Epic Croatia: 14-Day Road Trip

Suggestions for the day: Split - Unveiling Roman Ruins & Savoring Local Wines in Kaštela

• On your third day in Split, travel just outside Split to the ancient Roman ruins of Salona, once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. You can hire a specialist guide to walk you through the amphitheater, basilicas, and old city gates, unraveling the layers of history that date back to the 2nd century BC. In the afternoon, make your way to the town of Kaštela, known for its historic castles and excellent wineries. Enjoy a leisurely wine-tasting session at one of the local vineyards, where you can savor the indigenous Dobričić grape, a precursor to the famous Zinfandel. The tour usually includes a visit to a few of the area’s charming castles, blending history with the pleasure of wine. Return to Split in the evening and perhaps revisit some of your favorite spots in the city or discover new dining experiences. This could be an ideal time to enjoy a quiet evening by the sea or explore local nightlife options.

Suggestions for the day:

• Drive to Dubrovnik, “Pearl of the Adriatic”. On your way, you can stop in the walled city of Ston, which has a small fishing village vibe. In Dubrovnik, all history lovers will fall in love. Back in time, it was the only city in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Dubrovnik stood strong even in the times of Ottoman Turks invasions. Begin your Dubrovnik adventure by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Enter through the Pile Gate and immerse yourself in the history and architecture of this stunning medieval city. Start with a guided tour (book in advance) to get acquainted with the history of landmarks like the Rector's Palace, Sponza Palace, and Onofrio's Fountain. Don't miss the chance to walk along the famous city walls, which offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the old city below. For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants in the Old Town, followed by a leisurely stroll to the Franciscan Monastery to see one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe. As the evening approaches, opt for a panoramic sunset view of Dubrovnik and its surroundings. Dine at a restaurant on the mountain or head back to the Old Town for a dinner accompanied by live Dalmatian music.

Suggestions for the day: Dubrovnik - Exploring Lokrum Island & Unveiling Dubrovnik's Maritime Past

• Today, consider taking a short ferry ride to Lokrum Island, a nature reserve just a 15-minute ride from Dubrovnik. Spend the morning exploring its botanical gardens and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, or take a dip in the small salt lake known as the Dead Sea. Lokrum is also ideal for hiking and offers some excellent spots for swimming in crystal-clear waters. Return to Dubrovnik for lunch, and then spend your afternoon visiting some of the city's museums. The Maritime Museum, located in St. John's Fortress, offers insights into Dubrovnik’s seafaring past, while the War Photo Limited presents powerful exhibitions that depict regional conflicts, providing a deeper understanding of the area's recent history. End the day with dinner in one of Dubrovnik’s fine dining restaurants, experiencing the blend of Italian and Croatian culinary traditions that characterize the region's cuisine.

Suggestions for the day: Dubrovnik - Unveiling the Dubrovnik Riviera & Konavle Valley Delights

• Dedicate your third day in Dubrovnik to exploring the Dubrovnik Riviera and the Konavle Valley. Your first stop could be the town of Cavtat, known for its beautiful waterfront, galleries, and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee by the sea and visit the Racic Mausoleum, carved entirely from white stone. Continue to the Konavle Valley, a region renowned for its traditional embroidery and winemaking. Participate in a wine-tasting session at a local winery and savor traditional Croatian dishes for lunch in a rustic farmhouse setting (also book experiences in advance). Explore the area’s picturesque villages and perhaps try your hand at some traditional crafts in a local workshop. Return to Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. Spend your last evening in Dubrovnik savoring a quiet meal by the sea or exploring more of the city’s historic streets, perhaps finding a cozy bar to reflect on all the beautiful memories you’ve made so far.

Suggestions for the day: Brela - Relaxing on Breathtaking Beaches & Exploring the Brela Stone

• Today, drive to Brela. The drive will take you approximately 2 hours and a half. Start your time in Brela by soaking up the sun on Punta Rata beach, known for its pebbled shores and crystal-clear waters. This beach has been consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, so take some time to relax, swim, and enjoy the spectacular views of Biokovo Mountain rising dramatically above the coastline. Make sure to visit the iconic Brela Stone, a small rock islet with pine trees that has become a symbol of the area. For lunch, sample some local seafood specialties at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying the Dalmatian cuisine that includes freshly caught fish and local wines. After lunch, consider a leisurely walk along the Brela promenade, lined with cafes and shops, which stretches along the coast providing stunning sea views and leading to hidden coves perfect for a quiet afternoon dip. In the evening, dine at a restaurant overlooking the sea, trying more regional dishes such as grilled octopus or black risotto. After dinner, enjoy a tranquil sunset walk or relax by the seaside, listening to the sound of the waves.

Suggestions for the day: Brela - Hiking Biokovo & Discovering Gornja Brela's Charm

• Dedicate this day to exploring the natural beauty surrounding Brela. After breakfast, embark on a guided hike or a jeep safari in Biokovo Nature Park. This mountain range offers challenging trails, scenic vistas, and the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife and endemic plants. The view from the peaks, overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the islands, is breathtaking and well worth the effort. After descending from the mountains, spend the afternoon visiting one of the nearby Dalmatian villages. Gornja Brela, located in the hills above the coast, is a perfect choice. Explore its rustic stone houses and small, historic churches. Enjoy a traditional Croatian lunch in a village tavern, where you can taste homemade cheeses, prosciutto, and peka—a local dish of meat and vegetables cooked under an iron bell. Return to Brela for a relaxing evening. You might want to explore some local bars or cafes where you can try regional wines or spirits like rakija. Alternatively, find a quiet spot along the beach for a peaceful end to your day, enjoying the starlit sky and gentle sea breeze.

Suggestions for the day: Zadar - Roman Ruins, Charming Churches & Breathtaking Seafront

• Drive to Zadar. The drive will take you approximately 2 hours. Check into your hotel and begin your exploration of Zadar by wandering through its charming historical center. Start at the Roman Forum, one of the largest on this side of the Adriatic, followed by a visit to St. Donatus Church, a magnificent example of pre-Romanesque architecture. Next, explore the Cathedral of St. Anastasia and climb its bell tower for panoramic views of the city and the sea. For lunch, enjoy traditional Dalmatian dishes at a café in the old town, such as brudet (fish stew) or crni rižot (squid ink risotto). Spend your afternoon visiting the Archaeological Museum or the Museum of Ancient Glass, which offers a fascinating insight into ancient glass-making techniques, including live demonstrations. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the waterfront to experience the Sea Organ, an architectural sound art object that creates music powered by the waves of the Adriatic Sea. Nearby, the Greeting to the Sun installation, consisting of solar panels that absorb energy during the day and produce a spectacular light show at night, complements the auditory experience with a visual feast. Dine at a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood while enjoying the ambient sounds and lights.

Suggestions for the day: Zadar - Island Hopping Adventure in the Kornati National Park

• Dedicate your second day in Zadar to exploring the Kornati Islands, a stunning archipelago that is best experienced via a guided boat tour (book in advance). Known for its crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs, the Kornati National Park offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and photography. Many tours include visits to secluded beaches and a fresh fish lunch cooked on board or at a local tavern on one of the islands. Return to Zadar in the late afternoon. Spend your evening leisurely exploring the boutiques and artisan shops in Zadar’s old town. Try some local maraschino, a traditional cherry liqueur, and dine at a konoba (tavern) where you can sample peka, or enjoy a contemporary Croatian meal at a modern restaurant.

Suggestions for the day: Zadar - Exploring Nin's History & Wine Tasting in the Countryside

• On your third day, visit the nearby historic town of Nin, famous for its rich history and the smallest cathedral in the world, the Church of the Holy Cross. Explore the town's salt pans where traditional methods of salt production have been preserved and can be observed. The Salt Museum offers insights into the importance of salt in the region's history and economy. In the afternoon, venture into the rural areas around Zadar to visit local wineries. The region is known for its superb wines, particularly those made from indigenous grapes like Pošip or Maraschka. Enjoy a wine-tasting session, paired with local cheeses and olives, learning about the wine-making process directly from the producers (book the experience in advance). Return to Zadar for your final night. Consider a leisurely evening walk along the Riva to reflect on your visit, or if you’re in the mood for some late-night activity, check out some of Zadar’s vibrant bars and clubs to experience the local nightlife.

Drive back to Zagreb. It will take you around 3 hours. Return your rental car and say goodbye to Croatia thinking about all the new beautiful memories you created on this unforgettable road trip.