Croatia is where limestone streets meet the Adriatic’s deep blues, a coastline braided with islands and history. The Romans stamped their legacy on Split; Ragusan merchants made Dubrovnik a maritime powerhouse. Today, both cities feel like open-air museums with living neighborhoods, markets, and coves that locals still claim at sunset.

In 2023 Croatia adopted the euro and entered the Schengen Area, making border crossings within most of Europe easier. Expect Mediterranean flavors—grilled Adriatic fish, olive oil, Pag cheese, and Dalmatian prosciutto—alongside Ottoman echoes like ćevapi. Coffee culture is strong; people linger on terraces to watch the harbor drift by.

This 7-day itinerary focuses on two cities to minimize transit and maximize immersion. You’ll walk the legendary City Walls, climb a bell tower above a Roman emperor’s palace, hike to sea-view lookouts, and day trip to waterfalls. Plan to arrive in Dubrovnik on Day 1 afternoon and depart from Split on Day 7 afternoon for a smooth flow.

How to get there and around

• Flights to Dubrovnik (DBV) or Split (SPU): Search Europe-bound options on Omio (Flights). If you’re starting outside Europe, also compare on Kiwi.com.
• Between cities: The most reliable year-round option is the intercity bus (about 4–4.5 hours, €18–30). Book on Omio (Buses in Europe). Seasonal catamarans (spring–fall) may appear on Omio (Ferries).

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” rose as the Republic of Ragusa, trading across the Mediterranean from within its stone defenses. Walk its City Walls and you’ll trace centuries of storms—human and otherwise—buffeted by cerulean seas. Filming sites made it pop-culture famous, but tucked lanes still hum with neighborhood life.

Top sights include the 13th-century Franciscan Monastery with one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, the Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace, and Fort Lovrijenac facing the open sea. For views, ride the cable car to Mount Srđ or climb the walls themselves at golden hour when the tiles burn copper.

• Stay: Browse apartments and stays on VRBO Dubrovnik or hotels on Hotels.com Dubrovnik. Specific picks: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (iconic sea views near Ploče Gate), Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik (resort amenities in Babin Kuk), budget-friendly Hostel Angelina Old Town.
• Eat and drink: Proto Fish (since 1886) for Dalmatian seafood; Kopun on Jesuit Stairs for traditional capon; Taj Mahal for Bosnian ćevapi and somun bread; local favorite Pantarul in Lapad for seasonal plates. Coffee at Cogito or Glam Café; sunset drinks at the cliffside Buza (seasonal).

Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik

Afternoon: Land at DBV. Airport shuttle to Pile Gate takes ~30 minutes (around €10) or taxi/ride-hail ~€30–40. Check in and take a gentle orientation stroll along Stradun, the marble main street. Peek into the Franciscan Monastery’s pharmacy (apothecary since 1317).

Evening: Dinner at Kopun by the baroque stairs—order pašticada (slow-braised beef) with gnocchi or the namesake capon. Cap the night with Croatian wines at D’Vino Wine Bar or a gelato at Peppino’s in the Old Town.

Day 2: City Walls, Old Town masterpieces, and Mount Srđ

Morning: Walk the City Walls when they open to beat crowds and heat (allow 1.5–2 hours; adult ticket about €35). Photogenic stops include the Bokar–Lovrijenac outlook and the terracotta rooftop sea of the Pustijerna quarter.

Afternoon: Explore Rector’s Palace (mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque) and the Cathedral treasury. Grab a casual lunch at Barba (octopus burger or fried calamari in a cone) or a slice at Pizzeria Tabasco near the walls.

Evening: Ride the cable car up Mount Srđ (round-trip roughly €27–30; weather dependent) for sunset over the Elaphiti Islands. Dine al fresco back in town at Proto—try black risotto or grilled Adriatic sea bass with Swiss chard and potatoes.

Day 3: Forts, kayaks, and hidden lanes

Morning: Visit Fort Lovrijenac (your walls ticket often includes a discount/entry; check current combo details). Then slip into side streets by Gundulić Square to browse the morning market—pick up fig cakes and lavender sachets.

Afternoon: Sea-kayaking tour beneath the walls (typical 2–3 hours, ~€35–45) circles Lokrum and offers stellar angles of the battlements. If seas are rough, substitute with the Dominican Monastery museum and more time wandering the quieter Ploče quarter.

Evening: Dinner at Taj Mahal (order the Genghis Khan platter for sharing). For music, Troubadour often hosts live jazz. If it’s in season (usually spring–autumn), consider a quick late-day boat over to Lokrum for peacocks, botanic paths, and cliff views; check last-return times.

Split

Split grew around Emperor Diocletian’s 4th-century retirement palace—a walled Roman city whose colonnades, temples, and basements became homes, cafés, and ateliers. Today’s Peristyle is still a stage, where klapa singers echo off ancient stone and espresso cups punctuate the day.

Beyond the palace, the Riva promenade faces the harbor, Marjan Hill lifts you to pine-scented vistas, and beaches dot the rim from Bačvice’s sandy shallows to Kašjuni’s pebbly cove. Day trips fan out to Trogir, Krka waterfalls, and islands when ferries are frequent.

• Stay: Explore stays on VRBO Split or Hotels.com Split. Specific picks: Hotel Park Split (historic grand dame by Bačvice), Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split (sea views, pool), budget Design Hostel Goli & Bosi.
• Eat and drink: Villa Spiza for market-driven Dalmatian dishes; Bokeria Kitchen & Wine for modern Mediterranean; Konoba Fetivi for grilled fish and “gregada”; quick bites at Kantun Paulina (ćevapi). Coffee at D16 or Kava; pastry stops at Bobis. Cocktails on the Riva or craft beer at Leopold’s.

Day 4: Travel to Split and Diocletian’s Palace

Morning: Depart Dubrovnik by bus to Split via the Pelješac Bridge (no Bosnia border hop anymore). Expect 4–4.5 hours and €18–30; book on Omio (Buses). Grab seats on the right side for Adriatic views.

Afternoon: Check in, then enter Diocletian’s Palace through the Bronze Gate from the Riva. Wander the vaulted basements (great in hot or rainy weather), then surface to the Peristyle—columned Roman courtyard that’s still the city’s lounge.

Evening: Dinner at Villa Spiza (arrive early; blackboard menu changes with the market). Post-dinner gelato at Luka Ice Cream & Cakes, then a harbor stroll along the Riva’s palms.

Day 5: Towers, markets, and Marjan Hill

Morning: Climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Domnius (built from Diocletian’s mausoleum) for red-roof panoramas. Breakfast bites at the Green Market (Pazar)—try a warm burek and seasonal fruit—and espresso at D16.

Afternoon: Walk or e-bike into Marjan Park. Stop at the Vidilica viewpoint for coffee and views, then descend to Kašjuni Beach for a dip if weather allows. Alternatively, pop into the Meštrović Gallery to meet Croatia’s great sculptor.

Evening: Book a table at Konoba Fetivi for grilled Adriatic fish, blitva (Swiss chard and potatoes), and a carafe of local Pošip. Nightcap at Leopold’s or Charlie's Bar in the palace lanes.

Day 6: Krka National Park day trip (waterfalls and boardwalks)

Full day: Bus from Split to Skradin (about 1.5 hours, €10–15; reserve on Omio). From Skradin, a park boat (seasonal) or shuttle takes you to Skradinski buk, where wooden paths lace emerald pools and cascades. Entry varies by season (~€7–40). Have lunch in Skradin—try a slow-cooked Skradin risotto if on offer, or grilled trout. Return to Split by early evening.

Seasonal note: In winter, some boats don’t run; park shuttles and select trails remain open. If waterfalls aren’t your style, substitute with a Trogir half-day and beach time.

Day 7: Trogir, beach time, and departure

Morning: Optional side trip to UNESCO-listed Trogir (35–45 minutes by bus; tickets on Omio). Stroll the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and climb the Kamerlengo Fortress for harbor views. If you’re staying in Split, enjoy a late breakfast on the Riva at Brasserie on 7 or brunch at Fig Split.

Afternoon (departure): Pack and head to Split Airport (SPU)—about 30 minutes by taxi or airport bus. For flights onward in Europe use Omio (Flights); if your next leg is outside Europe, compare on Kiwi.com.

Practical bites

• Costs to expect: City Walls ~€35; Dubrovnik cable car ~€27–30; St. Domnius tower ~€10–15; intercity bus €18–30.
• Timing tips: Start walls early; book dinners Thursday–Saturday. Ferries and some venues are seasonal (roughly April–October).
• Cards vs cash: Cards widely accepted; carry small change for markets and kiosks.

In one week you’ll have lived inside two storybook cities—one a merchant republic behind walls, the other a living Roman palace. Between seafood, sunsets, and stone, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast makes good on every postcard.