Croatian Island Odyssey

(private transfers or self drive)

Summary

Sit back and let us take you on a journey through the northern Adriatic. On an island hopping holiday in Croatia that includes historic towns & some of the most breathtaking stretches of shoreline in the Mediterranean.

START - Pula / FINISH - Zadar.

Activity code: CRIH03

Duration: 12 Days

Island Hopping in the northwest of Croatia is an emerging treat, utilising the new, excellent ferry connections you can visit some of the lesser-known but most beautiful islands. The holiday itinerary would be pleasantly "book-ended" with stays in Pula and Zadar. Our suggested islands are Cres, Krk, Rab and Pag.

This holiday can be done on a simple self-drive basis where we will supply all driving details, sightseeing suggestions and ferry information or, if you don't fancy driving on your holiday then we have the perfect solution; this Adriatic Island Hopping Holiday can be arranged with pre-booked private transfers between all the islands and your hotels as well as the ferry tickets.

Start in Pula where you can stay in the old city surrounded by the remnants of Roman occupation and just a short walk from the magnificent amphitheatre. From Pula you can easily visit nearby Rovinj or the Brijuni Islands prior to embarking on your island hopping odyssey.

First stop is one of the largest but least visited islands, Cres; here we recommend a couple of nights in the beautiful small resort of Martinscica. Afterwards, your odyssey continues with short hops to Krk Island and Rab Island where we suggest staying in a small hotel in the histroric main towns. Your final island would be a brief stop on the incredible Pag island with its unique landscapes, this would be the last ferry hop as the journey onwards to Zadar will exit Pag Island via its impressive bridge.

At the end of your holiday spend a few days in Zadar exploring the old town, taking a boat trip or admiring the views from the park overlooking the old harbour. Whether you are looking for historical sightseeing, sea-based activities, walking, traditional food (or fine dining) or taking in some spa treatments we will advise which islands and hotels would work best for you.

Alternative routes:

1. This holiday works equally well if you would like to travel in the opposite direction (12 days).

2. Starting in Rijeka (or Opatija); Cres Island; Krk Island; Rab island; finish in Rijeka (9/10 days).

3. Starting in Pula; Cres Island; Krk Island; finish in Rijeka (or Opatija) - (7/8 days).

4. Starting in Rijeka; Krk Island; Rab Island; Pag Island; finish in Zadar (7/8 days).

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.

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.

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What's included in your Island Hopping holiday?

  • Private airport transfers.
  • Private transfers to / from ports & hotels throughout.
    • OR 8/9 days fully-inclusive car hire
  • Pre-booked ferry/catamaran tickets
  • 11 nights accommodation on B&B.
  • Ferry timetables
  • Fully detailed itinerary with sightseeing suggestions
  • FREE travel app with all your documents, timetables, maps, weather & much more
  • All local tourist taxes
  • 24hr representative services

Highlights

Itinerary

Fly into Pula airport; private transfer to your hotel in Pula city centre.
Pula is the ancient town famous for its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and many other historic monuments. You can easily walk to most of them from your hotel. Take a second day to explore slightly further with a day trip to either Rovinj or the nearby Brijuni Islands National Park.

Private transfer from Pula up the east coast of Istria to the ferry terminal at Brestova, for the short crossing to Cres Island. Onward transfer to your chosen hotel, we suggest Martinscica. A full day to enjoy your time on Cres island with its many bays and beaches in the west, the beautiful road south to Losinj island and the steep, savage cliffs in the north.

* route would be the same for self-drive.

Recommended places to stay

Private transfer to Merag for ferry crossing to Krk island (Valbiska) and onward transfer to your choice of hotel - e.g. Krk Town or the small resort of Malinska. Krk island is located in the centre of Kvarner bay and is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia. Its mild Mediterranean climate, good geographical position and variety of natural and cultural wonders gave it, even in ancient times, the name "Golden Island".

* route would be the same for self-drive.

Recommended places to stay

Private transfer from your hotel on Krk Island to the ferry terminal at Valbiska for the short crossing to Rab island (Lopar); onward transfer to your hotel in Rab Town. Rab island is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and probably one of the most magical as well. It is covered with pine forests and has a number of beautiful sandy beaches, and is well known for its mild climate that differs from the mainland.

* route would be the same for self-drive.

** a direct catamaran service runs from Krk Town to Rab Town in High Season (June-Aug).

Recommended places to stay

Private transfer from Rab Town to the ferry port for your catamaran crossing to Pag Island (Novalja); onward transfer to Pag Town to your chosen hotel. Pag island doesn't look quite like a typical island in the Adriatic. It is an island witn no rivers or streams, no trees and little vegetation. However, Pag is known for the Paski Sir, which is a cheese made from sheep milk.

* self-drive route requires two very short crossings to get from Rab to Pag via the mainland.

Recommended places to stay

Private transfer from Pag island to Zadar (via bridge). Zadar is one of the most interesting cities in Croatia, but still flies under the general tourist radar. It is famous for its mesmerizing sunset which Alfred Hitchcock once described as “the most beautiful sunset in the world”. New age installations “Sun Salutation” and “Sea Organ “celebrate and complement such magnificent sunsets.

* route would be the same for self-drive.

There are plenty of places to visit on your free day here such as the Church of St. Donat, Zadar Cathedral, Five Well square, the Roman Forum and many museums. If you fancy slightly further afield then the beautiful village of Nin, the Kornati Islands, Paklenica or Krk National Parks and Lake Vransko offer plenty of choice for all.

Final day, private transfer to Zadar Airport (or Split).

Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
  • With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Trusted Service

  • ATOL cover for flight inclusive holidays.
  • One of us at Rediscover the World is very likely to have visited the hotels and travelled along the routes on your itinerary.
  • Dynamic, comprehensive travel app with all your documents, maps and much more.
  • Full financial protection for your holiday (TTA).

Why book Croatia with us ?

  • More than 30 years experience of the region
  • Unrivalled expertise of local partner
  • Fly-drive holidays in Croatia & neighbours
  • Island Hopping / Activity holidays
  • Food-themed breaks & Christmas Markets
  • Honeymoons
  • 24hr assistance in Croatia