These were once the summer home of former Yugoslav dictator Josip Broz Tito and today are a wildlife park and nature reserve. Like many Balkan countries, Croatia doesn’t have an advanced train system and the majority of inter-city transport is dominated by the humble bus. Rijeka/Opatija. Here are just a few places to consider: Charming Towns of Istria. Click here to browse other hotels in Plitvice Lakes! We chose early October as it was still warm, the water temperature swimmable and at most places, fewer tour groups. With pleasant temperatures during the day in the mid-20s cooling off in the evening, sightseeing is a lot easier to enjoy. Maybe, if you can, try to allot more time for the trip or concentrate on travelling a little closer to home instead, this time around. Where should one start its trip from? Do you think it is worth it or is similar to Plitvice and not necessary? On espère que notre itinéraire de 10 jours en Croatie … We have been using CoverMore since 2016 for our worldwide travel insurance. Croatia, like most European countries besides the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, drives on the right-hand side. As one the top attractions in Croatia, this stunning natural park is one of the best places to visit in the county and can really give you a scope at how incredibly diverse the geography of the country is. We were staggered by the variety of Croatia’s scenery. We had very good experiences with the Airbnb’s we booked in Croatia, we had some wonderful hosts. Dubrovnik is also a great base to take a few day trips. That is not to say it’s not absolutely gorgeous and it is absolutely worth spending time in the city, especially if it’s your first time visiting Croatia. They have a handful of private ensuite room available along with self-catering facilities. We highly recommend your road trip to Croatia for its wonderful coastline. We do recommend renting a car for this itinerary, however, if you want to save money, a car is not necessary for the Zagreb portion of this trip. Here is the website for prices and times ⇒ Dubrovnik Cable Car. Dubrovnik is the premier place to visit in Croatia and the image of its beautiful city walls are what automatically fills people’s imaginations when thinking of this Adriatic country. While we waited, we wandered the cobblestoned streets in the old city visiting the various famous buildings.  You can also take the cable car up to Srd Hill for views over Dubrovnik or if the queue is too long, there is a pathway to walk. Krka National Park is vast, with most people visiting the Skradinski Buk waterfall. Hi Anne-Marie, I think you would only need 2 days in Plitvice if you’re really into hiking and nature and that’s why you’re visiting Croatia. … While I’m the first person to say that a capital city isn’t necessarily reflective of a country on the whole, I’m not sure it’s right to say that it’s not the “real” Croatia. If you want to avoid a large number of tour groups then choose the off-peak months. It depends on what you’re after, but the seaside towns will be pretty sleepy in the winter months. One could easily spend months travelling throughout this Balkan nation and barely scratch the service but if you only have time for a 7 day Croatia itinerary, then there are a number of different routes you can take. Click here to see their latest prices, Not quite what you’re looking for? If you do need to deviate from the interior, make sure you plan to come back to the coast. One has to account the time to get back to Zagreb. Any suggestions or is this just trying to cram too much into a week? The rooms are large and comfortable and it also includes breakfast in the room rate. We had both discussed what our general Croatia road trip itinerary plan would look like, making the decision we would book some of the accommodation while on the road. If you can and your Croatia trip budget allows for it, a far better transportation option for a 7-day Croatia itinerary is to rent a car. With a shoreline of beaches, a vibrant shopping and restaurant area on the promenade, we loved our stop here in late May. This sample 11-day (10 nights) itinerary covers Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. Click here for an insight into planning your. Planning a road trip through Croatia or any new country is always an exciting prospect. All major cities are well-connected by bus. Plitvice Lakes National Park is the highest-rated and is an immensely enjoyable day out walking and viewing the many lakes and stunning waterfalls. Pour commencer ce road trip, nous sommes arrivé à Zadar où nous avons récupéré à l’aéroport notre voiture de location, louée pour toute la durée du séjour. Click here to see their latest prices. Have to use public conveyance only for travel within croatia. The first answer is always time. Who would imagine that one could sit here for an evening, sipping on a glass of wine, listening to music, on the steps laid here in 305AD? If you are wanting to reach a destination quicker, then the motorway system is the best planning option. Just click on the link to get started ⇒ Airbnb Discount. Road trip Croatia – appeal beyond the wheel. Have you been to Croatia? Hi. Croatia’s weather ensures it is an easy country to visit all year round, but to improve your travel experience, we suggest going off-peak. But hey, it’s all part of the experience. Click here to see their latest prices, Not quite what you’re looking for? The most popular place to visit in Croatia thanks in no part to Game of Thrones, no 7-day Croatia itinerary that covers the tourist highlights of the country would be complete without including Dubrovnik. To experience more of Zadar, click to read more here Eight Must-See Sights of Zadar. And the good news is, you don’t need a large bank balance. There is no other view so spectacular as arriving into Dubrovnik from the hillside. Vodopad Gubavica has two waterfalls, with the larger at 50m, one of the biggest in Croatia. Not quite what you’re looking for? ), I’ve left out how to get back to your beginning point. Nous aurions bien aimé descendre jusqu’à Dubrovnik mais il aurait fallu 2-3 jours de plus. If you travel to the town of Zadvarje, you can view the canyon on the River Cetina. Horse riders gallop through the streets thrusting at rings with a lance. So many great spots on the way though: Sibenik, Omis, Makarska, the island of Vis…and that’s not even including the islands on the south. Hope you have a great trip! A road trip through Croatia is one of the best ways to see the most of this wonderful country, and the experience will leave you wanting to see more. Thanks b. So delicious. Primosten was a coffee break for us to visit what was once a republic of  Venice. 3. You can even head to the beach and swim in the warm Adriatic. Korcula Island is the sixth-largest in the Adriatic is a popular island with beautiful beaches and stunning architecture. Hi Maggie, This triangular peninsula is often considered to be Croatia’s gastronomic heart and it offers incredible ancient historical sites, beautiful coastal cities, and imposing hill towns to rival those of Tuscany. To give a little more insight into Zadar, click here for more: Eight Must-See Sights of Zadar and Five Day Trips from Zadar. Among the many reasons to visit Zagreb are its stately and contemporary museums, its … 2. Prices also mimic the high temperature in the Croatian summer with everything from accommodation to restaurant costs inflated to take advantage of the tourism revenue. I have heard such wonderful things about Rovinj and the Iberia peninsula, but we also want to visit Split and Dubrovnik. Just 50km northwest of Dubrovnik is the salt-producing town of Ston. Hostel Mali Mrak — This locally-run hostel is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. 1 night Split Click here to browse the best Airbnbs in Zagreb! With a fantastic roading system and a beautiful coastline, a road trip in Croatia is highly recommended. Croatia for me is Central Dalmatia and to a smaller extent, Istria. Seeing the picturesque seaside old town is an amazing view. The water underneath the surface was a good temperature, but the top layer of water felt like ice. So where to start your road trip will always depend on the time you have available and then what type of road trip experience is suited to you. 10 Must-See Sites of Zagreb, the CapitalÂ, Best of Split Old City, Beaches and Islands. Brac is closer to Split for beaches and restaurants. Often the supermarkets will have small bakeries for bread. A road trip is the best way to explore Croatia, one of the most diverse countries I’ve ever been to. Terry is a great travel planner and his itinerary incorporates where to visit, accommodation, the travel distance between places, points of interest and so much more. Explore the Istria Peninsula for Roman ruins, medieval towns, great beaches, and fertile plains for the gastronomy of food. It … BASIC OUTLINE: Drive to Plitvice National Park (330km). For me, the highlights of the country range along the coast from Zadar (with an excursion inland to Plitvice) to Dubrovnik (from where I think Kotor is a must see as you mention). How to Travel Smarter, an Interview with Nomadic Matt, Charming Towns of Istria Peninsula, Croatia, How to see Fabulous Spain: Ideas for a Road Trip, How to See the Spectacular Coromandel Peninsula in 10 Days, Self-Guided City Walks: How to see the Best European Cities in 2020,  There are at least 1,000 Islands in Croatia,  There are 11 Nature Parks, eight National Parks, and two Nature Reserves. Keep in mind that if you are planning on driving yourself that your rental car has the proper documentation to cross the borders. I agree with you that it’s so hard to plan a Croatia itinerary…you could easily spend months there and not see everything! The hosts looked after us well and offered plenty of suggestions of what to see and where to eat. Spend the next day taking advantage of all of the great things to do in Split. I am planning a trip of about 7 days to Croatia the first part of June. Try to leave Zagreb early in order to be able to make a stop at the gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here are the ones we recommend: Vilola â€” a small boutique hotel located close to some of the best swimming areas in Umag, Vilola offers air-conditioned rooms with their own balcony and breakfast included in the room rate. Rovinj is an absolutely beautiful seaside town in western Istria and boasts a number of interesting things to do. Like you said…there’s just so much to explore! Hope you have a great trip! Airports for Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik have services to many European cities. Thierry Titibike 26,902 views. The weather usually stays very nice through October, though, depending on where you are in the country! A heavy day of driving, but well worth it. Il règne … Across the board, you will find accommodation prices to be a lot cheaper than in the more popular months, but some businesses may not be open in the middle of winter. Thanks for the comment, Frank! It is also worth noting that a good majority of Croatia isn’t perennially blessed with endless sunny days. Croatia has one of the most beautiful coastal roads you can experience. Dubrovnik is small, crowded, and noticeably more expensive than anywhere else in the country. This 1700-year-old city of winding streets to hidden squares made each day exploring a new experience. Land Zagreb, 7 days, finishing in Dubrovnik (probably fly into Athens from here I’m thinking). Road trip 15 jours en Croatie. Two days here should be enough. If you’re driving to Croatia from Slovenia or Italy, it makes total sense to … Any suggestions on how best to do this? Great suggestions elsewhere…I’ve only been to Å ibenik out of the places you mentioned and thought it was absolutely lovely. When she’s not dreaming of far-away lands, Maggie enjoys drinking copious amounts of coffee, Harry Potter, and coaxing stray cats into her home. Many international flights land in Zagreb, and since it’s easy to see the main attractions in one afternoon the country’s capital is a great place to do some … And to get an idea of day trips available, you can search and book online with Viator. That doesn’t mean, however, that there is a shortage of great place to stay in Zadar. Of course, the highlight was the Diocletian Palace. This will allow you to spend an ample amount of time exploring the park, avid the majority of the tourist crowds, and still get the most out of your Croatia itinerary without feeling too rushed. Click here to check their availability. This is similar to the northern Croatia road trip itinerary we presented except that one … And base yourself in one of the cities of Pula, Zadar, Split or Dubrovnik. Heading inland from the Makarska Riviera we stayed at the wonderful Villa Melanie at Stasevica. Pula is increasing in popularity as a tourist destination and, because of that, there are a number of great accommodation options. Starting at the most Northern point, Rijeka is a transport hub and major ferry port. On vous a concocté un petit itinéraire pour découvrir ce fantastique pays en 15 jours. Hi Archie, if you don’t plan on visiting Zagreb, starting in Split or Dubrovnik makes sense. We recommend spending two days in Dubrovnik, one where you can stroll along the well-trodden tourist site and another where you can try to explore outside of the Old Town. For more information, see our privacy policy. I spent 10 days in Croatia in September and while no trip ever seems long enough, we found it was a good amount of time to see Croatia and enjoy it. Or take the Ferry from Venice across the Adriatic and travel down the coast of Croatia. Unlike some European coastal destinations the Croatian coast has managed to avoid the plague of seaside … With only three couples taking a swim, the beach was practically deserted. Zagreb is also an excellent place to educate yourself on the Yugoslav Wars, which were particularly devastating here. Zagreb, for instance, is actually quite wet and it is best to expect at least a few rainy days on your trip along the coast as well — depending on the season you are travelling.  The total hours of sunshine each year for coastal towns in Croatia is more than 2,600, similar to Barcelona, Spain; Sydney, Australia, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The best advice when traveling is to take your time and plan to enjoy your road trip rather than constantly being on the road and sleeping in a different place each night. To learn more about the region, check out this website on Istria. 15 Jours en voilier en Croatie Aout 2016 - Duration: 38:06. Click here to browse other options in Zadar. Though not as popular a destination as other towns in Istria, there are a number of great accommodation options in Umag. Ticket prices to National Parks are reduced in the non-peak months. Split, for us, was one of the cities in Croatia we enjoyed the most. It must be said, Croatia has one of the best motorway systems we have experienced. Click here to see their latest prices, Casablanca Boutique B&B — This boutique bed and breakfast is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb if your budget allows for a little bit more than a hostel. Having heard so much of Croatia, we decided to use our time to do a three-week road trip through Croatia to Albania. From Drvenik just proceed toward Dubrovnik which is exactly 123 km distant from this point. Scroll down to see some of the wonderful places to stop and stay on Croatia’s coastline. There are a number of different transit companies to choose from, some which allow you to book tickets online. This incredibly diverse and welcoming country has endless opportunities to offer travellers. Driving Croatia is much like it is in the brochures. If you are planning to visit Hungary or Slovenia, it’s easy to take a detour to Zagreb. If you spend one day exploring the old town, it is totally possible to tack on a visit to either of the cities on the second day. Whether you are up for a stroll, needing a swim to cool off, or just want to sit and take in the view, this is the place to be. Restaurant suggestion: Taverna Konoba near the entrance to Paklenica NP (great seafood platter), and Lucija for Pizza, Beer and casual dining on the seafront promenade. This detailed Croatia 10-day itinerary will give you an idea of what you can do on each day of your trip… Click here to see their latest prices, Boutique Hotel Oasi â€” this small hotel is located very close to the beach and a short distance from central Pula. There are exceptions like the stretch of motorway inland to Vodopad Gubavica. The reason why we recommended 3 nights for this itinerary, is because we strongly believe one day should be allocated for a day trip to … To discover more about Split, and for day trips from Split click on the link to read more. Hi Ieva, I think that if you only have 7-8 days for your trip, trying to drive from Riga to Croatia is going to take up a good portion of it and give you very little time to explore Croatia itself. This will allow you to be more flexible with your departure times and reach places that aren’t as well-served by the bus network. Just remember to factor this in when calculating the kilometers for your self-drive road trip. You can check out what tours are on offer with Viator. I briefly read the article and maybe you covered it already. Unfortunately, I don’t know much at all about motorhome travel, so I can’t advise you in that area. What is Important for your Ultimate Road Trip in Croatia is to plan to stay for at least a week. There are plenty of shops around that will rent you a bike from 7-15 … You can very easily spend a week just in Istria and even more in Dalmatia, so I would recommend weighing which areas appeal to you most and concentrating on those. Or take a trip inland to the Gubavica Waterfall in the impressive gorge near Zadvarje. We stayed 2 nights in Dubrovnik. Spend your first day checking out the amazing Pula Arena, visiting the number of interesting museums in the city, browsing the bustling Pula market and learning about Pula’s history. You can go ahead and rent a car when leaving the capital and save a couple of days of fare and parking fees. The voyage takes a bit more than half an hour. If we are skipping Zagreb, and want to cover places like Split , Plitvice, Dubrovnik. Alternatively, it is very easy to pick just one of these itineraries and expand from there. Any other place that should which is highly recommended? We love the selection from this top branded car rental. If you have yet to experience a canyon, then making this trip will definitely not be a disappointment. Peak Season: June to August is the hottest and most crowded time to visit Croatia. How’s Croatia in the dead if winter? While it can get EXTREMELY busy in the summer months, it is still an unmissable area to explore in Croatia. We are coming and driving a minibus (minivan) so ,it means we are very flexible on route and in any destinstion, we are free and sould move to any place any fay. They have a number of rooms on offer, a restaurant on site, and breakfast is included in the room rate. There are many places to stop along the way either for a coffee or a night or two’s accommodation. We began our travel in 2016 through Asia and are currently based in Europe. This is a great budget option. We totally fell in love with the beauty of Croatia on our coastal drive from Rijeka to Zadar. They also offer complimentary beer and rakija. They have a number of room options available — from dorm beds to privates  — and a friendly and helpful staff. They are centrally located, have excellent ratings, and offer both dorm and private rooms. This massive network of lakes and waterfalls is enough to charm even the most ardent of city people and visiting is a highlight of any trip to Croatia. Most of the itineraries that I see online are an either/or for visiting those areas.. Hi Karen, unfortunately, it will likely be a bit too rushed if you plan to visit Istria and also Split and Dubrovnik in just one week. High season is typically over by the end of September and you will start to see tourists clearing out and some businesses closing up by this time. The roads and tunnels taking us quickly along and through the mountainous landscape. Take a stroll along the wonderful seaside promenade and relax on the steps of the sea organ and listen to the music of the Adriatic waves. The summer months of late June-August are the most popular times to travel to Croatia and if you plan to hit the most visited cities in the country, you can expect them to be very crowded. And remember to check if your home country requires an international driver’s license when booking. If you have 8 days in Croatia rather than the 7 days I’ve accounted for in this itinerary, then I would suggest spending another day in Split. The ports of Dubrovnik and Split, even in October, still had several cruise ships arrive into port. Click here to browse other options in Dubrovnik. Remember to check Cruise Ship itineraries for Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. It is often a lot cheaper to pick up and return a rental car to the same location. Click here to browse other options in Split. We created our 2-Week Croatia Itinerary based on the ability to use public transportation. CoverMore is very easy to set-up online, and make it easy to liaise with them when organizing our online claims (we have had two trouble-free claims). Because Zagreb is finally becoming a tourist destination in Croatia in and of itself, there are a number of great accommodation options to choose from in the city. Click here to see their latest prices, Tinel B&B Premium Edition — This bed and breakfast offers modern, comfortable rooms and free breakfast in the morning in a fantastic Old Town Zadar location. Vacances insolites : Road-Trip en Europe du Sud En 15 jours… Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and then somehow enter the Croatia. This way you come away feeling rewarded and more knowledgeable about the experience. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available, it is located very close to the city centre and all of the main tourist attractions, and breakfast is included in the room rate. , there are always opportunities to take a swim. The final three days on this particular 7-day Croatia itinerary should be spent in beautiful and lively Split. Villa Melanie is a great base to explore Croatia. We loved the labyrinth of steep back streets to find a hidden garden on our way to the fortress. Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast: Small Group Touring: Trogir to Dubrovnik Discover Croatia’s … We would like to stay 10 more days to go to neighboring countries as well as doing a little hiking, biking and kayaking the area. Hi Maggie. Kornati National Park for swimming and snorkeling. Spend the first day exploring Umag itself and maybe take the time to visit a local vineyard for some wine tasting. It is going to be me and my wife only. E nfin ! After enjoying the hustle and bustle of Pula and the laid-back nature and nearby hill towns of Umag, it’s time to head to the most iconic Istrian town: Rovinj. Objectif: découvrir l'Italie en 15 jours en voiture … Click here to see their latest prices, Hotel Arte Casa â€” another boutique hotel in Umag, this one also has a great breakfast included in the nightly rate, air-conditioned rooms, and free parking on the premises. While we used our own car in Croatia, we have used Europcar. Voyage en Croatie. Our trip starts in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. The most logical place to start this 7-day Croatia itinerary is in the vibrant capital of Zagreb. These are our recommendations: Downtown Boutique Hostel — This small boutique hostel is located in the centre of Old Town Zadar. You can spend the second day in Zadar enjoying the warm water and lounging on the beach, of which there are many within very easy walking distance from the city centre. GPS Input: Martin Brod or Una National Park. It is very similar to the Classic Croatia Itinerary, with one major variation. On the second day, take to the car and head inland to visit some of the most picturesque hill towns in Istria. You can check bus timetables and routes throughout Croatia on getbybus.com. If you are looking for a 14-day Croatia itinerary, consider lumping to of the above itineraries together into one. The iconic and gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park is second-most visited attraction in Croatia (after Dubrovnik) and it is for good reason — it is absolutely spectacular. Especially since you only have 7 days, there are many more places to spend time in Croatia. Make sure before you leave home to organize your Travel Insurance. At times, these routes are country lanes and you end up taking longer. Nous reviendrons en Croatie découvrir Dubrovnik et d’autres îles croates 🙂 Bref, la Croatie en road trip c’est le bonheur ! We have been lucky enough to spend two extended periods in Croatia and have put together a Guide to Croatia for you to plan your perfect Croatian holiday. You can read more about our Zagreb visit here 10 Must-See Sights of Zagreb. It is incredibly possible to visit the beautiful city of Kotor, Montenegro or marvel at the Stari Most in divided Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Not quite what you’re looking for? The other benefit is for the driver, not having to constantly change speed for the many, many villages you can pass through. Check out Travellerspoint to map your journey. While the sun is at its hottest in the summer you will savor some beach time. Not quite what you’re looking for? Sometimes it is better to experience one country, its people, their culture and its history at a slower pace. Make sure to JOIN US to be inspired to travel. Many thanks While most visitors to Croatia set their sites on Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, they fail to dig deeper and explore the seemingly endless wonderful places to visit in the country. Starigrad Paklenica’s beautiful crystal clear sea attracted us to stay, and with its proximity to Zadar only 1-hour drive, a city we love, we decided to stay. 4. And we have to admit, anywhere you intend to visit in Croatia, will not disappoint. How to Travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by Bus, Train & Car. Trogir was once under Venetian rule, so the architecture is stunning with its Cathedral of St Lawrence a UNESCO site. Here are some of our suggestions: Airbnb – Some great options in Pula include this luxurious apartment or this private room with friendly owners. The website is perfect for planning road trips, but also for keeping a memory of your travels. This way you will have more time to, Stay Longer and Experience More. We use Rentalcars.com to find the best car-hire prices available. Le climat en Croatie varie selon les régions. If you are curious about exploring more of the Balkans besides just Croatia and Slovenia, we also have some Balkan itineraries here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/plan-balkans-travel-itinerary/. I’m honestly not a big fan of Zagreb, it’s not the real Croatia to me. Click here to see their latest prices, Not quite what you’re looking for? Very excited being my great grandmother and grandfather came from Croatia I want to experience the finest places the country offers. Paklenica National Park is recommended if you love hiking or climbing. Ideally, the best time of year to travel to Croatia is in the shoulder seasons directly surrounding summer. It is worth alloting at least a couple of hours to explore the park before continuing onto your destination in the late afternoon/evening. We will land in Zagreb on 25th Feb and would move out from Dubrovnik on the 02nd of March (Flights already done). You have to keep in mind that you will pass through the small section of Bosnia & Herzegovina coastal part (15 … I’m going to have to disagree with you about Zagreb, however. We are planning our flight from Vancouver. All of these routes can easily be added to or subtracted from in order to make the perfect 6, 10, or 12-day Croatia itinerary or even a great two weeks in Croatia itinerary! Contrary to popular belief, Croatia isn’t all sunshine and sea every day of the year and the vast majority of the country really does experience all four seasons. If you want to visit another coastal town, Zadar will make a nice stop. Most seasonal restaurants and tourist attractions will begin to open their doors again through the months of March-October so you will be able to see and eat everything that you could in the summer with a fraction of the crowds. They have a range of clean, comfortable rooms on offer and it comes very highly rated. The villa is located in what we can only describe as a fruit bowl of orchards and vines. Are you planning a Croatia itinerary? With stunning crystal-clear water on one side and the mountains looming on the other side. However, wherever you are coming from, a stop at Trogir is a must-see destination. It’s a good time to visit Dubrovnik as you can experience the city with far fewer tourists than in the high season. Is it right if westart our trip from Riga by bus? While many people visit Plitvice as a day trip from Zagreb or Split, we recommend spending a night near the park so you can get there as early as possible, avoid the inevitable tourist crowds, and spend as much time as you can in the park. Let us know in the comments! Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aba345922d955b1238f34714178d2808" );document.getElementById("gf9224fc30").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); © 2020 The World Was Here First • All rights reserved. De Porec à Dubrovnik, vous pourrez avoir un bon aperçu des richesses de la Croatie … Enjoy the finer hotels and spas also. It is here you will see one of the longest fortifications in Europe, a 5.5km wall protecting a medieval town. It’s Central Europe. It’s tough making a Croatia itinerary, there are so many places to see that are gorgeous. We loved learning more about Cavtat from Map Made Memories.