⁍ Journeys ◦ Europe ◦ Croatia ◦ Nature ◦ Culture ◦ Beach ◦ Gastronomy ◦ Family ◦ Couples ◦ Rental Car
Highlights
Amid Greenery and Azure Skies: A Journey Through Croatia's Highlights
✓ A diverse route from Zagreb to Split. Discover the surprising contrast between bustling cities and lush natural areas.
✓ Enjoy the peace and quiet of Gorski Kotar. Hike through vast forests and discover a lesser-known part of Croatia, home to brown bears.
✓ Hiking along the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice.
✓ End your trip on the coast near lively Split and the Adriatic Sea.
Luxury self-drive tour through the heart of Croatia
This self-drive tour takes you right through the heart of Croatia and ends at the Adriatic Sea. You’ll start in Zagreb, a city characterized by Central European architecture, parks, and a vibrant food scene. From there, you’ll drive south through vast forests, mountain ranges, and national parks, with stops that each reveal a different landscape and story: bear territory in Gorski Kotar, limestone mountains in Velebit, and waterfalls in Plitvice.
As you travel further, the scenery shifts toward the sea. Historic cities like Zadar and Šibenik offer culture and heritage, while islands like Pag and Dugi Otok show how wind, salt, and the sea shape life. The trip ends in Dalmatia, with Split serving as a base for exploring the islands of Vis and Hvar. You’ll be driving yourself, but you’ll follow a carefully planned route with manageable distances, meaningful stops, and plenty of time to truly experience each region.
Itinerary
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Your tour begins in Zagreb, Croatia’s charming capital. Take some time to explore the city, from the historic Upper Town with its colorful facades and narrow streets to the elegant squares and cozy terraces of the Lower Town. In the evening, take a seat at one of the many restaurants for your first taste of Croatian cuisine.
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From Zagreb, you’ll continue on to Gorski Kotar, a mountainous region in the Croatian interior. Here, dense forests, green valleys, and small mountain villages define the landscape. Explore the area on a hike, follow the winding roads past beautiful viewpoints, or enjoy a quiet afternoon at your hotel, surrounded by nature.
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Mountain roads lead you to the Velebit Mountains, a rugged natural boundary between the coast and the interior. You’ll hike along the Premuzic Trail, a scenic route with minimal elevation changes, offering views of the sea and islands. Then you’ll head toward Plitvice, where you’ll spend a full day exploring the national park. You’ll follow wooden paths along sixteen lakes, take a boat ride across Lake Kozjak, and end at the large waterfall in the lower canyon landscape.
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After visiting the Paklenica Gorge, you’ll arrive in Zadar, where you’ll take the ferry from Zadar to Brbinj on Dugi Otok. On the island, you’ll stay at Vila Nai and explore Sakarun Beach, Telašćica Nature Park, and the small coastal villages, among other attractions. After a few days on Dugi Otok, you’ll take the ferry back to Zadar and continue on to Split.
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Your tour ends on the Adriatic coast, near Split. Be sure to visit the historic city center, where the impressive Diocletian’s Palace still forms the heart of the city today. Wander through the narrow streets, discover charming squares, and stroll along the Riva, the famous waterfront promenade. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the beaches, the sea, and your final days under the Croatian sun.
After breakfast, return the rental car and travel back home according to your scheduled flight times.
Practical Information
Duration 10 days, 9 nights
Indicative price €6.500 per person
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This estimated price is subject to change at any time. The estimated price includes a rental car and accommodations but does not include flights. With Pegase Tailored, we bring your travel dreams to life, fully tailored to your wishes. No one-size-fits-all package—just a unique trip that lets you discover the world on your own terms.
Best time to visit
Our highlight of the trip
“For me, the private boat tour through the Kornati Archipelago was the highlight of this trip. From Dugi Otok, you sail into an international park that’s accessible only by boat, with dozens of uninhabited islands and crystal-clear water.”
Emilia Pycke, Luxury Travel Advisor
Featured hotels
Plitvice Phenomenon, Plitvica Selo
Fenomen Plitvice is located within walking distance of the national park. The rooms and lodges are spacious, featuring natural materials and large windows that bring the landscape inside. Here, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and private stay with direct access to one of Croatia’s most impressive natural areas.
Villa Nai 3.3, Dugi Otok
This architecturally stunning, ultra-luxurious villa is secluded in an olive grove and features just a few suites, each offering maximum privacy. Wellness, gastronomy, and design are not separate elements here but form a single cohesive whole, with a restaurant that focuses on local produce and its own olive oil.
Hotel Park, Split
Hotel Park is located right on the waterfront, within walking distance of both the beach and Split’s historic center. The rooms combine classic style with modern amenities and offer views of the garden or the Adriatic Sea.
Featured experiences
Bear Watching in Gorski Kotar
Accompanied by a local nature guide, you’ll head into the forest and take your place in a professional observation hide. You’ll learn how bears move through the landscape and what to look for to spot them. A unique opportunity to see one of Europe’s largest land mammals in its natural habitat.
Cheese and Olive Tasting in Pag
On Pag, you’ll visit small-scale producers who work with local sheep breeds and olive trees adapted to the salty climate. During a tasting, you’ll discover how wind, soil, and vegetation directly influence flavor and texture. A hands-on introduction to the island’s terroir.
Cooking Workshop in Poljica
Together with local residents, you’ll prepare a traditional dish using seasonal ingredients from the region. You’ll learn techniques and flavor combinations that have been passed down through generations, and then enjoy the meal you’ve prepared together. It’s a simple, authentic experience that offers a glimpse into daily life off the beaten path.
Discover even more travel experiences
Croatia Road Trip: Between Split and Dubrovnik
Follow the coastline from Split to Dubrovnik on a tour that takes you past islands, towns, and secluded coves.
Slovenia & Croatia Tour: Between the Alps and the Adriatic Coast
Discover Slovenia and Croatia: from alpine landscapes and historic cities to islands and the Adriatic Sea.
Croatia Mini-Cruise: Adriatic Islands
Discover the highlights of Croatia on a minicruise: intimate travel through charming villages & blue bays.
