The Ultimate 12-Day Croatian Road Trip
Get ready to explore the best of Croatia with this 12-day road trip itinerary. It provides you with the opportunity to discover the top attractions of Croatia through its carefully designed route. The tour will lead you through Zagreb's colorful streets and Dubrovnik's sparkling waters to experience the complete essence of Croatia which includes its historical past, its breathtaking natural beauty and exciting outdoor activities. Your daily adventures will reveal fresh experiences while you explore Plitvice Lakes by hiking or paddle through the Adriatic coastline and visit the attractive island settlements of Hvar and Brač. The itinerary provides travelers with cultural experiences and outdoor activities through customized tours which showcase amazing views at all points of their journey.
What's included
Itinerary
Begin your Croatian adventure in the capital city of Zagreb!
Upon arrival at Zagreb Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your hotel in the city center. After you have finalized your check-in and had some time to refresh, you will meet your guide for an easy introduction to the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad). Walk past the St. Mark’s Church, known for its colorful tiled roof and explore Tkalčićeva Street, an exciting area only for pedestrians full with cafés and boutiques.
Your guide will provide information about Zagreb's historical background and cultural traditions of the local population while recommending places for your first Croatian dining experience.
The rest of the evening allows you to relax while you can have a relaxed dinner at a restaurant which is located in the area.
*Inclusions: Private airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel, Assistance with hotel check-in, Guided visit to Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church and Tkalčićeva Street*
Start your second day with an active adventure in Zagreb’s surrounding natural beauty. Meet your guide and visit Medvednica Mountain, a calm nature reserve a bit outside the city. Enjoy a scenic hike to the summit (1,035 meters) where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. After the hike, visit the Zagreb Zoo for an easy walk before heading to Zrinjevac Park, a peaceful green space perfect for a break.
Spend some time relaxing in the park before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Zagreb’s vibrant café culture is perfect for enjoying your free time after a day of outdoor activities.
*Inclusions: Private hotel pick-up and drop-off , Guided hike on Medvednica Mountain, Visit to Zagreb Zoo and Zrinjevac Park*
Today, you will find yourself in the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes.
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes (approximately 2 hours by car). Upon arrival, your guide will show you around and help you explore and enjoy the park’s scenic paths. They offer spectacular views of the waterfall cascades, something not to miss! You will board on a boat to ride across Lake Kozjak and enjoy the calmness of nature.
After a day of exploration, relax and overnight near the park, where you can become one with nature.
*Inclusions: Private hotel check-out and transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, Guided exploration of Plitvice Lakes National Park, including waterfalls and boat rides, Overnight stay near Plitvice Lakes*
Travel to Zadar, a coastal city known for its rich history and vibrant waterfront. After breakfast, your driver will take you from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar (approximately 2 hours).
Your first experience in Zadar will be an energetic kayaking tour which lets you explore the coastline while you kayak through the city's sparkling waters. You can choose to visit Krka National Park for your trip because it offers hiking activities and beautiful waterfalls to discover.
After your active exploration, return to Zadar for an overnight stay, where you can relax and enjoy the evening at leisure.
*Inclusions: Private hotel check-out and transfer from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar, Kayaking adventure around Zadar’s coast or a trip to Krka National Park*
Enjoy a full day of active exploration in Krka National Park, one of Croatia’s most famous natural reserves.
After breakfast, your driver will take you from Zadar to Krka National Park (approximately 1 hour). Spend the day hiking along the park’s trails and swimming in the park’s beautiful waterfalls, including Skradinski Buk, the largest and most famous waterfall in the park. This peaceful visit offers the perfect opportunity to engage with nature and enjoy the fresh air.
After a day of hiking and swimming, return to Zadar for an overnight stay and time for yourself.
*Inclusions: Private hotel pick-up and transfer from Zadar to Krka National Park, Hiking and swimming excursion in Krka National Park, Return transfer to Zadar*
Today, continue your adventure by traveling to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city.
After breakfast, your driver will take you from Zadar to Split (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, start exploring with your guide a visit to Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 4th century. After, enjoy a calm walk along the Riva Promenade, a lively waterfront area filled with cafes and restaurants.
For an active adventure, head to Marjan Hill, where you can enjoy rock climbing or mountain biking. From the top, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
*Inclusions: Private hotel check-out and transfer from Zadar to Split, Guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace, Active adventure in Marjan Hill (rock climbing or mountain biking)*
Brač Island stands as your destination for today because it offers both natural attractions and numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The ferry ride from Split to Brač Island takes about 1 hour to complete.
Upon arrival, enjoy a hike or cycling tour around Bol and Zlatni Rat Beach, one of Croatia’s most famous beaches. Zlatni Rat has a unique shape which visitors can experience by walking on its beach and swimming in its transparent waters.
Spend your day exploring the island's natural beauty while experiencing the Mediterranean climate before you rest at Bol for the night.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Split to Brač Island, Hiking or cycling around Bol and Zlatni Rat Beach*
Travel to Hvar, one of Croatia’s most stunning islands, known for its vibe as a city and incredible views. Take a ferry from Brač to Hvar (approximately 2 hours).
Your first stop will be to Hvar Town, where you can enjoy a hike or bike ride up to Hvar Fortress. On top of it, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the town and the islands around. Hvar’s lively environment and beautiful landscape make it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts..
Spend your evening relaxing while you dine at a restaurant which offers views of the Adriatic Sea before you head back to your hotel for the evening.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Brač to Hvar Island, Hike or bike ride to Hvar Fortress*
Take a ferry to Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most iconic cities, known for its well-preserved medieval walls and rich history. After a 3-hour ferry ride from Hvar, explore the Old Town of Dubrovnik and enjoy an active walking tour along the city walls. The views from the walls of the Old Town and the sparkling sea are incredible!
Your walking tour will end with free time to discover more of Dubrovnik or to spend some time in a café with beautiful views. You will spend your evening in this attractive urban center before returning to your hotel accommodation.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Hvar to Dubrovnik, Active walking tour along the city walls*
Your day in Dubrovnik will be spent actively discovering the city through kayaking which begins at Lokrum Island. You can paddle through the island's water while you experience the peaceful atmosphere of the island before you head back to Dubrovnik.
You could ride the cable car to Mount Srd during the afternoon to experience a scenic hike which offers stunning views of Old Town and surrounding coastal areas. After your daily activities you will head back to your hotel to enjoy a peaceful sea-view dinner.
*Inclusions: Kayaking around Lokrum Island, Cable car ride to Mount Srd and hiking exploration*
Mljet Island welcomes you to its serene environment which offers both natural splendor and complete relaxation. The ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Mljet Island takes about 1.5 hours. Mljet National Park offers you the opportunity to explore its lakes through hiking or cycling activities which include the Big Lake and Small Lake.
Additionally, the island offers you a peaceful atmosphere to explore its natural landscapes while swimming or relaxing. The night will be spent in Mljet.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Mljet Island, Hiking and cycling in Mljet National Park*
Your Croatian adventure will end with a peaceful Mljet morning before you board the ferry which will return you to Dubrovnik. Your private driver will take you to Dubrovnik Airport after your arrival in Dubrovnik for your departure flight which will end this remarkable travel experience.
The current journey with Tailored by Locals came to an end but we remain confident that our service will drive you to discover additional destinations.
*Inclusions: Ferry ride from Mljet to Dubrovnik, Departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport*
