A one-week itinerary for exploring Croatia in conjunction with a visit to Greece

A one-week summer month itinerary for exploring Croatia after a visit to Greece can be a fantastic way to experience the country's diverse landscapes, historic cities, and stunning coastline. Here's a suggested itinerary:

The easiest way to add Croatia on to a trip to Greece is to Fly from Athens to Dubrovnik. Croatian Airlines, Aegean Airlines and Volotea offer nonstop flights from Athens to Dubrovnik. This itinerary works best in the summer months, June through September.

Day 1: Dubrovnik 2 nights 

• Arrive in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

• Explore the ancient city walls and take a taxi to Mount Srđ for panoramic views.

• Walk along the Stradun, the main street of the Old Town, and visit Onofrio’s fountain and the Franciscan Monastery

• At sunset go the Buža Bar and bring your swimsuit. They only serve beer and wine. No food. A hidden gem!

Day 2: Dubrovnik

• Take a Sea kayak and snorkeling tour to the stunning island of Lokrum. This one on viator gets 5 star reviews.

• If you would like a more relaxing day take the short ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Lokrum. Relax on Lokrum’s beautiful beaches.

• On Lokrum explore the botanical gardens, Benedictine monastery, and swim in the Dead Sea Lake.

• Do The Game of Thrones walking tour.

• Arrive in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

• Explore the ancient city walls and take a taxi to Mount Srđ for panoramic views.

• Walk along the Stradun, the main street of the Old Town, and visit Onofrio’s fountain and the Franciscan Monastery

• At sunset go the Buža Bar and bring your swimsuit. They only serve beer and wine. No food. A hidden gem!

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• Embark on a boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands, a small archipelago near Dubrovnik

• Discover hidden coves, swim in crystal-clear waters, and experience the tranquility of these unspoiled gems

Day 3: Korcula 1 night

• Travel by ferry to the island of Korčula, believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

• The ferry takes approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes. Best times are 0830 or 1045 am

• Wander through the charming old town with its medieval architecture and narrow streets.

• Visit the Marco Polo House and the St Mark's Cathedral.

• Rent an E-bike and ride out to a couple of the many vineyards and do some wine tasting
  

Day 4: Hvar 2 nights

• Take a ferry to the island of Hvar, one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. Ferries run about every hour and take 50 minutes. Leave at 09:00 arrive at 10:00

• Explore Hvar Town’s narrow streets and visit the historic Fortica Fortress for breathtaking views.

• Take a quick water taxi to Carpe Diem, a beach club.

• As evening comes enjoy the many yachts that arrive to party in Hvar.

Day 5: Vis

• Take a boat tour from the Island of Hvar. Explore Vis Town and enjoy its laid-back atmosphere. Then visit the famous Blue Cave on the nearby island of Biševo (weather permitting). Your tour will include stopping for lunch and enjoying the beautiful beaches.

Day 6: Split 2 Nights

• Take morning Ferry (10:15) from Hvar to Split arrival 10:55

• Arrive in Split and check into your accommodation.

• Explore the historic Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are tour guides at the site who will give you a guided tour for around $50.

• Visit Marjan Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

• Enjoy a stroll along the Riva Promenade.

Day 7: Plitvice Lakes Day Trip

• Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most famous and natural attractions in Croatia.

• Discover the stunning waterfalls and lush landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site, and take leisurely walks along the wooden pathways.

• Plitvice Lakes is about 250 km from split. However, you can still go on day trip from Split. Although, you will want to get up early and expect a long day.

The drive from Plitvice lakes to Split will take approximately 3 hours. You can either rent a car or take a day tour. While renting a car and driving from Split is quite easy, it may not be cost effective. Here are a couple tours that get five star ratings. This tour on Viator gets amazing reviews.

If you prefer exploring the park on your own, this tour provides transportation to Plitvice Lakes and back to Split. After exploring the park on your own you will meet at a designated meeting spot. It gets great reviews on Viator.

Day 8: Depart Split

Here is an alternative to the above itinerary if you are visiting between October and May. Or do not desire to stay on any islands. This is a fast paced Itinerary and will give you a taste of the best of Croatia. This itinerary would require a car rental.

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb 2 nights

• Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia's capital, from Athens. Either pickup rental car at airport or on day 2 or 3 when you are driving to the Plitvice Lakes.

• Check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the historical part of Zagreb, located on a hill above the Lower Town. You can reach it by taking the funicular or climbing the steps.

• Enjoy a traditional Croatian dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Zagreb

• Begin your day by taking a walk along Tkalciceva Street, a lively pedestrian street filled with cafes, bars, and small shops. It's an excellent spot to enjoy a morning coffee or a light breakfast.

• Explore the Lower Town (Donji Grad), known for its beautiful parks and vibrant street life.

• Finish exploring the Upper town which includes St. Mark’s square, the Cathedral of Zagreb and Lotršćak Tower.

• Take a stroll through the Stone Gate, one of the last remaining city gates of Zagreb. It houses a small chapel with a revered painting of the Virgin Mary.

• Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Travel by car to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Leave early to ensure you are at the park before tour busses arrive. (1 and half hour drive)

• Spend the day exploring the cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests of the park.

• Download the parks app on your phone.

• Stay overnight in or near the park spend the night in the charming village of Rastoke. It is located approximately 30 minutes from the park

The Village of Rastoke

Day 4: Split 2 nights

• Travel to Split, Croatia's second-largest city, known for its Roman history and stunning coastline.

• Explore the Diocletians Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hire one of the many guides available at the site to give you a private tour.

• Visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Peristyle.

• Overnight in Split.

Day 5: Split

• Take a day trip to one of the nearby islands, such as Hvar, Brač, or Vis, known for their beautiful beaches, historic towns, and Mediterranean cuisine.

• Return to Split for the evening.

Day 6: Dubrovnik 2 nights

• The easiest way to travel to Dubrovnik is by car. It is approximately 5 hours by ferry, 4 hours by bus, and 3 hours by car. There is not a train.

• Explore the city walls and stroll through the Old Town.

• Visit historic sites like Rectors Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery.

• Take a taxi to Mt Srd for panoramic views. You can take a cable car up to the top of Mt Srd, but I recommend taking a taxi. The driver will give you a little information and stop for photo opportunities.

Day 7: Dubrovnik

• Take a Sea kayak and snorkeling tour to the stunning island of Lokrum (2 hours) on viator.

• If you would like a more relaxing day take the short ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Lokrum. Relax on Lokrum’s beautiful beaches

• Do a Game of Thrones walking tour.

• At sunset go the Buža Bar and bring your swimsuit. They only serve beer and wine. No food. A hidden gem!

Day 8: Departure

• Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Dubrovnik for last-minute shopping or exploration.

• Depart from Dubrovnik for your onward journey or return to Greece

Notes:

• This itinerary offers a mix of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and coastal relaxation, but it can be adjusted based on your interests and preferences.

• Depending on the time of year you visit, be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack accordingly.

• Consider renting a car for more flexibility in traveling between destinations, although Croatia also has an extensive bus and ferry network. Croatia does not have a good train network.

• Ferryhopper is a great sight to book ferry tickets.

• We recommend taking a taxi to Mt Srd rather than the cable car. The cost will be about the same. The lines for the cable car can be long. A taxi will stop along the way for amazing photo opportunities. Also, most taxi drivers speak English and will give you a little information as they take you up

• Buy the Dubrovnik Pass to walk the Dubrovnik City Wall. The Dubrovnik Pass is the same price as the City Wall ticket. The Dubrovnik pass includes some museum and a 24 hour bus pass.