Croatia and Bosnia in 10 Days
Croatia · Bosnia and Herzegovina
Overview
This route uses Split and Dubrovnik as anchors for Croatia's coastline, adds Plitvice Lakes for nature, and crosses briefly into Bosnia for Mostar — cheaper and less crowded than the Croatian coast, and an easy day trip from Split or an overnight from Dubrovnik.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €860–€1,180
Route
Highlights
- Plitvice Lakes waterfalls and boardwalks
- Split's Diocletian's Palace
- Mostar's Old Bridge (day trip from Croatia)
- Dubrovnik's city walls
Worth knowing
- Dubrovnik old town is severely crowded in summer
- Border crossing into Bosnia adds passport checks and queue time
- Coastal accommodation is expensive and books out early in peak season
Day by day
Day 1
SplitMain activities
- Arrive
- Diocletian's Palace
Day 2
Split → PlitviceMain activities
- Drive to Plitvice Lakes (~2.5h)
- Afternoon on the boardwalks
Day 3
PlitviceMain activities
- Full day exploring the upper and lower lakes
Day 4
Plitvice → SplitMain activities
- Return to Split (~2.5h)
- Riva waterfront evening
Day 5
Split → MostarMain activities
- Cross into Bosnia (~3h)
- Old Bridge and bazaar
Optional additions
- Kravice waterfalls
Day 6
Mostar → DubrovnikMain activities
- Drive to Dubrovnik (~2.5h)
- Old town first look
Day 7
DubrovnikMain activities
- City walls walk
- Old town sights
Optional additions
- Cable car to Srđ viewpoint
Day 8
DubrovnikMain activities
- Lokrum Island boat trip
Optional additions
- Elaphiti Islands day trip
Day 9
DubrovnikMain activities
- Free day / beach time
Day 10
DubrovnikMain activities
- Departure
Alternatives
Drop Mostar and go Split → Plitvice → Dubrovnik directly.
Add Kotor, Montenegro as a 3-day extension from Dubrovnik.
Related destinations
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ottoman old towns, emerald rivers and mountain scenery, still one of Europe's best-value trips.
Croatia
A polished Adriatic coastline of walled towns and island-hopping, at a premium compared to its Balkan neighbours.