Planning a journey through Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes and Istria is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Croatia’s culture, nature and coast in a single week. This detailed 7-day Zagreb–Plitvice–Istria itinerary blends café life in the capital, emerald waterfalls, romantic hilltop towns and pastel Adriatic harbours—without rushing and without constant hotel changes.
Table of Contents
Built on first-hand knowledge and local experience, this guide follows the exact flow most travellers love: two days in Zagreb, a full day exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, and several slow, sunny days based in Rovinj with optional trips to Pula, Poreč, Motovun or Grožnjan.
If you’re looking for a route that’s realistic, relaxed and rich in authentic moments, this Zagreb to Istria itinerary gives you everything you need—timings, distances, what to see, what to skip, and how to enjoy Croatia at its most atmospheric.
🌿 A Perfect Blend of Culture, Nature & Coastal Charm
7-Day Zagreb–Plitvice–Istria Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide
Before diving into each day, here’s a clear look at how this 7-day journey unfolds. The route is designed to feel smooth and balanced, moving from Croatia’s vibrant capital to its most iconic national park and finally to the warm, colourful coast of Istria. Distances are manageable, the pace is intentionally relaxed, and every day includes a mix of highlights and quieter corners — the kind of flow that lets you actually experience a place rather than just pass through it. With two main bases and simple logistics, this itinerary gives you the best of Croatia’s culture, nature and food without the stress of constant packing and unpacking.
🚗 Need a Rental Car for This Route?
Renting a car is the easiest way to follow this 7-day Croatia itinerary. It gives you total freedom at Plitvice, makes day trips simple, and saves hours compared to buses. Compare prices from all major companies in one place:
🔎 Compare Rental CarsBest pick-up spots: Zagreb Airport or Zagreb City Center.
Day 1 — Welcome to Zagreb
Vibe: café culture, leafy streets, central Europe
Morning
- Check in near Lower Town (Donji Grad) or Upper Town.
- Start with an easy intro walk through Zrinjevac, King Tomislav Square, and the Green Horseshoe.
- Coffee at Botaničar or Korica.
✨ Zagreb’s Most Beautiful Hotels in Donji Grad (Lower Town)
Sheraton Zagreb
Modern comfort with a polished finish — spacious, elegant and perfectly central.
Book Sheraton
Hotel Dubrovnik
A classic stay on Zagreb’s main square — bright, welcoming and incredibly convenient.
Book Hotel Dubrovnik
The Westin Zagreb
Spacious rooms, spa touches and sweeping skyline views — polished from start to finish.
Book The Westin
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Art-Deco grandeur and timeless luxury — Zagreb’s most iconic and elegant stay.
Book EsplanadeAfternoon
- Wander the charming streets of Upper Town:
- St. Mark’s Church
- Stone Gate
- Lotrščak Tower
- Radićeva + Tkalča Street
- Ride the funicular down to the Lower Town.
Dinner & Evening
- Cosy dinner at Agava or Pod Zidom.
- Craft beer at The Garden Brewery Taproom.
🗺️ Explore Accommodation on the Map
Compare hotels, apartments and boutique stays across the city. Adjust the map to find the perfect location for your trip.
Day 2 — Zagreb Hidden Corners & Market Life
Vibe: green city pockets, markets, viewpoints.
Morning
- Visit the iconic Dolac Market — fruit, cheeses, bakeries.
- Walk to the Cathedral and the charming streets behind it.
Afternoon
Choose one mini-adventure:
- Maksimir Park & Zoo (classic Zagreb nature walk)
- Mirogoj Cemetery — architecture + serenity
- Museum of Broken Relationships if you prefer quirky culture
Evening
- Dinner in Vlaška or Martićeva — trendy, local, delicious
- Try Rožmarin for pasta or Lari & Penati for bistro style.
Read our full guide to Zagreb here.
Day 3 — Plitvice Lakes National Park
Travel: Zagreb → Plitvice (2h)
Vibe: waterfalls, emerald lakes, boardwalks.
🌿 Plitvice Lakes – Essential Info
Summer 07–20h, winter ~08–16h.
Best to purchase online. Peak season €40–45.
Entrance 1 = Lower Lakes.
Entrance 2 = Upper Lakes.
Arrive before 09:00 for fewer crowds.
Route C (4–6h). Route H from Entrance 2.
Boat + panorama train included in the ticket.
Morning
- Arrive early — between 7:30–8:00 for best light and fewer crowds.
- Choose Route C or H (the classic full-day loop).
Read our full guide to the Plitvice Lakes here.
Afternoon
- Electric boat across Lake Kozjak
- Veliki Slap → panoramic viewpoints → upper lakes.
- Light lunch inside the park or nearby.
✨ Best Places to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes
Hotel Jezero
Classic hotel inside the park zone — simple, comfortable and perfect for early starts on the lakes.
Book Hotel Jezero
Fenomen Plitvice
Forest cabins with a stylish, modern twist — peaceful, warm and close to nature.
Book Fenomen Plitvice
16 Lakes Hotel
A fresh, boutique feel with a pool and bright interiors — great value near the park.
Book 16 Lakes Hotel
Lakeside Hotel Plitvice
A modern, nature-focused hotel overlooking quiet greenery — elegant rooms, serene atmosphere and a perfect base for exploring the lakes.
Book Lakeside HotelEvening
- Stay in Rastovača, Jezerce, or Plitvica Selo.
- Quiet dinner in Lička kuća restaurant or Lakeside Hotel Plitvice.
⏱️ If needed, you can drive to Rovinj the same evening (3h), but staying overnight is calmer.
🌲 Alternative Day 3: Gorski kotar Instead of Plitvice Lakes
If you’ve already visited Plitvice or prefer a quieter, wilder feel, you can swap this day for Gorski kotar – Croatia’s green mountain region of forests, rivers and cool air. It’s an easy detour on the way to Istria and a lovely contrast to the coast.
🌄 Morning – Risnjak National Park
Drive into Risnjak National Park. Hike the easy Leska trail (1.5–2 h) or, if you’re fit, climb Veliki Risnjak for panoramic mountain views (4–5 h).
🏞️ Midday – Kamačnik or Lokvarsko Lake
Continue to Kamačnik Canyon for a wooden-path walk along a jade-green river, or relax by Lokvarsko Lake with forest views and picnic spots.
🏘️ Afternoon – Fužine
Stop in the mountain town of Fužine. Walk around Bajer Lake, grab a coffee by the water, or visit the small but atmospheric Vrelo Cave.
🌅 Evening – Continue to Rovinj
From Fužine, drive on towards Rovinj. You’ll arrive in time for a relaxed dinner and your first Adriatic sunset, with a full day of forests and fresh air behind you.
Day 4 — Istria Arrival + Rovinj Sunset
Travel: Plitvice → Rovinj (~3h)
Vibe: pastel houses, romantic harbour, Mediterranean ease.
✨ Best Hotels in Rovinj (Handpicked Favourites)
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj
Rovinj’s most luxurious hotel — infinity pools, marina views, world-class spa and breathtaking panoramas of the Old Town.
Book Grand Park
Hotel Lone
A stylish design hotel in the Golden Cape forest — minimalist interiors, pools, spa and direct access to the sea.
Book Hotel Lone
Hotel Eden
Surrounded by the Golden Cape forest — pools, sea views, bay access and spacious rooms near the Old Town.
Book Hotel Eden
Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico
A charming boutique hotel inside Rovinj’s old town — stone walls, elegant rooms and intimate wine bar.
Book Spirito SantoLate Morning & Afternoon
Check in to Rovinj (your base for Days 4–7).
- Soft walk through the Old Town
- Climb to St. Euphemia’s Church for views
- Dip at Monte Beach
Evening
- Dinner in the old town:
- Giannino (local seafood)
- Kantinon (taverna by the sea)
- Golden hour at the waterfront promenade — pure magic.
Read our full guide for Rovinj here.
Day 5 — Hilltop Towns: Motovun, Grožnjan & Wine Roads
Vibe: truffles, vineyards, medieval charm.
Morning
- Drive to Motovun — wander the stone lanes, ring the city walls, taste truffle pasta.
- Continue to Livade for truffle tasting at Zigante.
Afternoon
- Grožnjan, the “artist village”: galleries, cobblestones, valley views.
- Explore the Istrian Wine Road (wineries: Kozlović, Kabola, Benvenuti).
Evening
Back to Rovinj for a calm dinner & dreamy harbour walk.
Optional romantic add-on: sunset boat cruise with dolphins.
Day 6 — Coastal Gems: Pula or Poreč (Choose Your Flow)
You pick based on your vibe:
Option A: Pula (history lovers)
Vibe: Roman ruins, amphitheatre, seaside cafés.
- Visit the Arena (one of the best preserved in the world)
- Walk to the Temple of Augustus & Forum
- Explore Kamenjak peninsula for beaches
Read our full guide for Pula here.
Option B: Poreč (easy seaside day)
Vibe: basilica, coastal promenades, swimming spots.
- UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica
- Old town stroll
- Swim in Zelena Laguna or Brulo
Evening
- Dinner at Maestral, Tipico, or La Vela.
- Rovinj sunsets = irresistible.
Day 7 — Rovinj Beaches & Slow Istria Farewell
Vibe: calm coves, forest walks, last seaside moments.
Morning
- Walk the forested trails of Punta Corrente (Golden Cape).
- Choose your bay: Lone, Zlatni Rt, Škaraba, Kuvi.
Afternoon
- Buy local products (olive oil, truffle products, Malvazija wine).
- Relax with a coffee by the sea or climb the bell tower again.
Evening
- Final romantic sunset on the rocks beneath the Old Town.
- Dinner at Monte (Michelin star) for a spectacular end — or a cozy konoba if you want it simpler.
🗺️ Notes & Logistics
Best base in Istria: Rovinj — central, walkable, perfect for day trips
Transport: renting a car is ideal
Alternative flow: switch Day 6 & 7 depending on the weather
Add-ons: Brijuni National Park, Savudrija lighthouse, Lim Fjord boat trip
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough to see Croatia?
Yes — a 7-day Croatia itinerary is perfect for combining the capital, a national park and the Adriatic coast. Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes and Rovinj create a balanced, easy route with minimal driving and a mix of culture, nature and seaside.
Do I need a car for this 7-day itinerary?
A car makes this route smoother, especially for Plitvice and Istria. Buses are possible but slower and less flexible — driving saves time and allows extra stops along the way.
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
May–June and September–October offer warm weather, fewer crowds and the best conditions for Plitvice Lakes. July–August are busiest but great for swimming and long days.
Can I swap Plitvice with another destination?
Yes — if you’ve already visited Plitvice, Gorski kotar (Risnjak, Kamačnik, Fužine) is a beautiful mountain alternative on the way to Rovinj.
