10-Day Croatia Itinerary: Dubrovnik, Split & Plitvice Lakes

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Croatia, experiencing the country's most iconic destinations. This itinerary guides you from the historic charm of Dubrovnik to the vibrant heart of Split, culminating in the breathtaking natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Prepare for a blend of ancient history, stunning coastlines, and serene landscapes.

Your Croatian Adventure: An Overview

Croatia offers a diverse travel experience, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to pristine national parks. This 10-day route is designed to maximize your time, allowing for immersive exploration without feeling rushed. You'll discover why Dubrovnik,Split, and Plitvice Lakes National Park are perennial favorites for travelers worldwide.

Getting Around Croatia

Croatia boasts a reliable network of intercity buses, which are often the most economical and convenient way to travel between major cities. For island hopping, ferries are essential. Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for reaching national parks like Plitvice, but be mindful of parking in historic city centers. This itinerary primarily relies on buses and ferries for intercity travel, with options for day tours to specific sites.

The 10-Day Itinerary: History, Coast & Nature

Days 1-3: Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic

Begin your Croatian adventure in Dubrovnik, a city renowned for its magnificent medieval walls and cinematic charm. Spend these days immersing yourself in its rich history and stunning coastal views.

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Immersion

Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) and transfer to your accommodation.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Dubrovnik Old Town. Walk the Stradun (main street), visit Onofrio's Fountain, and marvel at the Rector's Palace.
Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants within the city walls, savoring fresh seafood.

Day 2: Walls, Views & Island Escapes

Start your day by walking the ancient Dubrovnik City Walls, offering unparalleled views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Plan for an early start to avoid crowds and heat.
Take the cable car up Srđ mountain for panoramic vistas of Dubrovnik and its surroundings.
In the afternoon, take a short ferry ride to the tranquil island of Lokrum. Explore its botanical garden, monastery ruins, and enjoy a swim in the Dead Sea lake.

Travel Tip:Purchase the Dubrovnik Card for free entry to city walls, museums, and public transport, which can offer significant savings.

Day 3: Beach Relaxation or Further Exploration

Choose your pace: relax at Banje Beach, just outside the city walls, or explore more of Dubrovnik's hidden gems.
Consider visiting the Franciscan Monastery and its Old Pharmacy, or the Maritime Museum.
Enjoy a final sunset dinner overlooking the Adriatic.

Day 4: Travel to Split & Diocletian's Palace

Today, you'll journey north along the stunning Dalmatian coast to Split. The bus ride offers incredible coastal scenery, taking approximately 4-5 hours.

Take an early morning bus from Dubrovnik to Split.
Check into your accommodation, ideally near the city center.
Begin exploring Split by delving into the heart of the city:Diocletian's Palace. This ancient Roman complex forms the vibrant core of the Old Town.
Walk along the Riva promenade in the evening, enjoying the lively atmosphere and a traditional Croatian dinner.

Days 5-7: Split – Roman History & Dalmatian Life

Split offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern Mediterranean life. Dedicate these days to its Roman heritage and nearby natural beauty.

Day 5: Palace & Old Town Exploration

Continue exploring Diocletian's Palace, including the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the Peristyle, and the Vestibule. Don't miss the underground cellars.
Wander through the narrow streets, discovering hidden courtyards and local shops.
Ascend Marjan Hill for beautiful views of the city and surrounding islands.

Day 6: Island Hopping or Krka National Park

Choose between two popular day trip options:

Option A: Island Hopping.Take a ferry to one of the nearby islands like Brač or Hvar. Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring charming towns, and soaking up the island atmosphere.
Option B: Krka National Park.While not Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka offers stunning waterfalls and lush landscapes. It's a shorter, easier day trip from Split by bus or organized tour.

Day 7: Relax & Reflect in Split

Enjoy a leisurely morning. Head to Bacvice beach,Split's most famous sandy beach, for a swim or to try a game of picigin (a local ball game played in shallow water).
Visit the Green Market (Pazar) near Diocletian's Palace for fresh local produce and souvenirs.
Spend your final evening in Split enjoying a relaxed dinner and reflecting on your coastal adventures.

Day 8: Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Today is dedicated to traveling to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most spectacular natural wonders. The journey from Split takes approximately 3-4 hours by bus.

Take a morning bus from Split towards Plitvice Lakes National Park. Buses usually drop off at Entrance 1 or Entrance 2.
Check into your accommodation near the park entrances (many guesthouses and hotels are available).
If you arrive with enough daylight, consider a short introductory walk around your chosen entrance or simply relax and prepare for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Day 9: Plitvice Lakes National Park – A Natural Masterpiece

Dedicate a full day to exploring the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, famous for its cascading lakes and waterfalls.

Enter the park early to beat the crowds and experience the tranquil beauty.
Follow one of the marked walking trails, which combine wooden boardwalks, electric boats, and panoramic train rides to navigate the Upper and Lower Lakes.
Marvel at the vibrant turquoise and emerald waters, formed by natural travertine barriers. The Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall) is a must-see.
Allow at least 6-8 hours to fully appreciate the park's splendor.

Fun Fact:The sixteen lakes of Plitvice are interconnected by a series of waterfalls and cascades, constantly changing their color based on mineral content, sunlight, and water organisms.

Day 10: Departure

Your Croatian adventure concludes today.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final breakfast near Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Catch a bus to your departure airport. The most convenient international airports are Zagreb(ZAG), which is approximately 2.5-3 hours north of Plitvice, or Zadar (ZAD), about 1.5-2 hours west.
If flying out from Zagreb, consider spending an extra night there to explore the Croatian capital if time allows.

Essential Travel Tips for Croatia

Best Time to Visit:Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to peak summer.
Accommodation:Book well in advance, especially for Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park, as options can be limited.
Currency:Croatia uses the Euro (€).
Language:Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Connectivity:Wi-Fi is readily available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Consider a local SIM card for mobile data.
Bookings:Reserve bus tickets, ferry tickets, and especially tickets for Plitvice Lakes National Park(online in advance) to ensure availability and save time.

This 10-day itinerary provides a balanced and enriching experience of Croatia's historical cities and natural wonders. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the vibrant energy of Split and the serene beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, you're set for an unforgettable journey.