |
| Day 7 | Explore Hvar Island | Hvar |
| Day 8 | Drive to Korčula Island | Korčula |
| Day 9 | Explore Korčula Island | Korčula |
| Day 10 | Drive to Dubrovnik via Pelješac Penisula | Dubrovnik |
| Day 11 | Explore Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik |
| Day 12 | Depart Dubrovnik |
With a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, this 12-day self-drive itinerary lets you discover Croatia’s highlights at your own pace. Starting in the capital of Zagreb, you'll drive south along the glittering Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik—hiking to waterfalls and hidden lakes, exploring Roman ruins and medieval fortresses, and hopping between idyllic Adriatic islands along the way. Read more
2-Week Itinerary Including Ston, Skradin & Korčula
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Zagreb, Explore | Zagreb |
| Day 2 | Scenic Castles of the Zagorje Region | Zagreb |
| Day 3 | Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park | Plitvice Lakes |
| Day 4 | Drive to Zadar via Skradin | Skradin |
| Day 5 | Drive to Split via Krka National Park & Trogir | Split |
| Day 6 | Explore Split | Split |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Hvar Island | Hvar |
| Day 8 | Explore Hvar Island | Hvar |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Korčula Island | Korčula |
| Day 10 | Explore Korčula Island | Korčula |
| Day 11 | Pelješac Penisula & Ston | Ston |
| Day 12 | Explore Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik |
| Day 13 | Dubrovnik Day Trip: Cavtat & Elafiti | Dubrovnik |
| Day 14 | Depart Dubrovnik |
Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to explore the best of Croatia’s UNESCO-listed cities, rugged wine country, and idyllic islands. On this immersive self-drive adventure, you'll set off from the northern capital of Zagreb, discovering enchanting castles and pristine national parks as you head south toward the spectacular Dalmatian Coast. After unforgettable stops in Zadar, Skradin, Split, Hvar, and Korčula, your journey comes to an end in the historic Adriatic fortress of Dubrovnik. Read more
How to travel between Plitvice Lakes, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar & Zagreb
How to get to Split
There are a number of ways to travel to Split from within Croatia's most popular cities and regions, namely Dubrovnik, Istria, and Zagreb. Read more
How to get to Dubrovnik
The easiest and quickest way to travel to Dubrovnik is to fly: Dubrovnik airport has several international connections as well as daily flights to the capital Zagreb, and other domestic destinations, including Rijeka, Osijek, and Split. Read more
How to get to Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia's capital, is the arrival and departure point for many visitors and also has its fair share of tourist attractions. Its airport is located 9 miles (15 km) south-east of the city center with many international flight connections as well as domestic flights operated by Croatia Airlines to Bol, Dubrovnik, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Split, and Zadar. An airport bus service links the main bus station to the airport, with scheduled departures every 30 minutes. Read more
How to get to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, roughly between Zagreb (80 mi/129 km north of the park) and Zadar (70 mi/113 km to the south). The easiest way to get to Plitvice Lakes National Park is by private transfer or rental car, as this allows you to set your own schedule. Read more
How to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar
Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar are must-sees if you're exploring Croatia's Dalmatian coast. An easy and popular option is taking the passenger ferry—from June to September, there are two daily passenger ferries connecting Dubrovnik to Hvar. An easy, quick, and (very) expensive alternative to the ferry is a private boat transfer, which will take about three hours. If you plan to drive, part of the journey will require a trip by car ferry, with the total journey time coming to at least four hours. Read more
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