1 Week in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Croatia: Zagreb, Plitvice, Korčula & Dubrovnik

Perfect for first-time visitors to Croatia, this self-drive highlights trip features a carefully curated blend of history, culture, nature, and time at the beach. Throughout, you'll make your way from the dynamic capital city of Zagreb into the country's forested interior and all the way south to the fortress city of Dubrovnik. Traveling mainly by rental car and with plenty of time for independent exploration, you'll easily cater this adventure to your interests and desired activity level.

Welcome to Croatia! Your adventure begins in the storied capital of Zagreb, and after refreshing at your hotel, you'll head straight out to discover the city's highlights. Consider visiting the quirky Museum of Broken Hearts museum or meandering through Upper Town's cobblestone streets. The next morning, collect your rental car and kick off your cross-country road trip with a drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival, choose a hiking trail to witness the park's stunning emerald-green lakes and cascading waterfalls, and remember to get a good night's rest for an early sunrise hike the following day.

Back on the road, your next destination is Split, and as the city's compact Old Town is best explored on foot, you'll don your walking shoes and get lost among the mazelike alleys of Diocletian's Palace. From Split, detour by ferry to Korčula and enjoy free time to explore, perhaps tucking into taverns in Old Town or relaxing on a Lumbarda beach. Afterward, your road trip continues to the historic coastal fortress city of Dubrovnik. Spend your first evening enjoying superb views from Mount Srđ before rounding off your grand adventure with a full day of winery hopping in the Konavle wine region. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Foodie's Tour of Croatia: Split, Korčula & Dubrovnik

Savor fresh seafood, decadent desserts, and local wine on this Croatian culinary tour that's tailor-made for passionate foodies. During your stay, you'll have the opportunity to sample classics like black risotto, Dalmatinski pršut (cured ham), and oysters fresh from the sea. You'll also get hands-on during cooking workshops in Split and Dubrovnik, visit numerous wineries, and fuel your appetite through guided city walks and a day in Krka National Park.

Hopefully, you've arrived hungry, as upon landing in Split, you'll delve into the city's culinary delights during a walking and food tour. After sampling classics like makaruni pasta and black risotto, you'll be eager to tackle the following day's culinary workshop, where you'll learn the art of making soparnik (Croatian pizza) alongside a local chef. Next, embark on a day trip to the famous Krka National Park to admire its perfectly staggered waterfalls, which will ensure you've worked up an appetite for a tasting session at a nearby family-owned winery. 

From Split, catch a ferry to Korčula, where a local guide will lead you to a family-operated winery in the Lumbarda region for a tasting tour. Then, return to the mainland and transfer to the small town of Ston for an immersive visit to an oyster farm. In Ston, you'll also find time for a quick wine-tasting session before continuing to Dubrovnik. With plenty to see and taste and just one day left on your itinerary, a guided tour ensures you experience highlights such as the Pile Gate and Onofrio's Fountain while a fantastic evening dining at a family-run farm ends your adventure in style. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Magical Istria: Road Trip Through the Croatian Peninsula

Ideal for travelers seeking an immersive mix of history and nature, this regionally-focused road trip features the ancient towns and lush national parks of Croatia's Istria peninsula. With three nights based in the coastal city of Rovinj, you'll get to know its narrow passageways and still have plenty of time to embark on day trips to medieval towns and Brijuni National Park. Other highlights include a walking tour of Pula, hiking in Plitvice Lakes National Park, and two nights in Zagreb.

Before making your way into Istria, your trip kicks off with a delightful day in Zagreb. As there's plenty to experience here, you'll be pleased to have the afternoon to explore at your leisure, perhaps joining a walking tour or visiting the city's many museums. Next, collect your rental car and hit the road to Rovinji, which will serve as your base to discover the wonders of the Istrian peninsula. Spend your first evening here getting lost among its Old Town's narrow passageways, then make great use of your rental while driving between the medieval towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Motovun.

From Rovinj, you'll also embark on a day trip to Brijuni National Park, where an afternoon of beach hopping awaits. Spend that evening dining at the charming Alla Beccaccia restaurant, then enjoy an early night as the next morning kicks off with a drive to Pula. Here, delve into its layered history, spanning from the Roman Empire to World War II, before continuing to Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll be eager to wake early and explore the park's waterfall-lined trails, as afterward, you'll return to Zagreb and prep for your following morning's onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: National Parks of Croatia: Brijuni, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica & Krka

Featuring adventures in four national parks, this one-week outdoor adventure is a fantastic choice for nature-loving travelers. Starting out from Rovinj, you'll explore the low-lying islets of Brijuni National Park and hike the waterfall-line trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Then, spend the second half of your itinerary based in Zadar, which is a gateway to both Paklenica National Park and Krka National Park.

Upon arrival in Zagreb, you'll immediately bid farewell to the busy city and transfer to Rovinj, a coastal town tucked on the Istrian peninsula. Spend your day here wandering its charming Old Town, sipping coffee in Tito Square, and relaxing on pristine beaches. The following morning, prepare a daypack and set off by boat to Brijuni National Park, where you'll enjoy exploring Veliki Brijun's olive groves and Roman ruins. Then, journey north to the medieval hilltop towns of Motovun and Grožnjan before continuing to Plitvice Lakes National Park for your next overnight.

Waking up in Plitvice Lakes gifts you the opportunity for quiet morning exploration, and with a guide by your side, you'll tuck into a trek alongside its cascading waterfalls and pine forests. That afternoon, transfer to Zadar and spend your day meandering its Old Town and pondering the famous Sea Organ. It's back to nature the next day, this time to Paklenica National Park, where a hike under dramatic karst formations awaits. The nature theme continues into the following morning, with an excursion to Krka National Park; then, stop at a family-owned winery before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Croatia's Dalmatian Highlights Tour: Split, Hvar & Dubrovnik

Discover serene islands, ancient fortresses, and cascading waterfalls on this scenic odyssey along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. Perfect for first-time visitors eager to focus their time on water-based activities, you'll speedboat to otherworldly caves, cruise between river islands in Krka National Park, and sunbathe in the bays of the Pakleni archipelago. And the best part—transfers by catamaran ensure you're always immersed in the Adriatic Sea's beauty.

Your adventure starts in the iconic Dalmatian Coast city of Split, where, after settling into your accommodation, you'll enjoy a private food tour and dinner on a rooftop terrace. Be sure to call it early, as the next morning, you're off to Krka National Park for a private tour of its river islands. Then, on the morning of day 3, board a catamaran in Split and cruise to the island of Hvar. Famed for its historic town, pristine beaches, and thriving vineyards, there's plenty to do on Hvar, and you'll have the remainder of the day to pursue an adventure of your choosing.

Give the reigns to your private boat captain the following day, and enjoy hopping between the region's many idyllic islands, including Biševo, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands. Your adventure next brings you to Dubrovnik, which you'll reach by catamaran, and after dropping your bags, you'll meet a private guide. Stroll past the 15th-century Rector's Palace and imagine bygone times while standing inside Lovrijenac Fortress before rounding off your day enjoying sunset from atop Srđ Mountain. Lastly, end your trip with an immersive cooking class held at a family's estate in the Konavle countryside. Learn more

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

Crafted especially for travelers seeking an immersive sailing experience, this laid-back Croatian adventure takes you from Split to Dubrovnik onboard a private sailboat. Along the way, experience the natural and historic wonders of the Dalmatian Islands and enjoy seemingly endless opportunities to swim, snorkel, and laze on tucked-away beaches. On either side of the sailing trip, you'll spend a night each in Split and Dubrovnik, ensuring a well-rounded introduction to this storied region.

Your Dalmatia sailing excursion begins in Split, but before heading out to sea, take a day to shrug off any travel fatigue while meandering through Pjaca Square and along the seafront Riva. The following morning, head to the port to board a private sailboat, which sits waiting to whisk you to the island of Hvar. Along the way, dock at Brač and enjoy time to swim, snorkel, or hike, then continue to Hvar, where you'll anchor and spend the night onboard. Your next destination is the island of Korčula, and upon arrival at Korčula Town's docks, you'll have time to hop off for exploration and dinner. 

An exciting day at sea features next on your itinerary, this time tackling a sail around the whole of Korčula. Throughout, you'll have time to swim, snorkel, and dock up in the Lumbarda region for wine tastings. Your journey then takes you to the island of Mljet, and after disembarking, you'll spend a day hiking and biking through the dense forests, salt lakes, and olive groves of Mljet National Park. With your trip nearing its end, set your sights on Dubrovnik, where the afternoon is yours to soak up the charm of this grand walled city before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Croatia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Croatia? Check out these other one-week Croatia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.