Croatia was a very pleasant trip, I knew nothing about this country before going, so no expectations. And everything from the cities, to the food and landscape were great. I went in September, to avoid the summer time crowds, but it was still a bit touristy, and everything was rather pricey. Here is my 9 day itinerary there, starting from Zadar to Split then Hvar and ending with Dubrovnik.
Highligt of the trip: Plitvice national park and the food !
Day 1: Zadar
Airport Arrival
The best way to get into the city from the airport is by Bus:
Cost is around 35 Kuna (cash only, but you have some ATMs available when exiting the airport - Note that not all have the same exchange rate or fees so choose well)
Uber and Bolt are also available
Day Tour of Zadar: City hotspot
Afternoon Beach time
Zadar by night
The Sea Organ: Steps that play music by way of sea waves, due to organ tubes located under the marble steps.
Monument to the Sun: Architectural monument that consists of multi-layered glass plates placed on the waterfront. Floor lights turn on at night, and produce a light show. It is nice to go at sunset as the sun reflects on the mirror glass plates, them as soon as it get's dark the led lights turn on. It can however get quite busy.
Lunch/dinner Options
Day 2: Plitvice Lake National Park
Early Morning
Take the bus early morning from Zadar to Plitvice
Book you bus in advance on BusCroatia
Book Park entrance (75.35 HRK) on the parks official website
There are different park tour programs you can follow, it can go from 2 to 7 hours depending on the one you choose
You can tour on your own or book a guide
Lunch
You can bring your own lunch or buy something there, there are not many options but there is a cafe and restaurant
End of Afternoon
Take the bus back to Zadar
Dinner Options
Day 3: Split
Morning
Take the bus from Zadar to Split
Book on Getbybus
Afternoon
Walk around the old city (you can get a pass to visit all the landmark)
Peristil
Diocletian's Cellars
Walk around the Marina
Marjan Mountain Peak (use the renown Marjan Hill Stairs)
Good to go close to sunset for some nice pictures and the top of the stairs)
Lunch/Dinner Options
Note: we also went to KRKA national park from split but it was very disapointing so I removed it from this itinerary - We did the standard tour, but it was very touristy, and unlike a lot of pictures we saw that promote the place we are not allowed to to go in the water. If you are looking to do one of the hiking trail it might be more enjoyable..
Day 6: Split/Hvar
Morning
Take the Ferry from Split to HVAR (make sure the weather is good, as they can cancel if there is a storm - you might have to be flexible with you plans depending on the weather)
Book your tickets in advance on their website Getbyferry
Afternoon
Walk around the city and marina
Go to the beach
Lunch/Dinner options
Bars & Clubs
Day 7: Blue Cave/Hvar
Morning
Book a tour on Getyourguide to visit the Blue Cave (if the weather is not good and the water levels high you won't be able to see the cave as they will be closing it)
There are a lot of different tours available - you can visit other islands like Komiža the one from Mama Mia and make others stops - so choose one that fits you.
Afternoon
Go island hoping and chill at a beach club
Take a water taxi (from the Hvar port) and stop at the places you want
Lunch/Dinner options
Day 8: Dubrovnick
Morning
Take the Ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnick
Book on Getyourferry
Afternoon
Walk around the old city
City walls (a bit pricy but you get a nice view of the city if the weather is good)
Fort Lovrijenac (nice view point to see the old city)
Lunch/Dinner Options
Preša (great affordable sandwiches if you ran out of money at the end of your trip)
Day 9: Dubrovnik
Morning
Spleep in :)
Afternoon
Go to the beach
Public Swimming Area
Book a GOT tour if you are a fan
Take a hike on the Staza Prema Utvrdi Imperial trail for a view of the city
Departure!
