Self-Drive Croatia: Zagreb to Dubrovnik - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb, Explore

Start your adventure in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll transfer to your hotel to settle in, where you'll have the rest of the day to spend as you like. The city center is easily walkable, and the streets and parks are easy to navigate on foot. All the main attractions and restaurants are within walking distance.

A gem of a European city, Zagreb is at once historic and new. It's filled with leafy green parks and Gothic/neo-Renaissance buildings, yet there are also modern shopping complexes, outdoor malls, and endless dining and drinking options. Consider heading out on a guided walking tour of the historic heart of the city. This involves walking from Ban Jelačić, the main square, to Zagreb's Upper Town and passing through local markets before reaching St. Mark's Square.

Alternatively, you can visit one of the many museums and art galleries, like the Homeland War Museum, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, or the ever-popular Museum of Broken Relationships. Or stroll through the city center, enjoying 17th-century neo-baroque architecture found at Zagreb's Art Pavilion and Croatian National Theater. Zagreb also has several beautiful city parks, which are great for exploring and people-watching.

Day 2: Scenic Castles of the Zagorje Region

Today you can explore Zagreb at your leisure or head out of the city to discover the nearby countryside. Just a few miles northwest of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a bucolic hilly region dotted with Renaissance and medieval fortresses, numerous Baroque castles, and family-run vineyards and farms. It's a memorable, romantic landscape that will take you back in time to a sense of both the aristocratic past and the traditional rural way of life that still exists in Croatia today. A quick day trip from Zagreb allows you to immerse yourself in this beautiful region.

Find your way to Trakošćan Castle, a good example of one of these storybook locales, as it sits perched on a hill adjacent to a glassy lake. The castle, a historic landmark, was built in the 14th century as a defensive fortress but was later used as a home for aristocratic Croatian families. On tour, you can not only visit the castle grounds, but you'll go inside and explore all four floors, which function as a museum with permanent exhibitions.

Afterward, visit Veliki Tabor Castle, which is located just southwest of Trakošćan. This Gothic-Renaissance castle dates to the 16th century and also sits on a green hill overlooking the fertile countryside. It was originally built for a noble Hungarian family, and its fortifications were designed to defend against Turkish invaders. A tour of Veliki includes visits to the towers, guardhouses, and inner courtyard, plus a small museum featuring exhibitions of medieval artifacts like armor, weapons, and paintings.

Apart from castles, explore nearby old villages, like Kumrovec, where you'll find restored peasants' houses from the 19th century. These are great areas to browse local craft shops and enjoy some traditional country cuisine like grilled lamb, meat skewers, and veal stuffed with cheese and ham. Kumrovec is most well known for being the birthplace of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, the communist revolutionary who was President of Yugoslavia from 1953 to 1980. After a day of exploring, return to Zagreb for the evening. 

Day 3: Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Today, you'll make the drive south to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most popular national parks. Along the way, make a point to stop at Rastoke. Rastoke is a small village known for its old watermills and beautiful waterfalls, as two rivers converge in the area. This is a nice precursor of the sights to come at Plitvice Lakes.

A short drive later, you'll arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park in the early afternoon and can explore the park at your leisure. A must-visit for any traveler to Croatia, the UNESCO-protected park is comprised of an exquisite collection of 16 glassy emerald green and blue travertine lakes, more than 90 cascading waterfalls that seemingly cover every corner of the park and numerous caves. The terraced lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife.

Choose one of eight different hiking trails, ranging from three to eight hours in duration, where the upper lakes tend to be less crowded during the peak season. You may wish to bring a bought lunch with you to enjoy a picnic. 

Day 4: Drive to Zadar via Skradin

In the morning, continue your drive south from Plitvice to the ancient Roman city of Zadar. A historical center of the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is famous for its picturesque coastline full of islands and vibrant blue waters, as well as fresh seafood and unforgettable sunsets.

Take some time for a stroll along Zadar's Riva, a wide ribbon of stone paths bordered by a grassy park on one side and the sea on the other, and sample some of the town's famous ice cream.

In the afternoon, continue to the beautiful village of Skradin, where you'll overnight. This charming small town with a long history is situated on the river banks of the Krka River and next to a charming small marina and the entrance to the famed Krka National Park. Feel free to walk around on your own before dinner and take a short hike to the small fortress above the town. 

Day 5: Drive to Split via Krka National Park & Trogir

Start today with a visit to nearby Krka National Park, home to a network of striking waterfalls, including the largest and showiest, known as Skradinski Buk. The Krka River, another highlight of the park, carves through the limestone and creates a spectacular canyon on its 44-mile (70 km) journey from the foothills of the Dinaric Alps to Šibenik.

You'll traverse emerald pools and river islands to reach prime lookout spots to view the falls. Skradinski Buk is the final of the seven waterfalls, and Mother Nature saved the best for last. Cascading 149 feet (45m) down into an emerald lagoon wider than the falls are tall, you'll find restaurants, snack stands, and ice cream shops at the base of this postcard locale to satisfy any food-related cravings, perfect for lunch.

After Krka, you'll get back on the road and continue your journey south. If time permits, take a short detour to Trogir. At more than 2,000 years old, Trogir is one of Croatia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a great example of a beautiful island fortress town. It's a small place, and it doesn't take longer than about five minutes to walk from any point in Trogir's historic center to reach the sea. For Instagram-worthy photos, head to Kamerlengo Castle, a fortress built by the Venetians in the 15th century. From atop its battlements, you'll have incredible panoramic views of Trogir and the surrounding area.

Continue down the coast to reach the historic port city of Split. Travelers come from far and wide to walk along Split's Riviera-esque waterfront and tour the impressive Diocletian's Palace, located in the heart of the historic center. This "city within a city" is a maze of narrow alleyways within stone fortifications originally built for Emperor Diocletian back at the turn of the fourth century CE. Get settled into your accommodation, then take an evening stroll along Split's seafront Riva to admire the views over the Adriatic before dinner. 

Day 6: Explore Split 

Today is yours to explore Split at your own pace. An ancient coastal city founded 1,700 years ago by Roman Emperor Diocletian, Split's Old Town includes many impressive sites, including Peristyle, the Piazza, and Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. The palace has changed its appearance over the centuries as a medieval city grew up around it, but it's still one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in Croatia. There's nothing quite like strolling the narrow stone streets inside the palace fortifications and ducking into little cafés/bakeries/bars for a cinnamon roll, ice cream cone, or a glass of wine. You can enjoy the city on your own or stroll the streets on a guided tour of the city. A tour is ideal as the guide will be able to point out all the hidden gems within the walls of the palace.

For stunning views over the city and Adriatic, be sure to climb the Romanesque bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Dominus (St. Duje)—considered the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use. Another option for great views is to hike or bike to the top of Marjan Hill. The "lungs of the city," the entire Marjan peninsula is dotted with tiny centuries-old churches, large cypress and black pine trees, and Mediterranean plants and herbs. In addition to the stunning vistas, you'll be rewarded with attractions less visited: the Jewish cemetery and 13th and 15th-century churches, St. Nicholas and St. Jerome, respectively.  

Day 7: Transfer to Hvar Island

After an easy morning in Split, catch a boat to the island of Hvar and check into your hotel. A Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a popular destination with tourists due to its natural setting, mild climate, and its historic port town of the same name. Highlights of Hvar Town include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress, and the main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Cathedral.

For some of the best views of the island, Hvar Town, and the nearby Pakleni Islands, take a short walk up to the 16th-century Španjola Fortress. After the day's adventures, treat yourself to a drink in the ancient piazza of Hvar, overlooking the Venetian loggia, 7th-century fortification walls, and the oldest municipal theater in Europe.

Day 8: Explore Hvar Island

Today, you have free range to explore Hvar at your own pace. Spend a day relaxing at the beach, join a wine-tasting excursion, or explore the island by car or private driver, discovering charming spots like Vrboska, Jelsa, and Starigrad.

You can also hire a private boat to discover some of the many spectacular hidden beaches, coves, and caves. 

Day 9: Transfer to Korčula Island

Hop over to Korčula this morning, where you can spend the day discovering this little island's numerous restaurants, taverns, shops, and bars as you roam the maze of gray stone houses, alleys, churches, and squares.

Enjoy a traditional lunch of lamb and goat in Korčula's Old Town, one of the finest examples of Venetian architecture on the Dalmatian coast. Next, visit the 14th-century Land Gate on top of an elegant staircase before heading to the Cathedral of St. Mark to admire its strange sculptures of beasts and people. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bishop's Treasury next door for a small but impressive art collection, including works from Carpaccio, Bassano, and Tiepolo. From there, you may wish to visit the simple house thought to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Day 10: Explore Korčula Island

Take today to get out and explore Korčula. The island itself is 107 square miles (172km) and consists of a gorgeous mix of beaches, vineyards, villages, and quiet, harbor-side restaurants and resorts. For a pleasant and scenic way to cover the most ground, rent a bike or scooter and find your way to a secluded beach or hidden cove. Ride through fields, villages, and wineries, covering asphalt, gravel, and dirt roads with vistas opening up to the Adriatic Sea as well as to the impressive Mount Ilija on the nearby Pelješac Peninsula.

This gentle route explores the ancient and historic sites of the eastern side of the island as you work your way to the spread-out village of Lumbarda. Boasting beautiful beaches and centuries-old winemaking traditions, Lumbarda is home to grk, a white wine grape variety that will pair well with your lunch or dinner. Some of Croatia's best white wines are produced on Korčula, and you won't be left wanting.

Day 11: Pelješac Penisula & Ston

Today you will leave Korčula and head back to the mainland to discover the rugged Pelješac Peninsula. A mountainous finger of land reaching into the Adriatic Sea, the Pelješac region is home to Croatia's finest red wines, tastiest oysters, and some of the best sand and shingle beaches in the country. Your base for the night is Ston, a peaceful little town with lots of history and a great culinary reputation.

Tour the nearby wineries to taste the local reds, or explore the countryside with a cycling trip through lush vineyards overlooking the sea, working up an appetite for some local fare in time for lunch.

In the afternoon (depending on weather conditions), you can see the peninsula from a different vantage point with a sea kayaking excursion or go for a hike along the city's famous medieval walls. Built to keep invaders away from the area's precious saltpans, the 14th-century marvel is the longest fortified city wall on the continent. The preserved section for walking is less than 2 miles (3.2 km) and rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas as you climb, ending at Ston's tiny idyllic neighbor of Mali Ston.

Day 12: Explore Dubrovnik

This morning you'll continue south down the coast to one of the most ancient fortress cities in Europe. Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is a world-renowned city of exceptional charm. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was a fortress port encircled by stone walls and filled with Baroque churches and Renaissance/Gothic palaces that still stand today.

There's no better way to pass the time in Dubrovnik than to spend an afternoon strolling its historic walls and smooth, limestone-paved streets while marveling at the spirit of the city. Can't-miss activities include riding the cable car up to Srđ Mountain to take in the sunset over the nearby Elafiti Islands and visiting the Lovrijenac fortress. A tour with a local guide will be that much more rewarding, as they will lead you to the best spots and offer insight into Dubrovnik's culture and history. 

Day 13: Dubrovnik Day Trip: Cavtat & Elafiti

Explore farther afield today with a day trip from Dubrovnik. One option is to drive 30 minutes southeast to the small town of Cavtat. This gorgeous harbor village enjoys a postcard-perfect location nestled in a peninsular cove on the Adriatic. It also has quite a bit of history. It was founded in the 7th century as a haven for ancient Greek Epidaurum refugees after their colony was sacked by invaders. Enjoyable activities here include strolling the waterfront promenade, lazing on beaches, and whiling away the hours in cafés and restaurants.

After or before Cavtat, depending on your preferences, you will travel a few minutes farther southeast to Sokol Grad (Falcon Castle) just north of Gruda. Constructed partially on a cliff that overlooks olive terraces, this 14th-century tower is one of the most impressive fortresses in the Dubrovnik area. Sokol Grad was used as a defensive strongpoint, housing soldiers, commanders, and an arsenal. Abandoned in the 18th century and restored and reopened in 2013, today, visitors can take in the dizzying views from the clifftop ramparts as well as see the commander's quarters and barracks, and view a collection of archaeological artifacts from the medieval era.

Another option is to take a private speedboat tour around the nearby Elafiti Islands. 

Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik

Bid Croatia a final farewell as you drop off your rental car and transfer to the airport today to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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