8-day route through the best of Croatia

8 cities | 26 attraction(s) | total distance 3717 km

TIPS

This itinerary proposes an 8‑day trip through Croatia, combining the capital, historic towns, islands, and the Adriatic coast: - Day 1 – Zagreb Discovering the capital: Ban Jelačić Square as the nerve center, the imposing Neo-Gothic cathedral, and the old town of Gornji Grad, with cobbled streets, views, and a bohemian atmosphere. - Day 2 – Zagreb → Plitvice → Zadar Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, famous for its turquoise lakes and waterfalls, and arrival in Zadar to explore its old town and enjoy the original Sea Organ at sunset. - Day 3 – Zadar → Šibenik → Trogir → Split Stop in Šibenik to see the Cathedral of Saint James (UNESCO), then Trogir and its charming medieval old town on an island, and finally Split with its lively seafront promenade (Riva). - Day 4 – Split Day focused on Diocletian’s Palace, the heart of the old town: Peristyle, narrow streets, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius with views from the bell tower. - Day 5 – Excursion to Hvar from Split Visit to the town of Hvar, known for its elegant atmosphere and yacht-filled harbor, climb up to Španjola Fortress, and time to enjoy the coves of the Pakleni Islands. - Day 6 – Split → Makarska Riviera → Dubrovnik Drive along the Makarska Riviera, with beaches and Mount Biokovo as a backdrop, and arrival in Dubrovnik for a first contact with its old town and the main street, Stradun. - Day 7 – Dubrovnik Full tour: walk along the walls with views of the sea and the city, visit Fort Lovrijenac, and ascend Mount Srđ to enjoy one of the best viewpoints on the Adriatic coast. - Day 8 – Dubrovnik and departure Last stroll through the old port and visit to the peaceful Dominican Monastery before ending the trip. Overall, the plan combines historical heritage (medieval and Roman cities), nature (Plitvice, coast and islands), and scenic viewpoints, offering a very complete overview of Croatia in one week.

Day1: Zagreb > Zadar > Split-Dalmatia County > Split > Dubrovnik

8 attraction(s) · 486 km

This tour of Zagreb begins at the lively Trg Bana Jelačića square, the heart of the city, ideal for feeling its rhythm among cafés and historic buildings. It continues with the majestic Zagreb Cathedral, in Neo-Gothic style, whose tall towers dominate the urban landscape and offer an interior full of artistic details. Finally, you head up to the charming Gornji Grad district, with its cobbled streets, traditional architecture, and viewpoints that allow you to enjoy the best panoramic views of the city.

Plaza Ban Jelačić

Refreshed in 1987, the oldest building on this square dates back to the 18th century.

1 km

Cathedral of Zagreb

Huge Roman Catholic edifice that was restored to its former glory during the 1990s.

1 km

Upper Town

1 km

Zagreb

198 km

Zadar

106 km

Trogir

16 km

Split

166 km

Dubrovnik

Day2: Zadar

2 attraction(s) · 1 km

This trip begins in Zagreb and heads towards the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park, famous for its turquoise lakes and waterfalls connected by wooden walkways. Afterwards, it continues to Zadar, where you can explore the charming old town with its Roman remains and medieval churches, and end the day enjoying the sunset next to the original Sea Organ, an installation that transforms the movement of the waves into music.

Stari grad Zadar

1 km

Sea Organ

Large experimental musical instrument mounted beneath a staircase & played by the waves on the sea.

Day3: Šibenik-Knin County > Trogir

2 attraction(s) · 38 km

This tour along the Dalmatian coast takes you from Zadar to Split, passing through some of Croatia’s historical gems. In Šibenik, you can admire the Katedrala Sv. Jakova, a Renaissance cathedral declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its impressive stone façade and its unique sculpted heads. You will continue to Trogir, whose Stari Grad, also a World Heritage Site, is a charming medieval old town located on a small island, with walls, narrow squares, and a very picturesque atmosphere. You will finally arrive in Split, where the lively Riva, its seafront promenade lined with palm trees and terraces, allows you to enjoy the local atmosphere facing the Adriatic Sea.

St. Jacob’s Cathedral

Made entirely of stone, this Gothic-Renaissance cathedral features 70+ sculpted heads on its facade.

38 km

Trogir Old Town

Day4: Zagreb > Zadar > Split-Dalmatia County > Split > Dubrovnik

8 attraction(s) · 650 km

In Split you can explore the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman palace that today forms the heart of the old town, full of alleys, squares, shops, and homes within its walls. In Peristyle Square, you will admire the mix of Roman, medieval, and modern architecture, while in the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, built over the emperor’s former mausoleum, you can climb its bell tower to enjoy magnificent views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.