10 Days Italy, Slovenia & Croatia Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day journey through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, experiencing iconic cities, stunning coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. This trip balances exploring historical landmarks with enjoying local cuisine and soaking in the unique atmospheres of each destination.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1500-2500
Best Time
Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities
60
Daily Avg
USD200/day
Cities
Venice (2d), Trieste (1d), Ljubljana (2d), Zagreb (2d), Split (2d), Dubrovnik (1d)
Pace
Fast
This itinerary offers a fantastic blend of Italian romance, Slovenian charm, and Croatian coastal beauty. The proximity of these countries allows for a diverse cultural experience within a relatively short timeframe, making it ideal for a multi-country adventure.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Site
Day 2: Doge's Palace
Coastal Walk
Day 9: Riva Promenade Stroll
Local Market Visit
Day 7: Dolac Market
Boat Trip
Day 4: Prešeren Square & Triple Bridge
Wine Tasting
e.g., Prosecco region near Venice, Slovenian wine region Brda
Museum Visit
Day 7: Museum of Broken Relationships
Traditional Cuisine
Day 3: Trying Štruklji in Ljubljana
City Views
Day 10: Walk the City Walls
Cafe Culture
Day 10: Lunch near Pile Gate
Swimming
e.g., Beaches near Split, Banje Beach in Dubrovnik
Architecture
Day 4: Prešeren Square & Triple Bridge
Evening Stroll
Day 9: Riva Promenade Stroll
Italian cuisine is world-renowned, while Slovenia offers hearty Alpine fare with Balkan influences, and Croatia boasts fresh seafood along its Adriatic coast. Expect regional variations and a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients in all three countries. Be prepared to indulge in pasta, seafood, and delicious pastries!
Must-Try Dishes
A classic Neapolitan pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Simple yet delicious, it represents the colors of the Italian flag. The quality of ingredients is key.
📍 Pizzerias in Naples or any reputable pizzeria throughout Italy
Creamy rice dish cooked with broth, butter, and parmesan cheese. Variations abound, from saffron risotto (Risotto alla Milanese) to seafood risotto. Look for regional specialties.
📍 Restaurants in Milan or Venice, specializing in local cuisine
Rolled dough filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as cottage cheese, apples, or walnuts. It can be boiled, baked, or fried. A comforting and traditional dish.
📍 Traditional Slovenian restaurants (Gostilna) or cafes in Ljubljana
A custard and cream cake from Bled, consisting of a crispy layer of puff pastry, a thick layer of vanilla custard, a layer of whipped cream, and another layer of puff pastry, dusted with powdered sugar. A must-try dessert.
📍 Confectioneries and cafes in Bled, especially at Hotel Park
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its traditional Roman cuisine and lively atmosphere.
Known for its seafood restaurants and historic setting.
Known for its traditional Croatian restaurants and charming cobblestone streets.
Known for its alternative scene and unique food options.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in tourist areas. Vegan options are less common but can be found in larger cities with some research. Gluten-free pasta is available in most Italian restaurants. Communicate your dietary needs clearly to the waitstaff. Halal options may be limited, especially outside of major cities. Kosher food is very difficult to find.
In Italy, it's customary to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service (5-10%). In Slovenia and Croatia, tipping is also not mandatory but is a common practice (5-10%). It's polite to say 'Dober tek' (Slovenian) or 'Dobar tek' (Croatian) before a meal, which means 'Enjoy your meal'.
Venice Carnival (Italy)
FebruaryMajor festival with parades, costumes, and events. Expect large crowds and higher prices.
Ljubljana Wine Route (Slovenia)
May-OctoberOpen wine cellars in Ljubljana offering tastings and local products.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Croatia)
July-AugustA celebration of theatre, music, and dance in the historic city of Dubrovnik.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take Vaporetto line 12 from Venice to Burano (approx. 45 minutes).$30
12:00 PM - Lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero
Enjoy a traditional Venetian lunch with seafood specialties.
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- 🚶Walking around the island.FREE
02:00 PM - Burano Island Visit
Explore the colorful houses of Burano, a charming island known for its lacemaking.
Book on Klook - 🚶Vaporetto line 12 to Venice, then change to line 1 or 2 to Rialto.$8
04:30 PM - Vaporetto Ride to Rialto Bridge
Take a scenic Vaporetto ride back to Venice and admire the city from the water.
- 🚶Walking distance from the Vaporetto stop.FREE
05:30 PM - Rialto Bridge & Market
Explore the Rialto Bridge and the surrounding market area.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walking distance from Rialto bridge$50
07:30 PM - Dinner at Osteria Alle Testiere
Enjoy a delicious Venetian dinner at a highly-rated osteria.
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- 🚶Start near Rialto bridge$80
09:30 PM - Gondola Ride (Optional)
Experience a romantic gondola ride through the canals.
Cannaregio
Less crowded than San Marco, with authentic Venetian charm and good access to transportation.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Expect mild temperatures and sunny days. Occasional rain showers are possible, especially in the mountains. Pack layers to adjust to changing conditions.
Spring and Autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds compared to the summer peak season.
Check for national holidays as they can impact opening hours and transportation schedules.
Getting Around
Trenitalia/Italo high-speed rail; metros in Rome, Milan, Naples
City-specific metro cards
Book Frecciarossa trains early for best prices. Validate bus/tram tickets before boarding!
Travel
USD 200-400 (trains, buses, ferries)Accommodation
USD 50-100 per night (mix of hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels)Food
USD 30-50 per dayActivities
USD 150-300 (tours, entrance fees)Opt for buses over trains where possible, as they are often cheaper.
Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses for budget-friendly options.
Eat at local restaurants and markets for affordable and authentic meals.
- Pack light to make navigating train stations and cobblestone streets easier.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Italian, Slovenian, and Croatian.
- Book accommodation and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Take advantage of local public transportation to save money.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially near the coast.
- Carry a universal adapter for your electronics.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and protect your belongings.
- Download offline maps and translation apps for easy navigation.
- Check visa requirements before traveling.
- Purchase a local SIM card or international data plan to stay connected.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Light layers of clothing
- 3Rain jacket
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5Sunscreen
Flights & Key Inter-city Trains/Buses
Book 3-6 months in advance for best prices, especially during peak season and for popular routes like Venice-Florence or Ljubljana-Dubrovnik.
Accommodation
Secure 3-6 months ahead, especially for popular destinations (e.g., Venice, Rome, Lake Bled, Dubrovnik, Split) and peak travel times.
Popular Museum/Attraction Tickets
Book 1-3 months in advance (e.g., Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Uffizi Gallery, Doge's Palace, Plitvice Lakes National Park) to guarantee entry, timed slots, and skip-the-line access.
Rental Car (if road-tripping)
Book several months ahead, especially if needing an automatic transmission or traveling during peak season. Check for vignette requirements (Slovenia) and cross-border fees.
Travel Insurance
Purchase as soon as your first non-refundable deposit is made to cover unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Schengen Visa (if required)
Apply well in advance (3+ months) if your nationality requires a Schengen visa for entry into the EU.
eSIM/SIM Card
Purchase an eSIM online before departure, or plan to buy a physical SIM upon arrival at an airport or official provider store to ensure immediate connectivity.
Popular Tours (e.g., Pompeii, Cinque Terre, Dubrovnik walking tours)
Book 1-2 months ahead to ensure availability, especially for small group, niche, or high-demand tours.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Vodafone stores at airports or city centers in Italy
📍 T-Mobile stores in Croatia, often available at airports
📍 Travel WiFi website, delivered to your hotel or airport pickup
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Many cities also offer free public WiFi hotspots, but security may be a concern. Quality and speed can vary.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM for convenience upon arrival. Check roaming charges with your current provider. Download offline maps and language packs for areas with limited connectivity. Be mindful of data usage when streaming videos or downloading large files. Consider a VPN for added security on public WiFi networks.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
Three round pins in a row
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Coperto (cover charge) is standard; rounding up is appreciated
Round up to nearest euro
€1–2 per bag
Coperto covers bread/service. Extra tipping is not expected but appreciated.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
113
118
115
112 for European emergency number. Carabinieri: 112
Payments
Cash useful at trattorias and small shops
Accepted at most restaurants and shops
Growing rapidly
Legally, all businesses must accept cards. Still carry some cash for gelaterias and market stalls.
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How was this itinerary?
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are ideal due to pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer is hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and rainy.
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