Croatia: Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Arrive in Zagreb at any time. The city's core is compact, making it easy to get your bearings with a short walk. Drop your bags and head out to explore the street art scene, a prominent feature of the urban landscape, before finding a spot for dinner in the capital.

The morning begins with a two-hour overland journey south from Zagreb, covering the 132km to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a network of 16 interconnected lakes and over 90 waterfalls. Spend the afternoon exploring the trails that weave through the forest and along the crystal-clear water. The day ends with a short drive to a hotel near the park for the night.

A multi-stop day heading towards the coast. The first leg is a 120km drive to Zadar for a walking food tour. The route winds through the historic city centre, past the Sea Organ and Roman Forum, ending in a secluded 16th-century garden for a tasting of Dalmatian food and local wines. From Zadar, it's another 76km to Krka National Park. A moderate 4km hike on dirt and paved paths follows the Krka River, culminating at the Skradinski Buk waterfall. The day concludes with a final 50km drive to the coastal city of Šibenik.

Today is a full-day excursion into the Šibenik archipelago. Board a local ferry first to the island of Prvić to explore its old town on foot. A second ferry connects to the nearby island of Zlarin, which has been populated since ancient times. There's free time to find lunch and explore its 17th-century churches and chapels, with views across the Adriatic. Return by ferry to Šibenik in the afternoon for a walk through its own old town before an evening at leisure.

The journey continues south along the coast with a 90-minute drive to Split. The city's main attraction is its compact, walkable old town, built within the walls of the Roman emperor Diocletian's Palace. An orientation walk covers the main sights, including the Riva promenade. After free time for lunch and further exploration, the day ends with another 90-minute drive down the coast to the city of Makarska, arriving in the late afternoon.

A full free day in Makarska to relax or explore the surrounding riviera. Options are varied: take a public ferry to the nearby island of Brač for the day, book a local tuk-tuk tour for a different perspective on the coast, or find a zip-lining course in the neighboring town of Tucepi. Otherwise, the local beaches offer a straightforward way to spend the day.

Head south from Makarska, stopping first at Uvala Bistrina, a small bay with a long tradition of oyster farming. A walk along the bay leads to a rustic tasting spot for fresh oysters, wine, and a lunch made from local products. The next stop is the town of Ston, home to the 'Great Wall of Europe.' There's time to walk a section of the 5.5km defensive walls, which offer views of the town and mountains. The day ends with the final drive into Dubrovnik.

The day is dedicated to exploring Dubrovnik. A morning orientation walk winds through the old city, from the main gate down the Stradun, passing the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Lovrijenac Fort. The walk includes a stop at Maritimo Recycling, an initiative where artists turn plastic waste recovered from the Adriatic Sea into new products. The afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, with options like a sea kayak excursion around the city walls or simply finding a quiet café.

The trip concludes in Dubrovnik. There are no planned activities, leaving the day free for packing and onward travel. Depart at any time.