The Ultimate 10 Day Croatia Itinerary for Summer 2025

At once one of Europe’s oldest and youngest countries, Croatia is far more than crystal clear oceans and impeccable beaches. Born as a Duchy out of independence from the Roman Empire in the 7th century, Croatia as we know it didn’t exist until 1991. In the intervening 1200 years, Croatia has been in union with Hungary, ruled under the Austro-Hungarian Empire and part of socialist Yugoslavia.

Home to 1,244 islands, albeit only 47 of those inhabited, ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the most photogenic scenery in Europe, don’t be fooled by Croatia’s small appearance. What looks like a narrow slither of land blocking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s access to the sea is far bigger than you might think.

Journeying from its mountainside capital to the Pearl of the Adriatic, our 10 day Croatia itinerary showcases the best this crescent-shaped country has to offer. With old towns from millennia past, enchanting lakes and paradise islands waiting to be explored, you’ll see sides to Croatia you could never have imagined.

The Ultimate 10 Day Croatia Itinerary

Day 1: Zagreb

In 2024, over 21 million visitors descended upon Croatia. Less than 10% of them made it to the capital. They missed out; Zagreb is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. Founded in 1094, though archaeologists have unearthed evidence of settlements on its site dating back to the 1st century, Croatia’s relaxed capital is the perfect starting point for your 10 day Croatia itinerary.

Start your day in Zagreb with a stroll through Lower Town, the historic old city. Whenever you wander through the streets of Zagreb, and this is a city designed for aimless wanders, look up. At street level, it’s easy to miss the intricate carvings and ornate domes which adorn the neo-baroque masterpieces.

Travel Tip: To cover as much of Lower Town as possible during your 10 day Croatia itinerary, join a city tour. This 2.5 hour walking tour covers all the highlights, including the chance to explore some of Zagreb’s secret wartime tunnels.

The Museum Capital of Croatia

Where to stay in Zagreb

Our all time favorite Zagreb hotel is Hotel Dubrovnik. A perfect depiction of Zagreb architecture, it features a swanky modern façade bolted onto a Soviet-style brutalist building. If you’re seeking luxury, Amadria Park Hotel won’t disappoint, whilst budget travelers will find unbeatable value at Zagreb City Vibe Apartments.

For dinner, Lanterna na Dolcu is our number one recommendation. This rustic restaurant uses recipes from a Croatian cookbook written in 1845. Highlights include Zrinjevac steak, Gracani trout and traditional black risotto.

Not only is Zagreb home to Croatia’s top national museums, but a plethora of niche hidden gems. Kick off with a visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships, a quirky art gallery designed to share true tales of love and heartbreak. If this has set you off on a trip down memory lane, you’ll want to follow up with a visit to the Museum of Selfies & Memories.

Chocolate Museum Zagreb is a chocoholic’s dream; you’ll get the chance to sample nine different varieties. For a chance to get to grips with life in Zagreb during the Yugoslav era, don’t miss a stop at the 80’s Museum. If you’re planning to sample the city’s buzzing nightlife scene this evening, you might think twice after a tour of the Museum of Hangovers.

Day 2: Zagreb to Rijeka

Leaving the capital behind, the second day of our 10 day Croatia itinerary takes you south to the shores of the Adriatic. If you’ve brought or rented a car, take a detour to Ogulin and visit Ivana’s House of Fairy Tales. Book ahead to take advantage of a guided tour.

Back on the main road, stop off in Golubinjak Forest Park to explore Lokvarka Cave. Buffet Iskra in nearby Lokve is the ideal place for a quick lunch before pushing for the coast. On the outskirts of Rijeka, make a stop at Trsat Castle. Built in the 13th century, the castle stands on a vantage point overlooking the city and the Adriatic beyond.

Reaching Rijeka, pay a visit to Peek & Poke, a small tech museum with a wonderous collection of old-school computers and retro video games, before joining a free walking tour of the city’s top sights. As evening falls, take a walk along the harbor’s outer wall to gaze across the busy port with its iconic cranes. Round off the second day of your 10 day Croatia itinerary with your first taste of Croatian seafood at Konoba Feral.

Day 3: A Day Trip to Istria

The largest peninsula on the Adriatic, Istria stretches right across to the Italian Gulf of Trieste. Exploring it on a day trip from Rijeka is a highlight of our 10 day Croatia itinerary. If you’re not driving yourself, joining a day tour from the city is a great way to see the sights.

Make Pula, Istria’s largest city, your first stop. The winding drive to the southern tip of the peninsula is a scenic one, and you’ll want to allow time for countless photo stops. Head first for the 1st century Roman amphitheatre. Pula Arena is the only remaining amphitheatre to retain all four of its side towers anywhere in the world.

Pay a visit to Forum Square and the ruins of Agrippina’s House before learning about Istria’s seafaring heritage at the Historical & Maritime Museum. Pause for lunch at waterfront pizzeria La Perla.

This afternoon, head north along the coast road to Rovinj. One of the most photogenic cities on this 10 day Croatian itinerary, Rovinj was first settled by the Venetians before becoming part of the Roman Empire.

While away your afternoon ambling around the old town, Stari Grad, on a guided walking tour, before learning a little more about Istrian culture at the Heritage Museum. As the sun begins to set, climb aboard a boat and head out into the Adriatic in search of dolphins.

Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Bidding farewell to Rijeka, our 10 day Croatia itinerary heads inland to one of the country’s finest natural gems. If you aren’t driving, take a tour from Rijeka.

Travel Tip: To best experience the National Park, join a walking tour which runs four times daily from the main car park.

Containing 16 interconnecting lakes, Plitvice Lakes were designated a national park in 1949. The oldest and largest in Croatia, it covers over 114 square miles. During your visit, don’t miss taking a scenic boat cruise. This is included with the guided walk. For lunch, avoid the tourist traps near the park entrance and head into Jezera village. Black River is our top pick.

Our 10 day Croatia itinerary’s base tonight is the coastal city of Zadar. On the way, make a stop at Modric Cave. Largely uncommercialised, there are no paths or lights here, just raw, untouched nature.

This evening, head out on to the water aboard a traditional sailing boat. Sit back and sip delicious Croatian wine as you gaze back at Zadar’s old town.

Day 5: Zadar to Trogir

Start the fifth day of your 10 day Croatian itinerary exploring historic Zadar. Its UNESCO-listed old town is encompassed by fortified Venetian walls. Head down to the southern tip of the city to admire the Sea Organ. This unusual experimental sound art installation is played by the sea.

Head back into the old town for an alfresco lunch on Restaurant Malo Mistro’s terrace, overlooking Narodni Square. This afternoon, pay a visit to 16th century Duke’s Palace before hitting the road to Trogir. Opt to follow the slower coastal route, pausing alongside Lake Vrana, the largest in Croatia.

Arriving in the ancient city of Trogir, make a beeline for Kamerlengo Castle. Built by the Venetians after their invasion in 1420, climb to the top for the best view of the city. As evening falls, stroll along the genteel promenade to Tunaholic.

Day 6: Split

Begin day six of your 10 day Croatia itinerary at Trogir City Museum. This Aladdin’s Cave of a museum houses a fascinating collection of art and relics from Trogir’s past, along with millennia-old archaeological finds. Round off your morning at Cipiko Palace, a 15th century Gothic mansion.

Just a short drive around the bay sees you arrive in Spilt, Croatia’s largest coastal city. Founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, Split’s stunning architecture is its biggest draw. Kick off your time here with an old town walking tour. The highlight, the UNESCO-listed Diocletian Palace, was built by the Romans in the 3rd century.

Taking a short break from history, make a stop at one of Croatia’s, and possibly the world’s, most bizarre museums. Froggyland is home to a collection of 507 stuffed frogs. Next, head for the Game of Thrones Museum. Much of the hit HBO series was filmed in Croatia and fans of the show won’t want to miss ticking off some of the sites on a locations tour.

Days 7 & 8: Island Hopping

No 10 day Croatia itinerary would be complete without a spot of island hopping. Start by taking a one hour ferry crossing to Hvar. Landing in Havr town, wander along to the old town and climb to the top of fortress for unbeatable views. Spend your afternoon exploring the island’s beauty on an electric Tuk Tuk tour.

Travel Tip: If you prefer to base yourself in Split for an extra night, explore three islands in one day by way of a full day cruise. You’ll see Hvar, Brac and Pekleni.

After a night in Hvar, take a ferry to Korcula. Having ticked off history-steeped Vela Spila caves, cross the island to visit Korcula Town Museum. From here, it’s just a short walk to the harbor to embark on your next ferry journey. The shortest crossing on our 10 day Croatia itinerary, the ride to Orebic takes just 15 minutes.

Take a break from the sea for a leisurely lunch at Restoran Jardan, before returning to the port to join a ferry to Mljet.

Once you’ve disembarked, make tracks for the national park which covers the western end of the island. Centred around two salt lakes, the highlight is a boat ride to St Mary’s Islet with its 12th century Benedictine monastery. Round off your afternoon with a visit to the ruins of Roman Rimska Palace.

Days 9 & 10: Dubrovnik

Dubbed, quite deservingly, the Pearl of the Adriatic, our 10 day Croatia itinerary saves the best until last. If a visit to Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed old town isn’t already on your bucket list, now is the time to add it. It’s also a great city in which to base yourself to explore the surrounding region.

Start your visit with a walking tour of the magnificent old town. Walk atop the 2km of city walls, admire the grand buildings of Stradun and stare awe-struck at Sponza Palace. 18th century baroque Saint Blaise’s Church and the Gothic Rector’s Palace are too good to skip.

The Natural History Museum, in the heart of the old town, is a must for history buffs, whilst the Maritime Museum offers a detailed insight into centuries of seafaring. A Dubrovnik highlight, pay a visit to the Cultural History Museum for a look at Croatia’s turbulent modern history. If military history is your thing, War Photo Limited displays a massive array of photos from conflicts both in Croatia and around the world.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

It will come as no surprise that the best area to stay in Dubrovnik is the old town. There’s no denying that hotels here can be pricey, but it’s worth forking out for a fitting end to your 10 day Croatia itinerary. The lavish Pucic Palace is our top pick. Occupying a beautiful baroque building, the walls are adorned with artwork and the rooms filled with antiques.

For something a little more modern, look no further than Scalini Palace. Book a room with a balcony to enjoy views of the terracotta rooftops. If you want the old town experience without the price tag, Hostel Angelina offers basic but comfortable private rooms.

Extend Your 10 Day Croatia Itinerary

Croatia’s central location within Europe makes a 10 day Croatia itinerary an ideal addition to a longer Europe trip. Its land borders with Bosnia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia are easy to cross. Public transport connections exist to all neighboring countries. If you’ve rented a car, make sure you tell the agency that you’ll be crossing an international border.

Aside from adding on a few days in Montenegro, consider combining this 10 day Croatia itinerary with a trip to Italy. Between June and October, Jadrolinija operate a ferry between Dubrovnik and Bari, the starting point of our ultimate itinerary for Puglia.

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