9 Days in Croatia
Day by day itinerary
Arrival in Zagreb
Welcome to Croatia!
Your first stop is Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Enjoy your stay and explore the main spots of Zagreb such as Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac open-air market, Kaptol Cathedral, and the famous Tkalčićeva Street that is full of bars and restaurants. Make sure to pay a visit to the Upper Town with the beautiful Church of St. Mark. Take a ride at the funicular and also visit the Flowers Square.
If you have more time to spare, take the bus and go further. Explore the Maksimir Zoo, the Dinamo Stadium, and the Mirogoj Cemetery.
More information about the capital is available here.
Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes – Zadar
Make a stop at the most beautiful place in the country and visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The Park is a place of unique natural beauty and it was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 16 larger lakes and several smaller lakes. The lakes are all interconnected as if they were a ladder – they are cascading one into the other over a number of beautiful waterfalls. The Plitvice Lakes National Park covers the area of around 300 km2 and it is home to more than 250 animal species and more than 1,400 plant species. Get more info on the link.
After making a stop at the National Park, continue your trip towards Zadar, in Dalmatia.
Zadar – Šibenik – Split
Zadar is one of the main cities on the coast that became world famous thanks to the world’s first and only Sea Organ. The waves interact with the structure creating random but harmonic sounds. Right next to the Sea Organ, there is another interesting instalation called “Sun Salutation“, which offers a unique light-show experience. More info about Zadar is available here.
Continue your journey towards the city of Šibenik. Šibenik is considered to be the oldest city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic. The main church in the city, the Cathedral of St. James, was inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Split (city tour)
The main attraction of the city of Split is the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, built in the 5th century BC. This palace is one of the best preserved in Europe and it is located on Riva, the seaside promenade of the city. You can also visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius, with the 57-meters-high bell tower. Next to St. Domnius Cathedral you will find the impressive Vestibule and the Peristyle, which was once the central square of the palace. Split is the second largest city in Croatia, which not only offers a beautiful architecture, but also has the best beaches and rich nightlife.
For more info about Split, follow the link.
Split – Hvar (catamaran)
To get to the island of Hvar you need to take a catamaran boat. The port of Split is located close to the Riva, next to the Diocletian’s Palace. The easiest way is to go on foot, because cars are not allowed in this area.
It is important to be at the port at least 15 minutes earlier.
Hvar (boat ride or city tour)
Despite being well-known for its nightlife, for which it even earned the title of “Croatian Ibiza”, the city of Hvar welcomes the most varied public. For those who are not looking for a place to party, the island has other things to offer. Hvar is a city of long and diverse history, with beautiful architecture and rich culture. You can also visit one of the nearby beaches, take a boat ride or take a dip in the Adriatic Sea, which is even cleaner in this part of Croatia!
Read more here!
Hvar – Dubrovnik (catamaran)
Your next stop is Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic. Dubrovnik is one of the most visited cities in Croatia, which became internationally known as the King’s Landing due to the famous “Game of Thrones” series.
To get to Dubrovnik you need to take the catamaran. It is important to be at the port of Hvar at least 15 minutes before the take off.
Dubrovnik (city tour)
Dubrovnik is the most impressive walled city you will ever visit! This medieval town lies on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy the day off to stroll the streets of Dubrovnik and explore the city. We recommend visiting the city walls (it is possible to make the entire extension of the walls, or only one half). Another option of getting to know the city is by the cable car. This way you will get the aerial view of Dubrovnik.
It is also possible to take a boat trip to the Island of Lokrum, where the famous throne from the “Game of Thrones” series is located! Find out more here!
Departure from Dubrovnik
Thank you for visiting Croatia! We hope you enjoyed your stay and wish you a lovely trip back home.
Do you find this itinerary useful? Or want to explore Croatia with us?
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Day 1 – Arrival in Zagreb
Day 2 – Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes – Zadar
Day 3 – Zadar – Šibenik – Split
Day 4 – Split (city tour)
Day 5 – Split – Hvar* (catamaran)
Day 6 – Hvar (boat ride or city tour)
Day 7 – Hvar – Dubrovnik (catamaran)
Day 8 – Dubrovnik (city tour)
Day 9 – Departure from Dubrovnik
*A day trip to Hvar, or any other island, is only advisable during the summer.