Highlights of Croatia with Plitvice: 11-Day Self-Drive Adventure
Chart your own course through Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, from medieval walled cities to cascading national park lakes.
This Croatia self-drive tour places you in the driver's seat across two captivating countries, linking Split, Zagreb, Plitvice, Biograd na Moru, Mostar, and Dubrovnik over eleven days at a pace entirely of your choosing. Each destination reveals a distinct character, from Roman imperial ruins to Ottoman bazaars and lush karst landscapes. The route is rated very easy, making it well suited to first-time independent travellers and seasoned road-trippers alike.
You will arrive into Split Airport, collect your hire car with the support of a local representative, and begin the journey in the historic town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose compact medieval core can be explored on foot within an afternoon. From there, the itinerary moves north to the Croatian capital Zagreb before turning back south through Plitvice Lakes National Park and along the Dalmatian coast toward Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mostar introduces the influence of Ottoman architecture and Balkan culture before the route concludes in Dubrovnik, whose limestone-paved old city and encircling sea walls are among the most photographed urban landscapes in the Mediterranean. Two nights in Dubrovnik allow sufficient time to walk the walls, descend to the harbour, and explore the streets without rushing.
Throughout the journey, optional private guided tours are available in each city for travellers who prefer structured commentary, while independent visitors are free to set their own schedule, linger over coffee in a square, or take detours to nearby national parks and castles.
Tour Highlights
Dubrovnik's medieval walled old city, packed with Baroque churches, Ragusan palaces, and a sweeping coastal panorama from the city ramparts.
Split's Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world, still inhabited and alive with cafes, galleries, and craft shops.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-listed chain of sixteen terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, accessible via seven marked walking routes and four hiking trails.
Mostar's Stari Most, the reconstructed 16th-century Ottoman stone arch bridge spanning the Neretva River, surrounded by a cobbled bazaar and traditional craftsmen's workshops.
Biograd na Moru, a coastal base with straightforward access to Kornati National Park, Paklenica National Park, Telascica Nature Park, and Lake Vrana nature reserve.
Zagreb's Upper Town, a hillside neighbourhood of cobblestone lanes, Baroque architecture, and viewpoints overlooking the lower city's green parks and rooftops.
Trogir's UNESCO-listed medieval core, reachable within minutes of Split Airport, offering a gentle introduction to Dalmatian history and stone architecture.
Itinerary Overview
Land at Split Airport, meet your local representative, collect your hire car, and drive to Trogir or Split. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the Diocletian's Palace complex and the medieval streets of Trogir at your own pace. Optional private city tours of Split and Trogir are available.
After breakfast, drive north to the Croatian capital. The journey passes through varied inland scenery, and on arrival there is time to explore the city centre or take a short excursion to the medieval fortress town of Samobor, Veliki Tabor castle, or Trakoscan castle. An optional private Zagreb city tour is available.
A relaxed day to explore Zagreb's green parks, baroque squares, and the collections of its many museums and galleries at your own pace. An optional private city tour is available for those who prefer a guided introduction to the city.
Drive south to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most visited natural attractions. The park's seven colour-coded walking routes range from 3.5 to 18 kilometres, allowing you to choose the level of exploration that suits you. An optional private guided tour of the park is available, and appropriate footwear is strongly recommended.
Drive southwest to Biograd na Moru, a small coastal town set on a peninsula at the heart of the Dalmatian riviera. The town serves as a convenient gateway to several protected natural areas, including the Kornati archipelago and Paklenica gorge. A second overnight in Biograd follows a free day to explore the surroundings independently.
The final three driving days take you across the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina to spend a night in Mostar, then onward to Dubrovnik for two nights of exploration in the walled old city. The tour concludes with a drive back to Split or Trogir for a final overnight before returning the hire car at Split Airport on the last morning.
What Is Included
Included
- 10 nights accommodation in selected hotels
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Car hire for the duration of the tour
- Meet and greet at Split Airport on arrival day
- Assistance from local representative at car collection
- Road book and driving itinerary documentation
- 24-hour support during the tour
Not Included
- International flights to and from Split
- Lunches and dinners
- Optional private city guided tours
- National park entrance fees
- Fuel and road tolls
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenditure and tips
Important Information
Ready to Drive Through Croatia?
Secure your self-drive itinerary across Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and travel at a pace that suits you, from the coast of Dalmatia to the lakes of Plitvice and the bridges of Mostar.
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