Arrive into Zagreb in morning; a private transfer directly to your hotel. Balance of day for sightseeing on foot and by public transport.
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Touring the historic interior of Croatia, including visits to coast, islands & national parks.
START / FINISH - Zagreb
Activity code: CRFD04
Duration: 8 Days
Explore central Croatia on a self-drive circuit starting and finishing in Zagreb. In just one week you can explore the capital, the stunning Adriatic coastline between Split and the Istrian Peninsula and visit the fabulous Plitvice Lakes National Park. This journey combines a large variety of incredible scenery with fascinating cultural experiences.
Your holiday begins with a smooth transfer service to your hotel in Zagreb where you have the remainder of the day to visit the city on foot as well as using its excellent public transport. Your hire car will be delivered to you the next day and you can head straight out into the countryside in the direction of your first major stop, the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. Each day's drive is not so far so you have plenty of time to do some sightseeing, walking or take an extended lunch or picnic along the way.
For the second part of your journey we recommend driving on the scenic roads directly to Split and taking the ferry to Hvar Island, staying in the wondeful Hvar Town for a night. A spectacular drive along the spine of the island and a short ferry crossing gets you back to the mainland where you can perhaps take up the offer to do some rafting or the mulit-zip-wire experience in the Cetina Valley near Omis. You may choose to stay in Historic Split or pretty Trogir across the bay.
The final leg of your journey begins with a drive north to stay in one of our favourite places, Zadar; its lovely old town is crammed full of history but also has new, innovative sights up its sleeve. It is then a relatively short drive back to Zagreb Airport on the highway for your flight home. However, there are some choices available if you are considering extending your stay - you could continue up the coast road to Rijeka & Opatija and also enjoy some time in Istria; alternatively you could elect to visit some islands such as Pag, Rab and Krk which are easily accesible on short ferry crossings or by bridges.
Important Information
Flights available to book with us through a range of airlines, from various UK airports to Croatia. If we book your flights this means that your holiday will also be fully ATOL protected.
ALL SELF-DRIVE HOLIDAYS THAT START & FINISH IN ZAGREB CAN BE DONE WITH A FULLY ELECTRIC VEHICLE; CHARGING POINTS ARE AVAILABLE AT LOCATIONS ON THIS ITINERARY.
Prices shown are a guideline "from" (in UK Pounds) and are based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. Single supplements may need to be applied to the twin/double price and discounts for children (under 12yrs) and/or a 3rd adult sharing a room are available upon request. Quoted prices for individual enquiries will depend upon your chosen accommodation, room availability and dates of travel. We always aim to match a high quality experience with exceptional value for money. Discounts will apply if there are 3 or more people in your travelling party as fixed costs such as transportation and guides will be shared equally between the group.
Based upon 2 persons travelling.
Itinerary
Arrive into Zagreb in morning; a private transfer directly to your hotel. Balance of day for sightseeing on foot and by public transport.
More time in Zagreb if required. We will deliver your hire car to your hotel at a time of your choosing; drive south via Karlovac and Rastoke to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
A full day to explore the national park using the transport options included in your entry ticket together with some walking around the impressive natural wonders. We recommend pre-booking your tickets to ensure entry at a time of your choosing; these can be included as part of your holiday itinerary.
A scenic drive along route no.1 down to Split via the historic towns of Knin and Sinj. Continue straight to the port to take a ferry to an island of your choice - our suggestions are either Hvar or Brac.
Morning sightseeing on your chosen island - for example, a walk up to the castle overlooking Hvar Town or the spectacular Zlatni Rat beach at Bol. A scenic drive to the eastern port of your chosen island and a short ferry crossing back to the mainland. You may like to try the zip-wire experience at the stunning Cetina Valley near Omis if you have time and then on to Split or to nearby Trogir.
A free day to explore Trogir or visit nearby places of interest such as the Roman ruins of Salona, the Kliss Fortress or return to Split (it is possible to visit Split using the local passenger ferry across the bay). Perhaps you may also be interested to do some rafting or ride the zip wire in the Cetina Valley near Omis if you didn't have time on day 5.
Continue your journey by driving up the coast once again, this time passing Primosten and Sibenik en route to Zadar. You will have time to visit the centre of historic Sibenik and you will also pass close to the National Park of Krka, which is well worth a minor detour. Balance of the day to visit the old town of Zadar including the fabulous new sights such as the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.
Extend your trip with a few extra nights on one or more of the northern islands (Pag, Rab, Krk) or drive up coast road via Rijeka all the way to Istria (Opatija, Pula, Motovun) and then travel to Zagreb.
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