22 days in Croatia Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Croatia trip itinerary planner
Start: Melbourne
Fly
1
Pula
— 2 nights
Train
2
Opatija
— 2 nights
Bus
3
Plitvice Lakes National Park
— 2 nights
Bus
4
Zadar
— 3 nights
Bus
5
Makarska
— 6 nights
Bus
6
Dubrovnik
— 4 nights
Fly
End: Melbourne
Tue, Aug 27 - Tue, Sep 17
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View full calendar
Pula — 2 nights
It's the mild climate and calm seas of Pula that draw visitors to the southernmost point of the Istrian peninsula, but the city's ample Roman architecture is a key reason they stay.You've now added Temple Of Augustus to your itinerary. On the 28th (Wed), admire the landmark architecture of Arch of the Sergi. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 29th (Thu): learn about winemaking at Benazic Winery, explore the ancient world of Pula Arena, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple Of Augustus.
To see traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Pula trip planner.
Melbourne, Australia to Pula is an approximately 28.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and shuttle. Traveling from Melbourne to Pula, you'll gain 9 hours due to the time zone difference. In August, Pula is warmer than Melbourne - with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. You will have some time to spend on the 30th (Fri) before leaving for Opatija.
Find places to stay Aug 28 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Opatija — 2 nights

You'll find Opatija dotted with exquisite villas from its days as a posh Viennese resort town.You've now added Lungo Mare to your itinerary. On the 30th (Fri), pause for some photo ops at Madonna del Mare Statue and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Lungo Mare. On the 31st (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: appreciate the extensive heritage of Lungo Mare.
To find out how to plan a trip to Opatija, use our trip itinerary maker.
You can drive from Pula to Opatija in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Pula in August, expect a bit warmer with lows of 24°C in Opatija. You will have some time to spend on the 1st (Sun) before leaving for Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Find places to stay Aug 30 — Sep 1:
Highlights from your trip
Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2 nights

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site, showcases 16 crystalline lakes connected by waterfalls.Kick off your visit on the 1st (Sun): take in the dramatic scenery at Mali Buk, explore the activities along The Upper Lakes, and then admire the sheer force of Great Cascades. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the striking landscape of Plitvice Lakes National Park, explore the activities along Lake Milino, contemplate the waterfront views at Burgeti Lakes, then explore the activities along Gavanovac Lake, then contemplate the waterfront views at Milanovac Lake, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Konjicki Klub Rakovica.
For photos, maps, and tourist information, read Plitvice Lakes National Park day trip app.
Traveling by car from Opatija to Plitvice Lakes National Park takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. You'll have a few hours on the 3rd (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling to Zadar.
Find places to stay Sep 1 — 3:
Highlights from your trip
Zadar — 3 nights

Situated along the Adriatic Sea, Zadar preserves a medieval old town that is entirely contained on a peninsula.You'll discover tucked-away gems like Waterskiing & Jetskiing and Narodni trg u Zadru. Take a break from Zadar with a short trip to Krka National Park in Skradin, about 56 minutes away. There's lots more to do: explore the ancient world of Zadar Land City Gates, get the lay of the land with Art & Nature Travel, make a trip to Greeting to the Sun - Il Saluto al Sole, and enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at University of Zadar.
For ratings, photos, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Zadar day trip app.
Getting from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Zadar by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In September in Zadar, expect temperatures between 29°C during the day and 15°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 6th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Makarska.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 3 — 6:
Highlights from your trip
Makarska — 6 nights

Makarska is a small city on the Adriatic coastline of Croatia, about 60km southeast of Split and 140km northwest of Dubrovnik. Explore hidden gems such as Starigrad Fortress and Fortress Mirabella (Peovica). Explore Makarska's surroundings by going to Omiš (Cetina River & Omiš Cetina Canyon), Trogir (Historic City of Trogir & Waterskiing & Jetskiing) and Split (Old Split, Diocletian's Palace, &more). The adventure continues: stroll around Nature Park Biokovo, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Biokovo, tour the pleasant surroundings at Nugal Beach, and don't miss a visit to Svetiste Vepric.
To see ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Makarska trip itinerary planning tool.
Drive from Zadar to Makarska in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Zadar in September, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Makarska, with lows around 21°C. You will have some time to spend on the 12th (Thu) before leaving for Dubrovnik.
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To see ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Makarska trip itinerary planning tool.
Drive from Zadar to Makarska in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Zadar in September, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Makarska, with lows around 21°C. You will have some time to spend on the 12th (Thu) before leaving for Dubrovnik.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 6 — 12:
Highlights from your trip
Dubrovnik — 4 nights

Pearl of the Adriatic
Along the Dalmation Coast, the city of Dubrovnik has become famous for its pedestrian-only Old Town surrounded by fortress walls, and its historical heft has earned it World Heritage Site status.Step off the beaten path and head to Zarkovica Animal Shelter and Minceta Fortress. Venture out of the city with trips to Cavtat (Ronald Brown Pathway, Church of St Nicholas, &more). There's lots more to do: head off the coast to Lokrum Island, make a trip to Ploce Gate, contemplate the long history of Fort Bokar, and get to know the fascinating history of Walls of Dubrovnik.
To find traveler tips, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Dubrovnik trip builder website.
You can drive from Makarska to Dubrovnik in 3 hours. Another option is to take a bus. September in Dubrovnik sees daily highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 16th (Mon) before leaving for home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Sep 12 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Croatia travel guide
Once situated on the edge of empires between the Balkans and Central Europe, Croatia represents a land of great natural diversity and rich cultural heritage. Croatian cultural tourism relies on the charming juxtaposition of contrasts. Venetian palaces sit next to Napoleonic forts, Viennese mansions face Socialist Realist sculpture, and early Slavic churches built on the sites of ancient Roman settlements offer countless sightseeing opportunities. Croatia's museums present the main stages of the history of Europe. The country's sapphire seawater and long coastline speckled with islands draws visitors, as do numerous nature reserves, marinas, ancient fortified towns, and sandy and rocky beaches. In recent years, Croatia's shoreline has become a famed center for nautical tourism and naturism, and is a promising diving destination. Hikers explore outdoor landscapes of canyons, underground grottoes, dramatic waterfalls, stony peaks, and scenic lakes of the Dinaric Alps, which hug the coastline. Inland areas showcase mountain resorts, national parks, pine forests, vineyards, and spas.