Best 10 Day Itinerary For Croatia: Dubrovnik, Split + Beyond [+ Trip Costs]

Last Updated on 7 November 2022

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The best Dubrovnik to Split itinerary for 10 days…

Located in the Mediterranean with its postcard-perfect cities, tranquil islands, crystal clear waters, and awe-inspiring scenery, it’s a no wonder that Croatia is a magnet for travellers – it’s a country that’s quite frankly enchanting! And if you’re wondering where to go for 10 days in Croatia, then you’re in the right place! This 10 day itinerary for Croatia will take you to the jaw-dropping destinations of Dubrovnik and Split, and allow you to get a taste of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina on two of the best Balkan day trips from Dubrovnik! And, it really doesn’t have to break the bank – you can see the full breakdown of my unbelievable trip costs at the end of this post!

Itinerary overview: How many days in Dubrovnik and Split?

Know before you go

Always check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting to see if you will need a Visa to enter, and that you have enough validity left on your passport.

Always have a good level of travel insurance for every international trip. This is a non-negotiable part of any trip abroad, as the unexpected can happen.

What is the best currency to take to Croatia?

‘Can I use the Euro in Croatia’ I hear you ask? Well, the short answer is no. The currency of Croatia is the Croatian Kuna.

What is the best time to visit Croatia?

Typically, the best time to visit Croatia for warm weather is from May-October. I did this 10 day itinerary for Croatia in October and I found the weather to be beautifully dry and warm, but obviously it can vary.

Summertime in Croatia is peak season and although you can pretty much guarantee gorgeous weather in June, July and August, these are the busiest months. During this time, places such as Dubrovnik and Split can become very crowded, and prices are inflated. When I visited in October, Dubrovnik was still pretty busy, but Split was quieter!

So if you’d like to avoid floods of people and travel at a more budget friendly time of the year, but still want good weather, then either May or October may be the right month for you!

Tip: One of the best tips for how to travel cheap in Europe is to travel off peak. As a general rule, prices for accommodation and flights are lower during this time.

International departure: Day 1 of 10 day itinerary for Croatia

Day 1: Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport and transfer to Dubrovnik by shuttle bus. Once you arrive in the Old Town, walk or take a taxi to your accommodation in Dubrovnik. When you’ve settled in, perhaps go for a wander to orientate yourself and get your first glimpse of the enchanting Old Town, grab something to eat, or pop to the local grocery store to stock up on food for your stay! Retire to your bed for an early night, to sleep off the exhaustion of travelling, so you are well rested ready to begin your 10 day itinerary for Croatia!

Tip: There’s no need to get a taxi to Dubrovnik from the airport. There is an efficient airport shuttle bus which is much cheaper than getting a taxi or private transfer. It takes around 30 minutes and stops at Pile Gate in the Old Town. This service is provided by Platanus Agency, and tickets can be purchased online, at the airport or from the driver.

Dubrovnik: Day 2-5 of 10 day itinerary for Croatia

Game of Thrones fans assemble, because Dubrovnik is the real life Kings Landing. Located at the southern end of Croatia, Dubrovnik is the Dalmatian hotspot which should be on everyone’s bucket list for Europe. A completely mesmerising city encased in historic fortified walls and perched high above the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is an essential stop on any 10 day itinerary for Croatia. With marble streets, picturesque squares, narrow alleyways, burnt orange-roofed buildings and scenic surroundings, Dubrovnik is one of those summer European city break destinations which seems to perfect to be real. And as if the beauty of this enchanting city isn’t enough, it’s close proximity to bordering Balkan countries means you can add some international day trips on your 10 day Croatia itinerary too!

Tip: There are a lot of steps in Dubrovnik, especially in the areas outside of the Old Town (note: there are a fair few steps inside the Old Town too). So if you’ve booked accommodation outside of the Old Town, beware that it may be a steep climb disguised as flat one on the map!

Day 2 & 3: Spend days 2 and 3 of this 10 day itinerary for Croatia doing some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. The charm of Dubrovnik’s Old Town is bound to capture your imagination! Some of the absolute must-dos are walking around the City Walls as the sun begins to sink into the horizon, getting lost in the narrow lanes, wandering the City Harbour and visiting Fort Lovrijenac.

Tip: One of the top tips for visiting Dubrovnik is to consider staying in an apartment so you have your own cooking facilities for meal preparation. If you’re travelling on a budget, Dubrovnik can be expensive especially when eating out.

Day 4: Today, add a dose of Montenegro to your 10 day itinerary for Croatia. Most tours visit the stunning Old Town of Kotor and the quaint fishing village of Perast, where you will find the Island of St George and Our Lady of the Rocks. I did the Best of Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik with Amico Tours and they were friendly and faultless! Once you arrive back in Dubrovnik, head for dinner and soak up the warm atmosphere of the city at night with a cold Karlovačko (Croatian beer) in hand.

Tip: There are an abundance of tour operators who offer trips to neighbouring Balkan countries, which make for the perfect addition to your 10 day tour of Croatia! International day trips are an easy way to see more of the world when you don’t have much time!

Day 5: Rise and shine early bound for a day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most day trips from Dubrovnik to this Balkan beauty will stop at Kravice Waterfalls and the city of Mostar. The turquoise waters of Kravice Waterfalls are one of the natural wonders of Europe, where a crisp dip is an essential experience. And Mostar is one of the most unique places to visit in Europe, given its east meets west vibe. I did my day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina with Laus Travel, who I would highly recommend if you wish to take this day trip (which you should)!

Tip: You will need your passport when visiting Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina as this requires border crossings. And in my experience, Balkan day trips from Dubrovnik depart at around 7am, so get an early night the evening before!

Dubrovnik to Split bus: Day 6 of 10 day itinerary for Croatia

Day 6: Today, it’s time to head to Split. The best way to get from Dubrovnik to Split is by bus (check out this detailed how to get from Dubrovnik to Split guide for all the info and options). The Dubrovnik to Split bus I used on this trip departed Dubrovnik at 10am and arrived in Split at 2.10pm, and was operated by a company called Promet Makarska. I booked my journey via GetByBus (I’d usually book directly with the company but the fare was cheaper and this is where you seem to be directed to when you book through the Promet Makarska website) and the service was prompt and affordable. Upon arrival in Split, settle into your accommodation and take a wander down the Riva (the waterfront) to orientate yourself, before heading for dinner! I chose to stay at Split Center Apartments, which was a chic studio flat a stone’s throw from the Old Town.

Tip: Get an early bus from Dubrovnik to Split to maximise your time in Split. If you’re anything like me, it’s no fun waiting around in one destination when you are ready to move on to another because you just get fidgety waiting to leave! There are various companies who operate bus services from Dubrovnik to Split, so hopefully you’ll find a time to suit you!

Split: Day 7-9 of 10 day itinerary for Croatia

The largest city on the Adriatic coast, Split is the perfect addition to any itinerary for 10 days in Croatia given its unique look and vibe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site where remnants of Romanesque architecture charmingly intertwine with modern Dalmatian life, wandering through Split is bound to transport you back in time! Split is a bustling port city with an Old Town that has a network of maze-like lanes and sociable marble-squares perfect for enjoying a glass of wine. And with mountains to the north, Marjan Hill to the west and crystal clear waters to the south, the scenery surrounding Split is nothing less than enchanting!

Day 7 & 8: Spend both of these days doing some of the best things to do in Split. Be sure to take your time wandering the narrow lanes, nooks and crannies, and many squares of the Romanesque Old Town, as it is full of hidden gems. Some of the must-dos are climbing Saint Domnius Bell Tower to enjoy the panoramic views over Split and beyond, and sitting at the Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace of an evening when live music fills the warm Croatian air! On one (or both) of these nights, be sure to eat dinner at Pizzeria Gust – the best pizza in Split (and possibly all of Croatia)!

Tip: Split is in a great location to take day trips to nearby islands such as Hvar and Trogir. So if you would like to set sail for a nearby island, then incorporate this into days 7 and 8 of this 10 day itinerary for Croatia.

Day 9: For beautiful beaches, nature trails and viewpoints, head away from Split Old Town and spend the day at Marjan Hill. Enjoy stunning vistas across Split from the Marjan lookout point, visit various churches such as St. Nicholas the Traveler and enjoy the nature trails. After, perhaps head for a swim or stop at Jadran Beach Bar to enjoy the sunset with a cold Ožujsko (Croatian beer) in hand.

Tip: Head to Split Bus Terminal today which is within walking distance of the Old Town to buy your shuttle bus ticket back to the airport for tomorrow (day 10). This will avoid you turning up at the bus station on the day you need to return to the airport to find the bus is fully booked. Alternatively you also can book online.

How to get to Marjan Hill, Split: You should walk to the western end of the Riva until you reach St. Frane (St. Francis) Church and Monastery. Then, take the lane to the right of this, until you reach a staircase. The staircase will lead you up to Marjan Hill.

Return home: Day 10 of 10 day itinerary for Croatia

Day 10: You’ve reached the end of this 10 day itinerary for Croatia, but depending on the time of your return flight you may have a few hours spare. If so, spend these revisiting any of the things to do in Split you enjoyed the most. Take a final wander of Diocletian’s Palace or grab a souvenir at Podrum Underground Market. Head to Split Bus Terminal and take the shuttle bus to the airport for your return flight home.

Tip: The Split Airport Bus is operated by Pleso Prijevoz. It takes around 30 minutes to get to/from the airport and is a cheaper alternative to taxis and private transfers.

Itinerary summary

If you’re looking for a break in your busy schedule and only have 10 days to spare, then this itinerary will allow you to see some truly stunning destinations in Croatia and beyond! Croatia is a long old country with many beautiful places, but Split and Dubrovnik are cities which cannot be missed. And Dubrovnik’s close proximity to neighbouring Balkan countries gives you the prime opportunity to see more of the world in a short space of time, by taking day trips to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you can stretch to more than a 10 day itinerary for Croatia, you should definitely consider spending a few days in Zadar and absolutely must take a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park!

Trip cost breakdown (per person)

International flights
Return flights from Bristol to Dubrovnik, and Split to Bristol = £79.17pp

Airport parking
Bristol Airport parking for trip duration = £34.64pp*

Airport transfers
Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Old Town (one way trip via shared airport bus) = £6.57pp
Transfer from Split City to Airport (one way via shared airport bus) = £3.37pp

Other regional transport
Uber from apartment in Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Bus Station = £2.28pp*
Bus from Dubrovnik to Split (one way) = £14.34pp

Accommodation
5 nights in Dubrovnik for an Apartment with terrace = £113pp*
4 nights in Split for an Apartment with balcony = £74.50pp*

Balkan day trips
Full day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro = £43.80pp
Full day trip from Dubrovnik to Bosnia and Herzegovina = £38.75pp

Total = £410.42 per person (~$573.11pp)
for 9 nights/10 days in Croatia including 2 international day trips!

*The cost for anything marked with an asterisk is per person (pp) based on 2 people sharing.

Note: Price excludes the costs for travel insurance, spending money (tours, food, occasional taxis, drinks etc.), costs to travel to/from UK airport for international flights, and visas (if required). I don’t book accommodation based on star rating, and book purely based on reviews, location and value for money. All accommodation is private hotel rooms (I’m not a hostel type of girl, I like my privacy and home comforts) or apartments, and all flights are economy. Prices for certain things may have changed since the time I took this trip, so please only use this as a guide to help you set your own savings target.

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