Croatia Self Drive 01 - Venetian Connections

Collect your hire car and begin your journey north along the coast. Consider a choice of sightseeing along the way to your overnight location of Korcula - these include the Arboretum at Trsteno and Ston, home to one of the longest defensive wall systems in Europe and renowned for its oyster beds. Continue onto the Pelješac Peninsula, an area of vineyards, small fishing harbours and quiet beaches. 

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.

From Korcula take the ferry back to Orebic and then a short drive for another relatively quick ferry crossing over to Ploce (or consider the new Peljesac Bridge which also avoids 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.

Stay in or near Hvar Town, where Venetian architecture, a handsome main square and a hilltop fortress overlook a lively harbour. Time here can be spent swimming from rocky coves, taking a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, or exploring the quieter interior villages and vineyards of the island.

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

Return to the mainland and continue to Split or nearby Trogir for two nights. Split offers a unique blend of ancient and modern life within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, while Trogir is smaller and more intimate, with a beautifully preserved medieval core. From either base you can visit the Krka National Park, explore local markets, or take an excursion inland to the Cetina Valley for rafting or walking.

Drive north along the Dalmatian coast to Zadar, stopping en route if you wish in Šibenik or at viewpoints overlooking the islands; 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. Zadar’s compact old town is rich in Roman and medieval remains and also home to two contemporary installations, the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, best experienced at sunset.

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. 

** at this point you can simply drive up the main coast route alonsgide the Velebit Mountains and Paklenica National Park to Senj and onwards to Istria; removing the inland detour to Plitvice. Alternative overnight stays include Crikvenica, Rijeka or Krk Island (via bridge). NB. Rab island is also accesible via a very short ferry crossing along this route.

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.

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 as a two-centre plan of exploration.

Istria is a region with a distinct character shaped by Venetian, Austro-Hungarian and Italian influences. If you are looking for just one base for the area then we recommend Rovinj on the west coast. There is plenty of time to explore Pula’s impressive Roman amphitheatre and the inland hill towns such as Motovun, known for truffles, local wines and expansive views across the countryside. You may also wish to see other fascinating places such as the Brijuni Islands.

Drop off car at end of day in Pula for your flight home (optional colection from Rovinj if travelling by ferry to Venice).

Conclude your holiday by ferry from Istria to Venice (passenger-only service), where one or two nights add a memorable final chapter. 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. Stay in a centrally located hotel within walking distance of St Mark’s Square and explore the city on foot or by vaporetto, from the Grand Canal to quieter neighbourhoods such as Dorsoduro or Cannaregio. 

Depart from Venice Marco Polo Airport, with excellent flight connections back to the UK.