Hotel Recommendations

• Zadar:

  • Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala - Picturesque peninsula resort with multiple lodging options:

    • Family Hotel Diadora -Ideal for families, kids’ club includes rock climbing.

    • Hotel & Spa Iadera -Croatia’s largest spa with luxurious treatments and hammam.

    • Residences Senia -Holiday flats with private terraces and sea views.

• Split:

  • Villa Split Heritage Hotel -Central location, boutique charm.

  • Vestibul Palace -Classic Split Old Town experience, steps from Diocletian’s Palace.

• Hvar:

  • Palace Elisabeth Hotel -Luxury beachfront stay.

  • Maslina Resort - Elegant boutique retreat.

• Dubrovnik:

  • Hotel Bellevue - Cliffside hotel with stunning Adriatic views.

  • Hotel Excelsior - Iconic luxury with Old Town access.

Day 1: Arrival in Zadar

• Morning/Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Zadar, pick up your rental car, and drive to Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala.

  • Check into your preferred accommodation (Family Hotel Diadora, Hotel & Spa Iadera, or Residences Senia).

  • Explore the resort, relax by the pool, stroll along the beach, or enjoy the spa.

• Evening:

  • Dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants with stunning Adriatic sunset views.

Day 2: Zadar Old Town

• Morning: Relax at the resort’s pool or beach.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Zadar Old Town, see the Sea Organ and Roman Forum, stroll down Kalelarga.

• Dinner:

  • Enjoy traditional Dalmatian cuisine at 4 Kantuna.

• Evening:

  • Watch the sunset at Riva and the Greeting to the Sun art installation.

Day 3: Zadar → Krka National Park → Split

• Morning: Drive through the Croatian countryside to Krka National Park.

• Afternoon:

  • Explore waterfalls, wooden walkways, and scenic trails.

  • Lunch in Skradin, riverside town.

• Evening:

  • Continue south to Split, check into Villa Split Heritage Hotel or Vestibul Palace.

  • Evening stroll along the Riva, enjoy local cafés and sunsets.

Day 4: Split

• Morning: Private tour of Diocletian’s Palace.

• Lunch: Bokamorra -Renowned for delicious pizza and lively atmosphere.

• Afternoon: Relax at Plaža Ježinac beach.

• Dinner: Leonis - Fresh seafood cooked to your choice.

• Insider Tip: Cars cannot enter Split’s Old Town; plan drop-off and walking routes.

Day 5: Split → Hvar

• Morning: 50-minute ferry to Hvar. Check into Palace Elisabeth or Maslina Resort.

• Afternoon: Lounge at Beach Club Hvar.

• Evening:

  • Explore Stari Grad Plains (UNESCO World Heritage).

  • Wine tasting stop at local Hvar wineries.

  • Dinner at Antika in Stari Grad.

  • Optional nightlife: bars on the Riva, or Carpe Diem nightclub boat party.

Day 6: Hvar

• Morning: Hike to Fortica Fortress for panoramic views.

• Brunch: Fig Hvar - diverse menu and local specialties.

• Afternoon: Leisure time at the beach or resort.

• Dinner: Grande Luna or Restaurant Stajun for local cuisine.

Day 7: Hvar → Dubrovnik

• Morning: 3-hour ferry to Dubrovnik. Check into Hotel Bellevue or Hotel Excelsior.

• Afternoon: Relax at Banje Beach.

• Evening:

  • Walk Dubrovnik Old Town Walls, take photos.

  • Drinks at Buza Bar.

  • Dinner at Gradska Kavana Arsenal.

• Insider Tip: Choose early morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise crowds.

Day 8: Dubrovnik

• Morning: Explore Old Town Dubrovnik or ride the cable car to Mount Srđ for views and cocktails.

• Alternative: Boat tour to Elaphiti Islands or a day trip to Ston for oysters.

• Dinner: Vapor (Michelin-recommended) at Hotel Bellevue.

Day 9: Dubrovnik → Mostar → Dubrovnik

• Morning: Full-day excursion to Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • Cross multiple border checkpoints (passport required).

  • Scenic drive through mountains and rivers.

• Afternoon: Explore cobbled streets, Ottoman quarter, bazaars, and Stari Most.

  • Lunch at Hindin Han, riverside restaurant.

• Evening: Return to Dubrovnik, dinner at Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Café, sunset over Adriatic.

Day 10: Dubrovnik & Departure

• Morning: Early visit to Lokrum Island - meet peacocks, explore gardens, swim in Dead Sea.

• Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in Dubrovnik Old Town.

• Departure: Return to hotel to prepare for transfer to airport.

Top Dining & Insider Tips for Croatia Road Trip

Zadar

• Dining Highlights:

  • 4 Kantuna -Traditional Dalmatian cuisine in Old Town.

  • Riva - Perfect for sunset cocktails and casual bites.

• Insider Tips:

  • Stop at the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun for unique art and music experiences.

  • The Old Town streets are best explored on foot; wear comfortable shoes.

Krka National Park

• Dining Highlights:

  • Skradin Riverside Restaurants - Fresh fish, local specialties, and riverside ambiance.

• Insider Tips:

  • Wooden walkways can be slippery; bring sturdy shoes.

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the waterfalls.

Split

• Dining Highlights:

  • Bokamorra - Excellent pizza in a lively atmosphere.

  • Leonis -Choose your fresh seafood from the market for dinner.

• Insider Tips:

  • Cars are not allowed in Old Town; plan drop-off and walking routes.

  • Sunset along the Riva promenade is a must-see.

Hvar

• Dining Highlights:

  • Antika - Stari Grad restaurant with Mediterranean specialties.

  • Fig Hvar -Perfect brunch spot with diverse menu.

  • Grande Luna / Restaurant Stajun -Local cuisine and seafood.

• Insider Tips:

  • Hike to Fortica Fortress for panoramic views.

  • Enjoy Hvar nightlife: Carpe Diem boat parties and Riva bars.

  • Stop at local wineries for wine tastings -Hvar is famous for its vineyards.

Dubrovnik

• Dining Highlights:

  • Gradska Kavana Arsenal - Stunning views and seafood in Old Town.

  • Dubravka 1836 - Sunset dining with fresh seafood.

  • Vapor (Hotel Bellevue) -Michelin-recommended cuisine.

• Insider Tips:

  • Take early morning or late afternoon tours of the Old Town Walls to avoid cruise ship crowds.

  • Visit Lokrum Island for peacocks, gardens, and a peaceful swim in the Dead Sea.

  • Consider a cable car to Mount Srđ for breathtaking city views.

  • When visiting Mostar, bring your passport and plan for border checkpoints.