Croatia self drive holiday
Our only Croatia self-drive holiday encourages exploration away from the busy tourist areas. With a tailor-made itinerary designed to get you out of the car, you’ll experience family-owned hotels, small local restaurants, wild national parks and real village life.
Adriatic islands Zagreb Dubrovnik Trogir Zadar Plitvice National Park Krka National Park Split Historic cities
Price
£1295To£1950 excluding flights
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What's included ?
* Private airport transfers
* 14 nights on BB
* 11 days fully-inclusive car hire
* Detailed itinerary (directions & sightseeing info.)
* FREE travel app (docs, maps, weather & more)
* All taxes, 24hr local services.
* PER PERSON
Description of Croatia self drive holiday
An Elegant Journey Through Croatia’s Heart and Coastline
Experience the very best of Croatia on a bespoke fly-drive holiday that seamlessly blends culture, scenery and sophistication. Beginning in the vibrant capital of Zagreb and winding your way south to the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik, this carefully designed itinerary offers the freedom of the open road with the comfort of refined travel.
Your journey begins in Zagreb, a city of Habsburg elegance, café culture and thriving arts. Stay in a stylish boutique hotel and explore the cobbled streets of the Upper Town, before setting off towards the rolling hills and forested beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here, crystal-clear waterfalls and emerald lakes provide a serene backdrop for leisurely exploration.
Continue to the ancient Dalmatian towns of Zadar, Šibenik and Split, where Roman ruins, UNESCO-listed architecture and a vibrant waterfront lifestyle await. Your hand-picked quality accommodation offers the perfect balance of comfort and character, with optional private excursions and gastronomic experiences to enhance your stay.
As you travel further south, the road reveals the breathtaking beauty of the Pelješac Peninsula and the tranquil Elaphiti Islands—ideal for wine tastings, hidden beaches and moments of pure indulgence. Your journey concludes in Dubrovnik, where the terracotta rooftops and mediaeval walls frame the sparkling Adriatic. Unwind in a sea-view hotel, enjoy a private guided tour of the Old Town, and toast the end of your Croatian adventure with a sunset dinner overlooking the coast.
Every element of this fly-drive holiday is tailor-made to your preferences, including premium car hire, curated routes, and personal-chosen stays throughout.
This is Croatia at its most captivating—delivered with elegance, ease and a touch of the extraordinary.
A bespoke fly-drive holiday allows you to discover the country at your own pace with a flexible itinerary from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. You can actually travel in either direction and we can arrange the overall duration, routes and flight options exactly as you’d like them.
* For example, another popular option is to fly into Split and include stays in Trogir, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Omis plus an island of your choice.
All accommodation on this Croatia self-drive holiday has been hand-picked to show off what the country does best: hospitality; with smaller, more authentic, family-run hotels and guest houses providing a unique look at the culture and the lifestyles of everyday Croatians.
Driving conditions are excellent with the new highways from the capital to the coast cutting down on travel times but also freeing up space on minor roads so drivers can choose between peaceful scenic routes or speedier alternatives to make the most of time away from home. Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor and Bosnia & Herzegovina's famous town of Mostar are within easy reach if you’ve got a little extra time for further travels.
Itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive at Zagreb airport; private transfer to your city centre hotel for the next two nights. Meals included: breakfast. |
| Day 2: | Your first full day in Croatia allows you to utilise public transport for sightseeing. Suggested optional visits to the northern city of Varazdin or Trakoscan Castle can be done if you prefer your hire car to be delivered today. |
| Day 3: | Collect your hire car and then drive south to Plitvice National Park by way of the central Croatian town of Karlovac and the lovely village of Rastoke. On arrival you'll check into your B&B accommodation for the next two nights. |
| Day 4: | Take your time to explore Plitvice National Park on foot by taking advantage of the all-inclusive entry fee which includes use of the national park's public transport system. Plitvice is criss-crossed with walking trails and makes for an incredibly scenic spot for outdoor picnics and being at one with the natural world of Croatia. NB. we can pre-book your tickets for a guaranteed entry slot [recommended]. |
| Day 5: | Leave the forest trails of Plitvice behind as you drive to Zadar, on the coast, via a variety of stop off points en-route, which can include: Velebit National Park, Paklenica National Park and Pag Island. Upon arrival you'll check into your B&B accommodation in Zadar which will be your home for the next two nights. |
| Day 6: | Known for its Venetian and Roman heritage, Zadar is a magnificent city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast and today you'll enjoy a cultural exploration of the old town or perhaps a chance to visit more of the beautiful surrounding countryside. The coastal village of Nin, Pag Island, Vransko Lake and the collection of islands within Kornati National Park, are all highly recommended whilst you're based in Zadar. |
| Day 7: | Today you have the choice of using the highway or taking a more scenic coastal route as you head towards Split by way of Sibenik and/or the Krka National Park. Recommended B&B accommodation for the next three nights can be found in Trogir or you can spend two nights in Trogir and one night in Skradin (or Sibenik) so as to make the most of Krka National Park. |
| Day 8-9: | For the next two days you'll be able to relax and explore both Split and Trogir on foot or by means of local public water bus. The nearby city of Salona, with its Roman ruins, is certainly a great alternative option as are zip-wiring and white water rafting activities further along the coast in the Cetina Valley, which is near the harbour town of Omis. ** alternatively, switch one night in Trogir for a night in Omis to explore the Dalmatian coast and enjoy more time for the Cetina Valley activities. |
| Day 10: | After your time spent on the mainland today we recommend you take the car ferry to one of the islands close to Split. Hvar and Brac islands are nearby and provide the perfect location for two nights in B&B accommodation. |
| Day 11: | The Pakleni Islands (off Hvar Town) and the world-famous Zlatini Rat beach, near Bol, both make superb options for relaxing and sightseeing whilst you're located on one of the nearby islands mentioned above. |
| Day 12: | Today we recommend you take the ferry back to the mainland and spend a night in the small town of Ston which is situated on the stunning Peljesac Peninsula. Sightseeing here includes the magnificent walls, stretching up the hillside and a chance to sample fabulous oysters. Overnight stay in B&B accommodation in Ston. |
| Day 13: | We recommend driving south, along the coast, to Dubrovnik (detours include the Bosnian city of Mostar or the island of Mljet). Also making an ideal stop along the way is the Trsteno Arboretum. The next two nights will be spent in B&B accommodation in the red roofed coastal city of Dubrovnik. |
| Day 14: | Leave your hire car behind and walk the famous city walls and explore the rich medieval heritage to be found in the old town of Dubrovnik with a great choice of public transport and optional activities and excursions finishing off your two week tour of Croatia in style. |
| Day 15: | More free time in Dubrovnik then a private transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your flight home. |
Price information
£1295To£1950 excluding flights
Convert currency:
What's included ?
* Private airport transfers
* 14 nights on BB
* 11 days fully-inclusive car hire
* Detailed itinerary (directions & sightseeing info.)
* FREE travel app (docs, maps, weather & more)
* All taxes, 24hr local services.
* PER PERSON
Departure information
This trip can be tailormade throughout the year and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary
Travel guides
Our Croatia travel guide has tips on culture, food and shopping, plus what we rate (and what we don't).
Our self drive and fly drive guide is the GPS you need to explore the world independently with confidence.
Holiday information
Our top tip:
Go on day trips to smaller islands and take guided walking tours when you are there. They all have stories galore.
Single supp.
Solo travellers welcome although one person per car leaves very heavy carbon footprint.
Accomm:
Small locally owned hotels.
Included:
14 nights in small locally owned hotels, breakfasts, guide book, 11 days air-conditioned car hire, airport transfers, ferry timetables, directions, on call service.
Reviews
58 Reviews of Croatia self drive holiday
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025 by Brenda Poffenroth
Our trip was fantastic! We loved Plitvice National Park and a bonus was one of the suggestions you guys sent about stopping in Rastoke. What a great little place and close to the hotel that was booked for us. Read full reviewReviewed on 09 Aug 2025 by Clare Taggart
We had a lovely time and really enjoyed the variety of the 4 locations, we felt like we got to see and experience a lot more of Croatia this way. The information, booking and supporting app were all great. Would absolutely recommend the operator and will look to use again. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 May 2025 by Marie Carey
Excellent - a busy but very well organised trip. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Apr 2025 by Janet Ellis
Your organization was probably the best part. All the hotels we stayed n were great. the people who collected us and dropped us off were on time, every time. The car you hired on our behalf was great. The App info worked perfectly. All in all, a wonderful experience. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Sep 2025 by Jon OConnor
Plitvica, zipline in Omiš, Dubrovnik were the highlights of the trip. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 May 2025 by Jillian Holt
Very good experience. Loved Croatia. People were very friendly & helpful. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Oct 2024 by Gail Joseph
It was fantastic! Right from the planning stage, we had excellent communication with Andy and Dawn. Any queries or changes were addressed and implemented immediately. It was extremely well-organized, from the choice of hotels to the private transfers which were topnotch. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Oct 2024 by Ian Sambell
We loved touring Croatia self drive and enjoyed visiting the many towns and villages steeped in history and tradition. From the stunning Plitvitce Lakes to the walled city of Dubrovnik there were many memorable highlights. The friendliness and kindness of the Croatians made our travel experiences very special. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Oct 2024 by Michael Woodham
Getting to visit so many stunning deatinations with great hotels in very good locations... Absolutely fantastic. Everything was arranged perfectly from start to finish, and the inclusion of all the transfers made the holiday so simple. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Jul 2022 by Amber Nichols
We were able to book a dinner with a local family in Dubrovnik where we spent the evening eating and sharing fellowship. We loved eating truffles on the Istrian Peninsula. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Jun 2022 by Nicola Pease
Excellent... can highly recommend Croatia and responsible travel. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Sep 2019 by Manuelle Prunier
The most memorable part of the holiday was the lovely and friendly hotel in Plitvice right in the countryside and very close to the Park (Etno Garden). Read full reviewReviewed on 27 Aug 2019 by Jean Rovegno
There were a few (memorable moments) but at the top it would have to be the lovely staff at Hotel Korsal, Korcula Island and at the Plitvice Lakes. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Jun 2019 by Trish Hart
The most memorable parts of the trip were the visits to Plitvice lakes and Krka national park, both parks were very scenic but busy. Zadar by contrast was quiet and not totally touristy yet! Read full reviewReviewed on 29 May 2019 by Peter Townsend
Plivitz and Kirka National Parks were absolutely superb Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Oct 2019 by Jonathan Rubes
Croatia is a beautiful country and all parts had their moments Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Oct 2018 by Tim Goode
Croatia is wonderful... the Port of Sucrulaj on Hvar is a beautiful village. The best Port City I have ever visited. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Sep 2018 by Joanne Manzo
Excellent. The operator was exceptional. Our accommodations were the best Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Jul 2018 by Lisbeth Faulstich
It was fabulous....Plitvice was pretty cool. Zagreb was a pleasant surprise, as was Zadar. The staff at the hotels in Zadar, Hvar, and Plitvice deserve a call out for their help, friendliness and service. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Jun 2018 by Rick Keenan
The national parks we visited, Plitvice Lakes and Kirk, were excellent. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 May 2018 by Prakash Damodaran
Croatia's natural beauty - its brilliant coastline, azure seas, beautiful lakes... and great roads meant to be driven on. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 May 2018 by Andy Brading
There were many highlights so it's hard to choose just 1. The amphitheatre in Pula was amazing, as was Dubrovnik as a whole and all of the towns, small and large with their narrow streets, beautiful churches, squares and other old buildings were an absolute delight. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Sep 2018 by Anna-Lena Neld Hansen
The most memorable part of the holiday were the National Parks - simply gorgeous Read full reviewReviewed on 31 Aug 2018 by Patrick Ko
(The holiday was) Excellent! I have gained knowledge about the scenery, culture and the people of Croatia. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Aug 2018 by Linda Franck
The excursions were the most memorable part of the holiday Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Aug 2018 by Penelope Jackson
Traveling up Cetina Valley while staying in Omis. Learning the process of lavender oil production on Hvar Island. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Oct 2017 by Amanda Distin
The most memorable part of our holiday was the time spent at Plitvice. We arrived in torrential rain at c9.00 am, but had come prepared with our ponchos! By mid morning the weather had cleared and the sun was out. This area has to be unique in the world, with all the walk ways running along the numerous waterfalls and water flowing underneath your feet. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Sep 2017 by Marilyn Cole
Difficult to make a choice because the coastline is beautiful and the towns are very interesting but the Plitvice Lakes have the edge and were very memorable even in the rain! We also found Ston surprising - in a good way - particularly walking the walls. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Sep 2017 by Carolyn Farrar
Plitvice National Park and walking the walls of Dubrovnik both stand out as super experiences. Both needed early starts but so worth it to get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Aug 2017 by Gary Charles
We stayed in 6 cities and travelled through 4 former Yugoslav states. Our favourite city was Split. It is the ideal spot to do island hopping. The most fascinating city was Sarajevo. We were not expecting such a diversity of cultures living side by side. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jun 2017 by Samantha Syder
We had a driving holiday through Croatia - with a couple of days relaxation at the end. The whole holiday was enjoyable, Croatia is a beautiful country. Each part had its own merits, so hard to pinpoint one particular aspect. Read full reviewReviewed on 27 May 2017 by Tom Lambie
An excellent holiday much enhanced by the organisation of RT, resulting in a lot achieved in the 2 weeks. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Sep 2017 by Alan Taphouse
Everything was a new experience and the country has fantastic scenery and many historical towns - nothing stood out overall. It was all exceptional! Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Sep 2017 by Julia Kemper
All bar three days of the holiday were spent in Montenegro, not Croatia. Montenegro is largely about the scenery/outdoor activities - very little in the way of notable buildings/museums/etc. But nonetheless interesting & worthwhile. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Aug 2017 by Joy Cooper
The amazing, beautiful scenery round every corner, whether we were driving along the coast road, hiking in a national park, cycling round an island or exploring the towns and cities. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Aug 2016 by Linda Atouguia
Absolutely fantastic - want to return ASAP!!!! Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Aug 2016 by Jo Tofts
Everything had been arranged perfectly and went smoothly and we really felt like we got a feel for the country. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Aug 2016 by David Kass
Fab, thank you to Andy for all the assistance given to make this a memorable holiday. Well done all. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 Oct 2016 by Markeus Woodworth
Had an amazing time exploring the islands and mainland. Easy driving. Good food. Lovely people. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 Sep 2016 by Charles Fox
Excellent. The travel arrangements worked like clockwork. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Sep 2016 by John Burgess
Unspoiled coastal towns with clean beaches and water, friendly and welcoming people, good food and drink and wall-to-wall sunshine. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Sep 2016 by Debbie Williams
Excellent, especially swimming in the lovely clear sea. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Aug 2016 by Jocelyn Carpreau
Excellent! There were many little touches that made this holiday seem more luxurious than other road trips we have taken. It felt as if the tour operator had personally chosen the best rooms for us. We wouldn't have been able to do that if we'd booked on the hotels ourselves. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Aug 2016 by Bernie Vanhaeften
Really enjoyed it. Great people, lovely country (especially northern Croatia), fascinating architecture and fabulous food. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Jul 2016 by Cathy Dawson
Beautiful coastline, clear waters, great snorkelling. The hotels were all quite different, but all good. Hotel mediteran in Zadar is not flashy, but it is clean and I think the friendliest hotel we have ever stayed in. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 May 2016 by Alison Cutts
It was all executed with simple, smooth efficiency which enabled us to enjoy everything to the max, and have a relaxing yet adventurous experience. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Sep 2015 by Mairead Lennox
Absolutely perfect. Well organized and with no hitches. Car hire was easy and the hotels were very well chosen. We would certainly recommend this to anyone. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Sep 2015 by Tony Jones
We have travelled to a lot of the world over the last 30 years and I would put this holiday at the top of them all! Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Aug 2015 by Ewan Hunter
There were so many highlights - Croatia is such a beautiful country, I genuinely loved every stop on our itinerary. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Jul 2015 by Randall Hurd
Plitvice Lakes National Park which is simply stunning, but Krka Park is also not to be missed. The drive to Hvar Town on the island of Hvar is similarly stunning. Many beautiful old towns. We liked the smaller towns like Stari Grad as well as magnificent Dubrovnik. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
We have chosen to include places to stay where public transport is more than adequate for sightseeing so that the car is not used with towns or national parks; the use of such a variety of transport enables you to interact more fully with the locals, to practice your language and to minimise your carbon footprint somewhat. By including the opportunity to visit the National Parks on this holiday you choose to contribute to the excellent record of conservation in recent years through the entrance fees.As a company we employ responsible policies such as recycling paper, ink cartridges, glass and cardboard; we minimise the use of electricity and conducting the vast majority of our correspondence and promotion via the internet and email, minimizing the amount of paper used for our activities. We also compost waste in our company garden.
People
Accommodation on this holiday is in, primarily, family run, small hotels. The food in the hotels is primarily sourced locally and a large number of dishes on the menus are home made. We encourage you to engage local guides in places where their expertise and local knowledge will enhance your experience and understanding of the historical context and on the environmental impact of your visit. In Dubrovnik in particular you will see the evidence for and read about the impact of the war on this UNESCO protected location; the cost of rebuilding and repairing the historic centre has been enormous and every contribution made by visitors will help.Popular similar holidays
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