Croatia Self Drive 01 - Venetian Connections

We will deliver your hire car directly to your hotel at a time of your choosing. Leaving Dubrovnik drive north across the suspension bridge and consider a choice of sightseeing along the way to your overnight location of Korcula - these include the Arboretum at Trsteno, the impressive walls at Ston and the dramatic scenery of the Peljesac Peninsula. From Orebic you can get the short ferry crossing to Korcula Town.

An alternative for this day would be to head inland after visiting Ston and visit Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Your overnight stay would then most likely be in Mostar rather than Korcula.

Day 4 - from Korcula take the ferry back to Orebic and then a short drive for another relatively quick ferry crossing over to Ploce (thereby avoiding retracing your steps down the peninsula AND the Bosnia Corridor). From Ploce head along the coast road visiting the Zaostrog Monastery prior to taking a final short ferry crossing to the eastern tip of Hvar Island from Drvenik. Once across drive along the stunning road which traces the spine of the island, passing the capital, Stari Grad, all the way to the west coast and to Hvar Town.

From Mostar you can drive back to the coast via possible sightseeing detours at Kravice Waterfalls, Pocitelj and Medugorje.

Day 5 - enjoy a full day in Hvar Town to relax and explore the old town and its castle. Possible excursions include the Pakleni Islands, the Blue Cave and a "Food & Wine Tour".

Day 6 - take the morning ferry from Stari Grad back to the mainland, this time to the port of Split; at this point you can choose to visit Split and then travel on to nearby Trogir or you could stay in the centre of Split itself.

Day 7 - 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.

Continue 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 - stopping near the highway in Skradin or via the Lozovac entrance further inland. 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.

Day 9 - drive inland from Zadar on a choice of routes to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Along the way why not makes a small detour to the fascinating seaside village of Nin or even Pag island with its unique "moonscape" which is accessible by bridge.

Day 10 - 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.

Day 11 - drive from Plitvice back to the coast using the road down to Senj for its panoramic views, then up the coast road to Rijeka and Opatija. The final section of your journey could be inland to the small hilltop town of Motovun or continue south to the resort of Pula on the southern tip of the peninsula.

Day 12 - your last full day in Croatia can be used to explore sights in Pula such as its amphitheatre and many churches but you may also wish to see other fascinating places nearby, such as Rovinj and the Brijuni Islands. Drop off car at end of day in Pula.

Transfer to port in Pula (or Rovinj); depart Croatia on the [early] morning fast ferry from Pula to Venice. We will arrange a transfer on arrival to your hotel.

Day 14 - a full day to explore Venice on foot and on public transport (water bus, gondola).

Day 15 - departure transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport, across the lagoon.