From King's Landing to the Cascades:
Dubrovnik to Zagreb

Land at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) (opens in a new tab) and pick up your rental car. Drive straight toward the Old Town and park at Dubrovnik City Parking (opens in a new tab). From there, take a quick taxi or bus down to Pile Gate (opens in a new tab) to grab lunch and explore.

Eat & Drink in Dubrovnik (Lunch)

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  Soul Kitchen (opens in a new tab): Fantastic, fresh Mediterranean bites in a relaxed setting.
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  Restaurant & Bar Rudjer (opens in a new tab): A fantastic dining spot located right in the Old Town, offering excellent local dishes and a great atmosphere.

Option 1 (By Land): Walk the iconic City Walls (opens in a new tab) or join a guided Game of Thrones walking tour for sweeping terracotta roof views, then take the Srđ Mountain Cable Car (opens in a new tab) (or drive up) for a panoramic sunset.

Option 2 (By Sea - Recommended): Escape the dense crowds by taking one of the Short Panoramic City Wall Cruises (45-to-60-minute) that represent the most economical way to get out on the water. Departing from the Old Town Port, they offer clear, unobstructed views of the historic sea-facing city walls, Fort Lovrijenac, and the nearby island of Lokrum. It’s a great compact option that delivers excellent photo opportunities without consuming an entire afternoon. Alternatively, you can book a private speedboat tour (like Rewind Dubrovnik (opens in a new tab)).

In the late afternoon, drive up the coast to Slano, making sure to stop at the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Bridge (opens in a new tab) overlook for photos before continuing to your hotel.

Where to Stay in Slano

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  Admiral Grand Hotel (opens in a new tab): A highly recommended 5-star retreat located in a peaceful bay. It offers luxurious pools, pristine beachfront access, and a quiet, upscale escape from the intense crowds of Dubrovnik.

After breakfast at your hotel, begin the drive north toward the Makarska Riviera. Stop at the stunning coastal town of Baška Voda (opens in a new tab) and head to Plaža Nikolina (opens in a new tab).

Option 1 (Adrenaline & Town Vibes): Enjoy parasailing and water sports right off the beach. Have a sit-down lunch in town at Dalmatino (opens in a new tab), 2 Monkeys (opens in a new tab), or Bistro Karlo (opens in a new tab). Don't leave without grabbing artisan gelato from aROMA (opens in a new tab) (highly recommend the Lavender and Almond flavors!). Afterward, continue driving to Split.

Option 2 (Nature & Snorkeling): After a quick stop at Baška Voda (opens in a new tab) and aROMA (opens in a new tab), drive slightly further up to the famous Punta Rata Beach (opens in a new tab) in Brela. Snorkel around the iconic pine-covered rock, grab a quick bite and gelato near the sand, and continue driving directly to Split from there.

Upon arriving in Split, check into your hotel. Leave the car behind and take the local bus down to Diocletian's Palace (opens in a new tab) to spend the evening walking through ancient Roman corridors that now house vibrant shops and bars.

Option 3 (The Party Route): Skip Baška Voda completely and drive straight to Split to reach the city by around noon. This gives you plenty of time to check in for the famous Boat Party Split (opens in a new tab) to spend your afternoon on the Adriatic.

Where to Stay in Split

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  Hotel Atrium (opens in a new tab): Highly recommended, modern 5-star hotel located just outside the palace traffic zones with an excellent indoor pool and spa.

Eat & Drink in Split

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  Fig Split (opens in a new tab): Vibrant, flavorful, and vegetarian-friendly global cuisine tucked into the palace courtyard.
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  Bokeria Kitchen & Wine (opens in a new tab): An upscale, beautifully designed Mediterranean spot offering an extensive local wine list.
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  Daltonist Craft Bar (opens in a new tab): End your night here for the best bespoke cocktails in the city (try the 'Croatian Breakfast' or 'Heat Wave'). Pro-tip: their Happy Hour often includes complimentary snacks or local liquor shots.

Spend today on the water. The classic choice is the "Blue Cave, Hvar & 5 Islands" speedboat tour. Toto Travel (opens in a new tab) runs an excellent itinerary covering highlights like the surreal glowing Blue Cave, the fishing village of Komiža, dramatic Stiniva Bay, the turquoise Budikovac Blue Lagoon, and the Pakleni Islands.

Eat & Drink on the Tour (Komiža & Hvar)

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  Restaurant & Bar DAL MARE (opens in a new tab) (Komiža): A great breakfast stop during your island hop. Try their fresh croissant with eggs. Very vegetarian-friendly.
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  Central Park Club (opens in a new tab) (Hvar): Stop here for lunch when exploring Hvar town. They mix amazing cocktails (Amaretto Sour & Godfather). For food, the veggie burger is excellent (but skip the falafel wrap).

Eat & Drink in Split (Dinner)

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  Barakokula (opens in a new tab): An incredible plant-based food and juice bar perfect for a healthy reset after a day at sea.
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  Parasol (opens in a new tab): A laid-back, highly rated spot offering fantastic pizza and salads with outdoor seating.

Check out of your hotel in Split and drive uphill to Klis Fortress (opens in a new tab). It offers the most commanding views back down over Split and the surrounding islands.

Continue your coastal drive north to the ancient city of Zadar. Walk the Roman Forum (opens in a new tab), listen to the waves play the underwater Sea Organ (opens in a new tab), and step on the solar-powered Greeting to the Sun (opens in a new tab) monument (which is especially spectacular as dusk approaches).

In the late afternoon, leave the coast and drive inland toward Plitvice Lakes National Park to check into your hotel.

Where to Stay in Plitvice

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  Hotel Jezero (opens in a new tab): A classic lodge situated directly inside the National Park boundaries, mere steps from Entrance 2.

Eat & Drink in Zadar

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  Focacceria Bella Vita (opens in a new tab): Grab incredible, thick-crust Italian sandwiches loaded with fresh mozzarella and local vegetables. The Caprese sandwich is massive and easily big enough for two.
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  Slastičarna Donat (opens in a new tab): An authentic local gem right near the Roman ruins, run by an owner with over 40 years of experience. They serve generous portions with fun flavors like pistachio, rum punch, and Dubai chocolate.

Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel and walk directly to Entrance 2 of Plitvice Lakes National Park (opens in a new tab) to beat the tour buses. The park is vast and offers several set routes, but two approaches stand out.

Route Option 1 (Program H): This is the comprehensive 4-6 hour circuit starting from Entrance 2. You take the panoramic train up to the Upper Lakes, hike down the boardwalks past endless cascades, take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak, and finish by walking the Lower Lakes canyon to the "Great Waterfall" (Veliki Slap).

Route Option 2 (The B/E Split): You can split the park to avoid fatigue. Complete Program B (Lower Lakes and Great Waterfall) in the morning, come back to the hotel to relax during peak midday crowds, and then continue with Program E (the quieter Upper Lakes) in the late afternoon (or next morning! as you can revalidate 2-day ticket from Hotel Jezero).

Stop for a casual lunch or quick bites at the Kozjačka draga meadow right by the central boat port in the middle of your tour. Afterward, return to your hotel to relax and get your ticket stamped for tomorrow.

Eat & Drink near Plitvice

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  Degenija Restaurant (opens in a new tab): An absolute must-try located just a short drive from the park. Excellent homestyle pizzas, massive fresh salads, and local Croatian pasta dishes.

Use your second-day ticket to catch the morning park shuttle. Take a slight detour to find Vidikovac Tomićevo Pogledalo (opens in a new tab)—one of the most spectacular, elevated viewpoints looking directly down into the canyon lakes.

Check out of your hotel and begin the drive north toward Zagreb. Stop halfway at the enchanting village of Rastoke (opens in a new tab). Often called the 'Mini Plitvice', this historic mill town is built directly over a series of rushing river cascades.

After exploring, complete the drive to Zagreb Airport (ZAG) (opens in a new tab) to catch your flight home.