Dinkwads Abroad

We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media when a photo stops you cold. A stunning old town. Dramatic sea cliffs. Forests and mountains surrounding crystal-clear lakes. You click in and find out it’s some random place you’ve never heard of, but now you absolutely need to go.

Problem is, you have no idea how to get there, what else to do, or how to string it all together.

That’s where I come in. I’ve built the perfect two(ish) week itinerary hitting Croatia and Slovenia’s highlights with a few hidden gems along the way. I’ve done the logistics so you don’t have to. All you need to do is book the trip.

Before You Go

Trip length	16 days
Flights	Fly into Dubrovnik (DBV), fly home from Zagreb (ZAG) — no backtracking
Getting around	Mix of ferries, buses, and one rental car stretch
Budget tier	Mid-range — real beds, street food with the occasional splurge dinner
Best time to go	May–June or September. Shoulder season > peak summer crowds. September is best if you want to swim.

The Itinerary at a Glance

Stop	Nights	Vibe
1. Dubrovnik	3	The iconic city — old city walls, dramatic coastal cliffs
2. Korčula	1	Quieter island town, local wine, fewer tourists
3. Split	3	Roman ruins meets city energy
4. Plitvice Lakes	1	The waterfalls you saw on social media
5. Rovinj	1	Istrian gem, colorful seaside buildings, local art
6. Ljubljana	3	Charming Slovenian capital, a surprise favorite
7. Lake Bled	2	Iconic lake views, mountains, hiking
8. Zagreb	2	Cool and underrated, great send-off city

The Logistics

Dubrovnik (3 nights)

Best for: Old towns, coastal views, Game of Thrones fans

Getting Here: Fly into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV). Most routes will connect through a major European hub. Then take the Platanus bus for €10 from the airport to old town. This is your trip’s starting point, so budget some transfer and recovery time after landing.

The Basics: For a deep dive on everything Dubrovnik, check out my full Dubrovnik guide and my post on exactly what we did, with costs and ticket details as well as where we stayed, ate, and drank.

Day 1 – Arrive and Decompress

You’ve just survived a long-haul flight, so don’t try to be a hero. Check in, freshen up, grab dinner somewhere in old town, and do a slow evening stroll. The city looks incredible at night and you’ll want to take your time to really absorb it.

Day 2 – The Main Sights

• City Walls (2 hours) – Get there early for the fewest crowds and use the Dubrovnik City Pass.
• See the main sights on a Walking Tour (2 hours) – Book ahead of time on GuruWalk.
• Museums (2-3 hours) – Maritime Museum, Franciscan Monastery, Rector’s Palace. Get access to all of them with the Dubrovnik City Pass. Choose 2 of them if you’re short on time.
• Cable Car to Dubrovnik Observation Point (2 hours) – Enjoy the sunset from above the city.

Day 3 – Get Outside of Old Town

• Lokrum Island (4-6 hours) – Take the ferry over and spend the day hiking, swimming, and meeting peacocks. Get a discount with your Dubrovnik City Pass.
• Lorjenac Fortress (1 hour) – Climb to the top for some stunning views. Get access with your Dubrovnik City Pass.
• Sea Kayaking (4 hours) – Enjoy the sunset from the water.

💡Pro Tip: Check the cruise ship docking schedule. Shift your Day 3 activities to the same day as a cruise ship docking so you aren’t fighting the throng of cruise shippers in old town.

Korcula (1 night)

Best for: Wine tours, relaxing on the promenade, local art

Getting Here: Take a taxi to the Dubrovnik Port and take the first ferry on the TP Ferry Line. Buy your tickets ahead of time so you know you have a seat on the ferry, as they can sell out!

The Basics: For a deep dive on everything Korcula, check out my full Korcula guide and my post on exactly what we did, with costs and details, as well as where we stayed, ate, and drank!

Day 1 – Wine and Old Town

The first ferry arrives at around 10 AM, so drop your luggage off at your accommodations before getting started with your day.

• Swim the local beaches (1 -2 hours) – Choose one of the many beaches on the island for a swim.
• Take a Wine Tour (4 hours) – Book a tour ahead of time and spend the afternoon visiting local wineries.
• Drinks at Massimo (2 hours) – Take in the sunset from the top of a 14th century tower while enjoying a drink.

Day 2 – Final sights before afternoon departure

Because your ferry to Split doesn’t leave until mid-afternoon, you have all morning and early afternoon to get in some last minute sight-seeing.

• Hike to the Korcula Viewpoint (1 hour) – Take the quick, 15 minute walk up the hill to see the town from above.
• Shop Local Art (2 hours) – Wander old town while getting some handmade souvenirs.
• Climb St. Mark’s Belltower (.5 – 1 hour) – Climb to the top and soak in the panoramic views.

Split (3 nights)

Best for: Roman history, day trips, high energy city

Getting Here: Take the mid-afternoon ferry from Korcula on the TP Ferry Line. Buy your tickets ahead of time so you are guaranteed a seat!

The Basics: Check back soon for my essential guide to Split. For now, read my post on exactly what we did, with costs and details, as well as where we stayed, ate, and drank.

Day 1 – Eat a local dinner

Your ferry will arrive around 6 PM, so settle into your lodgings and then grab some dinner before wandering old town.

• Dine at a local konoba (1-2 hours) – Grab dinner at one of the local restaurants (called konobas) near old town.
• Enjoy old town in the evening (1 hour) – Bask in the light reflecting off the old stones and enjoy the energy in the city at night.

Day 2 – Explore the Roman Palace

• Shop the Green Market (1 hour) – Shop local produce and goods.
• Take a walking tour (2 hours) – Book via GuruWalk.
• Climb Saint Dominus Bell Tower (1 hour) – See the city from a higher vantage point.
• Take a mini day trip (4 – 6 hours) – Take an island hopping tour or go out to see Fortress Klis. Or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the promenade.

Day 3 – Waterfalls, waterfalls, and more waterfalls!

• Day Trip to Krka National Park (6 – 8 hours) – Book an organized tour or rent a car to drive an hour outside of town to stroll along the paths through lush green landscapes, vibrant blue lakes, and cascading waterfalls.

Plitvice National Park (1 night)

Best for: Hiking and nature lovers

Getting Here: Rent a car in Split and drive the 2.5 hours to the park. Enjoy the park in the day, then stay somewhere nearby that evening.

The Basics: Get there as early as you can to beat the crowds!

Day 1 – Marvel at the cascades

• Hike along the paths in Plitvice National Park (4 hours) – Pack a lunch and spend the whole day in the national park. Buy your tickets ahead of time to reserve your spot.

Rovinj (1 night)

Best for: Truffle lovers, local art, and Italian vibes

Getting Here: Drive 3 hours from Plitvice National Park. Drop your car off outside of old town and then either walk or get a taxi to your accommodations.

💡Pro Tip: Make a short detour over to Pula to see the ancient Roman Amphitheater, which is one of the world’s best preserved Roman monuments!

The Basics: Check back soon for my essential guide to Rovinj, as well as my post on exactly what we did, with costs and details. For now, read up on where we stayed, ate, and drank.

Day 1 – Seaside old town

• Shop Local Art (1 hour) – Wander around old town and gather some handmade souvenirs.
• Book a truffle hunting tour (3 hours) – Travel inland and hunt for truffles with the help from dogs, then enjoy a tasting course with truffles!
• Enjoy a cocktail on the seaside cliffs (1 hour) – Go to Valentino’s for the best views and cocktails!

Day 2 – Relaxing morning along the sea before afternoon departure

Enjoy your last few hours on the sea before you head inland!

• Shop the local market (1 hour) – Shop for local delicacies and treats.
• Grab a coffee in old town (1 hour) – Take your time enjoying coffee and pastries in the alley of Augusto Coffee Shop.
• Climb St. Euphemia’s Belltower (.5 – 1 hour) – Climb to the top to see the city from above and look out over the Adriatic.

Ljubljana (3 nights)

Best for: Craft beer fans, old town charm with modern activities

Getting Here: Take a Flixbus from Rovinj to Ljubljana.

💡Pro Tip: Make sure you’re at the bus station no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled bus departure. Ours left 10 minutes early!

The Basics: Check back soon for my essential guide to Ljubljana, as well as my post on exactly what we did, where we ate, and where we stayed!

Day 1 – Enjoy the vibrant old town

Drop your bags off and grab a bite to eat.

• See the Dragon Bridge (.5 hours) – See the famous dragons and walk across the bridge.
• Walk along the river (1 hour) – Take in the views of the town from along the river’s edge.

Day 2 – See Ljubljana Old Town

• Learn the city’s history on a walking tour (2 – 3 hours) – Book on GuruWalk.
• Explore Ljubljana Castle (2 hours) – Take the funicular or hike up, and you can explore the ramparts and grounds for free, or buy a ticket for the exhibits.
• Take a river cruise (1 hour) – See the city from the river!

Day 3 – Castles and Caves!

• Take a day trip to Predjama Castle and Postojna Caves (6 – 8 hours) – You can either book a tour or take a train out and manage on your own. Keep an eye out for my upcoming full blog post on the logistics if you want to do this on your own outside of peak season!

💡Pro Tip: If you’re there on a Friday night, go to the Open Kitchen food market at Pogacarjev Trg Square to try dishes from multiple local restaurants!

Lake Bled (2 nights)

Best for: Hiking and mountain views

Getting Here: Take the intercity bus in the morning from Ljubljana bus station. You can check the time tables via Google Maps and buy your ticket at the station.

💡Pro Tip: The buses leave frequently, but they also fill up FAST! Even in shoulder season, we barely got a spot on the bus and we were in line 15 minutes before departure. So get there early!

The Basics: Check back soon for my essential guide to Lake Bled, as well as my post on exactly what we did, where we ate, and where we stayed!

Day 1 – Soak in the serene nature

Drop your bags off and grab a bite to eat.

• Walk around the lake (2 hours) – Take the easy, paved path along the lake for the best views and a walk through town.
• Enjoy history with a view at Bled Castle (2 – 3 hours) – You can walk up or take a taxi up. Your ticket gets you entry into the castle with views of the lake, exhibits, a restaurant, a cafe, and a wine bar.

Day 2 – Enjoy outdoor activities

• Ride down the mountain in a toboggan (1 hour) – Only available on certain days, so check its schedule here.
• Hike to Ojstrica for views of the lake and mountains (1 hour) – May require hiking boots as it can be quite steep and slippery.
• Take a boat on the water (2 hours) – You can row yourself out there or let someone else do the work on the famous Pletna boats. On the island, you can ring the bell at the church and climb to the top of the clocktower.

Day 3 – Before heading out

• Enjoy your coffee with the view (1 – 2 hours) – Take your time on your last morning with that view.
• Shop local art at Galerija Mikame (1 hour) – Get a souvenir made by a local artist.

Zagreb (2 nights)

Best for: Authentic Croatian vibes in a modern city

Getting Here: Take the intercity bus in the morning from Bled to Ljubljana Bus Station. You can buy your intercity bus ticket online at Arriva or at the bus station. Transfer to Ljubljana Bus Station to the Flixbus.

💡Pro Tip: The intercity bus from Lake Bled ran a little late. Make sure you choose a bus departure that gives you plenty of transfer time so you don’t miss your Flixbus.

The Basics: Check back soon for my essential guide to Zagreb, as well as my post on exactly what we did, where we ate, and where we stayed!

Day 1 – Wander upper town

Drop your bags off at your accommodations and then have an easy night wandering the city.

• See the historic, medieval sights (1 hour) – Wander upper town to see St. Mark’s Church and Lotrscak Tower.
• Museum of Broken Relationships (1 hour) – See memorabilia from peoples’ past relationships in this quirky museum.

Day 2 – Exploring history

• Take a walking tour of old town (2 – 3 hours) – Learn about Zagreb’s history and see the main sights. Book here!
• Feast on local delights at Dolac Market (1 – 2 hours) – Try local burek, produce, pastries, and more at the local market.
• Watch the cannon blast (15 minutes) – Stand below Lotrscak Tower to watch the cannon go off at noon.
• Enjoy the views from Lotrscak Tower (30 minutes) – Climb to the top of the tower for views of the city.

Day 3 – Fly home

Take a taxi to the airport or take Pleso prijevoz shuttle bus for €9. You can get your tickets with cash on the bus or online here.

FAQs and General Tips

Is it easy to communicate in English in Croatia and Slovenia?

Almost everyone we met there was practically fluent in English. You won’t have any issues communicating in English, even as you get outside of the major cities.

Do I need to bring cash?

There are some places that were cash only, but many places are credit card friendly. In my essential guides for each city, I call out the specific places we went that were cash only. Make sure you bring cash, but you won’t need it everywhere.

Do I tip at restaurants in Croatia and Slovenia?

Tipping isn’t expected in either country the way it is in the United States. However, if you want to leave a tip for excellent service, you can round up your bill or leave 10%. Note that if paying via credit card at a restaurant, they often won’t give you the option to leave the tip on the card, so you would need to do so with cash.

Is it safe to visit Croatia and Slovenia?

They are both incredibly safe countries! Even walking around at night, we never once felt unsafe. Both countries are frequently touted as having some of the lowest crime rates in the world!

Can I drink the tap water?

100%! You’ll have no problem drinking from the tap. You can also drink it from many public fountains, so have a collapsible water bottle on you ready to fill up!

Do I need to book everything in advance?

While we didn’t need dinner reservations in shoulder season, I would recommend booking excursions and tours in advance, as well as most inter-city transportation. And if you’re planning on traveling during peak season, you may consider booking everything in advance, including dinner reservations, especially in tourist hubs like Dubrovnik and Split.

Is it easy to drive in Croatia and Slovenia?

We only drove one day on our trip, but we found it incredibly easy to navigate, with nice roads and clear signage. If you’re comfortable driving in a moderately sized city or highways in the United States, you’ll be fine driving here.

Conclusion

This trip offers something for everyone. Dramatic coastlines, pristine lakes nestled in towering mountains, waterfalls, cities buzzing with energy, and small quaint seaside towns all rolled up into one two(ish) week trip, The relaxed itinerary sets a perfect pace to allow time to see the major sites while also taking time to sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee at the local cafe or sip a cocktail while watching the sun set over the Adriatic.

But Croatia and Slovenia are so much more than their unbelievable landscapes and lively cities. What truly made this one of my favorite trips were the people. Everywhere we went, locals were eager to talk, get to know us — some even offering their contact info in case we needed anything while we were there. We weren’t pesky tourists invading their city in their eyes. We were welcome guests they were genuinely excited to host. Of all the places I’ve traveled, I’ve never felt so embraced by the locals.

And while I’ll absolutely be back for the sights and to explore more of both countries, it’s the warmth and hospitality that will keep Croatia and Slovenia at the top of my “return to” list, and one that I recommend for everyone to visit at least once.