3-Week Croatian Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Croatian Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCroatian Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 15 Days in Croatia, incl. Pula and Dubrovnik

  This comprehensive 15-day tour spans 8 Croatian cities with 14 nights' accommodation. Two-night stays in Pula, Šibenik, Dubrovnik, and Plitvice Lakes offer deeper immersion. The route covers 1,460km of picturesque coastline and inland attractions.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Pula

    Begin your journey in this historic Roman city on the Istrian peninsula. Get to the amphitheater by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and get better photos. A local tip: Use the Karolina parking lot near the fortress. It's less busy than the harbor and only a 5-minute walk to the amphitheater.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kvarner Bay & Šibenik

    Take the coastal road south to Opatija. The 2-hour drive offers beautiful ocean views but has some curves. Take breaks at the lookout points near Lovran. From there drive to Šibenik which puts you close to Krka National Park. Plan about 3.5 hours for this stretch and stop in Zadar's old town for lunch.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Krka & Makarska

    Spend a full day exploring Krka National Park's waterfalls. Get to the Lozovac entrance by 9 AM before it gets busy. Pack water shoes since the boardwalks can get slippery. The drive to Makarska takes about 2.5 hours. Visit the Biokovo Skywalk, a glass platform 1,228 meters above the sea. Skip the mountain road if it's windy.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Dubrovnik

    The drive to Dubrovnik takes 3 hours and crosses through a small part of Bosnia. Keep your passport ready. Book parking at the Pile Gate garage before you arrive. The best times to walk the city walls are early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return North to Plitvice

    Break up the long drive back north by stopping in Šibenik again. When you reach Plitvice use Entrance 2 which is usually quieter. Take the "H" trail to see all the best spots in about 6 hours.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Plitvice & Rijeka Region

    Start your second Plitvice day early. The morning light before 10 AM is perfect for photos. Then drive to the Kvarner Gulf area which takes under 2 hours. Stay in Opatija to enjoy both beaches and historic architecture.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Back to Pula

    Drive back to Pula along the western Istrian coast. A recent visitor shared: "The sunset from Fort Punta Christo was incredible. Bring a picnic and arrive an hour before sunset for the best spot." Leave enough time on your last day to return your rental car and get through summer traffic to the airport.

    

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• 15 Days in Croatia & Slovenia, incl. Zagreb and Dubrovnik

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Zagreb

    Begin in Croatia's capital. Take an early morning walk through the Upper Town. The climb to Lotrščak Tower is steep but rewards you with excellent city views. Visit the Stone Gate before 10 AM to beat the crowds. Stop by Dolac Market before 9 AM when locals do their shopping. Visit St. Mark's Church in the afternoon when most tour groups have left.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ljubljana & Bled

    Drive two hours to Ljubljana. Visit the Triple Bridge area before 11 AM to avoid midday crowds. Lake Bled is just 45 minutes away. The west shore walking path offers perfect afternoon photos of Bled Castle. Book the first morning Pletna boat ride to the island to avoid long summer queues.

    
  • Day 5

    Postojna & Opatija

    Pack a light jacket for Postojna Cave it stays at 10°C year-round. The cave train tour takes 1.5 hours. End your day in Opatija with an evening walk along the 12-km Lungomare promenade.

    
  • Day 6

    Plitvice Lakes

    Get there when the park opens at 7 AM. Start with the upper lakes trail before crowds arrive. Wear good shoes the boardwalks can be slippery. Use the park shuttle bus to save time between entrances.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Split & Dubrovnik

    Explore Split's Diocletian's Palace in early evening after day-trippers leave. Plan to reach Dubrovnik late afternoon once cruise ships depart. Walk the city walls near closing time for quiet sunset views.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Island Hopping

    Your cruise begins visiting Slano Mljet and Korčula. Bring motion sickness medicine the morning waters can be rough. Book an early Blue Cave visit afternoon winds often lead to cancellations.

    
  • Days 12-15

    Vis, Hvar & Trogir

    Continue along the Dalmatian coast. Visit Hvar's fortress early before the midday heat. Explore Trogir's small but historic center. Finish in Split watching sunset on the Riva waterfront.

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• 16 Days in Croatia & Slovenia, incl. Zagreb and Dubrovnik

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Zagreb

    Begin your journey in Croatia's capital. The Upper Town is best explored early morning before crowds fill the stone-paved streets. Wear shoes with good grip for the steep climbs. Get to St. Mark's Church by 8:45 AM to beat tour groups. Visit Dolac Market between 7-10 AM when locals shop and the atmosphere is most authentic.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ljubljana & Bled

    A 2.5-hour drive takes you to Ljubljana. Visit the Triple Bridge area before 11 AM to avoid crowds. In Bled, take an early morning pletna boat ride to the island church when the lake is calm. For great photos of Bled Castle, walk up to Ojstrica viewpoint just before sunset. It's a 20-30 minute uphill walk.

    
  • Day 5

    Postojna & Opatija

    Postojna Cave maintains a steady 10°C year-round, so pack a light jacket. Book the 9 AM cave tour to avoid crowds. Drive 1.5 hours to Opatija and walk the 12-km Lungomare coastal path during sunset for the best views.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Plitvice Lakes & Split

    Start your Plitvice visit with the 8 AM shuttle boat to Upper Lakes. The boardwalks get crowded after 10 AM. Allow 5-6 hours to see everything. In Split, use the Diocletian's Palace basement entrance near Riva for shorter lines. Check out the local fish market by the west gate from 6:30 AM.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Dubrovnik

    Walk the city walls right at opening (8 AM) or late afternoon (5:30 PM) to avoid heat and crowds. Book cable car tickets to Mount Srđ online and go before sunset for the best views.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Korčula & Pučišća

    Take the morning boat to Korčula and sit on the right side for great views. Visit Marco Polo's house early (9 AM) or during dinner time (8 PM). Stop by the stonemasonry school in Pučišća during work hours to watch students at work.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Split & Hvar

    Back in Split, explore beyond the palace at Stari Pazar market. In Hvar, climb to the fortress in late afternoon when it's cooler. The views are worth the effort.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Mljet & Dubrovnik

    Go swimming in Mljet National Park's lakes before 10 AM when the water is calmest. Park tickets cost about $25. On the final boat ride to Dubrovnik, keep your camera ready after 2 PM for amazing city views.

  • Day 16

    Leave from Dubrovnik

    Choose afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic delays around the Old Town.

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