A Week Along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar in 7 days — ferry timing, which Game of Thrones spots matter, and the single best day trip.
Croatia's Dalmatian coast is the Mediterranean 20 years ago. Here's the 7-day plan.
Days 1-3: Dubrovnik
Fly into Dubrovnik. Stay OUTSIDE the old town walls — inside is expensive and loud at night. Lapad or Pile Gate neighborhood.
Day 1: Walk the city walls (€35). 2-hour loop, go at 8 AM opening or after 6 PM for shade and cooler temps.
Day 2: Cable car up Mount Srd (€27 round trip) for the panorama. Game of Thrones filming locations tour (€35) if you're a fan. Lokrum Island afternoon ferry (€27 round trip).
Day 3: Day trip to Montenegro (Kotor, Budva — €65 tour) OR Bosnia (Mostar, €55 tour). Both cross borders — bring passport.
Day 4: Ferry to Split
Jadrolinija catamaran (4.5 hours, €35) or Kapetan Luka (5 hours, €40). Book 2 weeks ahead in peak season.
Arrive Split afternoon. Diocletian's Palace — the old town IS the palace. Walk it in the evening.
Days 5-6: Split + Hvar day trip
Day 5: Diocletian's Palace thorough walk. Cathedral tower climb (€10, great view, 180 stairs). Marjan Hill hike for sunset (free, 45 min each way).
Day 6: Hvar Island day trip (1 hour catamaran, €30). Hvar Town is pretty, Stari Grad is prettier and older. Pakleni Islands boat tour for beaches.
Or stay overnight in Hvar — more relaxed pace.
Day 7: Plitvice Lakes day trip (OR fly home)
Plitvice is a 2.5-hour drive from Split. Day trip tours cost €80-100 and are long days (10 AM leave, 8 PM return).
Alternative: Krka National Park is only 45 min from Split. Similar waterfalls, you can swim (Plitvice you can't), €15 entry.
Cost (2 people, 7 days, shoulder season)
- Flights US: $800-1,200
- Accommodation: €90/night × 6 = €540
- Food: €55/day × 7 = €385
- Sights + ferries: €400 for 2
- Day trips: €170
Total: $2,500-2,900 with international flights.
Peak summer (July-August) adds 40-60% on accommodation and jams the old town to tourist-trap levels. May-June and September are vastly better.
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