18 days in Croatia Itinerary

Zagreb boasts a combination of Austro-Hungarian and Socialist architecture, but it is beloved for its outdoor cafe culture.

Zagreb is known for museums, historic sites, fun & games, nightlife, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: see the interesting displays at Museum of Broken Relationships, stroll the grounds of Mirogoj Cemetery, don't miss a visit to Tkalciceva, and browse the fresh offerings at Dolac Market.

To find photos, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Zagreb visit planner .

Phoenix, USA to Zagreb is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of flight and shuttle. Traveling from Phoenix to Zagreb, you'll lose 8 hours due to the time zone difference. Prepare for much colder weather when traveling from Phoenix in October: high temperatures in Zagreb hover around 62°F and lows are around 45°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Rovinj.

Istria's most popular coastal city, Rovinj blends a traditional fishing port with a modern seaside getaway.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Mon): wander the streets of Old Town, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Euphemia, then get to know the fascinating history of Port of Rovinj, and finally partake in some friendly competition at Truffle Hunting. Here are some ideas for day two: get to know the fascinating history of Eufrazijeva Street, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Euphrasius Basilica, then contemplate the long history of Porec Old Town, then explore the ancient world of Amphitheatre de Pula, and finally relax in the rural setting at Chiavalon Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

For reviews, photos, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Rovinj road trip site .

Traveling by car from Zagreb to Rovinj takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Zagreb in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Rovinj, with lows of 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) early enough to drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site, showcases 16 crystalline lakes connected by waterfalls.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Wed): admire the sheer force of Veliki Slap and then explore the striking landscape of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

For photos, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Plitvice Lakes National Park holiday site .

You can drive from Rovinj to Plitvice Lakes National Park in 3.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) so you can take a bus to Skradin.

Skradin is a small town in the Šibenik-Knin County of Croatia, with a population about 3,986 . On the 15th (Thu), learn about winemaking at Ante Sladic Vino and then explore the striking landscape of Krka National Park.

To find photos, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Skradin road trip planning website .

Traveling by bus from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Skradin takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 70°F in October, and nighttime lows around 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Split.

Experience an authentic Adriatic lifestyle in Split, the largest city along the sea's coast.

Split is known for historic sites, wildlife, parks, nightlife, and adventure. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the ancient world of Palazzo di Diocleziano, look for gifts at Filigran Split, look for all kinds of wild species at Marjan Park, and steep yourself in history at Old Split.

To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Split trip tool .

Traveling by car from Skradin to Split takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 70°F, and evening lows to 55°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can go by car to Hvar.

The Croatian island of Hvar serves as a picturesque location for a Mediterranean holiday, with a range of offerings from quiet coves to a lively medieval town.

Hvar is known for adventure, nightlife, nature, beaches, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take some stellar pictures from Spanjola, admire the striking features of Franciscan Monastery, step off the mainland to explore Scedro, and do a tasting at Tomic Winery.

To find photos, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Hvar road trip planner .

Traveling by car from Split to Hvar takes 1.5 hours. In October, plan for daily highs up to 72°F, and evening lows to 59°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to travel to Dubrovnik.

Along the Dalmation Coast, the city of Dubrovnik has become famous for its pedestrian-only Old Town surrounded by fortress walls, and its historical heft has earned it World Heritage Site status.

Go for a jaunt from Dubrovnik to Cavtat to see Cavtat Old Town about 34 minutes away. There's lots more to do: wander the streets of Old Town, head off the coast to Island of Lokrum, explore the galleries of Upper Corner Tower Foundry Museum, and don't miss a visit to Pile Gate.

To see reviews, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Dubrovnik journey planner .

Ride a ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Expect a daytime high around 70°F in October, and nighttime lows around 56°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can travel back home.