21 day itinerary
North Italy, Slovakia, Croatia
Itinerary
Planning a 21-day family-friendly itinerary through Northern Italy, Slovakia, and Croatia sounds like an amazing adventure! Let’s dive into a fun-filled itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and family-friendly activities.
Day 1-7: Northern Italy
Day 1: Arrival in Milan
- Arrive in Milan and settle into your hotel.
- Explore the iconic and take the elevator to the rooftop for stunning views.
- Enjoy a family dinner in the .
Day 2: Milan to
- Take a train to (about 1 hour).
- Spend the day in , known as the "Pearl of the Lake."
- Enjoy a boat ride on the lake and visit the beautiful gardens of .
- Dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 3: to Verona
- Travel to Verona (about 2 hours by train).
- Visit and the famous balcony.
- Explore the ancient Roman Arena and enjoy a gelato in .
- Family-friendly dinner at a local pizzeria.
Day 4: Verona to Venice
- Head to Venice (about 1.5 hours by train).
- Take a gondola ride through the canals (kids will love this!).
- Visit and the .
- Dinner in the charming Cannaregio district.
Day 5: Venice
- Spend the day exploring the islands of and .
- Watch a glass-blowing demonstration in and enjoy the colorful houses in .
- Return to Venice for dinner and a stroll along the .
Day 6: Venice to Bologna
- Travel to Bologna (about 1.5 hours by train).
- Explore the historic center, including the Two Towers and .
- Enjoy a family cooking class to learn how to make traditional pasta.
- Dinner at a local trattoria.
Day 7: Bologna to Florence
- Head to Florence (about 1 hour by train).
- Visit the (book tickets in advance) and see .
- Enjoy a family-friendly dinner in the Oltrarno district.
Day 8-14: Slovakia
Day 8: Florence to Bratislava
- Fly or take a train to Bratislava (consider a flight for convenience).
- Explore the charming Old Town and visit .
- Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant with local Slovak cuisine.
Day 9: Bratislava
- Take a day trip to the (about 2.5 hours by car).
- Enjoy hiking or take a cable car up to for breathtaking views.
- Return to Bratislava for dinner.
Day 10: Bratislava to
- Visit , known for its beautiful churches and historic center (about 1 hour by car).
- Explore the city on foot and enjoy lunch at a local café.
- Return to Bratislava for the night.
Day 11: Bratislava to Košice
- Travel to Košice (about 2.5 hours by train).
- Visit the stunning St. Elisabeth Cathedral and the Singing Fountain.
- Enjoy a family dinner in the city center.
Day 12: Košice to Prešov
- Take a short trip to Prešov (about 30 minutes by train).
- Explore the charming town and visit the Orthodox Cathedral.
- Return to Košice for the night.
Day 13: Košice to
- Travel to (about 2 hours by car).
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and its mining history.
- Visit the Old Castle and enjoy a family picnic in the nearby nature.
Day 14: to Bratislava
- Return to Bratislava (about 2 hours by car).
- Spend the afternoon relaxing or visiting any missed attractions.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in Slovakia.
Day 15-21: Croatia
Day 15: Bratislava to Zagreb
- Travel to Zagreb (about 4 hours by car).
- Explore the Upper Town, including and the .
- Dinner in the vibrant Tkalčićeva Street.
Day 16: Zagreb to
- Head to Plitvice Lakes (about 2 hours by car).
- Spend the day exploring the stunning lakes and waterfalls (family-friendly walking paths).
- Stay overnight in a nearby hotel.
Day 17: Plitvice to Zadar
- Travel to Zadar (about 1.5 hours by car).
- Visit the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun.
- Enjoy a family dinner by the waterfront.
Day 18: Zadar to Split
- Head to Split (about 1.5 hours by car).
- Explore Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva promenade.
- Enjoy a family-friendly dinner in the old town.
Day 19: Split to Hvar
- Take a ferry to (about 1 hour).
- Spend the day at the beach or exploring Hvar Town.
- Enjoy a family dinner with a view of the sunset.
Day 20: Hvar to Dubrovnik
- Ferry back to Split and drive to Dubrovnik (about 3 hours).
- Explore the Old Town and walk along the city walls.
- Dinner in a family-friendly restaurant in the Old Town.
Day 21: Dubrovnik
- Spend your last day relaxing at the beach or taking a boat trip to nearby islands.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with your family, reminiscing about the amazing trip!
Tips for Traveling with Family:
- Always check for family discounts on attractions.
- Consider booking accommodations with kitchen facilities for easy meal prep.
- Keep snacks and water handy for day trips.
- Plan for some downtime to relax and recharge.
I hope this itinerary helps you create unforgettable memories with your family! Enjoy your adventure through Northern Italy, Slovakia, and Croatia! 🌍✈️
