Get the ultimate 7-day itinerary taking you from historic Dubrovnik, through the Dalmatian islands, and ending in Split. 

Croatia

Hvar, Croatia

Split, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia: From Dubrovnik to Split

Croatia may not be a big country, but there is much to see. To do it right, you need 2 weeks. If you only have 5-6 days, follow this itinerary from Dubrovnik to Split, hitting a few incredible islands in between. 

Day 7: Split (or optional day trip to Krka Waterfalls)

The best way to start your first full day is exploring the old town inside this 7th century walled city overlooking the Adriatic Sea. You should start or finish the day with a walk on the wall that surrounds this ancient Illyrian enclave. Either do it first thing in the morning before the crowds line up, or at the end of the day just before sunset. There are a few adorable little cafes on the walls to stop and get an ice cream, a beer, or glass of champagne. 

To get the lay of the town, consider taking a historic walking tour to better understand the long history of the town. If you are a Game of Thrones fan (and who isn't), take a GoT tour to see the "Shame" steps, the Pile Gate, and Fort Lovrijenac (just outside the walls). 

I recommend staying inside the walls of Dubrovnik but not in the center of it.

https://www.viator.com/tours/Dubrovnik/Game-of-Thrones-Tour/d904-7209P5?pid=P00123703&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

Hvar (pronounced VAR) is an island between Dubrovnik and Split. It takes 4 hours by ferry from Dubrovnik and 1.5 hours from Split. Its main town is called Hvar town and is known a fun summer resort. The beautiful white limestone streets and buildings shine brightly in the sunlight and it's a wonderful small port town. I recommend staying close to the harbor. 

The next day, take a day trip to the other side of the island. Once a Greek outpost, Stari Grad, is quiet and beautiful. You can get there by car or the local bus. Around the island, there are several other fantastic beaches worth exploring.

Split is very different than Dubrovnik. Its old town is small and central and surrounded by a more modern city. But the history of its old town (really a former Summer palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian) is just as significant as Dubrovnik. 

Spend a full day inside the palace that has become a tiny city of its own, with hotels, restaurants, and shops. Take a tour and learn all about its history. 

On the second day, hit the beaches or take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon and other smaller islands close to Split. 

On your last day in Split, you can spend more time exploring Split or you can take a day trip to the Krka Nation Park to see incredible waterfalls. It takes just under an hour to get there. You can jump on a bus tour or rent a car and drive there. Either way, this park is not to be missed. 

This itinerary is just the tip of the iceberg for exploring the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. Let me know if I can help you plan your full itinerary. 

Croatia: From Dubrovnik to Split

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