The route at a glance
How long to stay in each city and how to get between them. Fares are typical one-way prices per person.
- 1ZadarDays 1–2Bus · 1h 45m · from €9Bus times and fares
- 2SplitDays 3–5Bus · 3h 45m · from €14Bus times and fares
- 3DubrovnikDays 6–8Ferry · 3h 20m · from €50Ferry times and fares
- 4HvarDays 9–10
Days 1–2
Zadar
Zadar is a Croatian coastal gem with Roman ruins, medieval churches, and unique modern installations. This underrated city offers Alfred Hitchcock's "most beautiful sunset in the world," a musical Sea Organ played by waves, and the Sun Salutation light installation.
- Sea Organ
- Sun Salutation
- Roman Forum
- St. Donatus Church
- Sunset at the Riva
- Kornati Islands Day Trip
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €294 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€147 a day).
Days 3–5
Split
Split is Croatia's vibrant second city, built around the ancient Diocletian's Palace—a living Roman ruin where locals live, work, and party within 1,700-year-old walls. The city offers excellent beaches, island-hopping ferries, and authentic Dalmatian culture.
- Diocletian's Palace
- Riva Promenade
- Cathedral of St. Domnius
- Marjan Hill
- Bačvice Beach
- Island Hopping to Hvar
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €471 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€157 a day).
Days 6–8
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is the "Pearl of the Adriatic," a stunning walled city rising from azure waters. Made famous as King's Landing in Game of Thrones, this UNESCO gem offers medieval walls to walk, Baroque churches, terracotta rooftops, and crystal-clear swimming spots.
- City Walls Walk
- Old Town Stradun
- Fort Lovrijenac
- Cable Car to Srđ
- Lokrum Island
- Game of Thrones Tours
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €546 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€182 a day).
Days 9–10
Hvar
Hvar is Croatia's sunniest island, a glamorous destination of lavender fields, historic towns, and crystal-clear bays. Hvar Town offers a stunning harbor, 13th-century walls, legendary nightlife, and access to the car-free Pakleni Islands for perfect beach days.
- Hvar Town Harbor
- Fortica Fortress
- Pakleni Islands
- Lavender Fields
- Stari Grad Plain
- Beach Clubs & Nightlife
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €294 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€147 a day).
Travel times and fares come from Omio and hotel prices from Traveloka; both change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
More Croatia itineraries
Croatia itinerary: FAQ
How many days do you need in Croatia?+
10 days is enough for Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar: 2 days in Zadar, 3 days in Split, 3 days in Dubrovnik, 2 days in Hvar. With 7 and 14 days you can follow our 7-day and 14-day route instead.
What is the best way to travel around Croatia?+
On this route every leg works by bus and ferry. Zadar to Split takes about 1h 45m from €9; Split to Dubrovnik takes about 3h 45m from €14; Dubrovnik to Hvar takes about 3h 20m from €50. Total time on the move is about 8h 50m.
How much does a 10-day trip to Croatia cost?+
Plan on about €690 per person on a budget or €1,605 mid-range for accommodation, food and sightseeing, plus around €73 for the transport between cities. Flights to Croatia are not included.