From fortress-capped Dubrovnik to Roman Salona in Solin and the amphitheater of Pula, this easygoing Croatia itinerary blends headline sights with local rhythms. You’ll wander medieval lanes, sip coffee with locals, boat to islands, and cool off in coves that glow Adriatic blue.

Croatia’s story stretches from Illyrians and Romans to Ragusan merchants and Venetian stonecutters. You’ll see it all: Dubrovnik’s city walls, Diocletian’s legacy near Solin, and Pula’s arena—a living postcard of the Roman Empire. Food is a highlight: Dalmatian seafood, Istrian truffles, olive oil, and wines like Plavac Mali and Malvazija.

Practical notes: the currency is the euro, tap water is safe, and tipping 5–10% is appreciated. Summer (May–September) is peak for boating and beaches; spring and fall are quieter and great for hiking. Bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, and carry your passport on any cross-border day trips.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik dazzles with marble streets, terracotta roofs, and ramparts that plunge into the sea. Once a maritime republic rivaling Venice, today it’s a UNESCO icon—and still full of local life if you know where to look.

• Top sights: City Walls, Stradun, Rector’s Palace, Fort Lovrijenac, cable car to Srđ for sunset.
• Beaches and bays: Banje, Sveti Jakov, Lapad sunsets; kayakers circle the city and Lokrum.
• Local flavor: early-morning produce at Gundulić Square market; seafood “marenda” lunches; clifftop Buža Bar at golden hour.

Where to stay (mid-range to budget-friendly): Browse apartments and seaside stays on VRBO Dubrovnik or hotels on Hotels.com Dubrovnik. For a relaxing vibe, aim for Lapad or Ploče; for photography, stay inside/near Old Town.

Getting to Dubrovnik: Fly into DBV (often via Zagreb or a European hub). Compare options on Omio (flights to Europe). If you’re already in Croatia or nearby, buses and seasonal ferries also show on Omio (buses) and Omio (ferries).

Day 1: Arrive and Ease into Old Town

Afternoon: Check in, freshen up, then stroll the Stradun to orient yourself. Pop by Onofrio’s Fountain and peep the Rector’s Palace courtyard. Coffee at Cogito in the Old Town—try a cold brew if it’s hot—then gelato at Peppino’s.

Evening: Sunset spritz at Buža Bar, carved into the cliffs. Dinner at Pantarul (modern Dalmatian, seasonal plates) or Taj Mahal (Bosnian comfort food; try the klepe). Night photography along the lantern-lit streets.

Day 2: Walls, Panoramas, and Seaside Flavors

Morning: Walk the City Walls at opening time for soft light and fewer crowds (allow 1.5–2 hours). Snack stop: a warm burek from a nearby pekara (bakery) and a fresh fig when in season.

Afternoon: Take a guided overview with the Dubrovnik City Tour: Panorama Drive & Sightseeing Walk for history and the best hilltop views.

Evening: Seafood by the harbor at Lokanda Peskarija (black risotto is a classic). If skies are clear, ride the cable car up Srđ for sweeping night views over the Adriatic.

Day 3: Elaphiti Islands Chill Day (Boat + Beaches)

Settle into island time on the Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks. Swim coves near Koločep, explore Šipan’s stone lanes, and laze on sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud. Lunch onboard keeps it easy, with time for snorkeling and photos.

Day 4: Kayak the Walls, Lokrum Green, Sunset Views

Morning: Paddle under the fortresses on the guided Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour—a gentle workout with standout angles for photography.

Afternoon: Ferry to Lokrum Island for botanical gardens, peacocks, and a dip in the “Dead Sea” lagoon. Picnic from the morning market or grab a simple island lunch.

Evening: Glide to hilltop viewpoints on an easy, eco-friendly E‑Tuk Tuk Tour at golden hour, then tuck into grilled plates at Lady Pi-Pi (go early to avoid queues).

Solin (Split-Dalmatia)

Solin is the quieter, local neighbor to Split, home to Salona—the ancient Roman capital of Dalmatia. It’s an ideal base for relaxed nights, with Split’s Riva promenade, islands, and Marjan Hill minutes away.

• Culture hits: Salona Archaeological Park, Klis Fortress (Game of Thrones scenery), Trogir’s UNESCO old town.
• Nature and beaches: Marjan trails, Kašjuni and Bačvice beaches; boat trips to Hvar, Vis, and the Blue Cave.
• Food scene: Split brims with konobas and markets—think fresh sardines, octopus salad, peka, and olive oil tastings.

Where to stay: Sleep peacefully in Solin on VRBO Solin or Hotels.com Solin. Prefer more nightlife? Pick Split Old Town and visit Solin by day.

Getting from Dubrovnik to Solin (Split): Morning buses take ~4.5–5 hours (€20–30) along the coast; compare departures on Omio (buses). In season, catamarans (~4.5 hours, ~€35) appear on Omio (ferries). Driving via the Pelješac Bridge is ~3–3.5 hours.

Day 5: Travel to Solin, Salona Ruins, and Sunset at Klis

Morning: Bus north to Split, short taxi or local bus to Solin, and check in. Grab a light lunch—try a marenda special (grilled fish or stew) at a local konoba in Solin.

Afternoon: Wander Salona Archaeological Park: basilicas, amphitheater, and city walls framed by mountains. History lovers can easily spend 2 hours here.

Evening: Head up to Klis Fortress for a panoramic sunset. Dinner near the sea in nearby Stobreč—Konoba Nikola is a splurge-worthy seafood classic; for budget bites, try grilled calamari or ćevapi along Split’s Riva.

Day 6: Foodie Split + Marjan Hill and Beach Time

Morning: Taste your way through the imperial city on the Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time—markets, bites, and stories around Diocletian’s Palace.

Afternoon: Coffee at D16 or Kava2, then a relaxed hike on Marjan Hill to the Telegrin viewpoint. Cool down with a swim at Kašjuni Beach.

Evening: Dinner ideas: Villa Spiza (daily chalkboard dishes), Uje Oil Bar (olive-oil-forward Dalmatian), or Kantun Paulina for a quick ćevapi. Gelato near the waterfront, then a slow Riva stroll with locals.

Day 7: Krka Waterfalls and Wine

Spend the day amid emerald cascades on the From Split: Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour. Boardwalks lead through lush scenery and old mills; the return includes local prosciutto, cheese, and wine—an easy-going classic Dalmatian day.

Back in Split, keep dinner casual at Konoba Fetivi (grilled fish, octopus salad) or a simple slice from Bokamorra Wood Oven Pizza & Cocktails.

Optional Bonus (fits Day 6 or a free morning): Trogir’s Stone Lace

Short on time but want one more gem? The Split and Trogir Half Day Tour adds UNESCO-listed Trogir—carved portals, palm-lined waterfronts, and great pastry shops.

Pula (Istria)

Pula pairs a lively port with an astonishing Roman amphitheater, atmospheric alleys, and a coastline of pine-fringed coves. The Istrian pantry—truffles, Malvazija wine, olive oil—shines in every meal.

• See and do: Pula Arena, Augustus Temple, Zerostrasse tunnels, markets, and boat days to Brijuni National Park.
• Beaches: Verudela peninsula, Hawaii Beach, Gortanova Uvala; day trips to Cape Kamenjak’s wild coves.
• Eat like a local: truffle pastas, “maneštra” stews, the catch of the day, and gelato under the Forum.

Where to stay: Search city apartments or seaside bases on VRBO Pula and Hotels.com Pula. Favorites: Park Plaza Histria Pula (resort feel), Arena Verudela Beach Apartments (great for longer stays), or budget-friendly Hotel Veli Jože.

Getting from Solin/Split to Pula: Easiest is a flight via Zagreb (~3.5–5 hours total, ~€90–160)—search on Omio (flights). Overland buses take ~9–11 hours (~€30–45) via Zadar/Rijeka on Omio (buses). Seasonal ferries may help connect parts of the route on Omio (ferries).

Day 8: Travel to Pula, Arena at Dusk, and Old Town Plates

Morning: Fly or bus to Pula and settle in near Verudela or the Forum. Light lunch at Kantina for Istrian pastas or a casual panino near the market.

Afternoon: Explore the Pula Arena—one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Continue to the Forum and Augustus Temple for time-layered stones and street music.

Evening: Dinner at Farabuto (seasonal seafood, book ahead) or Konoba Boccaporta (homestyle Istrian). Aperitivo at Cvajner Art Caffe on the square.

Day 9: Kayaks, Coves, and Dolphins at Sunset

Morning: Join the Pula Kayak Tour — Cliff jumping, snorkeling & free GoPro pictures for sea caves, clear water, and easy adventure.

Afternoon: Beach-hop the Verudela peninsula: Hawaii Beach’s turquoise pocket and Gortanova Uvala’s pine shade are ideal for a snoozy, relaxing vibe.

Evening: Cruise the Brijuni waters on a dolphin-and-sunset trip with dinner: Dolphin Watching & Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner and Drinks.

Day 10: Markets, Old Town Walk, and Departure

Morning: Start at Pula Market for fruit, cheese, and olive oils, then take a concise, insightful Pula 2 Hour Private Walking Tour to connect the dots—from Roman gates to Austro-Hungarian facades.

Afternoon: Depart from Pula Airport (PUY) or bus onward—check options on Omio (flights) and Omio (buses).

Optional Night Glow (if you have a late last evening)

For a unique after-dark experience, paddle clear-bottom kayaks with LEDs on the Transparent Kayak Night Glow Experience from Pula—a luminous finale.

Smart Budget Tips (for a mid-range vibe at Budget 50/100)

• Eat “marenda” (late-morning lunch specials) at konobas; it’s where locals go for value.
• Mix paid tours with self-guided beach and hill walks (Srđ, Marjan, Kamenjak trails).
• Use markets for picnic supplies and refill water at public fountains.
• Pick 2–3 big boat days total; add shorter, cheaper walking tours for context.

Ready to travel between cities? Use Omio (buses), Omio (trains) for inland routes, Omio (ferries) for island hops, and Omio (flights) for quick north–south jumps.

Across ten days, you’ll trace Roman stones, medieval walls, and crystalline bays—meeting locals over coffee and seafood and savouring island time on the water. This route keeps the pace relaxed while delivering Croatia’s greatest hits, from Dubrovnik’s ramparts to Istria’s sunsets.