From medieval coastal towns and turquoise Adriatic waters to fairytale villages, national parks, Venetian canals, Renaissance masterpieces, and ancient Roman history, this 20-day European adventure was filled with unforgettable places, unexpected discoveries, and more than a few pinch-me moments.
Some trips are about checking destinations off a bucket list. Others are about slowing down, taking the scenic route, stumbling upon extraordinary places, and collecting the kind of memories that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
This trip was a little bit of both.
Over 23 days, including three long travel days and 20 days exploring, we traveled through Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Italy, experiencing an incredible variety of landscapes, historic cities, coastal villages, castles, national parks, and architectural wonders.
From watching the sun set over Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town to wandering through the colorful streets of Venice, discovering fairytale corners of Croatia, and standing beneath the magnificent ceilings of Italy’s historic landmarks, every destination brought something different to the adventure.
And while there were plenty of famous bucket-list destinations along the way, some of our favorite moments came from the unexpected stops in between.
If you’re dreaming about an Adriatic and European road trip, here’s an overview of our route, some of our favorite stops, cities where we stayed, and some of the highlights that made this journey so memorable.
At a Glance: Our 20-Day Europe Road Trip
- Trip length: 23 days, including travel days
- Actual exploring days: 20
- Countries: Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Italy
- Transportation: Rental car for the road trip portion, followed by high speed trains for the Italy portion
- Travel style: Independent travel, scenic drives, historic towns, coastal destinations, nature, architecture, and cultural experiences.
Our Route
We began in Dubrovnik Croatia, traveled south into Montenegro, then worked our way north through Croatia and Slovenia before finishing our adventure in Italy.
Our itinerary included:
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – 3 nights
- Montenegro – Herceg Novi, Perast, Kotor, and the Bay of Kotor
- Split and Primošten, Croatia – 1 night
- Lozovac and Krka National Park area – 1 night
- Plitvice Lakes National Park – 2 nights
- Trsat Castle and Slunj, Croatia
- Lovran, Croatia -1 night
- Dvigrad Ruins and Rovinj, Croatia
- Pula, Croatia – 3 nights
- Piran and Koper, Slovenia
- Trieste, Italy
- Venice, Italy – 3 nights
- Florence, Italy – 2 nights
- Rome, Italy – 4 nights, including a day trip to Caserta
This was an ambitious itinerary, but one that allowed us to experience several very different sides of Europe in a single trip.
Croatia: Coastal Charm, Historic Towns & Natural Wonders
Croatia was the foundation of this adventure, and it quickly reminded me why I love exploring this part of Europe.
From the dramatic coastline of Dubrovnik to the charming streets of Rovinj, ancient Roman history in Pula, and the breathtaking turquoise lakes of Plitvice, Croatia offered an incredible combination of scenery, history, and culture.
Dubrovnik: An Unforgettable Beginning
Our adventure began in Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most recognizable destinations.
Known for its magnificent medieval walls, terracotta rooftops, limestone streets, and stunning Adriatic coastline, Dubrovnik is every bit as beautiful as the photographs suggest.
We stayed in a cute little airbnb overlooking the historic city with an amazing balcony with stunning views. Waking up to those views and watching the sunset over the rooftops made it an especially memorable place to begin our trip.
During our time here, we explored the historic Old Town, took in the spectacular coastal scenery, and enjoyed discovering the city beyond its most photographed corners.
Where we stayed: Find the exact location along with other helpful resources and tips in the – Full itinerary linked below!
Don’t miss: Tvrdava Lovrjenac Fortress- excellent views of old town Dubrovnik, the Adriatic sea and the perfect escape from the crowds. Insider tip: Head here first thing in the morning to find this place nearly empty and utilize the free entry when you purchase the Dubrovnik Walls/City Pass for $40 euros.
Montenegro: A Scenic Detour Worth Taking
Our journey into neighboring Montenegro was one of the highlights of the early part of our trip. The Bay of Kotor is a spectacular combination of dramatic mountains, sparkling blue water, historic coastal villages, and centuries-old architecture.
We explored Herceg Novi, visited historic fortresses and monasteries, stopped along the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and spent time in the postcard-perfect village of Perast before exploring Kotor.
From the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks to the winding streets and historic fortifications, Montenegro delivered one beautiful view after another.
It was one of those places where I constantly wanted to stop the car, take another photograph, and soak it all in.
Don’t miss: Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor Old Town, and the scenic Bay of Kotor.
Split & Primošten: History Meets the Adriatic
Back in Croatia, we made our way to Split, where ancient history and modern coastal life exist side by side.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Split is that its historic center is built within the remains of Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman palace complex dating back nearly 1,700 years.
We explored its winding passageways, historic architecture, lively squares, and beautiful waterfront before continuing our journey along the coast.
Next was Primošten, a charming seaside town with beautiful coastal views and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
This was the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little more of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline before heading inland.
Where we stayed: Exact location listed in my full itinerary, linked below
Don’t miss: Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the picturesque peninsula and waterfront of Primošten.
Lozovac & Krka National Park Area
Our next stop brought us near Lozovac, a convenient base for exploring the beautiful natural surroundings of this part of Croatia.
This area is particularly well positioned for visiting Krka National Park, known for its waterfalls, river scenery, and lush landscapes. We stopped in the charming small village of Skradin and enjoyed delicious pistachio lattes, fresh baked pastries with a buttery flakiness that is divine, and observed Sunday morning mass at the local church.
Where we stayed: Tips & accommodation information included in Full Itinerary linked below
Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Natural Wonder
Plitvice Lakes National Park was one of the destinations I was especially excited to experience. With its cascading waterfalls, interconnected turquoise lakes, wooden walkways, and lush forest surroundings, Plitvice looks almost unreal.
We dedicated a full day to exploring the park, taking in its beautiful trails, waterfalls, and constantly changing scenery.
This is one destination where having a little extra time makes all the difference. There is so much to see, and you’ll want to stop frequently to appreciate the scenery (and take approximately a thousand photographs).
After our day in the park, we stayed just outside the national park area, making it easier to enjoy the experience without rushing our visit.
Where we stayed: Find the exact location along with other helpful resources and tips in the – Full itinerary linked below!
Don’t miss: Planning your park entrance, route, and arrival time in advance. A little bit of planning here goes a long way to ensuring a smooth entry, parking and day exploring this natural wonder of Croatia.
Lovran, Trsat Castle & Slunj
Continuing northwest, we made our way toward the Kvarner region and the charming coastal town of Lovran.
We stayed at a beautiful Gatsby-inspired property that had so much character, and the exceptional breakfast was an added bonus. Lovran was a lovely place to slow down a little and enjoy a different side of Croatia.
Along the way, we also visited Trsat Castle, perched above Rijeka with beautiful views and a fascinating history, and made a stop in Slunj, another picturesque Croatian town worth exploring.
Where we stayed: Find the exact location along with other helpful resources and tips in the – Full itinerary linked below!
Don’t miss: Trsat Castle and exploring the historic surroundings of Lovran.
Dvigrad Ruins, Rovinj & Pula
This stretch of our Croatia itinerary was filled with history, beautiful coastal scenery, and charming Istrian towns.
We visited the atmospheric ruins of Dvigrad, a medieval abandoned town that offers a fascinating glimpse into Croatia’s past.
From there, we continued to Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns along the Istrian Peninsula. With its colorful buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, waterfront restaurants, and charming old-town atmosphere, Rovinj is a destination that feels like it belongs on a postcard.
Our final Croatian base was Pula, where we stayed within a short walk of the magnificent Pula Arena. The Roman amphitheater is an extraordinary reminder of the region’s ancient history and one of the most impressive historic landmarks in Croatia.
Where we stayed: We had a lovely stay in another amazing airbnb with beautiful views of the Pula waterfront. Find the exact location along with other helpful resources and tips in the – Full itinerary linked below!
Don’t miss: Dvigrad Ruins, Rovinj Old Town, and Pula Arena.
Slovenia: Two Beautiful Coastal Stops
Before heading into Italy, we crossed into Slovenia and visited two lovely coastal towns.
Piran
Piran immediately charmed us with its Venetian-inspired architecture, narrow streets, colorful buildings, and beautiful Adriatic setting.
It’s a wonderful place to wander without a strict agenda, discover little corners of the Old Town, and enjoy the coastal views. One of the best kept secrets are the amazing panoramic views found from the top of the old city walls. *Access the walls for only $4 euros!
Koper
We also stopped in Koper, another historic coastal town with an interesting mix of Venetian architecture, charming squares, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Although our time in Slovenia was relatively brief, both towns were worthwhile additions to our route.
Italy: Three Incredible Destinations to Finish Our Adventure
Italy was the final chapter of our trip, and what a way to finish!
From the canals and architecture of Venice to the artistic treasures of Florence and the ancient wonders of Rome, these final destinations delivered some unforgettable experiences.
Venice: Three Nights in the City of Canals
We spent three nights in Venice, giving ourselves two full days to explore the city.
Venice is one of those destinations that truly deserves time to wander. While the iconic landmarks are certainly worth visiting, some of the most memorable moments happen when you step away from the busiest streets and discover the quieter canals and unexpected architectural treasures.
We explored the city’s famous sights, admired its extraordinary architecture, and discovered some remarkable places along the way.
One particularly unexpected discovery was the magnificent ceiling inside Chiesa di San Pantalon, home to the world’s largest oil painting on canvas. It’s an extraordinary masterpiece hiding inside an otherwise unassuming church within walking distance of the Rialto Bridge.
Where we stayed: Find all of our tips & accommodation info along with other helpful resources in the – Full itinerary linked below!
We chose a location near a vaporetto station, which made getting around Venice much more convenient.
Don’t miss: St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and Chiesa di San Pantalon.
Florence: Renaissance Beauty & Art
Next, we spent two nights in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance.
Florence is filled with extraordinary architecture, artistic masterpieces, beautiful piazzas, and historic landmarks.
We explored the city’s iconic sights, admired its incredible art and architecture, and enjoyed wandering through its beautiful streets. From the magnificent cathedral to the world-famous galleries, Florence is a destination that can easily fill several days.
Where we stayed: For all accommodation info and tips see full itinerary link below
Don’t miss: I highly recommend booking the combination tour of the Accademia & The Uffizi museums through my discount with Get Your Guide. https://gyg.me/NV4KLOQ4
Rome: Four Nights in the Eternal City
We finished our European adventure with four nights in Rome.
There is something extraordinary about walking through a modern city surrounded by thousands of years of history.
From ancient Roman ruins and magnificent fountains to beautiful churches, incredible architecture, and world-famous landmarks, Rome is a destination that deserves time and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
We spent our days exploring the city’s historic highlights, taking in its magnificent architecture, and experiencing the many layers of history that make Rome so special.
We also made time for a day trip to Caserta to visit the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, an impressive palace and garden complex that deserves a place on any history or architecture lover’s bucket list.
Where we stayed: Discover our Roman retreat and other tips at the Full Itinerary linked below.
Our accommodation was conveniently located down the road from the Roman Arena, making it a great base for exploring.
Don’t miss: Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest church in Rome aside from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. The best part is that you can visit this incredible church with gorgeous frescoes and so much history for FREE! Also don’t miss a day trip to the Royal Palace of Caserta, which rivals the Palace of Versailles and is absolutely stunning. Film lovers will be interested to know this is the filming location for Palace of Nabuu in Star Wars New Hope, as well as several scenes in Mission Impossible III and the upcoming new release of the Thomas Crown Affair.
Planning a Similar Europe Road Trip? Here Are a Few Things to Consider
A multi-country European road trip is an incredible way to experience several destinations, but a little planning goes a long way.
Here are a few things I’d recommend considering before you go.
1. Be strategic about your overnight stays.
Choosing the right home base can make a huge difference. We considered proximity to attractions, restaurants, grocery stores, parking, and the amount of time we’d spend driving each day.
2. Check parking before booking accommodations.
This is especially important in historic European towns and cities. Not every accommodation offers parking, and some areas have restricted vehicle access.
3. Confirm the details of every reservation.
Double-check your reservation, check-in instructions, bed arrangements, parking details, and any important host communication before arrival.
4. Consider how much time you’ll actually have to explore.
A destination may look close on a map, but driving, parking, border crossings, and navigating unfamiliar roads all take time.
5. Build in flexibility.
Some of the best discoveries happen when you allow yourself time to explore somewhere unexpected rather than rushing from one scheduled stop to another.
6. Research driving requirements and border crossings.
When traveling between countries, check rental car permissions, insurance coverage, tolls, road requirements, and border-crossing procedures ahead of time.
7. Don’t underestimate walking distances.
Many European destinations are best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are essential!
8. I recommend always keeping a few euros in smaller denominations for restrooms.
Public restrooms can be difficult to come by depending on location, most often there is a fee of $1-2 euros for access. I also recommend keeping a small stash of toilet paper in your day pack/bag or purse for the instances a public restroom is not well stocked.
9. Carry a reusable water bottle.
Free public fountains can be found all over these beautiful European cities listed above. The water is delicious and so refreshing, especially on a warm day. This is one of the best ways to save a little $$. Refill your waterbottle often or as much as possible to avoid needing to purchase water elsewhere. *Water at restaurants is almost never free. Expect to pay $3-5 euros for a bottle, sometimes more.
Would I Do This Route Again?
Absolutely.
This trip was a beautiful reminder of how much there is to discover when you venture beyond a single destination.
We experienced coastal villages, medieval towns, ancient Roman history, extraordinary architecture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and some of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Not every stop needs to be a famous bucket-list destination. Sometimes the places you know the least about end up being the ones you remember most.
And if there’s one thing I’d encourage you to do, it’s to make room for the unexpected.
You don’t have to wait for the perfect time, the perfect budget, or the perfect circumstances to start exploring. Plan thoughtfully, travel intentionally, and make the most of the time you have.
Because memories are worth making.
Want to Plan Your Own European Adventure?
I’ve put together resources to help make planning your own European getaway a little easier.
Start with my FREE Travel Planning Guide
Whether you’re planning your first international trip or your next big adventure, my free guide will help you start organizing the details and thinking through the important things before you go.
[GET YOUR FREE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE HERE →]
Want our actual route, stops, and planning details?
If you’d like to follow our footsteps and spend less time researching, my detailed 23-day European itinerary includes the route, destinations, stops, and additional planning details to help you organize your own adventure.
[GET THE COMPLETE 23-DAY EUROPE ITINERARY →]
Happy adventuring!
Krista
Stamps in My Passport
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