Choose Gran Croatia self-drive tour and spend fifteen memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of this country. Start in Pula, Croatian Rome and wander around the remnants of ancient history while visiting Roman Amphitheatre, picturing gladiators fight in the blood-soaked dust. Šibenik and Biograd na Moru, the gates for Natural Parks and Dubrovnik´s architecture and proud cultural heritage will leave you breathless! Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see natural phenomenon. This trip will definitely give you never ending fun and tons of memories while will last for a lifetime.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Pula: the largest city in Istria County with beautiful beach-lined coast and Roman ruins.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: with paradisiacal landscapes, mesmerizing waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, the Croatian national park is a nature´s lover paradise.
Dubrovnik: The lively city of Dubrovnik, protected by magnificent medieval walls, will conquer your heart through its fascinating number of landmarks, lively atmosphere, and an inspiring culture.
The Makarska Riviera: a stretch of coast at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range will spark your interest by its tasteful surroundings, charming views over the cliffs and white sandy beaches
Day 1: ARRIVAL PULA
Arrive at Pula Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Drive to your hotel for check-in and explore the largest town on the Istrian peninsula. It offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture, history and gastronomy.
Overnight in Pula.
Day 2: PULA
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you´ll start exploring Pula. Pula is to Croatia what Rome is to Italy. There is no hiding the city’s main attraction – an enormous Roman Amphitheatre. Wandering around the remnants of ancient history, you’ll be able to picture gladiators fight in the blood-soaked dust. Optionally you can book our two-hour Pula city tour and explore the hidden corners of this ancient city with a private guide.
Overnight in Pula.
Day 3: PULA – RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION (150 km – 2 hrs)
After your leisure breakfast at the hotel, check-out from your hotel and follow your drive towards Kvarner Bay. En-route stop to visit Opatija, known as the Adriatic Pearl and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Kvarner Gulf is one of the most popular destinations due to breathtakingly beautiful beaches and diverse, spectacular landscapes.
Overning in Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region.
Day 4: RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION – ŠIBENIK/BIOGRAD NA MORU (280 km – 3.5 hrs)
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and continue your trip to Šibenik and Biograd na Moru, perfect starting points for visiting National parks Paklenica and Krka. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and waterfalls of Krka and don´t skip hiking in Paklenica Park. Alternatively, you can book our three-hour optional Krka National Park tour and explore this breathtaking scenery with a private guide (entrance ticket excluded, to be purchased on the spot).
Overnight in Šibenik/Biograd na Moru.
Day 5: ŠIBENIK/BIOGRAD NA MORU
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before heading on the round to explore the medieval town of Šibenik, or drive to visit one of the beautiful National Parks. Perhaps you can book our optional three-hours Krka National Park tour and walk between these remarkable natural gems accompanied by a private guide (entrance ticket excluded).
Overning in Šibenik/Biograd na Moru.
Day 6: ŠIBENIK AREA – MAKARSKA RIVIERA (190 km – 2.5 hrs)
Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel, prepare for check-out and drive to the following destination, Makarska Riviera. It is a 60km stretch of coast at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range, part of Dalmatian coast of Adriatic. Along the drive your will be passing picturesque views, and the smell of pine forests, olive groves and fruit trees will indulge you into this Mediterranean surrounding. Don’t miss to visit Skywalk, glass walkway in the Natural Park Biokovo.
Overnight in Makarska Riviera.
Day 7: MAKARSKA RIVIERA – DUBROVNIK (165 km – 3 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, continue to Dubrovnik with recommended stops at the enchanting seaside towns of Ploce and Neum. Once in Dubrovnik, this striking medieval city with a proud cultural heritage will leave you breathless. You can choose to explore the area on your own or decide to book our optional two-hour Dubrovnik city tour and explore the area with a private guide. Alternatively, go on 3 hours Cilipi Folklor tour to witness local customs through song and dance. Let us greet you with a traditional “warm” welcome (grape brandy and figs) as you step into the village of Čilipi. Browse the market for some authentic local souvenirs and enjoy the rhythms of Dalmatian music. Maybe explore Peljesac, taste some of its famous wine, or decide to go to Korcula or the island of Mljet? Choices are there.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 8: DUBROVNIK
Begin your day with breakfast before visiting the city. Dubrovnik is a breath-taking sight, surrounded by immense cream-coloured stone walls, interspersed with four gates, three forts, five bastions and 14 square towers. The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ contains a treasure trove of medieval art and architecture. Take a walk atop the wall surrounding the city for beautiful panoramic views of this spectacular city on the Adriatic.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 9: DUBROVNIK – ŠIBENIK/ BIOGRAD NA MORU (280 km – 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, you will drive back to Šibenik. If you haven´t visited the Krka National Park you can take our optional Krka National Park tour or you can choose from many hiking trails and stroll the paradisiacal paths on your own (entrance ticket excluded, to be purchased on the spot).
Overnight in Šibenik/Biograd na Moru.
Day 10: ŠIBENIK AREA – PLITVICE (175 km – 2 hrs)
Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself to depart towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, a must-see natural wonder in Croatia and a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Surrounded by dense woods and characterised by its rich flora and fauna, Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Stroll the paradisiacal paths of the park, admire the magnificent lakes, the beautiful cascading waterfalls, and the whole picturesque image of nature. Take your time and relax, getting ready for a comfortable night spent at your selected hotel in Plitvice.
Overnight in Plitvice.
Day 11: PLITVICE
After enjoying your tasty breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring the striking beauty of Plitvice. You can choose from different hiking trails and enjoy this exceptional natural beauty. Alternatively, you can book our optional tour, Plitvice National Park tour and with a company of an English speaking guide wonder around this natural phenomena.
Overnight in Plitvice.
Day 12: PLITVICE – RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION (100 km – 1.45 hrs)
Enjoy your last breakfast at Plitvice before returning back to Kvarner Gulf. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the beach or taste the variety of Mediterranean delicate at typical Croatian restaurant in the town.
Overnight in Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region.
Day 13: RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION – PULA (120 km – 2 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel check out and drive back to Pula. Drive along the west coast of Istria and admire wonderful views over the white sandy beaches that stretch north and south. When you arrive check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Pula.
Day 14: PULA
Start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your full day at leisure. Bask under the healing sunshine and soak up the alluring sights and sounds of a truly enchanting land. Lie down on the alluring beach and get seduced by the softness of the golden sand. Explore the diversity of the marine life and discover the multi coloured corals and other gems of the Adriatic Sea. During the whole day enjoy the dining facilities at the hotel.
Pula.
Day 15: DEPARTURE PULA
Spend your last morning in Croatia savouring your breakfast. After check-out from your hotel and drive back to Pula Airport where you will return the rental car and prepare for your return flight.
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.