Istria, Croatia - 10 Days Itinerary

Scenic Drive to Rovinj

Begin your road trip from Tuscany, driving through picturesque landscapes into the heart of Istria.

The journey offers stunning views as you approach the Adriatic coast.

Allow for breaks and enjoy the scenery. Consider a stop in Trieste or Koper on the way.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation near Rovinj, settle in, and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Explore Rovinj Old Town

Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Rovinj's charming Old Town, admiring its Venetian architecture and vibrant art galleries. Climb up to St. Euphemia's Church for panoramic views.

Wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be steep. Plenty of charming cafes for a coffee break.

Seaside Dinner

Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Rovinj's many restaurants, savoring fresh seafood with views of the harbor or sunset.

Many restaurants offer outdoor seating; reservations might be wise for popular spots in August.

Visit Pula Amphitheatre

Explore the magnificent Pula Arena, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater.

Imagine gladiatorial contests and ancient spectacles in this impressive structure.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. Audioguides are available for a deeper dive into its history.

Pula City Exploration

Discover other Roman remnants in Pula, such as the Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus, and stroll through the city center.

Lunch in Pula

Enjoy a traditional Istrian lunch at a local restaurant in Pula.

Beach Time in Valbandon

Head to a nearby beach like Valbandon or Fazana for some relaxation, swimming in the clear Adriatic Sea, and soaking up the sun.

These beaches are generally family-friendly with calm waters. Consider bringing your own towels and sunscreen.

Rovinj Evening Stroll & Dinner

Return to Rovinj for a relaxed evening.

Enjoy another delicious dinner, perhaps trying a different local eatery, and take an evening stroll along the illuminated waterfront.

Central Istria Quad Tours

Embark on an exciting quad tour through the scenic inland of Istria.

Explore hidden trails, olive groves, and enjoy breathtaking views. A fun way to experience a different side of Istria.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for a group of 4. Dress comfortably and be prepared for some dust.

Lunch in Funtana

Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Funtana, a small fishing village known for its fresh seafood and charming harbor.

Dolphin Watching Tour

Join a premium speedboat tour from Funtana to observe dolphins in their natural habitat in the Adriatic Sea.

A magical experience for the whole family.

Book early, especially for a private tour. Bring sunglasses and a camera. The best time for spotting dolphins is usually late afternoon.

Relaxed Evening & Dinner

After an adventurous day, enjoy a casual dinner at a local konoba (traditional tavern) near your accommodation or in a nearby village, tasting local Istrian specialties.

Explore Porec Old Town

Discover the historic Porec Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its Euphrasian Basilica and charming Roman-era streets.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak in the atmosphere.

The Euphrasian Basilica is a must-see for its Byzantine mosaics. Some parts of the town might be crowded in August.

Lunch in Porec

Have lunch at a restaurant in Porec, choosing from various options offering local and international cuisine.

Porec Beach Relaxation

Spend the afternoon relaxing at one of Porec's many beautiful beaches or coves.

Options include Brulo Beach or the beaches around the Zelena Laguna resort area, offering crystal-clear waters for swimming.

Many beaches in Porec are pebble or rocky; water shoes are recommended. Facilities like sunbeds and parasols are often available for rent.

Farewell Istria Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in the Istrian region, perhaps indulging in some truffle specialties that the region is famous for, or revisiting a favorite spot.

Istria is renowned for truffles; look for dishes featuring them on the menu.

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy a final breakfast at your B&B and check out, preparing for the scenic drive south.

Drive to Central Dalmatia

Embark on a picturesque drive south along the Croatian coast (or inland for faster highways) towards the Central Dalmatia region. This will be a significant travel day, offering beautiful views and a change of scenery.

This is a long drive (approx. 4-5 hours depending on traffic and exact destination). Plan for comfort stops. Consider taking the A1 highway for efficiency, or a scenic coastal route if time allows.

Arrival & Initial Orientation

Arrive in your chosen location in Central Dalmatia (e.

g., near Split) and get acquainted with the new surroundings. The next part of your itinerary will include check-in for your accommodation here.

Scenic Drive to Šibenik

Enjoy a picturesque drive from Istria down the Croatian coast to the Central Dalmatian region, heading towards Šibenik.

Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way.

Plan for comfort breaks and lunch during the drive. Tolls are common on Croatian highways.

Check into Accommodation

Arrive at your accommodation near Šibenik and settle in after your drive.

Explore Šibenik Old Town

Wander through the charming narrow streets of Šibenik's Old Town, a city known for its unique stone architecture and medieval character. Visit the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James.

Waterfront Dinner

Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Šibenik's many restaurants overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

Explore Krka National Park

Visit the stunning Krka National Park, famous for its magnificent waterfalls, including Skradinski Buk.

Enjoy walking trails, swimming in designated areas (if permitted), and boat trips.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring swimwear. Entrance tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Drive from Šibenik is approx. 20-30 minutes.

Skradin Lunch & Wine Tasting

Enjoy a traditional Dalmatian lunch in the charming town of Skradin, located at the entrance to Krka National Park.

Consider a local wine tasting experience in the area.

The region is known for its local wines. Ask for recommendations at local konobas (taverns).

Resort Relaxation

Return to your resort to relax by the pool or enjoy the beach facilities after a day of exploration.

Drive to Split

Embark on a morning drive to the vibrant city of Split, the largest city in Dalmatia and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Parking can be challenging in Split, consider public garages on the outskirts.

Explore Diocletian's Palace

Immerse yourselves in the ancient Roman architecture of Diocletian's Palace, a living monument where the city's streets and squares are built into the palace walls.

Visit Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the cellars.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on ancient cobblestones. Entrance fees may apply for certain parts like the Cathedral or cellars.

Riva Promenade & Lunch

Stroll along the lively Riva Promenade, enjoying the views of the harbor and the palace.

Find a charming restaurant for lunch with fresh seafood.

Marjan Hill Panorama

Take a walk up Marjan Hill (Marjanski Vidikovac) for breathtaking panoramic views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands.

It's a moderate climb, wear appropriate footwear. There's also a cafe at the viewpoint.

Return to Šibenik

Drive back to your accommodation near Šibenik for a relaxing evening.

Ferry to Hvar or Brač

Drive back to Split port and take a scenic ferry ride to one of the stunning Dalmatian islands.

Choose between the glamour of Hvar or the iconic beaches of Brač (e.g., Zlatni Rat).

Book ferry tickets in advance, especially in August. Options include passenger-only catamarans or car ferries if you want to take your car to the island.

Island Exploration & Beach Time

Spend the day exploring your chosen island.

In Hvar, wander through the historic town, visit the fortress, and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. On Brač, relax and swim at Zlatni Rat beach near Bol, or explore charming villages.

Consider renting scooters or bicycles on Hvar, or taking a local bus to Zlatni Rat beach on Brač.

Island Farewell Dinner

Enjoy an early dinner on the island, savoring fresh seafood and local delicacies before heading back to the mainland.

Return Ferry & Drive to Šibenik

Take the ferry back to Split and drive back to your accommodation near Šibenik.

Leisurely Morning at Resort

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your resort.

Have a final breakfast, take a last dip in the pool or the sea, or simply unwind before starting your journey back.

Check-out & Farewell Lunch

Check out from your accommodation and enjoy a final Croatian lunch in the Šibenik area before heading off.

Begin Drive to Tuscany

Start your scenic drive back towards Tuscany, reflecting on your wonderful Croatian adventure.

Plan for overnight stops if needed, depending on your final destination in Tuscany.

The drive from Šibenik to Tuscany is significant (approx. 7-9 hours to Florence, without stops). Consider an overnight stop in Slovenia or Northern Italy if you prefer not to drive it all in one day. Ensure your car is fuelled and ready for a long journey.