15-Days Self-Drive Guided Tour of Croatia from Pula

Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive

Overview

Set off on the Croatia self-drive tour that lets you explore at your own pace, from Roman-era Pula to the walled splendour of Dubrovnik and the waterfalls of Plitvice. This 15-day journey blends coastal road-trip freedom, national park scenery, and cultural landmarks into one seamless 15-day Croatia itinerary.

🗺️ What to Expect

This self-drive holiday in Croatia starts in Pula, where ancient history and Istrian coastal life meet, then continues through the Kvarner Bay region for seaside elegance and relaxed promenades. You will drive south into Dalmatia, using Šibenik and Biograd na Moru as gateways to Croatia’s iconic nature, including Krka’s waterfalls and Paklenica’s hiking landscapes.

Next, slow down along the Makarska Riviera, a scenic coastal stretch beneath Biokovo Mountain, before arriving in Dubrovnik to experience its proud cultural heritage and medieval walls. The route then turns inland to the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, giving you time to walk the park trails over two days. Finally, you return to Kvarner Gulf and back to Pula for a relaxed finish by the sea before your departure.

✨ Highlights

• 🏛️ Step into ancient history in Pula, home to an enormous Roman Amphitheatre
• 🌊 Enjoy the coastal charm of the Kvarner Bay region with stops like Opatija, known as the Adriatic Pearl
• 💧 Discover the waterfalls and lush scenery of Krka National Park, with an optional private guided visit
• ⛰️ Use Šibenik and Biograd na Moru as gateways to Paklenica and Krka, ideal for nature lovers
• 🏖️ Cruise the Makarska Riviera, a dramatic coast framed by cliffs, pine forests, and Adriatic views
• 🧱 Fall for Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” famed for its medieval walls and landmark-filled old town
• 🌿 Walk through the UNESCO wonder of Plitvice Lakes National Park, with cascading lakes, waterfalls, and forest trails

📍 Itinerary

Day 1, Pula, arrive at Pula Airport, meet and greet with local representative, assistance with car hire and departure-day info. Drive to hotel, check in, then explore Pula.

Day 2, Pula, breakfast, explore the city and the Roman Amphitheatre. Optional 2-hour Pula city tour with a private guide.

Day 3, Kvarner Bay, breakfast, check out, drive toward Kvarner Bay. En-route stop in Opatija. Overnight in Rijeka, Opatija, or Lovran region.

Day 4, Šibenik or Biograd na Moru, breakfast, continue to Šibenik and Biograd na Moru. Visit Krka and consider hiking in Paklenica. Optional 3-hour Krka National Park tour, entrance ticket excluded.

Day 5, Šibenik or Biograd na Moru, breakfast, explore medieval Šibenik or visit a national park. Optional 3-hour Krka National Park tour, entrance ticket excluded.

Day 6, Makarska Riviera, breakfast, check out, drive to the Makarska Riviera. Scenic coastal drive with Mediterranean landscapes. Do not miss the Biokovo Skywalk, a glass walkway in Nature Park Biokovo.

Day 7, Dubrovnik, breakfast, continue to Dubrovnik with recommended stops in Ploce and Neum. Optional 2-hour Dubrovnik city tour with a private guide. Optional 3-hour Cilipi Folklor tour with traditional welcome, market browsing, and local music. Optional ideas include Peljesac wine tasting, Korcula, or Mljet.

Day 8, Dubrovnik, breakfast, explore Dubrovnik, including a walk atop the city walls for panoramic views.

Day 9, Šibenik or Biograd na Moru, breakfast, check out, drive back to Šibenik. Optional Krka National Park tour or independent hiking, entrance ticket excluded.

Day 10, Plitvice, breakfast, depart for Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll the park paths and admire lakes and waterfalls. Overnight in Plitvice.

Day 11, Plitvice, breakfast, continue exploring Plitvice on different trails. Optional Plitvice National Park tour with an English-speaking guide.

Day 12, Kvarner Bay, breakfast, return to Kvarner Gulf. Relax at the beach or dine at a typical Croatian restaurant. Overnight in Rijeka, Opatija, or Lovran region.

Day 13, Pula, breakfast, check out, drive back to Pula along Istria’s west coast. Check in and enjoy leisure time. Overnight in Pula.

Day 14, Pula, breakfast, full day at leisure, beach time and hotel dining facilities. Overnight in Pula.

Day 15, Departure, breakfast, check out, drive to Pula Airport, return the rental car, and prepare for your return flight.

✅ What’s Included

• Meet and greet at Pula Airport by a local representative
• Assistance with car hire and information for your departure day
• Hotel stays as outlined in the itinerary, including overnights in Pula, Kvarner Bay region, Šibenik or Biograd na Moru, Makarska Riviera, Dubrovnik, and Plitvice
• Daily breakfast at the hotel (as described throughout the itinerary)

❌ Exclusions

• Entrance tickets where stated as excluded, including Krka National Park entrance ticket, to be purchased on the spot
• Optional tours and private guide services, unless booked separately, including Pula city tour, Dubrovnik city tour, Cilipi Folklor tour, Krka guided tour, and Plitvice guided tour
• Any activities mentioned as suggestions, such as Peljesac, Korcula, or Mljet visits, unless booked separately

ℹ️ Important Information

• Start point, Pula Airport, where you will meet your local representative and receive assistance with your car hire.
• End point, Pula Airport, where you will return the rental car before your flight.
• Tour style, Croatia road trip with hotel stays and self-guided driving between destinations.
• Difficulty, VERY EASY, suitable for travellers seeking a relaxed pace, with optional hikes and walking in national parks.
• National park visits, you can explore independently or choose optional guided tours where offered. Where noted, entrance tickets are excluded and purchased on the spot.

🚗 Ready to Drive Croatia Your Way?

If you want a flexible Adriatic coast itinerary that balances iconic cities with Croatia’s most celebrated nature, this Croatia self-drive tour is designed for you. Secure your dates, personalise your stops with optional guided experiences, and enjoy the freedom of a memorable 15-day journey from Pula to Dubrovnik and Plitvice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Q1: What is the starting point of the Croatia self-drive tour?
A: The tour starts at Pula Airport, where you will meet a local representative. They will assist you with your car hire and explain how to proceed on your departure day.

Q2: How difficult is this 15-day Croatia itinerary?
A: The difficulty is rated VERY EASY, making it ideal for travellers who want a relaxed pace. Hiking in places like Paklenica or longer walks in Plitvice are optional and can be adapted to your comfort level.

Q3: Which national parks are featured in this Croatia road trip?
A: The itinerary highlights Plitvice Lakes National Park as a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also positions Šibenik and Biograd na Moru as great bases for visiting Krka National Park and Paklenica.

Q4: Are guided tours included during the self-drive holiday in Croatia?
A: Guided tours are optional and can be booked separately, such as a Pula city tour, a Dubrovnik city tour, and guided visits to Krka or Plitvice. Where stated, park entrance tickets are excluded and must be purchased on the spot.

Q5: What are the key destinations covered on the Croatia self-drive tour?
A: You will stay in and explore Pula, the Kvarner Bay region, Šibenik or Biograd na Moru, Makarska Riviera, Dubrovnik, and Plitvice. The route returns to Kvarner Gulf and ends back in Pula for departure.