7 Days Exploring Croatia's Hidden Gems Itinerary

Depart early from Zagreb to reach Plitvice Lakes National Park in about 2 hours by RV. Start your exploration with Plitvice Lakes National Park Official Entry Ticket. The park is renowned for its cascading lakes and waterfalls set amidst lush greenery. Begin your hike on one of the well-marked trails that offer breathtaking views of this natural wonder. For breakfast on-the-go, pack some snacks from Zagreb or stop by a local bakery en route.

Continue exploring Plitvice Lakes with a guided tour such as Plitvice Lakes Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride. This tour will provide you with insights into the park's history and ecology while allowing you to experience it from different perspectives – on foot and by boat. Enjoy lunch at one of the park's picnic areas or restaurants like Lička Kuća, which serves traditional Croatian dishes.

After an exhilarating day in nature, return to your RV for some relaxation or take part in an evening activity like Abandoned military airbase Zeljava 2h guided tour if you're up for more adventure. For dinner, consider dining at a nearby restaurant such as Bistro Vučnica, known for its hearty meals.

Drive from Plitvice Lakes to Split early in the morning; this journey will take approximately 3 hours by RV. Upon arrival, start your day with a visit to Diocletian's Palace, one of Split’s most iconic landmarks that dates back to Roman times. Explore its ancient cellars, courtyards, and temples while soaking up the historical ambiance. For breakfast, head to Brasserie on 7, located along Split’s waterfront promenade.

In the afternoon, join an engaging activity like Split Old Town and Diocletian Palace Walking Tour which will provide deeper insights into Split’s rich history and culture. Continue exploring nearby attractions such as Cathedral of St. Dominus (Katedrala Svetog Duje) and climb its bell tower for panoramic views over Split’s rooftops. Enjoy lunch at Konoba Matejuska, renowned for its fresh seafood dishes.

Spend your evening strolling along the picturesque Riva Promenade (Riva Split Waterfront), lined with cafes and palm trees – perfect for people-watching or simply relaxing by the sea. Cap off your day with dinner at Fife, offering hearty Dalmatian cuisine in a casual setting.

Begin your day in Dubrovnik with a visit to the iconic Dubrovnik Ancient City Walls. Walking along these historic walls offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the city's terracotta rooftops. It's a great way to immerse yourself in Dubrovnik's rich history. For breakfast, stop by Gradska Kavana Arsenal, which offers delicious pastries and coffee with a view of the harbor.

In the afternoon, explore more of Dubrovnik's Old Town with a guided tour such as Dubrovnik Old Town & City Walls Private Walking Tour. This tour will take you through narrow streets, past historic buildings, and to landmarks like Rector's Palace (Knezev Dvor) and Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha). For lunch, dine at Kopun, known for its traditional Croatian dishes.

As evening falls, take a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car to Mount Srđ for breathtaking sunset views over Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. Afterward, enjoy dinner at 360 Restaurant, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering gourmet cuisine with panoramic views.

Take an early morning ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar, which takes about 3 hours. Start your day with a visit to the Hvar Spanish Fortress (Tvrdava Fortica), offering panoramic views over Hvar town and the surrounding islands. For breakfast, head to Falko Beach Bar & Food, known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious breakfast options.

In the afternoon, embark on an island-hopping adventure with an activity like From Hvar Blue Cave and 5 Islands Boat Tour. This tour will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the Adriatic Sea, including the famous Blue Cave and Green Cave. Enjoy lunch on one of the islands or pack a picnic from local markets.

Return to Hvar town in the evening and take a leisurely stroll along its charming streets. Visit landmarks such as Cathedral of St. Stephen (Hvar Cathedral) before heading for dinner at Dalmatino, renowned for its excellent seafood and local wines.

Drive from Hvar to Zadar early in the morning; this journey will take approximately 3 hours by RV including ferry time. Start your exploration with a visit to Zadar’s unique attractions like the Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), an architectural sound art object that plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. For breakfast, stop by Krostula Bakery & Pastry for some fresh pastries.

In the afternoon, join an engaging activity such as Zadar Guided City Walking Tour which will provide deeper insights into Zadar’s rich history and culture while exploring landmarks like Church of St. Donatus and Roman Forum. Enjoy lunch at Pet Bunara, known for its traditional Dalmatian cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

Spend your evening enjoying Zadar’s beautiful coastline by taking part in an activity like Zadar Sunset Boat Tour with a Glass of Prosecco. This tour offers stunning sunset views over Zadar’s archipelago while sipping on sparkling wine – perfect for ending your day on a high note! For dinner afterward head back into town to dine at highly-rated restaurant calledFosa.

Start your final day in Croatia with a visit to the picturesque town of Rovinj. Begin with a guided walking tour Rovinj Guided Walking Tour to explore the charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks. For breakfast, stop by Caffe Bar Batel, known for its excellent coffee and pastries. This will give you a great introduction to the town's history and culture.

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting kayaking adventure with Rovinj Golden Cape Desert Islands Kayak & Snorkeling Tour. This tour will take you around the beautiful coastline and nearby islands, offering opportunities for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy lunch at La Puntulina, a highly-rated restaurant offering stunning sea views and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

As evening approaches, take a sunset cruise with Rovinj Dolphin Watching Sunset Speedboat Trip with Drinks. This tour provides a magical experience of watching dolphins against the backdrop of a stunning sunset over the Adriatic Sea. End your day with dinner at Monte, Rovinj's Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative dishes and exceptional service.