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

Highlights of Croatia with Plitvice, Self-Drive Multi country

Overview

Experience the Highlights of Croatia with Plitvice, Self-Drive on an 11-day route that blends Adriatic cities, national park scenery, and a memorable cross-border stop in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With your own rental car, you set the pace while discovering iconic places like Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice, and Zagreb, plus the enchanting town of Mostar.

🗺️ What to Expect

Drive through Croatia and into Bosnia and Herzegovina with the freedom to linger where you love most, from medieval alleyways and lively squares to waterfall-filled landscapes. Your journey begins around Split and Trogir, then heads north to Zagreb for parks, facades, and local day trip options. Next comes the natural showstopper of Plitvice Lakes National Park, followed by coastal downtime in Biograd na Moru, and a cultural shift in Mostar before finishing with the walled grandeur of Dubrovnik. This is a very easy self-drive itinerary designed for travelers who want independence, variety, and a clear day-by-day plan.

✨ Highlights

• 🏰 Walk the UNESCO-listed heritage atmosphere of Trogir and the timeless presence of Split’s historic core
• 🌿 Discover the lakes and trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a must for nature lovers
• 🌊 Enjoy relaxed seaside days in Biograd na Moru, a great base for nearby national parks
• 🕌 Feel the Oriental charm of Mostar, including the Old Bridge, bazaar, and winding streets
• 🧱 Explore Dubrovnik, the striking medieval walled city filled with landmarks and photo spots
• 🌳 Slow down in Zagreb, a city of green parks, walks, and elegant squares

📍 Itinerary

Day 1, Split Airport, Trogir or Split: Meet and greet with the local representative, get assistance with car hire, then check in and explore Trogir and Split at your own pace. Optional private tours: Split city tour (2 hours) or Trogir city tour (2 hours). Overnight in Trogir or Split, depending on hotel selection.

Day 2, Zagreb: After breakfast, drive to Zagreb. Explore nearby options such as Samobor and try “kremšnita”, or visit areas like Hrvatsko Zagorje with Veliki Tabor, or Trakošćan castle. Optional private Zagreb city tour (2 hours). Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 3, Zagreb: Free day to rest or continue exploring Zagreb’s squares, parks, and facades. Optional private Zagreb city tour (2 hours). Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 4, Plitvice: Drive to Plitvice after breakfast. Choose among seven different routes around the lake system and four hiking trails. Optional private Plitvice tour (3 to 4 hours). Overnight in Plitvice.

Day 5, Biograd na Moru: After breakfast, drive to Biograd na Moru on the Adriatic coast. Use it as a starting point for surrounding nature areas such as Paklenica National Park, Kornati National Park, Nature Park Telaščica, and Lake Vrana nature reserve. Overnight in Biograd na Moru.

Day 6, Biograd na Moru: Breakfast and a full day to discover Biograd na Moru at your own pace. Overnight in Biograd na Moru.

Day 7, Mostar: Drive to Mostar in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina after breakfast. Explore the Old Bridge, bazaar, Turkish house, and mosque, and enjoy the city’s blend of Mediterranean and continental influences. Optional private Mostar city tour (2 hours). Overnight in Mostar.

Day 8, Dubrovnik: After breakfast, drive to Dubrovnik. Explore the medieval walled city and its historic riches and scenic viewpoints. Optional private Dubrovnik city tour (2 hours). Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 9, Dubrovnik: Free day to enjoy Dubrovnik at your own pace. Optional private Dubrovnik city tour (2 hours). Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 10, Split or Trogir: After breakfast, drive to Split or Trogir and enjoy free time exploring. Overnight in Trogir or Split, depending on hotel selection.

Day 11, Split Airport: After breakfast and check-out, drive to Split Airport, return the rental car, and prepare for your return flight.

✅ What’s Included

• Meet and greet by a local representative at Split Airport
• Assistance with your car hire and departure day instructions
• Hotel stays as per itinerary (overnights in Trogir or Split, Zagreb, Plitvice, Biograd na Moru, Mostar, and Dubrovnik, depending on hotel selection)
• Breakfast at the hotel on scheduled days, as stated in the itinerary

❌ Exclusions

• Optional tours and guides (unless purchased)
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance fees (for example, city attractions and Plitvice Lakes National Park, unless otherwise stated)

ℹ️ Important Information

• Start point: Split Airport, where you will meet a local representative for assistance with car hire and departure day instructions.
• Driving style: This is a very easy self-drive itinerary designed for independent travel at your own pace.
• Plitvice planning: The park is open all year round. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and check the weather forecast before your visit.
• Optional tours: Private city tours are available in Split, Trogir, Zagreb, Plitvice, Mostar, and Dubrovnik. These typically include an English-speaking guide, and exclude meals and entrance fees. Minimum 2 pax applies where stated.
• Multi-country route: This itinerary includes travel in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, including an overnight stay in Mostar.

🚗 Ready to Drive the Adriatic Classics?

Book the Highlights of Croatia with Plitvice, Self-Drive and enjoy the freedom of a road trip that pairs coastal icons with inland nature and culture. If you want a flexible route that connects Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, and Mostar without rushing, this Croatia self-drive tour is built for you.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Q1: How long is the Highlights of Croatia with Plitvice, Self-Drive (Multi country) tour?
A1: The itinerary runs for 11 days. It starts at Split Airport and ends with returning the rental car at Split Airport.

Q2: Is this a guided tour or a self-drive itinerary?
A2: This is a self-drive itinerary, so you explore at your own pace. Optional private city tours with an English-speaking guide are available in several destinations.

Q3: Which destinations are included in the Highlights of Croatia with Plitvice, Self-Drive route?
A3: You will visit Split or Trogir, Zagreb, Plitvice, Biograd na Moru, Mostar, and Dubrovnik. The trip includes both Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Q4: What should I know before visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park?
A4: The park is open year-round and offers seven routes around the lake system plus four hiking trails. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and check the weather forecast before you go.

Q5: What is included with the car rental arrangements?
A5: On arrival at Split Airport, a local representative will assist you with your car hire and explain how to proceed on your departure day. Other driving costs and any optional activities are not specified as included.