Croatia by Road – From Zagreb to the Adriatic & Istria

Day 1: Zagreb | The journey begins

Arrive in Zagreb and pick up your rental car. Discover Croatia’s vibrant capital, from the historic Upper Town to its lively cafés and local atmosphere. Start your journey with a welcome dinner featuring Croatian specialities and local wines. Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 2: Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes | Into Croatia’s green heart

Leave the capital behind and follow the road through Croatia’s green interior towards Plitvice Lakes National Park. Explore turquoise lakes, spectacular waterfalls, wooden walkways and lush forests. The changing landscape makes the drive part of the experience. Overnight in the Plitvice area.

Day 3: Plitvice – Zadar | From mountains to the Adriatic

Continue south towards the coast as forests and mountains gradually give way to the deep blue Adriatic. Explore Zadar’s historic old town and waterfront before experiencing the city at sunset with a local guide. Overnight in Zadar.

Day 4: Zadar – Pag | Croatia’s lunar landscape

Drive towards the island of Pag and discover one of Croatia’s most unusual landscapes – a rugged, rocky scenery shaped by the sea and the famous Velebit winds. Stop at viewpoints and local villages before tasting the island’s distinctive Pag cheese. Overnight on Pag.

Day 5: Pag – Opatija | Along the Kvarner coast

Continue north and enjoy a scenic drive through constantly changing coastal and mountain landscapes. Arrive in elegant Opatija, Croatia’s historic seaside resort, and discover its grand villas, gardens and Lungomare promenade on a guided heritage walk. Overnight in Opatija.

Day 6: Opatija – Motovun | Into the heart of Istria

Turn inland and enter Istria’s green countryside, where vineyards, olive groves and traditional villages replace the coastline. Arrive in medieval hilltop Motovun and enjoy panoramic views across the Mirna Valley, followed by an authentic truffle experience. Overnight in Istria.

Day 7: Motovun – Umag – Poreč | Taste the Istrian countryside

Continue west towards Umag and Poreč, taking the scenic route through vineyards and olive groves. Meet local producers and taste some of the flavours that define Istria, including regional wines and extra virgin olive oil. Overnight in Poreč.

Day 8: Poreč – Vrsar – Rovinj | The scenic Adriatic coast

Follow the coast south towards Vrsar and Rovinj. Take your time to stop at viewpoints and coastal villages before exploring Rovinj’s colourful old town. Finish the day with a relaxed sunset aperitif overlooking the Adriatic. Overnight in Rovinj.

Day 9: Rovinj – Zagreb | One final Croatian drive

Enjoy a final morning on the Adriatic before driving back towards Zagreb. Watch the landscape change once more as the coast gives way to Croatia’s green continental interior. Return the rental car and conclude your Croatian road-trip adventure.

Included services:

8 nights accommodation in selected 4-star hotels
Daily breakfast
Rental car for the entire journey
Standard rental car insurance according to rental conditions
Plitvice Lakes experience
Local Zadar sunset experience
Pag cheese tasting
Opatija heritage walk
Istrian truffle experience and tasting
Istrian wine and olive oil tasting
Rovinj guided experience and sunset aperitif
Detailed self-drive itinerary
Local DMC support

Recommended travel period:

May - June & September - October

Excluded services:

International flights
Fuel
Road tolls and parking fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned
Optional activities and services

Image source: LCC Adriana Travel
Image source: LCC Adriana Travel
Image source: LCC Adriana Travel
Image source: LCC Adriana Travel