Croatia road trip: Dubrovnik to Zagreb

self drive tours in Croatia and wider area

Croatia road trip: Dubrovnik to Zagreb

8 days / 7 nights

Locations

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Dubrovnik – Historic Old Town, Mount Srđ, and cultural sightseeing.

Ston – Medieval walls, salt pans, and oyster tasting.

Pelješac Peninsula – Scenic vineyards and wine tasting.

Korčula Island – Korčula Town, beaches, and local wines.

Hvar Island – Hvar Town, Spanish Fortress, kayaking, and hiking.

Split – Diocletian's Palace and Riva promenade.

Zadar – Historic Old Town, Sea Organ, and Adriatic sunsets.

Krka National Park – Waterfalls and Visovac Island.

Plitvice Lakes National Park – Stunning lakes and waterfalls.

Zagreb – Upper Town, Ban Jelačić Square, and museums.

 
 

Description

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Embark on an unforgettable 8-day self-driving journey through Croatia, starting in the iconic city of Dubrovnik and ending in the vibrant capital, Zagreb. This tour is perfect for adventurers and culture enthusiasts, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, historic towns, light activities and unique experiences.
 
Dubrovnik: Begin your journey exploring the historic Old Town, walking its famous city walls, and hiking to Mount Srđ for breathtaking views or with hike / bike day trip in Dubrovnik countryside.
Ston & Pelješac Peninsula: Discover Ston’s medieval walls, indulge in fresh oysters, and enjoy wine tasting amid the scenic vineyards of the Pelješac peninsula.
Korčula Island: Wander the charming streets of Korčula Town, the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo, and relax on picturesque beaches.
Hvar Island: Kayak along the pristine coastline, hike to the Spanish Fortress for panoramic views, and soak in the island’s vibrant culture.
Split: Explore the ancient Diocletian’s Palace and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Riva promenade, walk to hill Marjan or take a foody tour.
Zadar: Experience Zadar’s unique Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun installation while enjoying breathtaking Adriatic sunsets.
Krka National Park: Walk through lush trails to admire Skradinski Buk waterfalls and take an optional boat trip to Visovac Island.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Discover the UNESCO-listed park with its cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and wooden boardwalks.
Zagreb: Conclude your adventure in Croatia’s capital, exploring its historic Upper Town, bustling squares, and unique museums.
This tour combines the best of Croatia’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local flavors, making it the ultimate road adventure.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik
Highlights: Explore Dubrovnik's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk along the ancient city walls.
Visit landmarks like the Rector's Palace, Franciscan Monastery, and Stradun.
Hike or take the cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views of the Adriatic coast.
Be more active and book: hike,, bike or sea kayak trip
Accommodation: Stay in Dubrovnik.
 
Day 2: Dubrovnik – Ston – Pelješac Peninsula- Korcula island
Drive: 2 hours
Highlights:
Explore Ston's impressive medieval walls and salt pans.
Wine tasting at local wineries on the Pelješac peninsula (e.g., Dingač region).
Enjoy fresh oysters in Mali Ston.
Activities: Scenic drives through vineyards and along the coast.
Accommodation: Stay on Korcula island
 
Day 3:  Korčula Island
Visit Korčula Town, the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo.
Explore the medieval streets and visit St. Mark's Cathedral. Take raod trip along Korcula island and explore secret beaches and small towns
Optional: Wine tasting at local wineries and a leisurely afternoon at Lumbarda beach.
Accommodation: Stay on Korčula Island.
 
Day 4: Korčula – Hvar Island
Drive: 3h
Ferry & Drive: Take the ferry Peljesac peninsula and drive along stunning Adriatic motorway ferry port for Hvar Island.Drive along Hvar island and explore small villages, beaches and towns.
Highlights:
Sea kayaking along the coastline and Pakleni Islands.
Hike to the Spanish Fortress for panoramic views of Hvar Town.
Explore Hvar’s historic center, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery.
Accommodation: Stay on Hvar Island.
 
Day 5: Hvar – Split – Zadar and NP Krka
Ferry & Drive: Morning ferry to Split, then a 3-hour drive to Zadar.
Highlights in Split:
Visit Diocletian's Palace and stroll through the Riva promenade.
On the way to Zadar: Stop and visit National Park Krka
Highlights in Krka:
Walk through Skradinski Buk and enjoy the waterfalls.
Optional boat trip to Visovac Island.
Highlights in Zadar:
Walk along the historic streets of Zadar and visit the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.
Enjoy stunning Adriatic sunsets.
Accommodation: Stay in Zadar.
 
Day 6: Zadar – Plitvice Lakes National Park
Drive: 2 hours to Plitvice Lakes.
Highlights:
Spend the day exploring Plitvice's UNESCO-listed waterfalls and lakes via hiking trails and wooden boardwalks.
Accommodation: Stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park.
 
Day 7: Plitvice Lakes – Zagreb
Drive to Zagreb (2 hours).
Accommodation: Stay in Zagreb.
Highlights:
Explore the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and landmarks like St. Mark’s Church and Lotrščak Tower.
Stroll through Ban Jelačić Square and Tkalčićeva Street.
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships or enjoy Zagreb’s parks.
Departure: Conclude your trip in Zagreb.
Additional Notes:
 
Day 8: drop off car at Zagreb airport
Tour ends
 
Ferries between islands may require advance booking, especially in high season.
Consider rental car logistics (e.g., ferry transfers) or using local transport on islands.
 
A tour prices are orientational, please contact us for more details.

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