Italy & Croatia: the Best Itinerary for Nature Lovers
Two Beautiful Destinations.
One Amazing Outdoor Adventure.
Two of Europe’s most popular travel destinations sit just an easy border crossing away.
If you’re an active family or a small group of friends looking for a European escape that features breathtaking natural beauty, mouthwatering cuisine, and luxurious touches, plus an endless supply of things to do and sights to see, then this combo Italy-Croatia itinerary is for you.
Arriving in Venice and departing from Dubrovnik are the most convenient gateways for this itinerary, but of course the trip can start or end anywhere you’d like. It’s particularly suitable as a summer itinerary—the mountains of Italy are cool and dry, and in Croatia, most of your time will be spent on or near the water. With a few modifications, this itinerary can work even in the shoulder seasons of May and October.
Sound intriguing?
How to experience the best of Croatia and Italy in two weeks:
Arrive in Venice and transfer to the Dolomite Mountains.
Immediately after arriving in Venice, you’ll transfer or drive on your own to beautiful Cortina d’Ampezzo. This majestic mountain town has earned its moniker, “the Queen of the Dolomites.”
Stroll around this glamorous ski resort town that’s surrounded on all sides by the jagged pink mountain peaks. Traditional mountain dwellings are festooned with colorful flower boxes, while onion-domed churches reminiscent of Austria may make you question if you’re truly in Italy. Lots of great food and culture here in Cortina, but the best of this itinerary takes place in the mountains above.
Good to know: Cortina d’Ampezzo will be the site of the next Winter Olympics, so if want to get tickets or be at the Winter Olympics in 2026, contact us to book now!
Hiking, biking, and exploring in the Dolomites.
Spend the next few days soaking up the fresh mountain air. You’ll gain altitude as panoramic chairlifts ferry you into the clouds. Some of the best hikes in the entire region are here: ]Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Passo Falarego, and the Cinque Torri.
Steeped in rich history, this mountain range formed the front lines in the first World War between Austria and Italy. To this day, man-made tunnels and a network of trenches remain throughout the dolomite rock, dug by hand by platoons of soldiers and used as defensive barricades. You can descend through this network of tunnels with headlamps and flashlights to relive this moment in Italian history.
Take time to explore Lake Braies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the vibrant turquoise color of its water. With unbeatable views for miles and plenty of hiking trails throughout the area, this magical valley is also an ideal spot for a family picnic.
On the Pralongià High Plateau, experience 360-degree views of towering mountains in every direction, including Italy’s famous Marmolada Glacier. The Pralongià is a paradise for all levels of sport: from gentle hikes, serious mountain bike trails, or easy e-bike itineraries.
One of my favorite things to do here is to hike or e-bike to one of the charming mountain huts (rifugio in Italian). If you time your day, you can arrive in time for a cooking class lunch, or an al fresco barbecue.
Accommodations in the Dolomites range from rustic mountain huts in the very highest altitudes to stylish mountain inns and 5-star resorts, many of them family-run for generations. And the food is excellent almost everywhere, from simple fare to gourmet Michelin stars.
Insider tip: The Dolomites is one of the best places in Italy for accommodating special diets and food intolerances. If you need assistance finding the right hotel for your dietary needs, reach out to us for more details.
Experience the beautiful city of Venice.
The next phase of your adventure takes place in Venice, the City of Canals. Descend from the mountains to arrive at your hotel in true Venetian style--via water taxi -- and spend the day exploring La Serenissima. Venice may have a reputation for crowds, but with a dedicated guide, or just allowing yourself to get lost, you’ll find yourself in back alleys and hidden squares where the elegance and splendor of this Gothic city can be fully appreciated in total tranquility.
These calm canals are the perfect backdrop for an introduction to the origins, traditions, and present-day life in Venice. With several days to spend exploring the city, you will have plenty of time to wander, relax, and take in the beauty of this unmissable Italian destination.
Good to know: The city holds its famous Film Festival each year but it also holds a dance, architecture and art exhibit in the city’s ancient, cavernous arsenal warehouses during alternating years. The prestigious Biennale Art exhibition showcases curated artists from around the world and is an experience not to be missed!
Transfer to Croatia and experience Plitvice Lakes.
From Venice, it’s just a few hours to the National Park of Plitvice Lakes, in Croatia, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll have the chance to take in a truly spectacular natural wonder: hundreds of waterfalls cascade into 16 luminous lakes in a variety of stunning shades of blue.
Enjoy hiking on the beautiful pathways found along the lakes, connected by wooden bridges and framed on all sides by lush greenery. You can even make a wish under the largest waterfall at Plitvice Lakes, which legend says will make your wish come true.
This incredible natural paradise is a true heaven on Earth and an absolute must-see on any visit to Croatia. It’s only fitting that a visit to Croatia would begin here.
Cruise the Dalmation Coast aboard your private yacht.
Head to Split where you’ll board your very own private skippered yacht or catamaran, your home for the next few days. Once aboard your comfortable floating hotel, cruise the Croatian coastline in style. Depending on your vessel, you might have snorkeling equipment on board, ski jets, SUP boards, and other toys, along with freshly prepared meals.
Relax in total tranquility as you take in your beautiful surroundings and make stops at the islands. Your skipper can chart a course, or you can visit where ever the wind takes you.
Most likely you’ll want to sail to Brač to taste olive oil, and to Hvar to swim in its wondrous coves, Vis is the place to explore the rugged coastline and caves and Korčula has a beautifully preserved medieval town. On Mijet, experience the beauty of a national park while sampling local wine and cheeses. The Elaphiti Islands make a great ending. If your vision of a European island includes the bluest sea, hidden bays, secret beaches, and an untouched coastline dotted with olive, fig, cypress, and orange trees, then this may be your paradise.
Insider tip: Croatia has over 1200 islands, making it perfect to explore by boat at some point during your stay. Catamarans come with skipper and a small crew and are generally the most comfortable and most affordable way for families or smaller groups of friends to travel together.
But what if you’re not interested in a boat-based itinerary? No problem—focus instead on towns like Split, Trogir, Mali Ston, and use public ferries to explore islands like Hvar.
Continue on to Dubrovnik
This fortified city is unbelievably beautiful, and so well preserved, you’ll feel you’ve stepped back in time. Explore Dubrovnik’s Old City center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important living historical monuments in Europe. Dubrovnik has experienced a surge in popularity lately. Game of Thrones fans might recognize the city’s starring role in several episodes.
Fly out of Dubrovnik to return home, but hopefully not before you’ve drunk in the magnificent views of the Old Town, and the shimmering Adriatic Sea.
Prima Italy creates uniquely tailored travel in Italy, the Mediterranean, and throughout Europe. There are many creative ways to experience Europe, whether as a first-timer or on a return trip. Whatever your interests or budget, we can help create a crafting a custom travel experience just for you.
