10-Day Croatia and Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Croatia And Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffCroatia and Italy travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Adriatic Coast, incl. Venice and Dubrovnik

  Canals to castle walls define this 10-day Italian-Croatian adventure. Eleven cities including Split's Diocletian Palace and Plitvice Lakes await, with 4-star comfort at Hotel Poppy Venice and Valamar Lacrom Dubrovnik.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Venice, Italy

    Begin your Adriatic adventure in Venice. Skip the busy vaporetto and opt for a water taxi from Marco Polo Airport to reach the city in about 40 minutes. A recent visitor advised: "Get to St. Mark's Square before 8:30 AM—the morning light is magical and you'll beat the cruise ship crowds." On day two go beyond the tourist spots into the quieter Dorsoduro district where you can try authentic cicchetti (Venetian tapas) among locals.

    
  • Day 3

    Slovenia's Coast (Piran & Koper)

    Just a 2-hour drive takes you to Slovenia's coastal gems. Get to Piran's medieval walls early to enjoy panoramic Adriatic views without the midday heat. Stop for fresh seafood at the cafes around Tartini Square. Visit Koper's Praetorian Palace to see stunning Venetian-Gothic architecture before heading to Opatija Croatia's classic resort town for the evening.

    
  • Day 4

    Istrian Peninsula

    Croatia's heart-shaped Istrian peninsula offers plenty to explore. Start with Rovinj's winding cobbled streets. Make time for local experiences like truffle hunting and olive oil tasting near Motovun forest. Stop in Poreč to see the impressive 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica with its beautiful mosaics and take an evening walk along the seafront.

    
  • Day 5

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Get to Plitvice Lakes early since crowds pick up around 10 AM. One visitor recommends: "Take the upper lakes trail first thing in the morning when the wooden walkways are less crowded. Bring grippy shoes—the boardwalks can be slippery." Set aside 5-6 hours to properly see all the lakes and waterfalls.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Zadar to Split

    Visit Zadar's Sea Organ at sunset for the best experience. The scenic 3-hour coastal drive to Split includes time to explore UNESCO-listed Trogir. In Split visit Diocletian's Palace during early morning or evening to avoid peak heat. Local knowledge: the basement halls offer cool relief on hot summer days.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Dubrovnik

    Start your Dubrovnik visit with an early morning walk on the city walls when they open at 8 AM. Take the cable car up Mount Srđ before sunset for incredible photos. Spend a morning on peaceful Lokrum island away from the city bustle. For your final day catch a boat from the old harbor to the Elafiti Islands they leave every hour.

    

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• 10 Days in Adriatic Coast, incl. Venice and Dubrovnik

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Stay in Venice Mestre

    Stay in Venice Mestre for Days 1-2 to save money on accommodation. The main island is just a 15-minute train ride away. Get a multi-day vaporetto pass ($25) for unlimited water bus travel. Visit St. Mark's Square before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Want great photos? Stop by Accademia Bridge at golden hour for perfect Grand Canal shots.

    
  • Day 3

    Drive to Piran

    Drive 2 hours from Venice to Piran on Day 3. Walk the medieval walls early in the morning before it gets hot. The climb is steep but offers amazing views of the town. Stop in Koper for lunch and try some local Malvasia wine with fresh seafood by the river. Continue 2 more hours to Opatija on scenic coastal roads.

    
  • Day 4

    Rovinj and Istrian Countryside

    Day 4 starts in Rovinj. Get to the old town early as the streets become packed by midday. The Istrian countryside is famous for truffles and olive oil. Book a tasting tour at a local farm ($40) to sample both. Visit the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec later in the day when most tour groups have left.

    
  • Day 5

    Plitvice Lakes

    Drive 3 hours to Plitvice Lakes for Day 5. Use the quieter north entrance and take route C, which takes 4-5 hours. Bring good hiking shoes. The wooden walkways can get slippery. Morning or late afternoon light works best for photos.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Split Region

    Days 6-7 cover the Split region. It's a 4-hour coastal drive from Plitvice through Zadar. Stop to hear Zadar's Sea Organ at sunset. You only need about 2 hours for Trogir's UNESCO old town. In Split look for accommodation near but not inside Diocletian's Palace to avoid nighttime noise.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Dubrovnik

    Spend Days 8-10 in Dubrovnik after a 3-hour drive along the coast. Walk the city walls first thing at 8 AM ($35). They get hot and crowded later. Take the cable car up Mount Srđ before sunset for incredible old town views.

    

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• 9 Day Adriatic Europe Itinerary, incl. Venice and Split

  Venetian charm meets Split's ancient core in this 9-day adventure. Rovinj's galleries and Pula's amphitheater showcase Istrian Peninsula's beauty. Truffle tasting, olive oil sampling, and a farewell dinner near Diocletian's Palace complete the experience.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Venice, Italy

    Stay in Venice's Mestre area to save money while keeping easy access to the main island. Get a 48-hour vaporetto pass for convenient water bus travel. Take the early morning vaporetto to St. Mark's Square to avoid crowds and heat. The drive to your next stop at Lake Bled is about 3 hours through the Alps.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Lake Bled & Austrian Carinthia

    Give Lake Bled two full days. Book a morning pletna boat ride to the island church when the lake is quiet and peaceful. The walk to Bled Castle takes about 15 minutes but watch your step on the sometimes slippery path. Take a day trip to Austria's Lake Wörth area and spend time in Klagenfurt's beautiful Alterplatz. Make time for nearby Lake Bohinj, a quieter alternative to Bled just 30 minutes away.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Postojna & Istrian Peninsula

    Postojna Cave is incredible but bring a jacket since it stays around 10°C inside. Visit the stunning cliff-side Predjama Castle before driving 2 hours to Croatia's Istria region. Stay in Rovinj where the Old Town peninsula offers perfect evening strolls. Try truffle hunting in Livade or visit Pula's well-preserved Roman amphitheater.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Opatija Riviera to Plitvice Lakes

    Spend time in Opatija walking its 12km seaside promenade lined with beautiful Habsburg villas. On your 3-hour drive to Plitvice Lakes, stop for lunch in Fuzine by Lake Bajer. Take the 8:00 AM boat tour at Plitvice for the most peaceful experience. Plan 5-6 hours to explore all the wooden walkways and waterfalls.

    
  • Day 9

    Split

    Drive 3 hours from Plitvice to Split along the coast. Visit Diocletian's Palace in early evening when it's cooler and the limestone walls catch the sunset light. Finish your trip with dinner at a local konoba restaurant in the Old Town.

    

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