Mainland Croatia
Croatia is well known for its pristine coastline and secluded coves with more than 1200 islands and islets scattered along the Adriatic. It also has well preserved fortified towns with narrow stone streets, in contrast to its outstanding natural beauty with mountains and vineyards and UNESCO World Heritage lakes.
Marina, Trogir
7 days / 6 nights Suggested Self-Drive |
ITALY
Motovun
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SLOVENIA
Opatija
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ZAGREB
CROATIA
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Day 1: Zagreb – Opatija( 174km) Explore the old town of Zagreb. It’ s Gothic, twin-spired Cathedral and 13 th- century St. Mark’ s Church are an historic treasure, the pedestrianised centre is lined with outdoor cafés, with shops, museums and parks nearby. |
Porec Rovinj
Pula
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Plitvice Lakes |
Day 2: Opatija Many of the grand belle-epoque waterfront villas from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire have now been spruced up. The beaches are rocky, some with secluded coves which are great for swimming. |
ADRIATIC SEA |
Zadar |
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA |
Day 3: Opatija – Porec( 83km) Head to Istria. Stop enroute in the medieval town of Motovun, overlooking the Mirna river valley. Once in Porec, be sure to visit the 6 th century UNESCO protected Euphrasius Basilica, with its amazing Byzantine mosaics.
Trogir Split
Day 4: Porec – Pula( 59km direct) Take a leisurely drive to Pula stopping at Rovinj, which was once a pretty wee fishing village. The old town is built on an island and the houses are packed tightly together right down to the waterfront.
Day 5: Pula – Opatija( 101km) Visit Pula’ s well preserved Roman amphitheatre called The Arena. It was built during the 1 st century AD and is the sixth largest in the world.
Day 6: Opatija – Plitvice Lakes National Park( 205km) Head off early for the drive through to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes.
Day 7: Plitvice Lakes – Trogir( 241km). Go walking along the lower lake boardwalk and on through to the upper lakes – there are 16 in total plus 92 stunning waterfalls. Drive onto Trogir, the historic and gorgeous UNESCO protected town.
Continue onto Split & Dubrovnik, take a cruise or go island hopping to discover some of the Adriatic coastline
Rental car: Hertz( Group B) from $ 45 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
• Hotel Bristol, Opatija
• Grand Hotel Palazzo, Porec
• Park Plaza Arena, Pula
• Hotel Degenija, Rakovica( 4 kilometres from Plitvice Lakes)
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Lungomare, Opatija – Take a walk along this seaside promenade which stretches 12kms from Opatija to Lovran.
Motovun, Istria – The town is surrounded by a forest which is rich in white truffles. The season lasts from September to December and is said to be as good as the finest Italian and French truffles.
Rovinj, Istria – Sometimes called‘ Small Croatian Venice’ as many houses in the old parts rise up from the water. Discover the Old City’ s fascinating architecture and pedestrian street, Carera, with its many shops and cafés.
Pula Film Festival – Held in July each year, this is the oldest film festival in Croatia. If you don’ t mind joining the crowds, generally 23,000 in summer, then it’ s well worth adding it to your must-do list.
Istrian Pasta – If you’ re into pasta, then this is adorable. Specialties include pljukanci and fuži, both served with a variety of sauces.
Plitvice Lakes – Arrive early especially in summer to avoid the crowds. We recommend pre-booking tickets / tour, to avoid the queues. It’ s definitely worth a day visit as they are really beautiful and unique.
Cape Kamenjak, south of Pula – If time allows, be sure to do this bike tour( with optional wine tasting) through the very scenic landscape of this protected nature reserve.
Sunset Sea Kayaking, Porec – See the gorgeous city from the water as you paddle along the peaceful waterfront into the setting sun.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia Truffles, Istria
Lungomare Coastal Walk
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The price guide shown is per car hire based on 7-13 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date