7- or 9-Night Best of Croatia Tour: Zagreb, Split, Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik

Start your Croatia tour with an airport transfer from Zagreb Airport to your hotel. Alternatively, if you are already in the city you can opt for a hotel-to-hotel transfer.

Your tour includes accommodation in a selection of Croatia’s must-visit cities and islands: Zagreb, Split, Hvar, Korčula, and Dubrovnik, where your experience finishes. Your 3- and 4-star hotels are centrally located for maximum convenience, and you’ll have ample time to explore each destination independently between walking tours and excursions.

If you want to enjoy longer than just one night in Dubrovnik, upgrade to a 9-night tour and spend an additional two nights in Croatia’s vibrant cultural capital. You can also spend a day on an optional excursion to the Elaphiti Islands or the nearby island of Lokrum.

Transport between each destination is by air-conditioned coach, or you can update to include private transfers by minibus instead; it’s ideal if you have lots of luggage or would simply like a bit more space.

Day 1: Zagreb
Check in to your Zagreb hotel, and then enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the country’s charismatic capital. Perhaps take a stroll around the city’s upper and lower towns (Gornji Grad and Donji Grad), and then try out Zagreb’s traditional Mediterranean fare for dinner in town, at your own expense.

Overnight: 4-star Hotel Astoria or similar in Zagreb or similar

Day 2: Zagreb (B)
After breakfast, meet your local guide at the prearranged departure location for a morning sightseeing tour of the Gornji Grad, the city’s fortified upper town, where most of the Zagreb’s big-name sights can be seen. Pose for photos in front of Zagreb Cathedral (the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) with its towering spires and compare its grandeur with the humble St Mark's Church, a site known for its pretty tiled roof.

Hear about Zagreb's culture and history while walking past the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) where important theater, ballet and opera performances are hosted, and see the Univeristy of Zagreb – the country's oldest and most presitigious university. Your tour then finishes in the early afternoon at a central point in town, leaving you with the rest of your day to be enjoyed as free time.

Overnight: 4-star Hotel Astoria or similar in Zagreb or similar

Day 3: Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes National Park – Split (B)
Leave Zagreb after breakfast, traveling south to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a region of raw Croatian beauty. Just less than two hours from Zagreb, the area is stunning, comprising 16 turquoise lakes, framed by acres of dense woodland. Set off to explore on foot, and walk around the lakes’ fringes to see crashing waterfalls and cascades of water – a combination of beautiful sights that contributed toward the area’s UNESCO World Heritage site status.

Then, travel to the seaside city of Split, your day’s final destination. Check in to your hotel and spend your evening at leisure.

Overnight: 4-star Hotel President, Hotel Globo or similar in Split or similar

Day 4: Split – Hvar (B)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then meet your guide at the prearranged departure location for a walking tour of Split. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, and through the grounds of Diocletian Palace, a town-like palace complex that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While hearing tales about Roman Emperor Diocletian (for whom the palace was built), admire other top Split attractions such as Ivan Mestrovic Gallery –dedicated to the works of Croatia’s famous 20th-century sculptor – and the elegant Golden Gate.

After a break for lunch (own expense), collect your luggage and board your boat to travel to the island of Hvar. Perhaps relax on a beach in one of the island’s secluded coves, or maybe take a taxi boat (own expense) to the neighboring Pakleni Islands to explore.

Overnight: 4-star Riva Yacht Harbour Hotel, Amfora or similar in Hvar or similar

Day 5: Hvar (B)
Relax over breakfast and then head out to explore the island’s main town. Popular for its sunny climate, Renaissance architecture and friendly locals, Hvar is a delight to walk around with monuments and stately architecture all around. Stroll past the Arsenal building that houses one of the oldest European theaters – Hvar Historical Theatre – and then see the Franciscan monastery with its elegant bell tower. Admire the 7th-century city walls and soak up the relaxed vibe around the town’s main square (Hvar Pjaca). Your tour ends in the town center – ideal if you want to continuing sightseeing independently for the rest of your day.

Overnight: 3-star Riva Yacht Harbour Hotel, 4-star Amfora or similar in Hvar or similar

Day 6: Hvar – Korčula (B)
Enjoy breakfast and then check out of your hotel in the early afternoon. After a journey by minibus and catamaran, arrive at your Korčula hotel. Spend the rest of your evening doing as you please – perhaps visiting one of the island’s lauded seafood restaurants or relaxing in a bar. All food and drinks are at your own expense.

Overnight: 4-star Hotel Liburna, Marko Polo Hotel or similar in Korčula or similar

Day 7: Korčula – Dubrovnik (B)
Spend your morning sightseeing independently after breakfast. Perhaps stroll around the cobbled streets of Korčula Old Town – the hub of the island – and admire sites like the Venetian-inspired Town Museum or St Mark’s Cathedral.

Check out of your hotel in the afternoon, and then travel to the city of Dubrovnik back on Croatia’s mainland. Rest in your hotel and enjoy your evening doing whatever you please. Perhaps take an evening stroll along the pretty pebble beaches or people watch in the beautiful Old Port.

Overnight: 3-star Hotel Aquarius, Hotel Ivka, Hotel Lero or similar in Dubrovnik or similar

Day 8: Dubrovnik (B)
If you have booked the 7-night tour, check out of your hotel after breakfast to finish your Croatia tour. Alternatively, if you have booked the 9-night tour, meet your guide after your morning meal in Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town for a walking tour. Starting from Pile Gate, walk along elegant Stradun Street, soaking up its highlights. Pass Onofrio Fountain – a spectacular dome surrounded by 16 taps – and see the Franciscan monastery with its Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

Hear about the city’s history and culture from your guide as you stroll across to Sponza Palace. Easily Dubrovnik’s most impressive monument, the palace blends Renaissance and Gothic architecture in a simple yet grand style. While meandering through the pristine streets of the Old Town your guide will point out more notable attractions like the Church of St Blaise and Rector’s Palace. Continue walking to the main square to see the 18th-century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin and then stroll back to the start point where your walking tour finishes. Spend the rest of your day at leisure in the town.

Overnight: 3-star Hotel Aquarius, Hotel Ivka, Hotel Lero or similar in Dubrovnik or similar

Day 9: Dubrovnik – Elaphiti Islands or Lokrum – Dubrovnik (B)
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of free time to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace, or take an optional excursion to the nearby Elaphiti Islands or the island of Lokrum. The Elaphiti Islands are a largely uninhabited cluster of tiny islands that are perfect for a day of leisurely swimming or soaking up the sun, and Lokrum is famous for its scenic rocky beaches and spectacular reefs. All transport, food, drinks and activities are payable at your own expense).

Overnight: 3-star Hotel Aquarius, Hotel Ivka, Hotel Lero or similar in Dubrovnik or similar

Day 10: Dubrovnik (B)
Enjoy breakfast and then spend your morning at leisure in Dubrovnik. Meet your guide in the afternoon, check out and then finish your tour with either a Dubrovnik Airport transfer or hotel transfer.