Explore Istria and Dalmatia in 8 Days, Self-Drive

Magnificent eight-day self-drive tour of exploring the distant past of the Dalmatian coast and its multitude of influences. Start in Pula, Croatian Rome and wander around the remnants of ancient history while visiting the Roman Amphitheatre, picturing gladiators fighting in the blood-soaked dust. Stroll the beautifully arranged alleys of Split admiring its picturesque landscape and wonder at the pathways that snake around the crystalline lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lastly, drive to Poreč and relax at one of the tourist resorts that stretches north and south along the west coast of Istria.

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 lover paradise.

Split: surrounded by imposing mountains and crystal-clear waters, the paradisiacal city of Split is famous for its picturesque views, as well as for hosting some of the best Roman ruins in the world.

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. 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 2: 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 and take advantage of our optional 2 hours tour with a private guide 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 3: RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION – SPLIT (330 km – 3.45 hrs)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and continue your trip to Split. Enjoy driving along the coast with stunning panoramic views, perhaps stop in Zadar, a modern-day city, perfectly combining modern life with the impressive past that defines it. Wander around its inspiring centre, get in touch with history, admire the architecture, and take the overall pulse of the city. Biograd na Moru and Šibenik are other recommended en-route destinations as they are perfect starting points for visiting National parks Paklenica and Krka. Take advantage of an optional 2 hours tour in Zadar or 3 hours Krka National Park tour with a private guide (entrance ticket excluded, to be purchased on the spot). Once in Split, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at one of the local terraces or lay back at your hotel.

Overnight in Split.

Day 4: SPLIT

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at leisure visiting all of Split´s attractions, from the beautiful beaches to a variety of festivals, exhibitions and concerts, and get a deeper insight into its bustling vibrant life. You can choose to explore the area on your own or decide to book our suggested optional extra, a two-hour Split city tour, and explore the area with a private guide. Maybe explore National park Krka waterfalls, taste some of the prosciutto in surrounding hills, or decide to go to island Hvar? Choices are there.

Overnight in Split.

Day 5: SPLIT – PLITVICE (250 km – 2.30 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. Alternatively, you can book our optional tour, Plitvice National Park tour and with a company of an English speaking guide wonder around this natural treasure.

Overnight in Plitvice.

Day 6: PLITVICE – POREČ – PULA (300 km – 4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel check out and continue exploring Croatia. Drive to Poreč along the west coast of Istria and admire wonderful views over the white sandy beaches that stretch north and south. When you arrive in Poreč you´ll see the perfect combination of authentic charm of a small coastal town and magnificent historical sites with the perks and exciting features that attract any traveller. Start discovering the unique sites on your own or you can optionally book our Poreč or Rovinj City tour with a private guide. 

Overnight in Pula.

Day 7: PULA

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and continue exploring the region. Visit surrounding villages and enjoy the charming atmosphere while tasting local gastronomy at one of the local restaurants. Absorb the warm Mediterranean sun rays while relaxing at the beach or discover the secret history of this beautiful region.

Overnight in Pula.

Day 8: 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.