Split

Bus 37 from airport to city center(30 minutes)

€5. Or shuttle/taxi €30. Runs every 30 min

Hotel check-in near Diocletian's Palace(45 minutes)

Hotel Vestibul Palace (inside the palace walls, €150/night) or Heritage Hotel Antique Split (€100/night). Both within the palace perimeter

Evening walk through Diocletian's Palace(1.5 hours)

Enter through the Bronze Gate on the Riva. Walk the Peristyle (central court), see the Cathedral bell tower lit up, explore the narrow lanes. 3,000+ people live inside these 1,700-year-old walls

Dinner at Konoba Matejuška(1.5 hours)

Put Sv. Nikole 3 in the Matejuška fishing harbor. Fresh catch of the day (€12-16), grilled octopus, and Dalmatian pašticada (beef stew, €14). Book ahead — tiny and popular

Diocletian's Palace underground chambers(1 hour)

Entry €8. The substructure mirrors the layout of the emperor's apartments above — well-preserved vaulted halls. Enter from the Riva side

Cathedral of Saint Domnius bell tower climb(45 minutes)

60m tower with stunning views over the palace and harbor. €5 combo ticket (cathedral + temple + crypt). Originally Diocletian's mausoleum (305 AD)

Walk through the Golden Gate to Grgur Ninski statue(20 minutes)

The massive statue by Ivan Meštrović. Rub his big toe for good luck — it's shiny gold from millions of touches

Lunch at Fife(1 hour)

Trumbićeva obala 11. No-frills workers' lunch spot. Daily specials — pašticada, grilled fish, salads. Mains €6-10. Cash only, packed at noon

Afternoon on the Riva promenade(2 hours)

Coffee at a terrace café (€2-3 for espresso), people-watch during the evening korzo stroll. The Riva is Split's living room

Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar(1.5 hours)

Marasovićeva 2. Modern Dalmatian with excellent local wines. Tuna tartare €14, risotto with Dalmatian ham €16

Hike to Marjan Hill viewpoint(1.5 hours)

Main viewpoint is 20 min climb from the old town. Continue to the top (178m) for 360° views. Pass 13th-century chapels and a small zoo. Free

Coffee at Vidilica café on Marjan(30 minutes)

Terrace café near the first viewpoint. Espresso with a view over the old town and islands. €2-3

Lunch at Konoba Hvaranin(1 hour)

Ban Mladenova 9. Traditional Dalmatian in the Varoš neighborhood at the base of Marjan. Grilled squid €10, octopus salad €9

Afternoon at Kašjuni Beach(2.5 hours)

Hidden pebble beach on the south side of Marjan. Walk or bus from old town (15 min). Beach bar with loungers (€10/day). Crystal-clear water, fewer tourists than Bačvice

Dinner at Uje Oil Bar(1.5 hours)

Dominisova 3. Olive oil-focused menu. Taste premium Croatian oils, pair with Dalmatian small plates. Mezze board €12

Krilo catamaran to Hvar Town(1 hour)

From €12 one way. Book 2-3 days ahead in summer at krfrry.com.hr — they sell out. Departs from Split ferry terminal (5 min walk from palace)

Walk Hvar Town and St. Stephen's Square(1 hour)

The largest piazza in Dalmatia. Renaissance cathedral, Arsenal (now a gallery), and the Venetian loggia

Climb Fortica (Spanish Fortress)(1 hour)

Entry €8. Steep 20-min walk up from town. Panoramic views over the Pakleni Islands and the harbor. Bring water

Lunch at Gariful(1.5 hours)

Right on the harbor. Fresh lobster pasta (€28) and grilled fish. Splurge-worthy views. Reserve ahead

Boat to Pakleni Islands for swimming(2 hours)

Water taxis (€10-15 round trip) shuttle from Hvar harbor to the Pakleni Islands. Palmižana has a beach bar and clear coves. Or hire a small boat (€60/half day) to explore yourself

Green Market (Pazar) morning visit(1 hour)

East side of the palace. Fresh produce, dried figs, lavender sachets, olive oil, local cheese. Open daily 6AM-2PM. Buy edible souvenirs

Late breakfast at Corner Concept Store(45 minutes)

Majstora Jurja 1. Trendy café inside the palace. Good coffee, eggs, and pastries. €5-8

Afternoon at Bačvice Beach(2.5 hours)

Split's most popular sandy beach, 10 min walk from the palace. Watch locals play picigin — a ball game played in shallow water that's a Split tradition. Beach bar on site

Dinner at Villa Spiza(1.5 hours)

Petra Svačića 3 inside the palace. Tiny, no reservations — arrive before 7PM. Daily specials on a chalkboard. Homemade pasta €8-12, catch of the day €10-14. Authentic and beloved

Organized tour bus to Plitvice(2.5 hours)

Several operators (Sugaman Tours, GetByBus) offer round-trip transport for €25-35/person. Or public bus from Split bus station (€15 each way)

Plitvice Lakes — Upper and Lower Lakes(4.5 hours)

Entry €27-40 depending on season. Follow Route H or K for the full experience (4-5 hours). The Lower Lakes with the Great Waterfall are the highlight. Wear sturdy shoes — wooden boardwalks are slippery

Lunch at Lička Kuća inside the park(1 hour)

Traditional Lika cuisine — lamb under the bell (peka), trout, and štrukli (cottage cheese pastry). Mains €10-15

Morning espresso on the Riva(30 minutes)

Sit at a terrace café one last time. The Riva at 8AM is peaceful — locals on their way to work, fishing boats in the harbor

Green Market for souvenirs(45 minutes)

Lavender sachets, local olive oil (from €8/bottle), dried figs, pag cheese

Bus 37 to Split Airport(30 minutes)

€5. Allow 2 hours before flight

Bus 37 to center(30 minutes)

€5

Dinner at Konoba Matejuška(1.5 hours)

Catch of the day €12-16

Underground chambers(1 hour)

€8

Cathedral bell tower(45 minutes)

€5 combo

Catamaran to Hvar(1 hour)

From €12

Fortica fortress(1 hour)

€8

Upper and Lower Lakes hike(4.5 hours)

Entry €27-40

Jadrolinija ferry to Supetar(50 minutes)

€5 per person (car ferry). Then bus to Bol (1 hour, €5)

Walk to Zlatni Rat Beach(15 minutes)

The iconic golden horn beach that changes shape with the wind. Free entry. Bring water shoes

Morning at the beach(2.5 hours)

Swim, windsurf (rental from €20/hr), or just admire the shape from the pine-shaded shore

Lunch at Marinero in Bol(1.5 hours)

Overlooking the harbor. Grilled fish and Dalmatian specialties. €10-16

Walk through Bol old town(1 hour)

Small stone-house town. Visit the Dominican Monastery museum (€5) with Tintoretto paintings

Jadrolinija ferry to Vis Town(2.5 hours)

From €12 per person. Slower car ferry but scenic. Or catamaran (1 hour) if available

Check into accommodation in Vis Town(30 minutes)

Pension Dionea or Apartments Vis. From €60/night

Explore Vis Town(1.5 hours)

Ancient Greek settlement (Issa, 397 BC). Walk the harbor, visit the Archaeological Museum (€3). Much less touristy than Hvar

Lunch at Pojoda(1.5 hours)

Don Cvjetka Marasovića 2. One of the island's best restaurants. Viška pogača (anchovy-onion flatbread, €6) is a Vis specialty

Afternoon swim at Stiniva Beach(2 hours)

Voted Europe's best beach. Accessed through a narrow rock opening. Drive or boat (easier). Bring everything you need — no facilities

Dinner at Konoba Roki's in Vis(2 hours)

Plisko polje. Farm-to-table in the island's interior. They cook under a peka (bell-shaped lid). Reserve by phone — the octopus or lamb peka (€20-25 per person, minimum 2) needs to be ordered in advance

Boat trip to Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) on Biševo(2 hours)

Small boats from Komiža harbor (€15 each way + €12 cave entry). The cave glows electric blue in the morning (10-11AM best). Only accessible in calm seas

Explore Komiža town(1 hour)

Charming fishing village on the west coast. The Fishing Museum in the Venetian tower (€3) and the harbor are worth a walk

Lunch at Jastozera in Komiža(1.5 hours)

Built into a 17th-century lobster pot storage cave. Fresh lobster from €35/kg. One of the most unique restaurant settings in Croatia

Morning walk in Varoš neighborhood(1 hour)

Traditional fishermen's quarter at the base of Marjan. Stone houses, narrow stairs, laundry lines

Lunch at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar(1 hour)

Domaldova 8. Modern Mediterranean. Small plates €6-10. Excellent local wines

Afternoon swim at Trstenik Beach(2 hours)

Local pebble beach east of the center. Less touristy than Bačvice. Café on the beach

Dinner at Dvor(1.5 hours)

Put Firula 14. Terrace right over the water. Seafood. Sunset views. Mains €14-22

Bus to Krka National Park (Skradin entrance)(1.5 hours)

From Split bus station, €10-12 each way. Or join a tour (€35-50 including transport)

Krka waterfalls walk (Skradinski Buk)(2.5 hours)

Entry €25-35 depending on season. Boardwalk trail through 17 waterfalls over 2 km. Swimming allowed in designated area (check current rules)

Boat to Visovac Island monastery(1 hour)

Boat from Skradin dock (from €15/person). Tiny island with a 15th-century Franciscan monastery

Lunch in Skradin town(1 hour)

Try Restaurant Skala. The Skradin risotto (slow-cooked veal and pasta) is legendary — needs to be ordered 24h ahead. Regular menu €10-16

Bus 37 to Trogir(30 minutes)

€3.50 from Split. Runs frequently. Trogir is on a small island connected by bridges

Explore Trogir old town(2 hours)

Walk through the stone streets, visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Romanesque portal by Master Radovan, entry €5), and climb the Kamerlengo Fortress (€5) for views

Lunch at Konoba TRS(1.5 hours)

Gradska 9. Garden courtyard. Fish and Dalmatian specialties. Mains €10-14

Beach at Medena or Okrug Gornji(2 hours)

Sandy/pebble beaches on Čiovo island, connected to Trogir by bridge. Less crowded than Split beaches

Farewell dinner at Paradigma(1.5 hours)

Ulica bana Jelačića 3. Fine Dalmatian dining with creative twists. Tasting menu €45. A fitting farewell

Ivan Meštrović Gallery(1.5 hours)

Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 46. Croatia's greatest sculptor in his former villa. Powerful works in bronze and marble. Entry €8. Gardens with large sculptures

Final walk through Diocletian's Palace(1 hour)

Your route, your pace. Notice things you missed

Lunch at Corto Maltese(1 hour)

Dosud 1. Split's best freakshakes and creative burgers. Casual and fun. €8-12

Souvenir shopping at Green Market(45 minutes)

Lavender, olive oil, pag cheese, figs

Bus 37 to airport(30 minutes)

€5

Apartment check-in near palace(45 minutes)

Apartment with kitchen from €50/night in Varoš or Manuš neighborhoods

Boat to Blue Cave(2 hours)

€15 boat + €12 cave entry

Bus from Split to Dubrovnik(4.5 hours)

FlixBus or Croatia Bus, €15-25. Stunning coastal route. Bring passport — passes through Bosnia briefly at Neum

Check into accommodation in Dubrovnik old town or Lapad(30 minutes)

Apartments from €80/night. Old town is atmospheric but hilly and hot; Lapad is quieter with beaches

Walk Dubrovnik city walls(2 hours)

Entry €35 (Dubrovnik is expensive). 2 km loop on top of the medieval walls with views into the terracotta-roofed old town and out to sea. Enter at the Pile Gate (arrive before 10AM to beat cruise crowds). Allow 1.5-2 hours

Lunch at Nishta(1 hour)

Prijeko bb. Excellent vegetarian/vegan in a meat-heavy region. Creative salads, curries, wraps. €8-12. A refreshing change

Dinner at Pantarul(1.5 hours)

Vukovarska 20 in Lapad. Dubrovnik's best modern restaurant — local ingredients, creative Dalmatian dishes. Tuna steak €22, slow-cooked lamb €18. Reserve

Walk through Stradun and explore old town(2 hours)

The marble-paved main street, Rector's Palace (€12), Franciscan Monastery pharmacy (oldest in Europe, €5), and Fort Lovrijenac (€15 or combo with walls)

Cable car to Srđ Hill(1 hour)

€23 round trip. Panoramic views over the city, islands, and coast. The bar at the top is worth a drink

Lunch at Azur(1 hour)

Pobijana 10. Asian-Dalmatian fusion. Their dumplings with shrimp (€12) are addictive

Ferry to Lokrum Island(15 minutes)

From the old port, every 30 min, €20 round trip. Botanical gardens, Dead Sea salt lake, monastery ruins, and nudist beach. No accommodations — day trip only

Swim in Lokrum's Dead Sea(1.5 hours)

A small salt lake in the island's interior. Very warm, extremely salty (you float easily). Surrounded by rocks and pine trees

Return ferry, dinner at Proto(2 hours)

Široka 1. Dubrovnik's oldest seafood restaurant (since 1886). Catch of the day, black risotto €18. Terrace above Stradun

Ferry to Elafiti Islands (Lopud)(1 hour)

Jadrolinija ferry from Gruž port to Lopud. €5 each way. The island has no cars, a sandy beach (Šunj), and a hilltop fortress

Walk to Šunj Beach on Lopud(30 minutes)

20-min walk through the village and across the island to the best sandy beach on the Adriatic. Crystal-clear water, beach bar. Free

Lunch at Obala restaurant on Lopud(1 hour)

Harbor-side. Fresh seafood. Mains €10-15

Ferry back to Dubrovnik, bus to Split(6 hours)

Afternoon bus back. Long ride but you've seen the best of Dalmatia

Cook Dalmatian lunch at apartment(2 hours)

Make a simple brudet (fish stew) with market fish and polenta

Bus to Solin (Salona)(20 minutes)

From Split, bus 1 or 37. €2

Salona Archaeological Site(1.5 hours)

Capital of Roman Dalmatia with amphitheater, baths, and basilica ruins. Entry €4. Larger than Pompeii in its day but much less visited

Klis Fortress(1.5 hours)

Dramatic clifftop fortress used as Meereen in Game of Thrones. Entry €8. 360° views of Split, islands, and mountains

Lunch at Perlica near Klis(1.5 hours)

Spit-roasted lamb (janjetina) cooked over an open fire. €15-20/person. Worth the trip alone

Catamaran to Šolta (Rogač port)(30 minutes)

From Split, €5-8 each way. Rent a bike or scooter at the port (€15-20/day)

Cycle to Maslinica(30 minutes)

Beautiful bay with a 18th-century castle and waterfront restaurants

Olive oil tasting at Olynthia(1 hour)

Family olive farm. Taste premium Croatian olive oils, learn about production. From €10/person

Lunch at Špinut restaurant in Maslinica(1.5 hours)

Seafood by the harbor. Catch of the day €12-16

Swim at Nečujam bay(1.5 hours)

Pine-shaded pebble beach with clear water. The quietest beach experience near Split

Meštrović Gallery(1.5 hours)

€8. Croatia's greatest sculptor

Farewell dinner at Paradigma(2 hours)

Tasting menu €45