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Family of 5 - 15 nights in Croatia - Zagreb to Dubrovnik to Split

First time visitors to Croatia!

Travelers: Active family of 2 adults; 3 kids ages 6, 6, and 10; from Texas, USA

Transport: Car from Zagreb to Dubrovnik; Private boat return from Dubrovnik to Split via islands

Interests/Priorities: beautiful beaches, outdoor time, old/ancient/historical sights and towns

Not important to us: eating out, maybe only 1-2 good meals; mega resorts, we have plenty of those at home; we are ok moving around if overall smoother travel (I think I prefer to move/pack/unpack rather than backtrack and drive unnecessary distances with little kids)

Itinerary, 16 days end of July 2025

Day 1 – Long day of flying and arrive Zagreb Airport, 4pm; find dinner, go to bed early

Night 1 – Stay Samobor (night 1/1); considered Zagreb, but Samobor seems easier

Day 2 – Short walk around Samobor; leave by 12pm to Plitvice; relax at hotel in Plitvice

Night 2 – Stay Plitvice (night 1/1)

Day 3 – 7am Plitvice; entrance 1; leave by 2pm to drive to Primosten

Night 3 – Stay Primosten (night 1/2)

Day 4 – Rest and beach

Night 4 – Stay Primosten (night 2/2)

Day 5 – Drive to Split via Trogir, and maybe Klis Fortress if not too tired
Night 5 – Stay Split (night 1/2)

Day 6 – Visit Diocletian's Palace early, no other plans

Night 6 – Stay Split (night 2/2)

Day 7 – Rafting (ages 6+ ok per rafting company)

Night 7 – Stay near Omis or Markaska (night 1/1)

Day 8 – Drive to Dubrovnik

Night 8 – Stay Dubrovnik (night 1/2); looking at an apartment level with Stradun in Old Town, or could book Hilton Imperial

Day 9 – Visit Dubrovnik, early morning and evening; rest indoors or find a beach in hot, crowded afternoon; looks like low number of cruisers on this day

Night 9 – Stay Dubrovnik (night 2/2)

Day 10 – Pick up by private boat at Dubrovnik

Nights 10-15 – On Boat, visit Miljet, Korcula, Hvar, and Vis; maybe Brac if time permits

Day 16 – Drop off by boat in Trogir or Split; Depart Split, 5:30pm

Questions

  • Should we just drive to Plitvice the first night and stay two nights there so less moving? Worried about driving in evening (especially if flight delayed, although I guess we could always stay by airport if that happens) and think important to get to bed early that day, but if the drive is pretty easy to Plitvice it may overall be more restful. Samobor castle looks cool, definitely think I like Samobor more than Zagreb for an easier starting point.

  • I previously considered Trogir for 3 nights instead of Primosten and Split, but I watched some videos and Primosten looks so beautiful and Diocletian's palace is a must see for us. But if I do it this way, I only have 2 nights for each. Open to suggestions to move things around to solve this.

  • Thoughts on rafting? I thought it would be fun active day to break up all the beaches and hot cities for kids.

-Open to hearing how you would divide 9 nights plus 6 boat nights!

Thank you!

Posted by
1024 posts

I would keep your plan to stay in Zagreb the first night. I’d also say you’re giving the town short shrift, as I found it to be a real gem, but your itinerary is your itinerary. An extra night here would not be the worst choice.

Given how easy the ferry is, dropping the car in Split would be simple enough and more convenient imo. You’re not really using the car at this point.

Idk about the rafting. My quick thought is it’s a long hot day without the chance of retreating to cool civilization to recharge. The kids might be more miserable than anything. At the end of July in 2025, who knows what the conditions are going to be like. Water levels could be low? This is a whole day that you could really add almost anywhere on your trip…

Just a note too: Make sure you get everyone set up with some real good water shoes. The pebbly beaches, and proliferation of sea urchins are something else. Make sure the young ones are safe and comfortable from the jump.