Croatia Best Highlights Self-Drive
This 11-day Croatian road trip starts in vibrant Zagreb and finishes in stunning Dubrovnik, offering a fantastic mix of city life, coastal charm, and natural beauty. You’ll explore Zagreb’s historic Upper Town and lively markets before heading to the elegant seaside resort of Opatija. The journey continues through the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, then on to the Roman heritage of Zadar and the bustling old town of Split. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives, cultural highlights, and optional guided tours. The tour wraps up with plenty of time to soak up Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and Adriatic views.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
ZagrebEnds
DubrovnikMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Croatia that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
NoCountries
Croatia, Bosnia And HerzegovinaPassengers
£1,282.50
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
NoGroup Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Zagreb
Upon arrival at Zagreb Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel for check-in. Take time to explore Zagreb, Croatia’s largest city and capital, nestled between Mount Medvednica and the banks of the Sava River. Discover the contrasting charm of Gornji Grad (Upper Town) with its historic streets and Donji Grad (Lower Town), known for its modern squares, parks and elegant façades. Enjoy wandering through this vibrant city before settling in for your overnight stay in Zagreb.
Day 2 - Zagreb
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin exploring Zagreb on foot. The city offers a fascinating blend of history and modern life, divided by Ilica – its longest street – which separates the romantic Upper Town from the lively Lower Town. In Upper Town, we visit landmarks such as the colourful tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church, Lotrščak Tower, the historic Funicular, Stone Gate, and the traditional gas streetlamps that were once lit by hand. The oldest districts, Gradec and Kaptol, reveal the city’s origins. We also visit Dolac Market, one of Europe’s few remaining open-air markets, and the main square, Ban Josip Jelačić Square. For a deeper understanding, you may choose to join our optional two-hour guided city tour. Wine enthusiasts can also opt for a tasting experience, where a sommelier introduces Croatian wines alongside local prosciutto, cheese, and bread, explaining wine and food pairings. We spend the night in Zagreb.
Day 3 - Zagreb - Opatija
After a leisurely breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Opatija, often called the Pearl of the Adriatic. This elegant seaside resort is renowned for its fragrant botanical gardens, parks and colourful villas. For over a century, Opatija has attracted aristocrats and notable visitors, thanks to its mild climate and well-preserved environment, making it a recognised health-tourism destination. We will stroll along the Lungomare promenade, enjoying the fresh sea air, or relax with a drink on one of the many sunny terraces. You may also choose to book an optional private guided tour to learn more about this charming town. Overnight in Opatija.
Day 4 - Opatija
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring Opatija, once a favoured seaside resort of the Austro-Hungarian elite. Wander its charming streets and sample local specialties, or join our optional guided city tour to learn more about its history and attractions. If you wish to delve deeper into the Istrian region, you can book private tours to Pula, Poreč or Rovinj, each offering unique insights into this beautiful part of Croatia. Overnight in Opatija.
Day 5 - Opatija - Plitvička Jezera
After breakfast, depart for Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most remarkable natural sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled within dense woodland, the park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, stunning lakes, and cascading waterfalls. We will explore the well-maintained trails, taking in the serene beauty of this unique landscape at a relaxed pace. You will then settle in for a comfortable overnight stay at your chosen hotel in Plitvice. For a more in-depth experience, you may opt to join our four-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide.
Day 6 - Zadar
After breakfast, we depart for Zadar, located on a narrow peninsula in northern Dalmatia. Once a Venetian town and former capital of Dalmatia, Zadar today blends modern life with a rich historical heritage. We explore the inspiring city centre, wandering its streets paved with gleaming white stone and admiring landmarks such as the Roman walls, the Sea Organ, and The Greeting to the Sun—unique monuments that reflect the dialogue between nature and human creativity. You may wish to pause at a café to enjoy a coffee or savour local cuisine in one of Zadar’s traditional restaurants. For a deeper understanding of the city, you can book an optional private guided tour. Overnight in Zadar.
Day 7 - Zadar - Split
After breakfast, we drive to Split, taking in the scenic landscapes along the way. Once there, explore the city on foot, wandering through the narrow streets of the remarkable old town centred around Diocletian’s Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the fourth century. Split is a vibrant city, offering a mix of historic landmarks, lively squares, beautiful beaches, and a calendar full of festivals, exhibitions and concerts. We recommend joining our two-hour city tour to gain deeper insight into this stunning coastal destination. Overnight in Split.
Day 8 - Split
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day in Split at your own pace. Wander through the city centre, visit the royal palace, or soak up the relaxed atmosphere with a coffee in the main square. Savour local specialities at a traditional restaurant or take a scenic drive along the coast to Cetina Canyon. Consider stopping in Omiš, a town known for its pirate history and medieval fortresses, including the 13th-century Mirabella Fortress and the 15th-century Starigrad Fortress (Fortica). Omiš also offers a lovely sandy public beach with a selection of cafés and restaurants. Overnight in Split.
Day 9 - Split - Dubrovnik
After breakfast, check out and continue your journey along the stunning Croatian coastline towards Dubrovnik. En route, pause at the Makarska Riviera to enjoy a refreshing swim and relax on its pristine white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, check in to your hotel and begin exploring this remarkable city. Wander through the streets within the ancient city walls at your own pace or join our optional guided tour of the old town. Dubrovnik, once the capital of the Republic of Ragusa, is renowned for its impressive medieval fortifications, historic palaces and churches, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 10 - Dubrovnik
After breakfast, enjoy a free day at your leisure. You may choose to explore Dubrovnik independently or join our optional city tour for a deeper understanding of this vibrant former Republic of Ragusa. Discover its remarkable cultural heritage, including numerous palaces and churches within the medieval walls. Alternatively, consider the three-hour Cilipi Folklore tour to experience local traditions through song and dance. You will be warmly welcomed with grape brandy and figs upon arrival in the village of Čilipi, browse the market for authentic souvenirs, and enjoy the rhythms of Dalmatian music. For fans of Game of Thrones, there is a special excursion to Fortress Lovrijenac, known as The Red Keep, offering stunning views of the old town and filming locations such as King’s Landing, the Battle of Blackwater Bay, and the House of the Undying. The tour includes a boat trip to the island of Lokrum, where you can learn about its history and recent transformation into the magical city of Qarth. Keep an eye out for the resident peacocks as you explore. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 11 - Dubrovnik
After breakfast, you will return the rental car at Dubrovnik Airport before boarding your flight home.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard. Click here to see more information about the ships used on this and similar Tour.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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