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Railbookers · Self-guided rail vacation

Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik

Self-guided rail and coastal trip through Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik

Illustration of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik

Railbookers runs this 6-day, 5-night self-guided trip along the Croatian coast, starting in Zagreb and ending in Dubrovnik by way of Split. After a night in Zagreb exploring Ban Jelacic square, the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral, and 13th-century St Mark's Church, travelers take the train to Split for two nights, with a walking tour that takes in the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace and the city's stone walls and beaches. From Split, a bus, the only non-rail leg, since Dubrovnik has no railway, continues to Dubrovnik for two more nights, with a walking tour and a Mt Srd Cable Car ride for views over the Old Town, along with sights like the Sponza Palace and St Blaise's Church. Breakfast is included throughout. This suits travelers who want a short, coast-focused introduction to Croatia's historic cities with some independent time built in, particularly the full day at leisure in Dubrovnik.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only the Zagreb to Split leg of this trip is by train; the Split to Dubrovnik leg, day 4, is by bus, since no rail line connects to Dubrovnik.
  • No current departure dates are listed in the evidence for this trip; confirm availability and exact pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zagreb

    Your Journey Begins in Zagreb

    Check in at your hotel in Zagreb for an overnight stay and spend the day exploring Zagreb, Croatia's capital city. There's no better place to start exploring than Ban Jelacic, the city's main square, where you'll find myriad museums, parks and boutiques to explore. Marvel at the Gothic architecture of the glorious Zagreb Cathedral and the pretty tiled roof of 13th-century St Mark's Church, before taking a stroll down Tklaciceva Street, perhaps stopping for a traditional meal at one of the pretty cafes.

    Meals: B

  2. Day 2railovernight: Split

    Zagreb to Split

    Today, you'll take the train from Zagreb to Split. Be sure to pack a tasty train picnic, then watch the Croatian countryside evolve past your window as you travel along the tracks. Arrive in Split, a gem on Croatia's sparkling Dalmatian Coast, relaxed and refreshed and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Split

    Split

    Split is truly a joy to discover! Famed for its 4th-century fortress complex, Diocletian's Palace, a stroll around the stone walls will treat you to views of courtyards, an impressive cathedral, and numerous traditional restaurants. The city also boasts numerous beaches if you'd like to sit back, relax and soak up the scenery. Speak to one of our Rail Experts if you'd like to explore the possibilities of discovering the gorgeous natural beauty of Croatia's islands, many of which lie a short scenic boat ride off Split's coast.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Dubrovnik

    Split to Dubrovnik

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and take the bus from Split to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and set out to explore. Overlooking the Sea, Dubrovnik's reputation as a dazzling Adriatic treasure no doubt precedes it. Perhaps best known for its pretty Old Town, ringed by imposing, 16th-century stone walls, the plethora of architectural styles that the city boasts are reason enough to visit.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik

    Spend a full day at leisure in Dubrovnik. Admire the Renaissance facades of the Sponza Palace, unearth historical gems in the museum within the Gothic Rector's Palace, and don't miss a trip to St Blaise's Church, an imposing Baroque masterpiece and one of the city's most popular sights. For unparalleled views over the city, why not catch the Dubrovnik Cable Car to a scenic plateau offering panoramas over the Old Town.

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6rail

    Depart Dubrovnik

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Vacation Specialists will be happy to assist you with the details.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A first walk through Zagreb's main square, Ban Jelacic, and a look at the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and 13th-century St Mark's Church.
  • Day 2A scenic train ride from Zagreb to Split through the Croatian countryside, with time to pack a train picnic.
  • Day 3A walk around the stone walls of Diocletian's Palace, the 4th-century fortress complex at the heart of Split.
  • Day 5A ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to a scenic plateau with panoramic views over the Old Town.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout Bus between Split and Dubrovnik 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Zagreb 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Split 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Dubrovnik Walking tours in Zagreb and Split Walking tours in Dubrovnik Tickets for the Mt Srd Cable Car Ride from Dubrovnik

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, for part of the trip. Rail travel in standard class is included from Zagreb to Split. The Split to Dubrovnik leg is by bus, since Dubrovnik has no rail connection.
Is this trip guided or self-guided?
It is a self-guided rail vacation. Walking tours are included in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, but travelers otherwise move at their own pace.
How many nights are included?
Five nights with breakfast: one in Zagreb, two in Split, and two in Dubrovnik.
What is included in Dubrovnik?
A walking tour and tickets for the Mt Srd Cable Car ride are included in Dubrovnik.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $999 per person (USD), about $167 per day.

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