Clients often ask me to sketch out exactly what a week in Croatia should look like. Here's the itinerary I come back to again and again — one that balances history, sailing, and island time without ever feeling rushed.

Days 1–2: Dubrovnik

Start in Dubrovnik and give yourself a full two days here — one to walk the complete circuit of the Old City walls (best done at golden hour), and one to explore beyond them. Take the cable car up Mount Srđ for a sweeping view over the terracotta rooftops, and spend an evening at a konoba tucked into the Stradun's side streets for fresh seafood and local Plavac Mali wine.

Days 3–4: Sailing to Korčula and Hvar

This is where Croatia becomes unforgettable. Charter a boat — a gulet or a private yacht, depending on your group — and spend two days island-hopping. If you'd rather join a fully organized voyage, our exclusive Croatia yacht charter does exactly this for you. Stop in Korčula, Marco Polo's reputed birthplace, to wander its miniature old town, then continue to Hvar for lavender fields, hidden coves only reachable by water, and some of the best sunset views in the Adriatic.

Day 5: Hvar Town

Give Hvar a full day of its own. Hike up to the Spanish Fortress in the morning for panoramic views before the heat sets in, then spend the afternoon at a beach club in the Pakleni Islands. By evening, Hvar's harbor comes alive — this is the night to book a table somewhere with a view of the boats coming in.

Days 6–7: Split & Diocletian's Palace

End your week in Split, one of Europe's most unusual cities — a 1,700-year-old Roman palace that locals have built their homes and businesses directly into. Wander the labyrinthine passageways, then take a day trip to Krka National Park for waterfall-fed swimming pools, or to the ancient walled town of Trogir just up the coast.

A Few Notes From Experience

• →Book the boat charter well in advance during peak summer months — the best captains and yachts sell out early.
• →Give yourself buffer time between the sailing leg and your flight home; Adriatic weather can occasionally shift plans by a day.
• →If your group is more nightlife-oriented, add an extra night in Hvar. If it's more history-focused, add it to Dubrovnik or Split instead.

Explore More Croatia Guides

• →Croatia Travel: The Complete Guide — Our master guide covering regions, seasons, food, and logistics for planning your Croatia trip.
• →Croatia Travel Guide: The Adriatic's Most Dazzling Destination — In-depth destination guide to the Dalmatian Coast, islands, and inland national parks.

Croatia has a way of rearranging your sense of what a coastline can look like. If you'd like help building this itinerary — or adjusting it for your group's pace — I'm happy to put together a version suited to exactly how you like to travel.

— Lura