Day-by-day plan
South to Dubrovnik
Two weeks from Zadar to Dubrovnik — lakes, Split's islands, Pelješac, Korčula, and adventure days with kayak, zipline, and rafting.
Good if: Teens and active families who want the full coast from Zadar to Dubrovnik without rushing
TL;DR
South to Dubrovnik is a 14-day family route across Zadar · Split · Dubrovnik · Makarska · Korčula. Keep one major experience each day and use evenings for flexible family downtime.
Your itinerary
- 1
Zadar arrival
Zadar
Land in Zadar, easy old town evening.
Special places
- Old town walk
- Sea Organ sunset
- Early dinner
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 2
Plitvice day trip
Plitvice Lakes
Full day at the lakes from your Zadar base.
Special places
- Early park entry
- Boardwalks and boat
- Return to Zadar
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 3
Kornati island day
Kornati
Archipelago boat before heading south — swim stops and home by evening.
Special places
- Kornati national park tour
- Lunch on the water
- Pack for coastal drive tomorrow
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 4
Drive toward Split
Split
Coastal drive south. Check in and palace wander.
Special places
- Split Riva promenade
- Palace alleys
- Pizza night
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 5
Hvar island
Hvar
Ferry day to Hvar — beaches and harbour.
Special places
- Hvar Town ferry
- Town beach or Pakleni trip
- Last boat back
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 6
Vis & Trogir
Vis / Trogir
Vis morning or Blue Cave; afternoon Trogir if time.
Special places
- Vis village and swim
- Blue Cave optional
- Trogir UNESCO old town
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 7
Brač beach day
Brač
Day trip to Brač — Zlatni Rat or a quiet cove before continuing south.
Special places
- Ferry to Supetar or Bol
- Morning swim at Zlatni Rat
- Drive toward Dubrovnik
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 8
Dubrovnik — city walls
Dubrovnik
Arrive Dubrovnik. City walk — save wall climb for teens with energy.
Special places
- Old town gates and Stradun
- Cable car viewpoint
- Harbour dinner
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 9
Elaphite Islands
Elaphite Islands
Three-island boat day — sand beaches and pine shade.
Special places
- Koločep or Lopud swim stop
- Island lunch
- Sunset kayak optional
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 10
Dubrovnik adventures
Dubrovnik
Kayak at sunset, zipline, or lazy beach — pick your pace.
Special places
- Sunset sea kayak tour
- Or zipline above the coast
- Free afternoon pool time
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 11
Pelješac & oyster tasting
Pelješac
Day on the peninsula — Ston walls, oyster farms, and coastal views.
Special places
- Ston salt walls walk
- Oyster tasting on the water
- Scenic drive back to Dubrovnik
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 12
Korčula island
Korčula
Ferry to Korčula — Marco Polo town, beaches, and konoba lunch.
Special places
- Korčula old town lanes
- Beach swim afternoon
- Return ferry to mainland
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 13
Makarska & Cetina rafting
Makarska
Drive the riviera north. Raft the Cetina in the afternoon.
Special places
- Makarska beach morning
- Cetina rafting — family rapids
- Overnight near Split or Zadar
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
- 14
Return to Zadar
Zadar
Coastal drive north. Last coffee and flight.
Special places
- Coffee stop en route
- Zadar market souvenirs
- Airport
Interesting facts
- Vedrana adjusts every stop for your children's ages and the season you're travelling.
- Book ferries, caves, and popular boats early in July and August — she handles this on custom plans.
- Any day below can be shortened or swapped for a pool day if the kids need a break.
This is just an example. Tweak it with AI or message Vedrana — she'll make it fit your family properly.
Trip FAQs
Is South to Dubrovnik good for families with kids?
Yes. This 14-day route balances culture, nature, and beach time with manageable daily pacing.
How many driving days are included?
Most days include one primary transfer plus local stops. Avoid late check-ins by starting drives early.
Can this trip be customized for toddlers?
Yes. Reduce long activity blocks, keep one major stop per day, and favor accommodations with easy parking.
Which areas does this route cover?
Zadar · Split · Dubrovnik · Makarska · Korčula
When should I book this Croatia route?
Book 2-4 months ahead for shoulder season and 4-6 months ahead for July-August family travel.