Croatia self-drive tour: incredible culture & landscapes

Pula

Day 1: Welcome to Pula!

Upon arrival into Pula International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your chauffeur waiting for you in the arrivals hall. From there, take a private transfer to your hotel. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by this majestic city, a jewel sitting alongside the Adriatic Sea.

Once you've checked into your hotel, feel free to freshen up and enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace.

Pula - Porec - Rovinj

Day 2: Istrian city-hopping adventures

Istria is an amazing place, and its western coast is truly something else! There you will find many of the peninsula’s highlights, notably Poreč, Rovinj, and Pula. Each one of these towns and cities offers something unique and takes you on a journey through the layers of the region's past.

Some of the most captivating and unmissable sights include the Amphitheater of Pula, the sixth largest arena of the Roman Empire; the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč; and the 18th-century Church of St. Euphemia in Rovinj.

Brijuni Islands - Pula

Day 3: Cruise the Brijuni Islands

The Brijuni Islands, a group of two large islands and 12 small islets off the west coast of Istria, are home to spectacular beauty and bountiful nature.

Take a ride around the Safari Park on a little train and discover the peculiar mix of autochthonous Istrian and exotic South American, African, and Asian fauna. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit along as there are some lovely bays on the islands, perfect for a quiet swim.

On your way back, visit the Lim Channel, a hidden gem where an oyster farm makes a great spot for a lunchtime treat!

Opatija - Plitvice Lakes - Zadar

Day 4: Journey to the stunning Plitvice Lakes

Today, check out of your Pula hotel and depart for the Plitvice Lakes.

On the way, stop and have a coffee break or early lunch in Opatija, a magnificent coastal town. Discover its beautiful architecture and history as the former official health resort of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.

Afterward, continue your drive towards your next stop: Plitvice Lakes National Park, an expanse whose natural scenes, lakes, waterfalls, and forests are both unique and unmissable. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth exploring with a private guide.

After the tour, continue your drive towards Zadar, your final stop for the evening, to check into your hotel and unwind.

Zadar

Day 5: Immerse yourself in the history of Zadar

Freshen up this morning and have some breakfast before taking a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Zadar, a city with a rich cultural heritage. Wherever you go, you will find the ruins and archaeological sites of Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Napoleon, Habsburgs, and many other ancestors.

Don't miss your chance to take a private half-day walking tour around this true Roman city, to uncover its tumultuous and dynamic history. At sunset, head over to admire two unique works of art: the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, located on the seafront promenade.

Kornati Islands - Sibenik - Split

Day 6: Cruise along turquoise waters

After checking out from your hotel in Zadar, why not take a boat trip to the nearby archipelago of Kornati? Consisting of 140 islands and stunningly beautiful reefs, it is located in the Central Adriatic, on the meeting point of Šibenik and Zadar.

Afterward, you'll head on towards Split. En-route, leave the highway for a short tour of Šibenik, a charming town with its own personality and youthful, lively atmosphere. 

Split - Hvar

Day 7: The history of Diocletian’s city

This morning, drop off your rental car and set out to explore the Old Town of Split, where every narrow street and alleyway is filled with charm and wonder. Head to the ruins of the Diocletian's Palace, which once housed the Roman emperor who built this magnificent structure as a home away from home.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring the city, a cosmopolitan blend of old charm and modernity. Why not venture to some of the hidden coves and beaches that lie just outside of the Old Town?

Later, take a boat ride to reach the island of Hvar, where you will spend the next two nights.

Hvar

Day 8: Enjoy the good life in Hvar

Welcome to Hvar, an island with more sun than any other in all of Europe! Its beaches and clear waters are regularly lauded, while its UNESCO-listed Mediterranean diet is a symbol of its healthy lifestyle.

Enjoy the crystal-blue sea, marvelous bays and pebble beaches, explore the rich Venetian architecture, and journey back into Hvar's glorious cultural past as you explore the oldest public theater in Europe.

In the evening, stroll Hvar's streets as you head for an authentic slow food restaurant, to enjoy some Mediterranean specialties with a glass of local wine.

Pakleni Island - Starigrad - Jelsa

Day 9: Find paradise on the Pakleni Islands

Spend today at your own leisure, relaxing to your heart's content! Why not head right across Hvar to the Pakleni Islands for sunbathing, swimming, and a seaside lunch.

The Pakleni Islands are the prettiest part of Hvar, if not the whole Croatian Riviera. A chain of 21 woody isles dipped in a clear azure sea, they're home to a few resorts as well as tucked-away beaches, stone terraces facing the sun, and deserted lagoons that make these islands a paradise on Earth.

For those who want to discover Hvar's amazing underwater world, there are more than 15 beautiful diving spots within only five to 60 minutes by boat. Elsewhere, you could join a private wine tasting tour to get acquainted with some of Hvar's famous wines, in the town of Jelsa.

Hvar - Dubrovnik

Day 10: Dive into the charms of Dubrovnik

After breakfast this morning, you’ll proceed to Dubrovnik, at the southern tip of the country. Now famed as the set of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, the city with a tumultuous history now stands as a must-visit on any trip to the Mediterranean.

Once you’ve arrived, why not embark on a tour through the Old Town, with a local guide who'll point out and explain any sites of significance as you go. You’ll then climb the city walls to see Dubrovnik from above, complete with sprawling panoramas of the surrounding landscape.

Once the tour is finished, why not go for a swim or head for one of the many restaurants offering local and international cuisines.

Dubrovnik

Day 11: Explore Dubrovnik your way

Today's itinerary offers a chance for you to see Dubrovnik at your own pace.

Why not embark on a sea kayak tour? Visit hidden caves and beaches by paddling near impressive sea rocks and experiencing the cultural-historical sights from a new perspective.

Find yourself paddling along the amazing city walls and around the mystical island of Lokrum, where you will get the chance to enjoy exploring its parks, botanical garden, monastery, and forts.

Alternatively, you could head out on a buggy safari around the city! Enjoy the comfort of being driven along Dubrovnik’s coastal road and up a snaking path to the top of Mount Srđ, stopping at unique photo locations as you go. The tour passes the Napoleonic fort that overlooks the Old Town, with the most spectacular view across the Adriatic. This is an epic off-road adventure to an area rarely seen by tourists.

Dubrovnik

Day 12: Say farewell to Croatia

This morning, depending on your flight time, you might have some free time to spend at your own pace, enjoying everything that this quaint city still has to offer.

Finally, transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Have a safe trip, and be sure to visit again soon to uncover more of Croatia's natural and historical gems!