10 Days in Croatia: A Mosaic of History and Nature

• Walk atop Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls, with breathtaking views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic.

• Explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with charming lanes and baroque architecture.

• Take the cable car to Mount Srđ for sunset and panoramic views over the islands.

• Three must-see sights in Dubrovnik are all centered around the Old Town. Spend at least one day delving into the historical significance of this fortressed city by wandering the marble streets and alleyways, visiting the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, Europe’s oldest still-functioning apothecary, marveling at some of the sites along the wall walk, such as the Minceta Tower and the Maritime Museum, and taking in views over red clay rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

• In the evening, take the cable car up to Mount Srd for sunset and dinner at the Panorama Restaurant. Reservations are recommended.

Choose a more off-the-beaten track experience for your time in Dubrovnik:

• Enjoy a swim or cocktail at Buža Bar. This popular bar is literally located through a hole in the wall. Built into the seaside cliffs, this cliffside swimming site with bar service is located on the back side of the Wall and can be found down an alley leading away from the square of St. Ignatius Church (ask a local for directions).

• End the day with an evening experiencing the traditional style of authentic Dalmation Peka, a method of cooking which takes three hours cooking over coals and embers under an iron bell. With a reservation at Konoba Dubrava, located 20 minutes up Srd Hill from the old town, one must order the PEKA dish in advance. A tour and demonstration of the cooking process is included on request.

Spend an afternoon at Lokrum Island. Reachable by public ferry, this natural oasis is just a short 15 minute boat ride from the old port in Old Town. Pack a picnic or dine at the restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the olive groves, woods, and monasterial grounds of the island.

Choose from a variety of rock beaches for swimming in the pristine water. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, visit the exhibit inside the 11th century Benedictine Monastery, which was used to film many scenes in the popular series, and get a chance to sit on a replica of the Iron Throne.

Travel to Hvar Island, located by ferry three hours from Dubrovnik. After settling into your hotel:

• Stroll through Hvar Town’s palm-lined promenade and lively harbor.

• Hike up to the Fortica Fortress for sweeping views of the town and Pakleni Islands.

Choose from a variety of activities for a full day of exploration:

• Spend the day on a boat excursion to the Pakleni Islands, swimming in crystal-clear coves.

• Savor local wines and olive oils on a countryside vineyard tour near Jelsa.

• Rent a car to drive around the island. Visit Stari Grad and the lavendar fields, best viewed during June when the lavendar is in full bloom.

Ferry to Split, your pick-up point for your car rental.

Choose an afternoon in Split to visit the Diocletian Palace or drive right to Sibenik, your destination for the next two nights.

• Wander the stone alleys of Šibenik’s Old Town, less crowded but full of charm.

• Marvel at the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO-listed Renaissance masterpiece.

• End your day with a night-time stroll along the waterfront and enjoy small plates and cocktails at one of the many bars and cafes.

Choose an excursion for your second day.

• Take a short drive to Krka National Park to see waterfalls you can swim beneath.

• Travel by boat to St. Nicholas Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique arrowhead-shaped sea fortress has stood guard at the St. Anthony Channel entry into Sibenik since the 1500s and is credited for defending and preserving Sibenik through the centuries.

Drive inland to the Lika region, where you’ll spend the night before your day at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Depending on your departure time, choose to visit the fairy village of Rastoke on this day or save it for tomorrow when you depart for your final stop. For your evening’s enjoyment, choose a local traditional Barbecue restaurant, partaking in a meal of Bear Steak or Bear Goulash. Afterwards, marvel at the millions of stars overhead, as the Lira region of Croatia is one of the best places to view the Milky Way and the Constellations due to its lack of light pollution. A stay at the Lyra hotel even comes with a telescope upon request!

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park. The best time to enter is first thing in the morning, before the crowds. Start at Entrance 1, where the largest waterfalls are located and where most of the tour buses of people will end. That way you have the park largely to yourself for the very beginning of your exploration.

• Explore the Plitvice Lakes National Park, with 16 turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks.

• Take a boat ride across Kozjak Lake, surrounded by emerald forests.

• Visit both Upper and Lower Lakes to experience the full magic of the park.

• Unwind at your countryside hotel or enjoy a hearty local dinner of roast lamb or trout.

Drive 2.5 hours to Zagreb for your departure flight home. Along the way, stop in Rastoke. Known as the fairyland village, this town is built upon a series of waterfalls. Here you can dine in a cafe or BBQ restaurant built directly above the fairy-like landscape.

Continue to Zagreb. If you have an early morning flight, option to stay overnight in Zagreb.