Day-by-day plan
Lakes, Bears & Islands
Two weeks — long Zadar island phase, Plitvice, bear sanctuary, then back to Split for Brač, caves, and rafting.
Good if: Mix of north and south — islands, lakes, wildlife, and adventure days near Split over a full fortnight
TL;DR
Lakes, Bears & Islands is a 14-day family route across Split · Zadar · Plitvice · Velebit · Brač. Keep one major experience each day and use evenings for flexible family downtime.
Your itinerary
- 1
Split arrival
Split
Easy palace wander and harbour dinner.
Special places
- Palace alleys
- Riva gelato
- Early bed
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
Drive to Zadar
Zadar
Coastal drive north. Settle in for island days.
Special places
- Zadar old town
- Sea Organ
- Market dinner supplies
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
Island hopping
Near Zadar
First full boat day — Ugljan or Dugi Otok.
Special places
- Local island ferry or boat
- Beach and picnic
- 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.
- 4
Kornati park
Kornati
The big archipelago day.
Special places
- Kornati boat tour
- Swim lunch swim
- Zadar evening
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
Second island day
Zadar islands
Sakarun beach on Dugi Otok or repeat favourite.
Special places
- Sakarun white sand beach
- Snorkelling
- Slow drive 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
Dugi Otok & Telascica
Dugi Otok
Cliffs, salt lake, and a quieter island pace.
Special places
- Telascica Nature Park boat or drive
- Cliff viewpoint
- Konoba dinner on the island
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
Plitvice — day one
Plitvice Lakes
Drive to the lakes. Lower route and Korana stay.
Special places
- Lower lakes boardwalks
- Veliki Slap waterfall
- Korana village 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.
- 8
Plitvice & Rastoke
Plitvice / Rastoke
Upper lakes or boat ride, then Rastoke mill village.
Special places
- Upper lakes loop or electric boat
- Rastoke cascades
- Drive toward Velebit
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
Velebit bear sanctuary
Velebit
Wildlife day — bears in the forest sanctuary.
Special places
- Bear sanctuary visit — book ahead
- Short mountain viewpoint
- Drive south toward Split
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
Split — palace & Trogir
Split / Trogir
Back near Split. Palace day and UNESCO Trogir.
Special places
- Diocletian's Palace deep dive
- Trogir cathedral square
- 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.
- 11
Brač island day
Brač
Ferry to Brač — Zlatni Rat or a hidden cove.
Special places
- Ferry to Bol or Supetar
- Beach morning
- Return to Split base
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
Hvar or Šolta trip
Near Split
Another island — Hvar Town or quiet Šolta.
Special places
- Ferry to chosen island
- Harbour lunch and swim
- 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.
- 13
Rafting & caves
Omiš / Cetina
Cetina rafting and optional cliff-side adventures.
Special places
- Family rafting section
- Cave visit near Omiš
- Split 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.
- 14
Last day Split
Split
Market, beach, fly home.
Special places
- Green market
- Final swim
- Split 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 Lakes, Bears & Islands 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?
Split · Zadar · Plitvice · Velebit · Brač
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.