Roman emperors, seafaring republics, and limestone towns set the scene for a week in Croatia. This 7-day itinerary focuses on the Dalmatian Coast—splitting time between Dubrovnik and Split—so you can trace history from medieval ramparts to Diocletian’s 1,700-year-old palace. Expect a rhythm of stone lanes, Adriatic swims, convivial konobas, and café-culture mornings.

Did you know Croatia adopted the euro in 2023 and boasts over 1,200 islands? You’ll sample a few via catamaran and speedboat, sip local Plavac Mali wines, and wander UNESCO sites that feel like open-air museums. Summer buzz runs late into the night, while shoulder seasons offer warm seas and thinner crowds.

Practical notes: Tap water is safe; most places accept cards but keep some cash for small cafés and boat entrance fees. Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, water shoes for pebbly beaches, and a light layer for breezy crossings. For flights and intercity transport within Europe, use Omio for flights, trains, buses, and ferries.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” rose as a maritime powerhouse rivaling Venice. Its honeyed stone, terracotta roofs, and encircling walls create a cinematic skyline—no wonder filmmakers chose it as King’s Landing. Beyond the postcard panoramas lie swimming coves, wine bars in vaulted cellars, and hidden cliffside cafés.

• Top sights: City Walls, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery (with one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies), Lovrijenac Fortress, Mount Srđ viewpoints.
• Beach & sea: Banje Beach near Old Town, Sveti Jakov for calmer waters, kayak routes around Lokrum Island and hidden caves.
• Dining vibes: From Bosnian grills and classic seafood (black risotto, grilled Adriatic fish) to modern Mediterranean with local olive oils and herbs.

Where to stay (Dubrovnik): Browse stays on VRBO or Hotels.com. Specific picks: seafront icon Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (walk to Old Town), resort-style Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, family-friendly Valamar Club Dubrovnik, and budget-favorite Hostel Angelina Old Town.

Getting in: Fly into Dubrovnik Airport and transfer 30–40 minutes to the Old Town area. Compare options on Omio. Within the city, walk the Old Town and use local buses or taxis for beaches and viewpoints.

Day 1 – Arrive in Dubrovnik, settle into the Old Town

Morning: Travel day. Use Omio to find flights to Dubrovnik. If you arrive early, drop bags and grab an espresso at Cogito Coffee (specialty roaster tucked just off Stradun) or iced coffee at Glam Café.

Afternoon: Check-in, then start with the Stradun, Onofrio’s Fountain, and the Franciscan Monastery’s elegant cloister. For a light bite, try Boskarin prosciutto and Pag cheese at Skola or a warm burek from a local bakery.

Evening: Golden-hour stroll to the Old Port and Ploče Gate. Dinner at Proto Fish Restaurant (classic Dalmatian seafood—try the octopus salad and grilled sea bass) or Taj Mahal (Bosnian specialties; the cevapi and somun bread are beloved). Nightcap at D’vino Wine Bar to sample Plavac Mali from the Pelješac Peninsula.

Day 2 – City Walls, Game of Thrones sites, and sunset viewpoints

Morning: Walk the City Walls when they open to beat crowds and heat; the full circuit takes 1.5–2 hours with sweeping views over Lokrum Island and Fort Lovrijenac. Breakfast afterwards at Gradska Kavana Arsenal overlooking the harbor—order the poached eggs with truffles or a simple croissant and jam.

Afternoon: Step into King’s Landing with a guided experience:

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour

You’ll visit filming locations around the Old Town and Fort Lovrijenac while hearing behind-the-scenes stories. Post-tour, refuel at Lady Pi-Pi (grilled meats and seafood over charcoal; arrive early or expect a wait) or Azur (inventive Mediterranean-Asian small plates).

Evening: Take a quiet, eco-friendly ride to high viewpoints with:

E-Tuk Tuk Tour in Dubrovnik

It’s a relaxed way to see sunset over the walls and Lokrum without the crowds. For a dramatic toast, slip through the cliff gates to Buža Bar, a rock-perched spot above the Adriatic. Dinner in the Old Town at Kopun (roast capon and seasonal Dalmatian fare) or Nautika for a special-occasion terrace with fortress views.

Day 3 – Sea kayaking, swim coves, and island vibes

Morning: Paddle beneath the walls and around Lokrum on a guided excursion:

Dubrovnik: Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour

You’ll explore caves and swim in coves, with guides sharing local lore and maritime history. Grab a post-paddle snack at Barba (street-seafood—try the octopus burger) or fresh gelato at Peppino’s.

Afternoon: Beach time at Sveti Jakov (quieter, with a view back to the Old Town) or Banje (closer, with loungers and music). For lunch, Orsan by the marina serves superb seafood risotto and grilled calamari.

Evening: Sunset promenade along the Porat. Dinner at Restaurant Dubrovnik (creative takes on Adriatic classics) or Pantarul (seasonal local sourcing, casual-modern). If you crave one more island taste, consider an Elaphite preview tomorrow from Split—or simply enjoy an after-dinner stroll for rožata (Dalmatian custard dessert).

Split

Split is a living Roman palace by the sea. Diocletian retired here in AD 305, and today cafés, homes, and boutiques fill his halls—a city within a palace within a city. Expect marble alleys, sunlit Riva promenade, and easy access to islands like Hvar, Vis, and Brač.

• Top sights: Diocletian’s Palace, Peristyle, Cathedral of Saint Domnius (climb the bell tower), Vestibule, Jupiter’s Temple, Marjan Hill lookout.
• Island-hopping: Blue Cave and Hvar day trips, the Pakleni Islands, Brač’s Zlatni Rat (via nearby Bol).
• Food scene: Coastal konobas, grill houses, market-fresh seafood, and a standout coffee-and-gelato culture.

Where to stay (Split): Search broad options on VRBO or Hotels.com. Great picks: heritage Hotel Park Split (near Bačvice Beach), seafront-resort style Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split, design-forward Goli & Bosi, and social-budget Hostel Split Backpackers.

Getting from Dubrovnik to Split (Day 4): Morning bus takes ~4.5 hours (≈$20–35) along the coast; book on Omio buses. In summer, a catamaran ferry runs ~4–4.5 hours; check times and fares via Omio ferries. Depart early to arrive by lunchtime.

Day 4 – Transfer to Split, Diocletian’s Palace revealed

Morning: Depart Dubrovnik by bus or ferry via Omio or Omio. Snack for the road: pick up a pastry and fruit before you go. Arrive in Split and check in.

Afternoon: Wander Diocletian’s Palace: the Peristyle’s colonnades, the Cathedral’s bell tower (panoramas worth the climb), and the atmospheric cellars. Coffee at D16 (third-wave espresso) and gelato at Luka Ice Cream & Cakes (pistachio and fig flavors are standouts).

Evening: Dinner at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine (Dalmatian-Med menu in a buzzy former hardware store; try tuna steak with capers) or Villa Spiza (tiny, daily-changing chalkboard—arrive early). Drinks at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar for a mellow, literary vibe or at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar with live music and Croatian flights.

Day 5 – Full-day Blue Cave & Hvar islands adventure

All-day tour (no need to split morning/afternoon/evening): Hop a speedboat to Vis and Hvar on this classic island-hopping day:

Blue cave, Mamma Mia and Hvar, 5 islands speedboat tour

Expect an early start (often 7:30–8:00 AM) and return around 6–7 PM. Highlights include the iridescent Blue Cave on Biševo (entrance fee ~€18–29, cash, seasonal), Stiniva Bay on Vis, the Blue Lagoon near Budikovac, and free time in Hvar Town. Bring swim gear, a hat, and a light jacket for the ride.

Back in Split, dine at Konoba Fetivi (family-run, known for brudet fish stew and grilled dorade) or Uje Oil Bar (olive-oil tastings, octopus salad, and handmade pasta). Night stroll along the Riva with a scoop from Gelateria Emiliana.

Day 6 – Trogir’s UNESCO lanes, Marjan views, and beach time

Morning: Take a bus or boat 35–45 minutes to Trogir via Omio buses or seasonal boats. Explore Kamerlengo Fortress, St. Lawrence Cathedral’s Romanesque portal, and the palm-lined waterfront. Brunch at Bepa! or pastries from local bakeries.

Afternoon: Return to Split for the beach: Kašjuni (scenic, backed by Marjan) or Bene (shaded pines, family-friendly). If you prefer a sand-and-shallow scene, Bačvice is classic. Grab a late lunch at Zrno Soli (sea-view plates; try the seafood risotto) by ACI Marina.

Evening: Hike or taxi to Marjan Hill for sunset over the islands. Dinner at Perivoj (local flavors in a historic villa garden) or Šug (Dalmatian comfort dishes—pašticada beef in prošek sauce). Drinks at Academia Ghetto Club (bohemian courtyard) or Leopold’s craft beer bar in the palace.

Day 7 – Market flavors and Roman ruins, then depart

Morning: Breakfast on the Riva at Brasserie on 7 (eggs Benedict or local prosciutto & cheese) and a quick browse of the Green Market (Pazar) for figs, cherries, and cheese. History lovers can add Klis Fortress (Game of Thrones location with sweeping views) and the nearby Roman ruins of Salona; buses available via Omio trains/buses search depending on the route.

Afternoon: Last seaside coffee, then depart for your flight or onward train/bus—compare options on Omio for flights and Omio for buses. Pick up a jar of local honey or a bottle of Dalmatian olive oil as a tasteful souvenir.

Evening: Travel home.

Food & drink cheat sheet (save for later):

• Dubrovnik: Proto (classic seafood), Taj Mahal (Bosnian grill), Lady Pi-Pi (charcoal grill), Azur (Med-Asian), Pantarul (seasonal local), D’vino Wine Bar (Croatian wines), Buža Bar (cliff bar), Cogito Coffee (specialty).
• Split: Bokeria (contemporary Dalmatian), Villa Spiza (tiny, daily menu), Konoba Fetivi (seafood), Uje Oil Bar (olive oil-forward), Zrno Soli (marina views), Brasserie on 7 (breakfast by the sea), D16 Coffee (third-wave), Luka Ice Cream & Cakes (artisan gelato), Marvlvs (jazz and books).

Booking quick links: For stays, compare in Dubrovnik on VRBO and Hotels.com or in Split on VRBO and Hotels.com. For transport, check Omio flights, Omio trains, Omio buses, and Omio ferries.

In one week you’ll scale medieval walls, boat to glowing sea caves, and dine steps from the Adriatic. Dubrovnik supplies the drama; Split brings Roman grandeur and island gateways—together they’re the perfect Dalmatian duet.