Captivating Croatia: 9 Days Unforgettable Self Drive Tour

Self Drive Tour Croatia Itinerary

• Day 1 - Welcome to Zagreb

  Pick up your car rental at Zagreb airport and drive to hotel. Overnight in Zagreb

• Day 2 - Zagreb (B)

  In Zagreb see historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament and Government Palace and explore the winding streets of the old town. Overnight in Zagreb.

• Day 3 - Ljubljana (143 km, approx. 2h drive) and Bled (55 km, approx. 1h drive from Ljubljana) (B)

  Leave Croatia and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. See the most significant sights of the old city center, the picturesque open-air Central Market (Sundays closed), the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba's Fountain, take a funicular to Ljubljana castle or just enjoy lunch on the river bank at one of many restaurants. Then, continue to Bled. Overnight in Bled.

• Day 4 - Bled (B)

  An Alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, a small town of hotels, villas, and restaurants has developed around the lake, turning Bled into a lively, all-seasons resort. Explore the charming town and the lakeshore, and visits imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. Perhaps drive to Lake Bohinj this afternoon, another Alpine Jewel, just 26 km (30 min drive) from Bled. Overnight in Bled.

• Day 5 - Postojna (98 km, approx. 1h15min drive), Opatija (61 km, approx. 1h30min drive), and Plitvice (190 km, approx. 3h drive) (B)

  Today we drive south, to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterward, continue to the beautiful bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. After some free time, journey back inland to spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  Note: Opening times for the Postojna Cave depend on month of arrival, entrance to the cave every full hour, visit takes 1h30min

• Day 6 - Trogir (256 km, approx. 3h drive) and Split (28 km, approx 40min drive) (B)

  Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. After the tour, head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities where scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint. Continue to Split. Overnight in Split.

• Day 7 - Dubrovnik (237 km, approx. 4h drive) (B)

  Explore the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Then see the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. In the afternoon proceed towards Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

• Day 8 - Dubrovnik (B)

  Dedicate your day to the most beautiful town of Dalmatia. Visit the Rector's Palace, see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. Overnight in Dubrovnik

• Day 9 - Dubrovnik (B)

  Drop off the car at Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik downtown.