1 Week in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Dalmatia - Split, Hvar, Korčula & Dubrovnik

Uncover the best of the Dalmatian coast in a week. Beginning in historic Split, you'll wander through ancient Roman ruins and the popular Diocletian's Palace before heading to Hvar and Korčula. End the trip with a scenic drive through the Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia's famous wine region, before enjoying Dubrovnik for a couple of nights. 

After arriving and checking into the hotel on day one, explore the historic Old Town of Split with sights like Diocletian's Palace, the 15th-century Town Hall, and the Iron Gate. In the evening, explore the waterfront views from the Riva before taking a seat at the off-beat Konoba Dioklecijan restaurant, just to the left of the Bronze Gate.

Day two begins with catching the ferry to the popular island of Hvar where you'll spend the next two days, and which includes a full day of sailing around the beautiful island of Vis. Explore Hvar Town with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral and climb the steps to the historic Arsenal for views over the harbor. Pack your swimsuit and head to the beach in the afternoon for a guided sunset kayak tour to the nearby Pakleni Islands.

Day four is adventurous after a transfer to Korčula Town. After checking into the hotel, you'll hit an easy cycling route to see the ancient and historical sites of the eastern side of the island as you work towards the village of Lumbarda. Look forward to wine tastings today too. Depart Korčula on day five for Dubrovnik with a stop in Ston. In Ston, you'll taste some of Croatia's best oysters and mussels as well as the wine of Pelješac Peninsula. Day six brings a historical walking tour of Dubrovnik including all of the must-see stops such as 15th-century Rector's Palace, 16th-century Pile Gate, and Onofrio's  Fountain. Enjoy your remaining time wandering the marble streets or sipping at a wine bar. Learn more

Read about more unique ways to experience Split.

Itinerary #2: Northern Dalmatia - Zagreb, Plitvice, Zadar, & Split

This weeklong tour through Northern Dalmatia includes stops at Plitvice Lakes National Park and the popular historic cities of  Zadar and Split. You'll begin in the capital, Zagreb, before working your way through spectacular Plitvice Lakes and on to the coast. You'll stop to explore the maze-like medieval streets of Šibenik, and end in the modern yet ancient city of Split.

Enjoy a day of exploration in Zagreb, and head to the Zagorje region on day two to see the region's many castles. You'll see storybook locals like Trakošćan Castle, Veliki Tabor Castle, and nearby villages like Kumrovec. On day three, you'll head south toward Plitvice Lakes National Park from Zagreb where you'll spend the day walking the trails to see the best waterfalls and lakes.

Transfer to Zadar on day four where you'll see Old Town and the popular attractions such as the Monument to the Sea and the Sea Organ. You'll break up the journey to Split on day five by exploring the coastal city of Šibenik. There are fortresses and medieval gardens to see as well as the chance to take lunch at Pelegrini. Dive deeper into Split's historic center on day six with a walking tour that includes stops at Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Dominus belltower and more. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Magical Istria - Motovun, Grožnjan, Brijuni & Pula

This tour of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula starts and ends in the capital, Zagreb, and includes a tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park which is southeast of the city. You'll stay in the charming coastal town of Rovinj, tour the hills and valleys covered with vineyards, olive groves, and visit medieval hilltop towns before discovering more of the coastal cities like Fažana and Istria's largest city, Pula.

Arrive to Zagreb and check into your hotel before taking a sightseeing stroll around the city. On day two, you'll take off for Rovinj with lunch in Opatija, which is just outside of Rijeka and about halfway through the drive. Once in Rovinj, explore the Old Town and climb to the top of St. Euphemia Church. Take a driving tour of the rolling hilltop cities of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Motovun. You'll find 16th-century churches, Venetian bell towers and so much more along the way. 

Day four brings you to the coast to Fažana and Brijuni National Park. Within the park, Veli Brijun is the largest island and the main attraction, though you'll find Roman ruins and a Byzantine fortress if you choose to explore a little deeper. On day five, take a walking tour of Pula where you'll also see the city's famous Roman amphitheater. Rise early on day six for a sunrise tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park on the way back to Zagreb where you'll have leisure time. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Croatia Multisport – Zagreb, Plitvice, Paklenica & Split

This adventure-based weeklong itinerary in Croatia is perfect for those looking to experience the natural highlights while participating in active sports. You'll swim, kayak, and raft your way down the Zrmanja River, hike amid limestone rock formations in Paklenica National Park, and spend a day sailing the blue waters around Šolta Island.  

Arrive in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, with time to see St. Mark's Square or tour the Museum of Broken Relationships after checking into your hotel. The next day, you'll set out to the south for a tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park where you'll wander among emerald lakes and lush waterfalls. Make your way to the coast on day three for a kayaking and rafting tour of the Zrmanja River near Zadar. 

Hike craggy limestone formations on day four in Paklenica National Park where you can drink in breath-taking views from above. Transfer to Split the following day with a stop in Šibenik, known for its fortresses and medieval gardens. Board a sailboat for a day on the incredibly blue waters of the Adriatic with time to swim around Šolta Island. Depart Split on day seven, which requires a 45-minute drive to the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Scenic Southern Dalmatia – Dubrovnik, Pelješac, Korčula, & Mljet

Discover Southern Dalmatia's dramatically beautiful coast on this weeklong itinerary that starts and ends in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Board a speedboat to the Elafiti Islands, visit wineries on the Pelješac Peninsula, and enjoy sweeping views over the Adriatic from a parapet walkway in the village of Ston. This tour perfectly combines cultural exploration within coastal towns with relaxation and adventure to remote island settings.

Arrive in Dubrovnik and check into your hotel on day one. Spend the afternoon taking the cable car up Srđ Mountain to take in the stunning views over the nearby Elafiti Islands–preferably at sunset. Board a private speedboat on day two which will whisk you away to the Elafiti Islands where you'll swim, kayak, and see the villages of Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. On day three, you'll transfer by ferry to Korčula where you can see the best of the Old Town such as the Land Gate, St. Mark's Cathedral, and the art collection within the Bishop's Treasury. 

Venture to Korčula's sprawling village of Lumbarda for a cycling tour and wine-tasting at Bire Winery on day four. Transfer from the island to Ston and the Pelješac Peninsula on day five for deliciously fresh oysters and the region's famous wine including a potential visit to the Plavac Mali vineyards. From Ston, take a day trip to Mljet on day six. This island doubles as a national park and is a beautiful, quiet forested retreat. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Sailing Dalmatia: Vis, Korčula, Hvar & Brač

The Dalmatia region of Croatia is often called a nautical paradise, and you'll see why on this seven-day sailing trip. From simple to luxurious, choose a sailboat that best suits your group's needs to enjoy the natural setting of this stunning region's secluded beaches, coves, and ancient towns.

Arrive in Split and check-in at your hotel with time to explore the waterfront Riva afterward. Board your private sailboat and set sail for Vis Island on day two with plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel. Move further out from the mainland to Korčula, but take time to see the Green and Blue caves of Bisevo island. Spend all of day four onboard, sailing around Korčula to swim in the stunning Adriatic waters and explore the secluded bays and coves.

Continue on to Hvar, noted for its bustling nightlife, by way of the Pakleni Islands on day five. On day six, you'll stop on Brač Island while making you way back to Split. Once in Split, take some time to enjoy your final dinner in Croatia at one of the restaurants near the Bronze Gate. Depart to the airport on day seven, which requires a 45-minute transfer. Learn more.

More Great 7-Day Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Croatia trip? Check out these other 7-day Croatia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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