The Ultimate 14-Days Croatia Itinerary
Over 14-Days, experience the very best that Croatia has to offer with our Country Roads of Croatia premium tour. From the mesmerizing cascades of Plitvice National Park to the famous walled city of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, each day brings stylish hotels and resorts, insightful experiences and delicious cuisine. Meet an Oyster farmer in Ston, island hop to Hvar to visit the glamorous marina and Europe’s oldest town and maybe visit neighboring Montenegro.
A stunning location for history, food and sea lovers, step away from the beaten path and discover the authentic Croatia with the help of Local Experts, all the while never having to compromise on premium comfort and style on this ultimate Croatia guided tour.
What is the best time to visit Croatia?
If you are a sun worshipper then June to September, Croatia’s summer is a great time to visit, when sunlight is plentiful and temperatures are warm, between 66°F and 86°F. However, to avoid the crowds and enjoy more relaxed visit, the shoulder season months of April and May, and September and October are ideal. The islands are quieter and more laid back, giving a more authentic insight into Croatia. If you’re looking at the cheapest time to visit then the winter months, December to February, are when you will find prices at their lowest, however many tourism focused businesses and hotels may not be open outside of the major cities and towns.
How many days are enough in Croatia?
10 Days in Croatia gives ample opportunity to see the highlights, including some islands visits and national parks such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park. To fully appreciate the beauty of Croatia it is advised to explore both from the mainland and the water. However, if you are short on time, you can see the major sites in 3-4 Days – you can drive north to south of the country in a day, with a trip from Rijeka to Dubrovnik taking roughly 6.5 hours.
What country should I combine with Croatia?
Montenegro, Italy, Slovenia and Bosnia & Herzegovina are all close to Croatia and great countries to visit. Visit Montenegro for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes, including the Bay of Kotor and the rugged Durmitor National Park. Few destinations can rival Italy for history, art and cuisine. Slovenia, a somewhat hidden gem will win you over with its stunning natural beauty, including Lake Bled and the Julian Alps, while Bosnia & Herzegovina offers a fascinating mix of Eastern and Western influences – visiting Mostar is a highlight.
Zagreb is home to the world’s narrowest street, Laščinska Ulica is only 51 cm wide at its narrowest point.
Days 1 – 2: The Capital, Zagreb
The vibrant city of Zagreb and your transfer to the 5-Star Sheraton Hotel provide the start to this sensational Croatia itinerary. Centrally located, this stylish hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the city and also offers a pool and spa for you to relax after your journey. Tonight, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow guests for a delicious welcome dinner of traditional Croatian dishes and wine.
The next day your Local Expert takes you on a tour of Zagreb, the two-tiered capital. Discover the charm of Donji Grad, the Lower Town, where you can wander through Ban Josip Jelačić Square and visit the cathedral. A scenic funicular ride takes you to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town. Here, immerse yourself in history as you explore the former Presidential Palace, the Stone Gate, St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrščak Tower.
Day 3: Slovenia’s Postonja Caves
Today you’ll cross over into neighboring Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. A cave train takes you deep underground where you can spend time admiring the fairytale world of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains, including one five meters tall.
Day 4: Opatija
The Jewels of Istria are yours today as you explore with your Local Expert. Visit the beautifully preserved first-century arena in Pula that was once a historic venue for fierce Roman gladiatorial contests. Then, head to the enchanting old town of Rovinj, stroll through cobblestone streets and enjoy the shops, bars and inviting sidewalk cafes.
Choose where you dine with your Travel Director on hand for recommendations. You’ll want to take your time to explore the delights of Croatian cuisine. The food and wine offers a delicious combination of mediterranean and continental flavors, enjoy fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes and regional specialties, with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients.
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Plus receive latest offers, travel inspiration, and discover how your travels will make a positive impact. Together, WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. Subscribe NowDay 5: Plitvice Lakes National Park
There are few sights as ‘otherworldly’ as the cascades of Plitvice, and this stunning National Park is your destination for the day. One of Europe’s great natural wonders, make a positive impact while you explore with this thoughtful Croatia itinerary, through a choice of two of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. For lovers of conservation, you can join a Local Expert to explore the park and learn how the site carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively, you can visit the local Tara Community Centre, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community. Both place sustainability at the heart of this
Tonight, you’ll dine with your travel companions at a local restaurant, the perfect opportunity to share stories and photos from your day in Plitvice.
Day 6: The Exquisite Dalmatian Coast to Split
Of Croatia’s 3,600 miles of glimmering coastline, the most famous stretch is its southernmost region: the Dalmatian Coast. Pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters, medieval towns, secluded bays and endless islands pepper your route. Walk among Zadar’s roman ruins and see the famous sea organ. Travel through Mediterranean olive groves to Trogir founded by the Greeks in 3rd century B.C. In stylish Split, the perfect base for island hopping, settle into the 5-star Hotel President Solin located just a few minutes from the ancient old town.
The conditions in Mali Ston, the oyster capital of Croatia, are ideal due to the combination of salt, fresh water and phytoplankton, as well as nutrients in the surrounding waters.
Island Hopping
Day 7 & 8: Split and Hvar
This morning you will join your Local Expert for a fascinating tour of Split’s labyrinth streets and arcaded squares, including the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace in the heart of the Old Town. Then the spotlight tor the next five days turns to Croatia’s famous islands. Dotted like jewels in the Adriatic Sea and a highlight of your Croatia itinerary, there are over 1244 islands, 49 of them permanently inhabited. We begin with two nights on Hvar, famed as the sunniest of all the islands with a stay at the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort. A destination in itself, relax with Mediterranean gardens, a large pool and cascading waterfalls with the beach only a few minutes’ walk.
The following day is yours to explore Hvar and enjoy its restaurants and nightlife. Stroll around seaside Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bask in the glitz and glamour of Hvar Town with its yacht-lined marinas.
Day 9 & 10: Korčula
Travel today to island of Korčula, known for its grace, history and rich culture. The perfect place for relaxing, the island is filled with quiet coves and small beaches that dot the south coastline. Tonight, you will dine at your hotel and enjoy the terraces and sea views.
The next day, enjoy Korčula for a full day, starting with a walking tour of the Old Town with your Local Expert. See the Cathedral of St. Mark that dominates the ancient skyline and hear about local legends and history. Visit the house where Marco Polo was said to have been born. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish, savor wine and bruschetta and spend time in one to the town’s stylish bars, or maybe visit the pretty bay at Uvala Laka, just a 10-minute walk from the old town.
Day 11 – 14: Historic Dubrovnik
Today you’ll journey to the stunning Pelješac Peninsula, on route to Dubrovnik, famed for its fresh seafood. Weather permitting, cruise the bay of Mali Ston and meet a local oyster farmer. Enjoy oysters fresh from the sea and learn about their cultivation. Lunch on a delicious spread of sea-to-table seafood before continuing to the walled city of Dubrovnik, made famous by the TV series Game of Thrones.
The 5-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is a highlight of your Croatia itinerary and your luxurious home for the next three nights, with sensational sea views, stylish pools and fabulous cocktails. This afternoon you’ll join a Local Expert for a walking tour of the city, including inside the 16th century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The next two days are yours to explore Dubrovnik at your leisure. Stroll along the iconic City Walls for breathtaking views of the coast and ride the cable car. Further explore the historic Old Town, visit the majestic Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace and dine in the sunshine. Maybe take advantage of an Optional Experience day trip to visit Montenegro and travel along the coast to the pretty port town of Kotor.
On your final day, you’re invited on a dazzling evening cruise around the Bay of Dubrovnik, followed by a Celebration Dinner of authentic flavors of local specialties, to toast your journey with your fellow travelers. The following morning, enjoy one last breakfast before your transfers take you to the airport.
Inspired to visit? Book a place now on our premium Croatia itinerary – Country Roads of Croatia.
About Leanne Williams
I'm a writer, editor and interview specialist with a lifetime's love of travel. There’s nothing more inspiring to me than meeting, and writing about, the world's leading destination experts and travel industry insiders. The thing I love most about writing for Insightful is that I'm always learning something new.
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