10 Day Zagreb, Medjugorje, and Dubrovnik Pilgriamge
Day 1: Departure from the USA
Evening/Overnight: Depart from your home city in the USA to Zagreb, Croatia. Be sure to check your flight schedule and arrive at the airport in plenty of time to complete security and check-in procedures. Expect a long-haul flight, generally around 10–12 hours, with a time zone difference of about 6–8 hours ahead of the USA depending on your departure city.
Day 2: Arrival in Zagreb
Arrival in Zagreb: After a long flight, you will land at Franjo Tuđman Airport in Zagreb. Depending on the time of your arrival, there may be time for a brief rest.
Transfer to Hotel: Take a private transfer or shuttle to your hotel. Check-in, refresh, and get ready for the day ahead.
Afternoon/Evening: Explore Zagreb: After settling in, enjoy an afternoon stroll around the capital city of Croatia. Visit the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), where you can explore landmarks such as St. Mark's Church, the Lotrščak Tower, and the colorful Dolac Market. If time permits, enjoy a meal at a traditional Croatian restaurant.
Overnight: Stay in Zagreb.
Day 3: Zagreb – Plitvička Lakes – Split
Morning: Depart for Plitvička Lakes. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Plitvička Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (around 2 hours from Zagreb). Explore the park’s famous cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. You can take a boat ride or a walk along wooden boardwalks that lead you to scenic viewpoints.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Croatian meal at a restaurant near Plitvička Lakes.
Afternoon: Continue to Split. After your visit to Plitvička Lakes, drive to Split (about 3 hours from Plitvička Lakes). Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Evening: Explore Split. Split is known for its historical Roman architecture. You can visit Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO-listed site, and wander around the ancient streets of the old town. A visit to the Riva promenade is also great for a stroll and a seaside dinner.
Overnight: Stay in Split.
Day 4: Split Half-Day Tour – Dubrovnik
Morning: Split Half-Day Tour. After breakfast, take a guided half-day tour around Split, which includes a visit to Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the famous Peristyle square. You’ll also have some free time to explore on your own or shop for local souvenirs.
Lunch: Have lunch at a local café or restaurant in Split before departure.
Afternoon: Travel to Dubrovnik. After your tour, begin your 4-hour drive to Dubrovnik. Enjoy scenic views along the way.
Evening: Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take a short walk around the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the city’s beautiful medieval architecture.
Overnight: Stay in Dubrovnik.
Day 5: Dubrovnik Half-Day Tour – Medjugorje
Morning: Dubrovnik Half-Day Tour. After breakfast, embark on a half-day guided tour of Dubrovnik. Explore the historic Old Town, the City Walls, and the Stradun street. You can also visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector’s Palace. If time permits, take a cable car to the top of Mount Srd for panoramic views of the city.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Croatian lunch at one of Dubrovnik’s seafront restaurants.
Afternoon: Departure for Medjugorje. After lunch, depart for Medjugorje, a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina famous for its religious significance. The drive will take approximately 3-4 hours.
Evening: Arrive in Medjugorje. Check-in at your hotel. Afterward, you can relax or take an evening stroll in the town.
Overnight: Stay in Medjugorje.
Day 6: Walking Tour of Medjugorje
Morning: Walking Tour of Medjugorje. After breakfast, begin your guided walking tour of Medjugorje, a pilgrimage site known for the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Visit St. James Church, the main church where pilgrims gather, and hear about the history of the apparitions that began in 1981. You will also visit the Holy Statue of the Virgin Mary, which many believe has miraculous powers.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Bosnian meal at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue Exploring. You can explore the town further, perhaps visit the Medjugorje Apparition Hill (more on that in the next day) or take part in a local mass or prayer service.
Evening: Enjoy a peaceful evening reflecting on the experience.
Overnight: Stay in Medjugorje.
Day 7: Apparition Hill (Podbrdo)
Morning: Visit Apparition Hill. After breakfast, take a guided hike up Apparition Hill (Podbrdo), where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the six visionaries. The walk can be steep, but the views and the spiritual experience make it a memorable journey. You’ll also visit the White Cross and the Shrine on top of the hill.
Lunch: Return to Medjugorje for lunch at a local café or restaurant.
Afternoon: Free Time. You will have free time to continue your visit to other holy sites in the area or engage in personal reflection and prayer. Many pilgrims spend this time in quiet contemplation.
Evening: Take part in the evening rosary prayer at St. James Church, a key part of the Medjugorje experience for many visitors.
Overnight: Stay in Medjugorje.
Day 8: Cross Mountain (Križevac)
Morning: Visit Cross Mountain (Križevac). After breakfast, embark on a journey up Križevac, a mountain with a 29-foot high cross at its summit. The cross was erected in 1933 and offers another spiritual pilgrimage site in Medjugorje. The hike is a bit more challenging than Apparition Hill, but the view and sense of accomplishment at the top are extraordinary.
Lunch: Once back in Medjugorje, enjoy lunch and rest.
Afternoon: Free Time. You’ll have more free time to relax, visit the local shops, or perhaps attend a mass at St. James Church.
Evening: Spend your evening in prayer or reflecting on your journey.
Overnight: Stay in Medjugorje.
Day 9: Medjugorje – Sarajevo
Morning: Depart for Sarajevo. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The drive takes about 3 hours.
Afternoon: Explore Sarajevo. After checking into your hotel, explore Sarajevo’s old town (Baščaršija), where you can visit landmarks such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, and the Latin Bridge, famous for its association with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Bosnian meal such as ćevapi or burek at one of Sarajevo’s iconic restaurants.
Evening: Spend the evening discovering the city's diverse mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences.
Overnight: Stay in Sarajevo.
Day 10: Departure from Sarajevo
Morning: Free Time. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to visit any last-minute attractions or do some shopping in Sarajevo.
Afternoon: Depart Sarajevo. After checking out of your hotel, transfer to Sarajevo International Airport for your flight back home to the USA.