Croatia in 9 Days: 4 Recommended 9-day Itineraries to Croatia

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Croatia 9-day Itinerary Options
For those considering how long to spend in Croatia, our suggested 9-day itinerary provides a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this Adriatic gem. From the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to the stunning lakes of Plitvice and the vibrant streets of Split, you'll experience both iconic landmarks and charming hidden treasures. This thoughtfully curated journey ensures you savor rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes on your trip to Croatia. Check out our recommended Croatia 9-day itinerary suggestions below!
Itinerary #1: DELIGHTFUL ISLANDS OF CROATIA

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Split; explore Dalmatia's historic charm and diverse cultural influences. | Arrival and exploration | Split |
Day 2 | Take a ferry to Supetar, transfer to Bol; relax at Zlatni Rat beach. | Ferry and beach relaxation | Bol |
Day 3 | Explore Brac; hike Vidova Gora for panoramic views or visit Skrip and Pucisca for local history. | Hiking |
Brac |
Day 4 | Discover hidden spots on Brac, including Trolokve's natural pools and Pustinja Blaca Monastery. | Exploration | Brac |
Day 5 | Enjoy Zlatni Rat beach and explore Bol’s winding streets and historic buildings. | Beach exploration | Bol |
Day 6 | Travel to Hvar; experience the island's sunny ambiance and vibrant nightlife. | Nightlife exploration | Hvar |
Day 7 | Tour Hvar City; visit landmarks including the central square, Theater, and Cathedral of St. Stephen. | City sightseeing | Hvar |
Day 8 | Depart Hvar for Trogir; explore its medieval walls and historic buildings, including the Cathedral. | Historical exploration | Trogir |
Day 9 | Transfer to Split Airport for departure. | Departure |
Embark on a 9-day journey through Croatia’s stunning islands, starting in Split, a historic city that houses the magnificent Diocletian's Palace. Explore the sun-drenched beauty of Brac, where you can hike up to Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic, or relax on the world-famous Zlatni Rat beach. Then, sail to Hvar, Croatia’s most popular island, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, scenic vineyards, and fragrant lavender fields. Wander through Hvar Town’s medieval streets, discovering cultural treasures such as the 17th-century theater and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO heritage town of Trogir, marveling at its Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture before returning to Split for your departure.
Itinerary #2: Culture, Nature and Flavors of Croatia


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Zagreb, have a day at leisure, and enjoy dinner at a hotel. | Arrival | Zagreb |
Day 2 | Walking tour of Zagreb’s Upper Town; visit St. Mark’s Church and Parliament. | Walking tour | Zagreb |
Day 3 | Visit the Roman Colosseum in Pula, explore Rovinj, and enjoy a truffle tasting in Motovun. | Exploration | Motovun |
Day 4 | Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park; enjoy a boat ride on Emerald Green Lake "Kozjak". | National park exploration | Plitvice |
Day 5 | Explore Zadar’s Roman Forum, visit Sea Organs, and enjoy a wine tasting in the Dalmatian Hinterland. | City sightseeing and wine tasting | Zadar |
Day 6 | Tour Split’s Diocletian Palace and Trogir’s UNESCO-listed historic sites and palaces. | Historical exploration | Split |
Day 7 | Visit a winery near Ston for a Plavac Mali wine tasting; continue the journey to Dubrovnik. | Winery visit | Dubrovnik |
Day 8 | Explore Dubrovnik’s medieval ramparts, stroll along Stadrun, and enjoy the vibrant Old Town. | City sightseeing | Dubrovnik |
Day 9 | Depart from Dubrovnik and transfer to the airport for your flight back home. | Departure |
Discover the most captivating destinations of Croatia in 9 days with this guided tour spanning from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Start in Zagreb, where you'll discover its rich history and vibrant culture. Travel to Opatija, renowned for its stunning Kvarner Bay, and continue to Istria to marvel at the ancient Roman Colosseum in Pula and enjoy truffle tasting in Motovun. Experience the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes, complete with emerald-green lakes and tumbling waterfalls. In Zadar, explore historic landmarks and unique Sea Organs before heading to Split and Trogir, where you'll delve into ancient Roman architecture and UNESCO-listed heritage sites. Savor Dalmatian wines and local cuisine along the way. Your journey culminates in Dubrovnik, exploring its medieval charm and scenic Old Town.
Itinerary #3: BEST OF BALKANS

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Dubrovnik, meet your group, and enjoy a welcome dinner. | Arrival | Dubrovnik |
Day 2 | Guided tour of Dubrovnik's Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain, and city walls. | Sightseeing | Dubrovnik |
Day 3 | Visit Kotor and take in the Old Town and the scenic views as you travel around Montenegro. | Exploration | Kotor |
Day 4 | Arrive in Sarajevo to explore cultural diversity and optional traditional Bosnian dinner experiences. | Cultural exploration | Sarajevo |
Day 5 | Guided tour of Sarajevo’s Old Town, visit the largest mosque and the Eternal Flame memorial. | City sightseeing | Sarajevo |
Day 6 | Visit Mostar, explore Stari Most, and witness the city’s revival post-Bosnian War. | Exploration | Mostar |
Day 7 | Scenic drive along the Adriatic coast to Split; tour the Old Town and see Diocletian's Palace. | Scenic drive and city sightseeing | Split |
Day 8 | Free day in Split for exploration, optional trips to Dalmatian islands, or wine tasting. | Leisure day | Split |
Day 9 | Departure from Split, reflect on the rich history and beauty of the Balkans before bidding farewell. | Departure |
This itinerary takes you through the stunning landscapes and rich cultural histories of Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Explore Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and limestone streets, then travel to Montenegro's UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor. Experience the multicultural charm of Sarajevo, known as the 'Jerusalem of Europe,' with guided visits to its synagogues, mosques, and churches. Discover Mostar’s Ottoman-style bridge and the remarkable resilience of its people. Conclude your 9 days in Croatia tour in Split, where you’ll explore Diocletian's Palace and marvel at the blend of ancient Roman and Gothic architecture.
Itinerary #4: Highlights of Croatia and Slovenia


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Dubrovnik, pick up the rental car, and check into the hotel; explore Dubrovnik at leisure. | Arrival | Dubrovnik |
Day 2 | Visit the Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, and other historical sites in Dubrovnik. | City sightseeing | Dubrovnik |
Day 3 | Drive to Split, and explore Diocletian's Palace, Jupiter's Temple, and the historic inner city. | City sightseeing | Split |
Day 4 | Explore Trogir, then travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park for a walking tour of the terraced lakes. | Walking tour | Plitvice |
Day 5 | Travel to Opatija, then visit Postojna Cave by electric train and continue to Bled. | Cave exploration | Bled |
Day 6 | Explore Bled, visit Bled Castle, and optionally visit Lake Bohinj. | Exploration | Bled |
Day 7 | Travel to Ljubljana, explore Central Market, Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Ljubljana Castle. | City sightseeing | Ljubljana |
Day 8 | Arrive in Zagreb, and explore the Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, Cathedral, and other historical sites | Sightseeing | Zagreb |
Day 9 | Depart from Zagreb. | Departure |
This itinerary takes you through the stunning landscapes and rich cultural histories of Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Explore Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and limestone streets, then travel to Montenegro's UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor. Experience the multicultural charm of Sarajevo, known as the 'Jerusalem of Europe,' with guided visits to its synagogues, mosques, and churches. Discover Mostar’s Ottoman-style bridge and the remarkable resilience of its people. Conclude your 9 days in Croatia tour in Split, where you’ll explore Diocletian's Palace and marvel at the blend of ancient Roman and Gothic architecture.
Need help planning a 9-day itinerary to Croatia?
Spending 9 days in Croatia is the perfect way to fully experience the country's diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This extended itinerary allows you to explore Croatia's must-see destinations while venturing off the beaten path for a deeper, more immersive adventure.
To make your trip seamless, consider booking a packaged tour or consult with our travel experts in Croatia to craft a customized trip to Croatia. For more inspiration and travel tips, check out our articles on the top things to do in Croatia, the best time to visit, and how many days to spend in Croatia. If you have a slightly different timeframe, check our guide for 8 days in Croatia and 10 days in Croatia.