When I started researching our trip to Croatia, I kept finding town after town that we absolutely had to visit. It became apparent fairly quicky that since we didn’t have 3 months to explore the country, I’d need to whittle down the “must see” list. Ultimately, I came up with the itinerary below, which worked out wonderfully. It ended up being one of the best trips we’ve ever taken, and we’re planning to go back again next September to explore a bit more.
- 4 nights Dubrovnik
- 4 nights Hvar
- 1 nights Split
- 2 nights Plitvice
- 3 nights Rovinj
- 2 nights Ljubljana
Day 1 – Dubrovnik
Accommodation Recommendations:
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is a stunning, modern boutique hotel that’s built into the cliffside. In addition to having amazing panoramic views, there are several dining options, and a private beach, accessible via elevator, so guests can indulge in various water activities or relax on sun loungers. It’s a tranquil retreat and just a short walk from historic old town.
A great option for those with Marriott points is the Sheraton Dubrovnik. The resort property is located on a quiet stretch of beach, features a large pool, and several waterfront restaurants within walking distance.
What to do:
After getting settled into your hotel, go explore the “pearl of the Adriatic,” old town Dubrovnik. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fascinating streets of the old town feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and it is amazingly well preserved. Walk the city walls and get a bird’s eye view of this amazing ancient city. Visit the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. If you plan to do a bit of shopping, this is a good place to pick up gifts and souvenirs.
Cocktails/Dinner:
For pre-dinner sundowners, check out Cave Bar More, which features live music, gorgeous views, and a laid-back vibe. For dinner, walk upstairs to Restaurant Tramuntana, or for a more casual option, enjoy some pizza or one of the amazing hamburgers at TuttoBene Pizzeria & Burger Bar.
Day 2 – Dubrovnik
What to do:
I highly recommend this jet ski safari tour! Enjoy a thrilling couple of hours jetting across the water, stopping off to explore caves and discovering remote beaches.
Dinner:
Take the scenic gondola ride up to Mount Srd, where you’ll experience the magnificent views of Old Town, Elaphite islands, and island of Lokrum. Watch the sun set over the horizon as you enjoy dinner at Restaurant Panorama.
Day 3 – Dubrovnik
What to do:
Spend the day in Montenegro. Whether you rent a car and drive or book a tour, a trip to Montenegro is well worth it. Admire the beautiful Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Wander around this idyllic seaside town, and then take a boat ride around the bay and see the lovely “Our Lady of the Rocks” church. If there’s time, stop and visit the charming town of Perast.
Lunch:
If you’re in the mood for some incredible seafood, stop in for lunch at Konoba Scala Santa. You can’t go wrong with their fresh fish catch of the day, or my favorite, grilled octopus.
Dinner:
Just outside of the Pile Gate, the main old town entrance, you’ll find Dubravka 1836 restaurant. We had the best service of our entire trip here and the food is wonderful. After dinner, try out their specialty dessert cocktail, lemon sorbet topped with vodka and champagne. It was so yummy we remade it a few times since we returned home. Be sure to make reservations, especially during peak season.
Day 4 – Dubrovnik
What to do:
A yacht day on the water with Dubrovnik Yachts is so much fun. We cruised around Lopud and Elaphite islands, swam in the green cave, and stopped off several times to swim and snorkel. He took us to a little village where we had the most amazing lunch at a family-owned restaurant. At the end of the day, he floored the boat, we cranked up the music, and we jetted across the clear blue water of the Adriatic. This was my favorite day in Dubrovnik.
Day 5 – Hvar
Getting There:
Take the ferry to Hvar. It’s around 3.5 hours and there are typically three journeys per day in high season. The boats can get quite full, so I’d recommend purchasing tickets a few weeks in advance if possible.
Accommodation:
We fell in love with this fabulous villa in the city center of Hvar. It has a large courtyard, beautiful décor, and the location can’t be beat!
What to do:
Stroll through the old town and see the cathedral, the monastery, armory, and theatre. If you’re feeling energetic, hike up to the fortress and take in the beautiful views of the Hvar harbor and neighboring islands.
Dinner:
Hvar has some fabulous restaurants and Bunar happens to be one of the very best. Try their grilled sea bass or the out of this world veal tomahawk.
Day 6 – Hvar
What to do:
Take 1.5 hour ferry ride to Korcula, the sixth largest Adriatic island and second most populated island in Croatia. Soak up the gentle sun and the scents of the Mediterranean while wandering the labyrinth of streets.
Take a wine tour through villages and vineyards of Korcula with a private guide, where you’ll sample some good wines and enjoy fantastic views of bays and islands.
The last ferry usually returns to Hvar around 6pm, so be sure to be back to the ferry port by then.
Dinner:
This evening enjoy burgers and craft beer at a local favorite, Hvar Brewing Company.
Day 7 – Hvar
What to do:
Rent a skippered or self-skippered boat at Mario Rent and spend the day on the water exploring the coves and beaches of Hvar, and swimming in some of the bluest water you’ll ever see. If you see a sign on the shoreline that says “Restaurant,” dock the boat and walk inland and you’ll likely find a small konoba (tavern) that is serving traditional Dalmatian lunch selections. Read more about our day on the water in Hvar here.
Dinner:
If you’re a gnocchi lover, make dinner reservations at Dalmatino’s. Their gnocchi is the best you’ll ever have.
Day 8 – Hvar
What to do:
Hvar receives 2,724 hours of sunshine each year, so rent a scooter or car and explore the lavender fields and charming villages of this sunny island.
Dinner:
Located on a nice little side street, Fig has fresh and creative selections with a Mexican influence.
Day 9 – Split
Getting There:
Depart Hvar via ferry to Split, which is a quick 45-minute ride.
Accommodations:
Hotel Fermai is a new boutique hotel minutes away from old town Split. It’s spacious and modern, and the staff go above and beyond to provide excellent service.
Things to do:
Explore the fascinating Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its surrounding streets filled with shops and restaurants. Climb Marjan Hill for panoramic views of Split and its coastline.
Dinner:
For a good meal in a beautiful atmosphere, check out Portofino Restaurant.
Day 10 – Plitvice
Getting There
Rent a car and make the 3.5-hour drive to Plitvice.
Accommodation:
Dinner:
Bistro Plum has a large selection of menu options and good food. They also offer a great breakfast buffet, so it’s a good place to grab a nice breakfast in the morning.
Day 11 – Plitvice
What to do:
This morning get up early and get to Plitvice before the park opens in order to avoid the lines. Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO rare World Heritage site is Croatia’s natural masterpiece. The overpowering beauty and grandeur of is simply astounding. Spend the day walking through the park’s trails and gazing at the beautiful waterfalls. This is a place you will never forget.
Day 12 – Rovinj
Getting there:
Today will be a long 5.5 hour driving day from Plitvice to Rovinj, so stop off along the way at Zrmanja River Rafting to enjoy lunch and kayak the river.
Accommodation:
The Grand Park Hotel near old town Rovinj is a gorgeous hotel. If you’re feeling fancy, opt for of their suites and enjoy fabulous views of the water.
Dinner:
Room service 😊
Day 13 – Rovinj
What to do:
Today, take a day tour of Istria’s hilltop towns, followed by truffle hunt and truffle delicacies dinner. Visit the unforgettable Istrian peninsula, a region featuring the medieval towns of Motovun and Grožnjan (the town of the artists). The Motovun forest is home to the precious white and black truffles, which attract food-lovers from all over the world. Specially trained dogs lead the way through the forest seeking the precious white truffles. Afterwards, enjoy dinner and a tasting of local truffle delicacies.
Day 14 – Rovinj
What to do:
Take the short drive to Pula to visit the Temple of Augustus, the cathedral, and the Pula arena. Pula has some great outdoor summer concerts and events, so be sure to check the calendar for a list of events.
Dinner/Cocktails:
Rovinj has some amazing sunsets, so stop off at one of the many waterfront bars and enjoy a glass of Babic as you watch the sun drift off into the horizon.
For dinner, make reservations at the Fish House, one of my favorite restaurants in Rovinj. They have several fresh catch options, as well as other options such as pizza, burgers and salads.
Day 15 – Ljubljana
Getting there:
Make the drive from Rovinj to Ljubljana, with a stop along the way for lunch and a tour of Predjama Castle and Postojna cave. The spectacular cave formations in the world with huge stalactites and stalagmites forming extraordinary shapes in massive, cathedral-like caves. It is the only cave in the world in which you will take a unique and adventurous ride via train and through spectacular underground arches and limestone sculptures.
Accommodation:
Hotel Cubo is located in the traffic free area of old town Ljubljana, walking distance to everything in the main center.
What to do:
Before or after dinner, walk along the Ljubljanica River and explore the city’s vibrant bars, market and boutiques.
Dinner:
Enjoy traditional Slovenian favorites like smoked sausage or Bograč stew at restaurant Hisa Pod Gradom. They are also known for having a great dessert selection, including the popular traditional Prekmurska cake (layered pastry cake).
Day 16 – Ljubljana
What to do:
Day trip to Bled Lake. See details for the perfect day in Lake Bled here.
Evening/Dinner:
Return to Ljubljana in the afternoon hours and enjoy your last evening with dinner at Michelin Star Restavracija Strelec.
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