3-Day Croatia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Croatia tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCroatia travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Split, incl. Diocletian's Palace and Croatian Coast

  Luxurious 3-day Croatian getaway offers 2 nights at Hotel President Solin 5* or Hotel Split Inn 4*. Walking tours reveal Split's UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, ancient cellars, and Roman temples, with optional wine tastings available.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival & Old Town Orientation

    Plan for a 30-minute transfer from Split Airport to the city center. Book an early morning flight to make the most of your first day and avoid afternoon traffic. Once you've dropped your bags, walk over to the Old Town. A quick note about the limestone streets: they can get slippery, so pack shoes with good grip. The Riva waterfront promenade is a perfect starting point. Grab a coffee, watch the locals, and get familiar with the area.

    
  • Day 2

    Diocletian's Palace & Local Culture

    Get to Diocletian's Palace when it opens at 8:00 AM, before the cruise crowds arrive. Enter through the Bronze Gate from the Riva and explore northward through the Roman complex. Visit the underground cellars first - they're refreshingly cool in the morning, which you'll appreciate when summer temperatures reach 95°F (35°C). Around noon, cool off in the Split City Museum. Next, visit the Green Market (Pazar), where you can find fresh produce and Dalmatian specialties until 2:00 PM. Later in the afternoon, try a wine and olive oil tasting in the Palace district. You can sample local Croatian wines like Plavac Mali along with regional cheese and olive tapenades. The late afternoon light makes the limestone walls look beautiful, so it's a great time for photos.

    
  • Day 3

    Beach Time & Departure

    Start your last day with a walk to Bačvice Beach, just 10 minutes east of Old Town. The water is calmest in the morning, and the light is perfect for photos. Bring water shoes since the beach entry is a bit rocky. Before heading to the airport, stop for a final Croatian coffee and burek (a local cheese pastry) at a nearby bakery. Allow 30 minutes for your airport transfer.

    

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• 3 Days Croatia Coastal, incl. Split and Dubrovnik

  A 3-day Croatian sailing route connects Split, Makarska, Mljet, Pomena, and Dubrovnik. The voyage showcases UNESCO sites, national parks, and historic landmarks, with 3 lunches, daily breakfast, and Premium Superior cabin accommodation.

  

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  • Day 1

    Split to Makarska

    Your ship leaves Split harbor at 13:00 sharp. It's best to fly in a day early to explore Split's UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace and avoid any travel stress. The sail to Makarska takes about 4 hours and includes a swimming break in a quiet bay. Be sure to pack water shoes since Croatian beaches are mostly pebbles not sand. Once in Makarska take a relaxing 15-minute walk along the waterfront to catch sunset at the lighthouse. After dark head to Kačić Square where you'll find local musicians performing and plenty of bustling cafes.

    
  • Day 2

    Makarska to Mljet Island

    You'll set off early at 7 AM for a full day on the water. Your morning includes a swim stop at Pelješac peninsula where the water visibility is incredible. Bring an underwater camera if you have one. You'll reach Mljet in the early afternoon with about 4 hours to explore. The national park costs around $25 to enter but it's definitely worth visiting the salt lakes. From Pomena port you can rent bikes for about $15 (3-hour rental) and take a nice ride around the larger lake which takes around 45 minutes if you're not rushing.

    
  • Day 3

    Mljet to Dubrovnik

    After breakfast you'll begin the final stretch arriving in Dubrovnik at around 2 PM. Plan to walk the city walls in the late afternoon when the cruise ship crowds have thinned out. The full 1.2-mile circuit takes about 2 hours. For the best views of Dubrovnik's orange rooftops take the cable car up Mount Srđ preferably around sunset.

    

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• 3 Day Pula Itinerary, incl. Roman Amphitheatre and Istrian Coast

  Roman history comes alive in this 3-day Pula retreat with 2 nights at Hotel Pula City Centar 4*. Visit the ancient colony Pietas Iulia and iconic Arena amphitheater, with optional trips to Porec and Hum, Europe's smallest town.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Pula

    Getting from the airport to central Pula is quick at just 20 minutes. Book a hotel in the City Center area to stay within walking distance of everything important. By evening take a walk along the Riva waterfront promenade. It's a popular spot where locals meet to watch the sunset. The harbor area fills up with people enjoying the café culture making it perfect for people-watching and settling into the relaxed Istrian way of life.

    
  • Day 2

    Ancient Pula Exploration

    Visit the impressive Pula Arena first thing. It's one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheaters and getting there before 10 AM helps you avoid crowds and heat. Wear shoes with good grip since the limestone steps can get slippery from morning dew. This massive structure once held 23,000 people and still hosts concerts today. Next stop is the Temple of Augustus in the Forum square. This Roman temple is remarkably intact having survived the WWII bombing that hit much of the city. For lunch visit the covered market hall. Built in 1903 it's where locals shop for regional specialties like truffles and olive oil. Spend your afternoon exploring the Istrian coast. You can hire a local driver to take you to Rovinj just 40 minutes away. This medieval town offers winding cobblestone streets and excellent seafood restaurants right in the fishing harbor.

    
  • Day 3

    Departure

    Start your last morning with a proper Croatian coffee at one of the cafes near the Forum before heading to the airport. If you have a late flight leave your bags at the hotel and spend time at Ambrela Beach nearby. It's known for clear waters and a pebbly shore. The beach has good facilities and you can rent chairs but bring water shoes since walking on the pebbles can be uncomfortable.

    

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