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 Venice to Split Itinerary, incl. Ljubljana and Plitvice Lakes

  St Mark's Square in Venice leads to Split's ancient core on this 9-day tour. Rovinj's venetian-style St. Euphemia Church and Zadar's Sea Organ create melodic memories. Plitvice Lakes' turquoise waters and Sibenik's UNESCO-protected St Jacob's Cathedral shine while guests rest in premium accommodations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Venice

    Your journey begins in Venice. Take a water taxi from Marco Polo Airport to the city. Visit St. Mark's Square before 9 AM to avoid crowds. One traveler shared: "The early morning light on the basilica's golden mosaics is incredible, and the square is peaceful before the day tours arrive."

    
  • Days 2-3

    Slovenia (Ljubljana & Lake Bled)

    Take the 2.5-hour drive to Postojna Caves. Bring a light jacket since the temperature stays around 10°C inside. After exploring the caves, head to Ljubljana to walk through the Old Town. Next stop is Lake Bled, your base for two nights. Make time for the cable car ride up Mt Vogel for views over Lake Bohinj. Go early in the morning for the best visibility before clouds move in. Take a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island. Keep in mind these wooden boats only leave when full, so you might wait a bit during slower times.

    
  • Day 4

    Istrian Peninsula

    Travel to Croatia's Istrian Peninsula and stop in medieval Motovun, known for its premium white truffles. Your next stop is Rovinj, where you'll stay on a private island. If you get seasick easily, pack motion sickness medication. The boat transfer can get rough when it's windy.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

    It's about 3 hours to Plitvice Lakes. Start on the park's wooden walkways early. They can get slippery in wet weather, so wear shoes with good traction. A visitor's tip: "Start at the upper lakes and work your way down. The morning light makes for better photos, and you'll avoid the largest tour groups who do the opposite route."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Zadar & Split

    Check out Zadar's Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. Watch the sunset at the Sea Organ when the sound and light show is most beautiful. On your 2-hour drive to Split, stop in Šibenik to visit its UNESCO-listed cathedral.

    
  • Day 9

    Split

    Finish your trip in Split. If you're staying longer, look for accommodation near Diocletian's Palace in the Old Town. Summer temperatures often go above 85°F (30°C), so plan indoor activities like palace tours during hot afternoons.

    

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