Italy and Croatia are neighboring countries with complementary tourism. Combining these two destinations is a popular choice for those seeking a journey filled with history, art, natural beauty, and beach relaxation.
For a memorable and stress-free trip, follow this guide with six steps to make the most of your time without unnecessary detours.
Content Preview
- 1. How Long to Spend in Italy and Croatia
- 2. Itinerary Suggestions for Italy and Croatia
- 3. Best Times to Visit Italy and Croatia
- 4. How Much Do Italy and Croatia Cost to Visit?
- 5. Which Country to Enter First: Italy or Croatia?
- 6. How to Travel Between Italy and Croatia
1. How Long to Spend in Italy and Croatia
Having 14 days...
It is recommended to take a 14-day trip to Italy and Croatia to fully immerse yourself and get a well-rounded experience.
Allocate 1 week to explore the art and history of major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, and the other week to Croatia, enjoying its breathtaking islands and beach destinations along the Adriatic coast, such as Split and Dubrovnik.
Having 10 days or less...
If you have a maximum of 10 days for your intercountry journey, consider spending 5 days in each country to capture the essence of each place.
If your interests lean towards Italy, split your time with 7 days in Rome and Venice, reserving 3 days to explore Zagreb's old city and Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. But if you prefer Croatia more, dedicate 3 days to Rome for art and history, and spend a week in Croatia to unwind along the Adriatic coast in Split and Dubrovnik.
With fewer days available, we suggest sticking to one country to gain a more complete experience.
Having more than 2 weeks...
If you have more than 2 weeks to spare, consider exploring Milan for fashion and Naples for traditional cuisine in Italy. Alternatively, delve deeper into Croatia by visiting Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, and also include Zadar and Pula to marvel at medieval ruins and sample local wines in the region.
2. Itinerary Suggestions for Italy and Croatia
The following are two itinerary ideas for inspiration. If these ideas don't suit you, please feel free to contact us and we will customize a hassle-free private tour to meet your requirements.
1) 10-Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary
- Days 1–2: Rome, Italy
- Days 3–4: Venice
- Day 5: Venice and fly to Zagreb, Croatia
- Days 6–7: Zagreb
- Days 8–9: Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Day 10: Departure
Explore a 10-day itinerary that combines art appreciation in Italy with the natural wonders of Croatia.
Begin by immersing yourself in Italy's rich history with visits to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican in Rome. Experience the magnificence of ancient civilizations and diverse architectural styles. Don't miss the chance to float through the Venetian canals on a gondola for a unique cultural experience.
Continue your journey in Croatia with a leisurely walking tour of Zagreb's historic old city and savor its culinary delights. We would arrange a classic funicular ride to let you experience the slow-paced local life in Croatia.
Head to the enchanting Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty. Wander by the picturesque lakes, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the lush landscapes that unfold before you.
2) 14-Day Italy and Croatia Itinerary
Week 1: Italy
- Days 1–3: Venice
- Days 4–5: Florence
- Days 6–7: Rome
Week 2: Croatia
- Days 8–9: Dubrovnik
- Days 10–11: Korcula
- Days 12–13: Split
- Day 14: Departure
In the first week in Italy, you could take the classic "golden triangle route known for its artistic and historical treasures.
Marvel at the ancient ruins and architectural wonders of Rome, lose yourself in the Renaissance art galleries and winding streets of Florence, and bask in the romantic ambiance of Venice's enchanting canals and singing gondoliers.
In Croatia, discover the medieval charms of Dubrovnik while checking off the Game of Thrones filming locations for Westeros's kings in the city. Then, embark on an island-hopping trip based in Korcula for its stunning views, where breathtaking vistas await you at every turn. Round off your journey in Split, where the harmonious melodies of the sea and bay create a lullaby for your dream trip.
3. Best Times to Visit Italy and Croatia
Generally speaking, the best times to visit Italy and Croatia are within the months of April, May, June, September, and October. During these periods, you could expect pleasant weather with daily highs ranging from 20–29°C (68–84°F), fewer crowds, and more affordable prices compared to the peak season.
From July to August, the summer months make up the peak season to visit Italy and Croatia. If you are considering a summer trip, it is advisable to book your flights and accommodation 3–6 months in advance to secure better deals. Feel free to contact us to personalize a hassle-free private tour that avoids the crowds as much as possible.
The winter months from November to March could be chilly and rainy, and hence they are the low season for visit Italy and Croatia. Most businesses on the islands and coasts are closed during this period. On the positive side, this is the best time for budget travelers. You could take advantage of attractive discounts and explore popular mainland attractions minus the usual crowds.
4. How Much Do Italy and Croatia Cost to Visit?
The travel costs in Italy and Croatia are nearly identical.
- A decent 4-star hotel costs about 250 USD per night in July.
- Entrance tickets for attractions range from 12 to 50 USD.
- Experiences like cooking classes or wine-tasting tours cost about 70 USD per person.
- Flights between Italy and Croatia typically cost between 15 to 70 USD for an economy class ticket, while domestic flights range from 50 to 200 USD.
Typically, a private tour of Italy and Croatia would cost 400 USD per person per day. These prices include English-speaking guided touring, stays in 4-star hotels, entrance tickets to attractions, airfares within and between the countries, and private transfers, guaranteeing you a hassle-free travel experience.
Children under 10 years old could enjoy discounts ranging from 30% to 50%.
Contact us to book your tour in advance and benefit from an early bird discount.
5. Which Country to Enter First: Italy or Croatia?
Considering the accessibility and regularity of flights, we suggest entering Italy first instead of Croatia for more flexibility in choosing your trip start dates.
For instance, travelers from the USA could land in Rome with direct flights every day from cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, and Los Angeles. In contrast, only New York offers direct flights to Dubrovnik three times a week.
6. How to Travel Between Italy and Croatia
Taking a flight is the most convenient and quickest way to travel between Italy and Croatia. Typically, direct flights from Italy to Croatia have a duration of 2 hours (about 1½ hours from Rome to Dubrovnik).
If you prefer a more leisurely approach and have more than 2 weeks to spare, ferries allow for a scenic journey. For instance, traveling from northern Italy, a ferry ride from Venice to Pula takes about 3½ hours. On the other hand, departing from southern Italy, a ferry from Bari (after a 3-hour train ride from Naples) to Dubrovnik takes about 8 hours.
International trains are not recommended for traveling intercountry due to the absence of direct routes and their slower pace with multiple stops and a travel time of 8 hours or longer.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
|
|
|
|
