A Five-Day Guide to an Unforgettable Trip Around Croatia

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Beautiful coast, untouched nature, rich history and numerous cultural sights are just some of the reasons why Croatia is ideal for your next vacation.

Spend the day exploring the old towns, enjoy the beautiful beaches in the afternoon, and relax in the evening with a glass of wine and top gastronomic delicacies - right by the sea.

Read the plan for an unforgettable five-day trip below.

Day 1 - Zagreb

Zagreb is a classic Central European city with clearly visible Austro-Hungarian, Viennese and Slavic influences. Its numerous parks and old architecture are an ideal place for romantic walks.

1. Ban Josip Jelacicc Square - Ban Josip Jelacic Square is a gathering place for citizens and a place where various historical, political, sports gatherings and events took place. Even today, something always happens here. As the main square, it is also a mandatory starting point for any city tour.

2. Funicular - The so-called Zagreb funicular is a special experience for many visitors. For a small fee, you can ride to the Upper Town and enjoy the romantic view of the city in the smallest and shortest cable car of its kind in the world, which is also a cultural monument.

3. Chocolate Museum - The Chocolate Museum in Zagreb is dedicated to chocolate, its historical, geographical and cultural significance. Visitors are taken on an interactive journey through time and space, engaging all the senses - sight, smell, touch, sound and of course taste. The souvenir shop will offer you a variety of handmade chocolate from renowned Croatian chocolate makers.

4. Tuskanac Park - There are as many as 17 forest parks in the city of Zagreb, and one of the most beautiful and closest to the city center is the magnificent Tuskanac. Instead of the noise of the tram, only birds can be heard, the busy streets have been replaced by the greenery of centuries-old trees, and the only company will be a few walkers. The forest area is surrounded by a residential area, quiet streets with some of the most beautiful Zagreb summer houses and villas from the early 20th century.

5. Tkalciceva Street - Tkalciceva Street is the main center of Zagreb's cafes, restaurants and leisurely nightlife. Also known as Tkalca, it contains dozens of places where you will find something to your liking.

Day 2 - Plitvice Lakes and Dubovac Castle

6. Plitvice Lakes National Park - Plitvice Lakes are a priceless gem of the world. The park area is part of the Dinaric karst area and belongs to one of the most impressive karst units in the world, with specific geological, geomorphological,and hydrological features. It is definitely one of the places you can come to with some dear to your heart, holding hands or embracing and walking through a magical landscape surrounded by the sound of waterfalls and crystal-clear water.

7. Old Town of Dubovac - Dubovac Castle is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful monuments of medieval architecture in Croatia. It was built on a prehistoric hill above the Kupa and was named after the oak ('dub') that grows on the surrounding slopes. The tower offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape, and in the atrium of the castle is a restaurant perfect for a romantic dinner.

Day 3 - Rovinj

As one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in the entire Mediterranean, Rovinj attracts visitors from all over the world who return faithfully. Rovinj manages in a very unusual way, almost with ease, to combine rich tradition and historical features with modern times.

8. Church of St. Euphemia - The Church of St. Euphemia is located on top of a hill and dominates the view of the old town of Rovinj. In the church, there is a sarcophagus with relics of St. Euphemia, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. Saint Euphemia is also the patron saint of the city of Rovinj, whose day is celebrated on September 16. Many visitors come to Rovinj just then, on a holy pilgrimage to pay their respects. The church offers a beautiful view of the sea and the surrounding area.

9. Rovinj City Museum - The Rovinj City Museum is special in that it was founded in 1954 by Rovinj artists. Today, the museum boasts valuable and rich collections such as: archeological, ethnological, collection of old masters, collection of contemporary Croatian art and others.

10. Golden Cape Forest Park - Golden Cape Forest Park (Punta Corrente) is a favorite place of locals and visitors in Rovinj, ideal for many things, whether it's walking, swimming in the summer, cycling... The park has different types of trees and exotic plants that make this place very favorable for health and recreation.

Day 4 - Zadar

Zadar is best known for its Old Town, located on a completely pedestrian peninsula. The city has many Roman and other beautiful sights - some quite modern - and it is a pleasure to visit them all. The Zadar Waterfront and the Sea Organ are perfect for enjoying romantic sunsets.

11. Zadar waterfront - Zadar's southwestern waterfront is an excellent place for a walk or a jump into the sea for a quick swim. As the sun sets in the sky, people descend on the waterfront watching one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Adriatic. Alfred Hitchcock described the Zadar sunset as "the most beautiful sunset in the world" during his 1964 visit.

12. Forum - The forum was founded in the 1st century BC and it is amazing how well preserved it is even today. Although it is a bit changed and refurbished with some small details, the Forum still radiates a special ambiance that takes visitors back to some ancient times when the area was ruled by the Romans.

13. Sea Organ - The Sea Organ records the movement of waves and turns them into music. It is an unusual sound that evokes the sea, wind and sky. Even without the music, the white marble stairs that descend into the sea are extraordinarily beautiful and make the perfect place to watch the beautiful sunsets.

14. Church of St. Donatus - Church of St. Donatus is a medieval monument from the 9th century, built on the remains of the Roman Forum. For centuries, the church of St. Donatus has changed its purpose from secular to religious and vice versa. Due to its excellent acoustics, today it serves as the main place in Zadar for concerts and recitals and other cultural and artistic events.

Day 5 - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the "pearl of the Adriatic", an elite destination and one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. Contemporary Dubrovnik consists of a fabulous Old Town and densely populated suburbs, spectacular beaches and the Elaphite Islands. It is full of stunning architecture and sculptural details, and boasts picturesque old churches, monasteries, museums and fountains that are etched in the memory of every visitor and become part of him forever.

15. Old Town of Dubrovnik - In 1979, the Old Town of Dubrovnik was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These massive walls from the 13th century surround the entire old town, reaching a height of 24 meters and a thickness of 6 meters. The walls are best explored by an easy walk along two kilometers of groomed paths along the ramparts and fortresses around the city itself. Beautiful white cobbled streets, souvenir shops, cult cafes and top restaurants are just some of the experiences you will enjoy when visiting this unique city-museum.

16. Church of St. Blaise - This most famous Dubrovnik church was built in honor of the patron saint of the city of Dubrovnik - St. Blaise, who, according to legend, informed the Senate of the Venetians' intention to attack the city and prepare the people of Dubrovnik for defense.

17. Sveti Jakov Beach - This beautiful sandy-pebble beach is located in the elite part of Dubrovnik in the bay below the eponymous cliff and the church of Sv. Jacob. The beach offers a spectacular view of the old town and walls and the island of Lokrum. This attractive beach is a favorite of most locals.

18. Orsula Park - Orsula Park was built around the church of St. Orsula, a forgotten archeological site, and provides a unique atmosphere of the summer night stage and a different view of Dubrovnik from the old trade route, which has been partially restored. Here you can witness an unforgettable scene of sunrise and sunset and clear starry sky.

Itinerary

Guide Location

Reviews

4.6
(24 reviews)
Bart
The guide gave a brief description of how the main square of the capital, Ban Josip Jelachich Square, is utilized. I learned that it is a gathering place for citizens and various historical and sports events take place here. I particularly loved the statue of Count Josip Jelachich in the middle of the square and took numerous photos
Savanna
I would rate the guide a 5 star because of its accuracy, well detailed and elaborative. It was superfun to witness the unforgettable scene of sunrise and sunset and clear starry sky from the Orsula Park. I appreciate the guide for its help for my five day here.
Christoph
This guide was amazing. I enjoyed using it. It helped me visit all the major towns and cities within Croatia. This guide also helped me locate various interesting places within Croatia.
Cas
Just like the guide stated, there are beautiful coasts with untouched nature with lots of cultural sights to see. It was awesome being at this place in the morning and evenings just to watch the sunrise and sunset. Orsula Park provides a lovely unique atmosphere of the summer night.
Teodor
The trip in the various places was amazing and we had the opportunity of visiting most of the places on the guide. The museum that we visited had some good exhibits and collections that were on the walls and other places that we saw on our tour.
Sybille
The guide laid out a well organized plan for our five day trip around Croatia. At Sveti Jakov Beach, there are spectacular views of the old town and the walls and the Island of Lokrum. I enjoyed walking on the quiet cobbled streets of the Old Town of Dubrovnik during the evenings.
Mateo
very good!!!