11-Days Self-Drive Tour of Croatia and Bosnia from Dubrovnik

Highlights of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive

Overview

Highlights of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive is an easy, inspiring road trip that blends UNESCO listed cities, Adriatic coastal drives, and a memorable cross border visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Follow a well paced route from Dubrovnik to Split, Zagreb, and Mostar, with plenty of freedom to explore at your own rhythm.

🗺️ What to Expect

This Croatia self-drive tour is designed for travelers who want structure without losing spontaneity. You will pick up your rental car in Dubrovnik, then enjoy scenic drives between iconic coastal towns, national park gateways, and Croatia’s green capital. Along the way, you can choose to keep days relaxed and independent, or add optional guided experiences like city tours, Krka National Park, wine tastings, and a Game of Thrones themed excursion in Dubrovnik.

The overall pace is very easy, with comfortable hotel overnights and time built in for walking tours, cafés, viewpoints, and seaside stops. Expect medieval lanes, Roman era landmarks, waterfall landscapes, and a rewarding detour into Mostar’s Ottoman influenced old town before returning to Dubrovnik for a final Adriatic farewell.

✨ Highlights

• 🏰 Walk within Dubrovnik’s magnificent medieval walls, a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with stone streets, palaces, and churches
• 🏛️ Explore Split’s Diocletian’s Palace area, one of the most impressive Roman era sites on the Adriatic
• 🌉 Discover Mostar’s iconic Old Bridge and atmospheric bazaar, with a distinctive Mediterranean and Oriental blend
• 🌿 Enjoy the scenic drive and nature options near Krka and Paklenica, ideal for waterfalls and hiking
• ☕ Experience Zagreb’s café culture, parks, and historic Upper Town, from St. Mark’s Church to the Stone Gate
• 🍷 Upgrade with optional wine and olive oil tastings, plus private city tours when you want deeper local context

📍 Itinerary

Day 1, Dubrovnik, arrive at Dubrovnik Airport, meet and greet assistance, collect your car hire, then check in and begin exploring the Old Town. Optional, 2 hour private Dubrovnik city tour.

Day 2, Dubrovnik to Šibenik and Biograd na Moru, drive north and use Biograd as a base for nearby nature and parks. Optional, 3 hour Krka National Park tour with an English speaking guide, entrance ticket excluded.

Day 3, Biograd na Moru, explore Šibenik and Biograd na Moru, or drive to national parks such as Paklenica, Kornati, or Telaščica. Optional Krka tour available again, entrance ticket excluded.

Day 4, Biograd na Moru to Zagreb, drive to the capital, then enjoy a walk through Upper Town and Lower Town, Ilica street, Dolac market, and Ban Josip Jelačić Square.

Day 5, Zagreb, leisure day to explore nearby areas such as Samobor, Hrvatsko Zagorje with Veliki Tabor, or Trakošćan Castle. Optional, 2 hour Zagreb city tour. Optional wine class with a sommelier and Croatian food pairing.

Day 6, Zagreb to Split, scenic drive to Dalmatia, then explore Split on foot, including the old town around Diocletian’s Palace. Optional sightseeing tour recommended.

Day 7, Split and coastal discoveries, drive along the coast with views of Cetina Canyon, stop in Omiš for medieval fortresses and a sandy beach, then visit Trogir, a UNESCO listed town of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. Optional, 2 hour Split and Trogir city tour. Optional wine and olive oil tasting, minimum 2 participants.

Day 8, Split to Mostar, drive to Bosnia and Herzegovina and explore Mostar’s Old Bridge, winding streets, bazaar, Turkish house, and mosque. Optional, 2 hour Mostar city tour with an English speaking guide.

Day 9, Mostar to Dubrovnik, return to Croatia via charming villages, then enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Dubrovnik with lunch or coffee on a terrace.

Day 10, Dubrovnik, leisure day to walk the city walls, enjoy beaches, boutiques, and baroque architecture. Optional, 2 hour private Dubrovnik city tour. Optional Game of Thrones excursion with Fortress Lovrijenac and Lokrum Island.

Day 11, Dubrovnik departure, after breakfast, check out and drive to Dubrovnik Airport, return the rental car, and depart.

✅ What’s Included

• Meet and greet at Dubrovnik Airport with local representative assistance
• Car hire assistance and departure day instructions
• Hotel accommodation for 10 nights, as per itinerary (overnights in Dubrovnik, Biograd na Moru, Zagreb, Split, and Mostar)
• Daily breakfast at the hotel
• Self drive itinerary structure with free time to explore

❌ Exclusions

• Optional tours and experiences, including private city tours, Krka guided tour, wine tastings, and Game of Thrones excursion
• Krka National Park entrance ticket, to be purchased on the spot when visiting
• Optional wine and olive oil tasting in Split, requires a minimum of 2 participants
• Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included

ℹ️ Important Information

• Meeting point, Dubrovnik Airport, where you will be met by a local representative for assistance with your car hire and next steps.
• Tour style, independent self-drive in Croatia with suggested sightseeing and optional guided add ons.
• Difficulty, very easy. Most activities involve relaxed walking in historic centers and optional nature visits.
• Border crossing, the itinerary includes driving from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina for Mostar, then returning to Croatia.
• Optional activities, guided tours and tastings are available on selected days and are not included unless booked.
• Entrance fees, where noted, such as Krka entry, are paid locally.
• Cancellation policy, not provided in the supplied content.

🚗 Ready to Drive the Adriatic Classics?

Book your Dubrovnik to Split road trip today and enjoy an effortless blend of coastal icons, capital city charm, and the unforgettable detour to Mostar. With hotel breakfasts included and optional private tours when you want extra depth, Highlights of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive is a flexible way to experience the Adriatic at your own pace.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Q1: Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Dubrovnik Airport, where a local representative meets you and assists with your car hire. The tour ends with the return of the rental car at Dubrovnik Airport on departure day.

Q2: Is this itinerary guided or independent?
This is an independent Croatia self-drive tour with suggested sightseeing and free time in each destination. You can add optional private city tours and guided excursions on selected days.

Q3: Which destinations are included on this route?
You will visit Dubrovnik, Biograd na Moru with access to nearby parks, Zagreb, Split, and Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The itinerary also suggests stops such as Šibenik, Omiš, and Trogir.

Q4: Are national park visits included, and do I need separate tickets?
National park visits are suggested as part of your free time, and you can also book an optional guided Krka excursion. Krka entrance tickets are excluded and must be purchased on the spot.

Q5: Is this trip suitable for beginners or relaxed travelers?
Yes, the difficulty is rated very easy, with comfortable pacing and mostly light walking in towns and scenic areas. Highlights of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive is ideal if you want a relaxed road trip with optional guided support.