10 Days in Croatia: Split and Dubrovnik's Old Town

Split, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia — trip snapshot
Tatyana Peshkova (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Split· 5dDubrovnik· 5d
Customize this tripFree
Length
10 days
Cities
2
Trip cost
USD 2,386
Pace
Relaxed
Stops
28
Highlights

Diocletian's Palace · Saint Domnius Cathedral · Forest Park Marjan · Dubrovnik Cathedral · Walls of Dubrovnik · Fort Lovrijenac

Back to Itineraries
10-day Croatia itinerary map: Diocletian's Palace, Forest Park Marjan, Fish Market

10-day Croatia trip — Split to Dubrovnik. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.

Split and Dubrovnik anchor a trip around the Adriatic, trading the manicured squares of Zagreb or inland plains for Roman ruins and limestone sea walls. You get the grit of Diocletian's Palace and the sheer defensive scale of Dubrovnik's fortifications rather than the Alpine forest themes found in a Ljubljana plus Lake Bled route. This pairing is built for travelers who want centuries of maritime power mapped directly onto current coastline living.

Split

Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace

Day 1 · Ancient Roman Historic Sites

Bene Beach

Bene Beach

Day 2 · Coastal Beaches

Galerija Umetnina

Galerija Umetnina

Day 4 · A Local Art Gallery and Cultural Space

Marjan viewpoint

Day 2 · Scenic Nature and Viewpoints

Veli Varos

Day 2 · A Hidden Gem Neighborhood Walk

Dubrovnik

Walls of Dubrovnik

Walls of Dubrovnik

Day 7 · Medieval Fortifications

Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.

Split and Dubrovnik enjoy long, sun-drenched summers that are ideal for coastal life, though the afternoons grow intense and demand plenty of shade. Winter brings damp, quiet days with a sharp chill, making the shoulder months of spring and autumn the best time to explore the stone alleys without the crowds.

Best time to go: May, June, September, and October

Best: May, Jun, Sep, OctShoulder: Apr, Jul, AugQuieter: Mar, NovHardest: Jan, Feb, Dec
The whole year

Split

Average weather in Split by month
MonthHighLowRainy daysSunrise – sunset
Jan53°F / 12°C42°F / 6°C (cold)117:24 AM – 4:43 PM
Feb56°F / 14°C45°F / 7°C (cold)106:53 AM – 5:24 PM
Mar60°F / 16°C47°F / 8°C (cold)96:06 AM – 6:00 PM
Apr67°F / 19°C53°F / 12°C86:12 AM – 7:37 PM
May75°F / 24°C61°F / 16°C85:30 AM – 8:11 PM
Jun85°F / 30°C (hot)69°F / 21°C55:12 AM – 8:36 PM
Jul90°F / 32°C (hot)74°F / 23°C35:27 AM – 8:32 PM
Aug90°F / 32°C (hot)74°F / 23°C35:59 AM – 7:57 PM
Sep80°F / 27°C66°F / 19°C76:33 AM – 7:04 PM
Oct71°F / 22°C59°F / 15°C87:08 AM – 6:11 PM
Nov63°F / 17°C53°F / 12°C136:47 AM – 4:29 PM
Dec56°F / 14°C46°F / 8°C (cold)117:20 AM – 4:18 PM

Dubrovnik

Average weather in Dubrovnik by month
MonthHighLowRainy daysSunrise – sunset
Jan53°F / 12°C42°F / 6°C (cold)127:15 AM – 4:38 PM
Feb56°F / 13°C45°F / 7°C (cold)116:44 AM – 5:18 PM
Mar59°F / 15°C47°F / 8°C (cold)106:00 AM – 5:53 PM
Apr66°F / 19°C53°F / 11°C96:06 AM – 7:29 PM
May74°F / 23°C60°F / 16°C105:25 AM – 8:02 PM
Jun83°F / 28°C68°F / 20°C65:09 AM – 8:26 PM
Jul87°F / 31°C (hot)73°F / 23°C45:23 AM – 8:23 PM
Aug88°F / 31°C (hot)73°F / 23°C45:54 AM – 7:49 PM
Sep79°F / 26°C65°F / 18°C96:27 AM – 6:57 PM
Oct71°F / 22°C58°F / 14°C87:00 AM – 6:05 PM
Nov64°F / 18°C53°F / 12°C126:39 AM – 4:24 PM
Dec57°F / 14°C46°F / 8°C (cold)117:10 AM – 4:14 PM
|
Open Full Route in Maps
Note
Arrival day — activities start after landing, customs, and hotel check-in. The schedule is lighter to account for travel fatigue.
Highlight of the Day
Diocletian's Palace and Saint Domnius Cathedral
  1. Morning

    8:00 AM - Arrive at Split Airport (SPU)· 1 hr

    USD 40 (~EUR 36)
    Arrive at Split Airport (SPU)
    Kucharek 08:43, 7 October 2006 (UTC) (Public domain)

    Arrive at SPU. Take the airport shuttle bus to Split city center (~30 min, $8) or a taxi (~30 min, $40) to reach your hotel.

  2. Afternoon

    12:00 PM - Lunch: Soparnik in Green Market· 1 hr

    USD 6 (~EUR 5)
    Soparnik
    Popo le Chien (CC0)
    Iconic dish

    Experience local culture at the Green Market. Try a traditional Soparnik, a savory swiss chard pie baked under embers.

    Often found around Pazar Green Market

    Typical USD 2-6 (~EUR 2-5)

  3. 1A

    1:30 PM - Diocletian's Palace· 4 hrs

    FREE
  4. Evening
    1B

    5:30 PM - Saint Domnius Cathedral· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 8 (~EUR 7)
  5. 7:30 PM - Dinner: Crni rizot in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 20 (~EUR 18)
    Crni rizot
    Photo by Adriano Bragi on Pexels
    Iconic dish

    Enjoy traditional black risotto, made rich with local cuttlefish ink, at a cozy venue in the palace walls.

    Typical USD 12-20 (~EUR 11-18)

🏨

Where to Stay Tonight

Old Town Split
· Staying within the palace walls places you in the center of history and near all major sites for easy walking access.
Note
This day involves significant walking through the forested hills of Marjan. Wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water for the steep sections.
Highlight of the Day
Forest Park Marjan and Bene Beach
  1. Morning
    2A

    9:00 AM - Forest Park Marjan· 3 hrs

    FREE
  2. Afternoon

    12:30 PM - Lunch: Salata od Hobotnice in Matejuska· 1 hr

    USD 15 (~EUR 13)
    Salata od Hobotnice
    Haydn Blackey from Cardiff, Wales (CC BY-SA 2.0)
    Iconic dish

    Enjoy a fresh octopus salad at the historic harbor area where local fishermen dock.

    Typical USD 8-16 (~EUR 7-14)

  3. 2B

    2:00 PM - Bene Beach· 3 hrs

    FREE
    Doubles back across the city — check the order
  4. Evening
    2C

    5:30 PM - Marjan viewpoint· 1 hr

    FREE
  5. 7:30 PM - Dinner: Sardine na gradele in Veli Varos· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 12 (~EUR 11)
    Iconic dish

    Sample charcoal-grilled Adriatic sardines in the charming narrow alleyways of Veli Varos.

    Often found around Matejuska

    Typical USD 5-10 (~EUR 4-9)

Staying at Old Town Split since Day 1

Note
Expect significant walking throughout the day across stone surfaces and hillside paths. Wear sturdy footwear for the Marjan trails.
Highlight of the Day
Peristil and Park Šuma Marjan
  1. Morning
    3A

    9:00 AM - Fish Market· 1 hr

    FREE
    Closes 1 PM · 4h here
  2. 3B

    10:30 AM - Peristil· 1 hr 30 min

    FREE
  3. Afternoon

    12:30 PM - Lunch: Pasticada in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 22 (~EUR 20)
    Pasticada
    Popo le Chien (CC0)
    Iconic dish

    Enjoy this classic Dalmatian slow-cooked beef stew with gnocchi, a traditional Sunday specialty, in the quiet alleys of the Old Town.

    Typical USD 14-25 (~EUR 12-22)

  4. 3C

    2:00 PM - Park Šuma Marjan· 3 hrs

    FREE
  5. Evening
    3D

    5:30 PM - Vidilica Viewpoint· 1 hr

    FREE
  6. 7:30 PM - Dinner: Pršut i Sir in Veli Varos· 1 hr

    USD 15 (~EUR 13)
    Pršut i Sir
    young shanahan from Bratislava, Slovakia (CC BY 2.0)
    Iconic dish

    Dine on authentic air-dried Dalmatian ham and Pag sheep cheese paired with local bread at a traditional tavern in this historic fishermen's quarter.

    Typical USD 7-15 (~EUR 6-13)

🏨

Where to Stay Tonight

Old Town
· Staying within the historic walls keeps you steps away from the morning market and the evening atmosphere of the Riva, making this an ideal central base for all historical activities.
Highlight of the Day
Galerija Umetnina and Kasjuni Beach
  1. Morning
    4A

    10:00 AM - Galerija Umetnina· 2 hrs

    USD 5 (~EUR 4)
    Closed on Monday
  2. Afternoon

    12:00 PM - Lunch: Crni Rizot in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 22 (~EUR 20)
    Crni rizot
    Photo by Adriano Bragi on Pexels
    Iconic dish

    Enjoy traditional black cuttlefish risotto prepared with ink and locally caught Adriatic seafood.

    Typical USD 12-20 (~EUR 11-18)

  3. 4B

    2:00 PM - Kasjuni Beach· 3 hrs

    FREE
    Doubles back across the city — check the order
  4. Evening
    4C

    5:30 PM - Stjepan Koncar Promenade· 2 hrs

    FREE
  5. 8:00 PM - Dinner: Brujet in Veli Varos· 1 hr

    USD 25 (~EUR 22)
    Brujet
    Beabrun (CC BY-SA 4.0)
    Try the dish
    Brujet

    Sample a classic Dalmatian fish stew served with polenta in a quiet traditional neighborhood alleyway.

Staying at Old Town since Day 3

Note
You will be walking over 8 km today; wear sturdy shoes for the forest trails in Park Suma Marjan.
Highlight of the Day
Park Suma Marjan and Diocletian's Cellars
  1. Morning
    5A

    9:00 AM - Park Suma Marjan· 3 hrs

    FREE
  2. Afternoon

    12:30 PM - Lunch: Poisson Grille in Veli Varos· 1 hr

    USD 22 (~EUR 20)
    Poisson Grille
    Syced (CC0)
    Try the dish

    Enjoy a fresh charcoal-grilled catch of the day at a small, family-run konoba in the historic Veli Varos district.

    Typical USD 20-35 (~EUR 18-31)

  3. 5B

    2:00 PM - Diocletian's Cellars· 2 hrs

    USD 8 (~EUR 7)
  4. 5C

    4:30 PM - Bacvice Beach· 2 hrs 30 min

    FREE
  5. Evening

    7:30 PM - Dinner: Pastica in Radunica· 1 hr 15 min

    USD 25 (~EUR 22)
    Pastica
    Popo le Chien (CC0)
    Try the dish
    Pastica

    Savor traditional slow-cooked beef stew in the quiet, atmospheric streets of the old Radunica district.

Staying at Old Town since Day 3

Note
This is a transit day with a 4.5 hour bus trip. Book your coastal bus ticket in advance to secure a seat on the ocean side.
Highlight of the Day
Green Market (Pazar) and Dubrovnik Cathedral
  1. Morning
    6A

    9:00 AM - Green Market (Pazar)· 1 hr

    USD 5 (~EUR 4)
  2. 11:00 AM - Inter-city transfer to Dubrovnik· 4 hrs 30 min

    USD 25 (~EUR 22)
    Overlaps the next activity — check the time

    Scenic bus journey along the Dalmatian coast with Adriatic vistas

  3. Afternoon

    1:30 PM - Lunch: Prsut sandwich in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 10 (~EUR 9)
    Prsut sandwich
    Photo by rajdeepcraft on Pexels
    Try the dish
    Prsut sandwich

    Casual bite featuring locally cured Dalmatian ham on crusty bread

  4. 6B

    3:30 PM - Dubrovnik Cathedral· 1 hr 30 min

    FREE
    Closes 7 PM · 3.5h here
  5. Evening

    7:30 PM - Dinner: Riblja Platata in Old Town· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 45 (~EUR 40)
    Try the dish

    Feast on a platter of freshly grilled Adriatic seafood

    Typical USD 35-60 (~EUR 31-54)

🏨

Where to Stay Tonight

Old Town
· Staying within the city walls keeps you steps away from the historic sites and the harbor, essential for maximizing your time on a transit day.
Note
Expect significant sun exposure and steep stone stairs while walking the city walls.
Highlight of the Day
Walls of Dubrovnik and Fort Lovrijenac
  1. Morning
    7A

    9:00 AM - Walls of Dubrovnik· 3 hrs

    USD 35 (~EUR 31)
  2. Afternoon

    12:30 PM - Lunch: Uštipci in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 10 (~EUR 9)
    Uštipci
    Milovan Antonić (CC BY-SA 4.0)
    Try the dish

    Enjoy warm fried dough balls with salty cheese in a quiet courtyard.

    Typical USD 4-7 (~EUR 4-6)

  3. 7B

    2:00 PM - Fort Lovrijenac· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 15 (~EUR 13)
  4. 7C

    4:00 PM - Plaža Sveti Jakov· 2 hrs

    FREE
  5. Evening

    7:30 PM - Dinner: Rožata in Old Town· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 30 (~EUR 27)
    Rožata
    Bonč (Public domain)
    Iconic dish

    Dine on fresh Adriatic catch followed by the traditional local custard dessert.

    Typical USD 5-8 (~EUR 4-7)

Staying at Old Town since Day 6

Note
The boat to Lokrum Island departs from the Old Town harbor. Wear comfortable shoes for the hilly terrain on the island.
Highlight of the Day
Lokrum Island and the views from the Dubrovnik Cable Car
  1. Morning
    8A

    9:00 AM - Lokrum Island· 2 hrs 40 min

    USD 25 (~EUR 22)
  2. 8B

    11:45 AM - Sponza Palace· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 10 (~EUR 9)
    Closed on SundayCloses before activity ends (verified)
  3. Afternoon

    1:15 PM - Lunch: Priganice od Ribe in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 20 (~EUR 18)
    Priganice od Ribe
    Milica Buha (CC BY-SA 4.0)
    Try the dish
    Priganice od Ribe

    Enjoy fresh fried fish bites in a quiet alley within the city walls.

  4. 8C

    4:30 PM - Dubrovnik Cable Car· 1 hr

    USD 30 (~EUR 27)
  5. Evening

    7:30 PM - Dinner: Pašticada in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 25 (~EUR 22)
    Pašticada
    Popo le Chien (CC0)
    Iconic dish

    Savor traditional slow-cooked beef stew at a local dining spot.

    Typical USD 14-25 (~EUR 12-22)

Staying at Old Town since Day 6

Note
Heavy walking day: the trail up to Mount Srd is steep and exposed to the sun; ensure you bring plenty of water.
Highlight of the Day
Rector's Palace and Mount Srd
  1. Morning
    9A

    9:00 AM - Saint Blaise’s Church· 1 hr 30 min

    FREE
    Closes 12 PM · 3h here
  2. Afternoon

    12:00 PM - Lunch: Crni Rizot in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 22 (~EUR 20)
    Crni Rizot
    Photo by Adriano Bragi on Pexels
    Iconic dish

    Enjoy a traditional squid ink risotto at a quiet tavern hidden in the stone alleys of the city center.

    Typical USD 12-20 (~EUR 11-18)

  3. 9B

    1:30 PM - Rector's Palace· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 15 (~EUR 13)
  4. 9C

    3:30 PM - Mount Srd· 2 hrs 30 min

    FREE
  5. Evening

    7:30 PM - Dinner: Brujet in Old Town· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 28 (~EUR 25)
    Brujet
    Beabrun (CC BY-SA 4.0)
    Try the dish
    Brujet

    Dine on a classic Dalmatian fish stew prepared with the freshest local catch and herbs.

Staying at Old Town since Day 6

Note
Departure day — activities end early to allow time for hotel checkout, airport transfer, and check-in. Pack the night before to maximize your morning.
Highlight of the Day
Banje Beach and Fortress Imperial
  1. Morning
    10A

    10:00 AM - Banje Beach· 2 hrs

    FREE
  2. Afternoon

    12:00 PM - Lunch: Zelena Menestra in Old Town· 1 hr

    USD 22 (~EUR 20)
    Zelena Menestra
    Photo by Veronika Benz on Pexels
    Try the dish
    Zelena Menestra

    Hearty cabbage and smoked meat stew served at a local tavern.

  3. 10B

    1:30 PM - Fortress Imperial· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 10 (~EUR 9)
  4. 3:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min

    FREE

    Return to the hotel to finish checkout and retrieve stored luggage.

  5. 4:00 PM - Depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)· 1 hr 30 min

    USD 45 (~EUR 40)

    Private transfer to the airport for the evening flight departure.

Staying at Old Town since Day 6

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Food, shopping & festivals

Top 10 dishes to try

Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.

Split

Soparnik
Market
2

Soparnik

Day 1 · lunch

Sardine na gradele
3

Sardine na gradele

Day 2 · dinner

Pršut i Sir

Pršut i Sir

Day 3 · dinner

Salata od Hobotnice

Salata od Hobotnice

Day 2 · lunch

Crni rizot

Crni rizot

Days 1, 4, and 9

Pasticada
3

Pasticada

Days 3 and 8

Where to eat · Gruz Market, Pazar, Diocletians Palace, Matejuska, Old Town
  • Gruz Market · Dubrovnik — Fresh local produce, regional honey, and handmade snacks like ustipci.
  • Pazar · Split — The citys main outdoor market where locals buy fresh produce, local cheeses, and warm soparnik.
  • Diocletians Palace · Split — Dense clusters of taverns serving traditional seafood and grilled meats within ancient stone walls.
  • Matejuska · Split — Historic harbor area where you can eat simple grilled sardines and drink beer while watching local fishermen.
  • Old Town · Dubrovnik — Historic restaurants serving traditional Dalmatian stews and seafood platters.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
Meal times
Lunch is the main meal for many locals, happening between 1 PM and 3 PM. Dinner is a late affair starting after 8 PM.
Tipping
Leave a small tip of 5-10 percent at sit-down restaurants. It is not required at casual coffee shops.
Water
Tap water in Split is safe and clean. Carry a reusable bottle to fill at the many public fountains in the city.
Vegetarian
Vegetarians should look for chard with potatoes, grilled vegetables, and pasta with tomato sauces. Ask if dishes are prepared with lard if you have strict requirements.
Payment
Cash is king in small konobas and market stalls. Have local currency ready, though major restaurants accept credit cards.
Etiquette
Coffee culture is central here. Expect to spend hours over one espresso at a cafe. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up to the nearest ten kuna or leaving 10 percent for good service is appreciated.

Top 10 souvenirs

Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.

Split

Dalmatian lavender oil
Market
2

Dalmatian lavender oil

Traditional Licitar heart

Traditional Licitar heart

Brac stone carvings
Artisan
3

Brac stone carvings

Croatian sea salt

Croatian sea salt

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Pharmacy Creams
3

Dubrovnik Pharmacy Creams

Maraschino Liqueur

Maraschino Liqueur

Where to shop · Gunduliceva Poljana, Pazar Market, Stradun
  • Gunduliceva Poljana · Dubrovnik — Dried fruits, local honey, and lavender bundles.
  • Pazar Market · Split — Local honey, dried figs, lavender, and seasonal fruits.
  • Stradun · Dubrovnik — Fine jewelry, linen clothing, and pharmacy products.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
Customs
Visitors can import reasonable quantities of items for personal use. Keep receipts for any antiques to prove they are not national treasures.
Tax refund
Non-EU residents can claim a tax refund on purchases over 100 EUR. Ask the shop for a Tax-Free form before leaving.
Payment
Cash is king in the markets, but credit cards are accepted in almost all boutiques and shops.
Bargaining
Bargaining is not expected in shops. In markets, stick to the price on the tag; it is already fair.

The big events across the year

Tap any photo for more photos and the story.

Croatian Statehood Day

May 30

May 30 marks Croatia's 1990 independence declaration. Main ceremonies at St. Mark's Square (Zagreb), military parade on Tkalčićeva, and free entry to national museums.

Ultra Europe

Jul 10 – 12

Major electronic music festival in the stunning Croatian coastal setting.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Jul 10 – Aug 23

Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day

Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day

Aug 5

Christmas
2

Christmas

Dec 25 – 26

Costs

Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 10 days

USD 2,386

Flights from your city not included.

Getting there and betweenUSD 30
  • Split → Dubrovnik · busUSD 30
AccommodationUSD 900
  • Split · 5 nights1 roomUSD 500
  • Dubrovnik · 4 nights1 roomUSD 400
Per room, per night. The total uses Comfortable.
CitySimpleComfortableUpscale
SplitUSD 60USD 100USD 140
DubrovnikUSD 60USD 100USD 140
ActivitiesUSD 376
  • Day 1 · Arrive at Split Airport (SPU)USD 80
  • Day 1 · Saint Domnius CathedralUSD 16
  • Day 4 · Galerija UmetninaUSD 10
  • Day 5 · Diocletian's CellarsUSD 16
  • Day 6 · Green Market (Pazar)USD 10
  • Day 7 · Walls of DubrovnikUSD 70
  • Day 7 · Fort LovrijenacUSD 30
  • Day 8 · Lokrum IslandUSD 50
  • Day 8 · Sponza PalaceUSD 5
  • Day 8 · Dubrovnik Cable CarUSD 39
  • Day 9 · Rector's PalaceUSD 30
  • Day 10 · Fortress ImperialUSD 20
FoodUSD 880
  • Split · 5 daysUSD 440
  • Dubrovnik · 5 daysUSD 440
Local transportUSD 200
  • Split · 5 daysUSD 100
  • Dubrovnik · 5 daysUSD 100

Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.

How we estimate costs

Money tips

  • Moderate -- budget 100 USD per night for hotels and 30 USD per day for food, but tourist zones like Dubrovnik can easily double those costs. Tap water is safe throughout Croatia.

  • Book intercity travel via the FlixBus app instead of ferry services where possible to save 30-50 USD per ticket between Split and Dubrovnik.

  • Eat your main meal at lunch to take advantage of set menus; look for spots in Split away from Diocletian Palace walls where prices drop by 20%.

  • Pay the 35 EUR entry fee for the Dubrovnik City Walls walk at 8am to beat the heat and cruise ship crowds; the light is better and the path remains clear.

  • Stick to public buses or the local Jadrolinija ferry routes instead of private boat transfers to keep your daily transport costs under 20 USD.

Before you go

Travel and stays

  • Flight into Split Airport (SPU)

    Day 1

  • Hotel in Split

    Nights 1–5 · Old Town Split · about USD 500 · Comfortable hotel range

  • Bus from Split to Dubrovnik

    Day 6 · Book 2 weeks ahead · about 4 hrs 30 min · about USD 30 · Book your tickets through the FlixBus or Arriva websites for the most reliable connection between cities.

  • Hotel in Dubrovnik

    Nights 6–9 · Old Town · about USD 400 · Comfortable hotel range

  • Flight out of Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

    Day 10

Book ahead · most urgent first

  • Restaurant reservations for fine dining in Old Town

    Day 9 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Popular restaurants near Rector's Palace and Stradun sell out for prime terrace seating nearly every evening; use platforms like TheFork or direct restaurant websites.

  • Dubrovnik City Walls access ticket

    Day 7 · Book 7 days ahead · Purchasing online via the official Dubrovnik City Walls website saves significant time at the entrance ticket booths which frequently experience long queues during the peak season.

  • Diocletian's Cellars guided tour

    Day 5 · Book 7 days ahead · While the palace grounds are open, the substructure cellars require a specific entry ticket. Booking a guided tour slot 7 days out ensures you bypass the general admission bottleneck.

  • Dubrovnik Cable Car round trip ticket

    Day 8 · Book 2 days ahead · Tickets are valid for any time on the selected date but booking online avoids the primary queue at the base station which can reach 60 minutes during sunset hours.

  • Lokrum Island ferry transfer

    Day 8 · Book 1 day ahead · Tickets are purchased at the Old Town port, but checking schedules 24 hours in advance is essential as departures are weather-dependent and subject to cancellation.

Route Overview

Travel tips

  • Carry your bags by hand in Dubrovnik Old Town; rolling suitcases on stone streets trigger a fine of 265 EUR.

  • Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls at 8am before the cruise ship crowds arrive at 10am.

  • Use the Jadrolinija website to book ferry tickets between Split and Dubrovnik 3 days before travel; weekend boats sell out.

  • Take the 20-minute ferry from Split to Supetar on Brac island to find beaches less packed than the mainland.

  • Wear rubber-soled shoes in Dubrovnik Old Town; the limestone streets are worn smooth and extremely slippery when wet.

  • Buy a Split City Museum pass for 15 EUR to access the Diocletian Palace basements and cathedral tower with one ticket.

  • Flag local blue taxis in Split; avoid the unmetered drivers waiting near the ferry terminal to prevent inflated rates.

Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline

Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet

Get EUR cash / a no-forex-fee card

Check visa requirements for Croatia

Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)

Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees

Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home

Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)

Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)

Wallet with ID and payment cards

Pen for arrival forms

Split takes the first five days because its sprawling, lived-in palace ruins require more walking and time to navigate before the heat settles in. The coastal transit on day 6 acts as a hard break, resetting your pace for the second half in Dubrovnik. By anchoring the final five days in the walled city, you transition from the intense, multi-layered history of Split into the more contained, singular fortification experience of Dubrovnik, leaving the last day for the harbor.

This plan prioritizes a dual-city immersion in Dalmatian history and shoreline access. It skips the Kornati Islands, where jagged karst peaks rise directly from the sea, and misses the Krka waterfalls, which offer a dense freshwater break from the salt air. This route is right for the visitor who wants two distinct urban centers with deep historical gravity; it is the wrong cut if your trip is truly about island hopping or remote national park wilderness.

Add two days to explore Korcula, a walled town on a peninsula that feels like a quiet, pine-scented echo of Dubrovnik. The signature experience here is renting a bicycle to navigate the stone alleys and vineyards that stretch toward the Adriatic.

Interest coverage

3 of 3 covered

Entry and safety

Visa & entryCroatia is part of the Schengen Area. US, UK, EU, and Australian travelers enjoy 90 days visa-free entry. Indian nationals require a Schengen visa. Ensure your passport remains valid for 6 months beyond your departure date.
US risk levelExercise normal precautionsUpdated May 17, 2026
Official adviceUS State Department · UK Foreign Office
EmergencyPolice 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112112 for all emergencies; 192 police, 194 ambulance and 193 fire also work

Money and tipping

Tipping: restaurants10% or round up
Tipping: taxisRound up
Tipping: hotels€1 per bag
CardsWidely accepted in tourist areas
ContactlessAvailable at larger establishments
CashCash useful at smaller restaurants and markets
Payment tipCroatia switched to EUR in 2023. Cards accepted at most tourist spots.

Plugs

PlugsType C, F230V · 50Hz

Staying connected

SIMPriceWhere to buy
Hrvatski Telekom10 EUR for 10 daysT-Mobile kiosks in ferry ports
A112 EUR for 15 daysTobacco shops or A1 branded stores

Croatian SIM cards work seamlessly across the EU with no roaming fees for residents, but buy a tourist-specific data SIM to avoid contract requirements.

About USD 2,386 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 10 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.

Most Western travelers can enter visa-free for 90 days. Indian and other non-Schengen citizens should check the official EU visa portal before booking.

Yes, both cities are very safe for solo travelers. Practice standard care with bags in crowded areas.

The official currency is the Euro. Carry small change for buses and local markets.

Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the total is a common practice for good service.

The catamaran ferry is the fastest and most scenic option at roughly 4.5 hours. Avoid buses during peak summer heat.

The Old Town streets are polished limestone and very slippery. Wear shoes with high traction.

Cruises arrive daily from May to October. Expect high density in the centers between 10am and 4pm.

Major restaurants and hotels accept cards, but keep cash for small cafes, stalls, and bakeries.

These 5 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary

Dalmatian Island Day Trips

Dalmatian Island Day Trips

e.g., Hvar Town, Bol

Adriatic Sea Exploration

Adriatic Sea Exploration

e.g., Old Town Harbor, Elafiti Islands

A Traditional Dalmatian Wine Bar

A Traditional Dalmatian Wine Bar

e.g., Zinfandel Food and Wine Bar, Diocletian Wine House

A Traditional Dalmatian Gastronomy Experience

A Traditional Dalmatian Gastronomy Experience

e.g., Proto Fish Restaurant, Restaurant Dubrovnik

A Local Artisan Workshop

A Local Artisan Workshop

e.g., Dubrovnik Ceramics Studio, Konavle Embroidery School

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