Croatia self drive vacation
“Tailor made self drive vacation in a country easily navigable by car, including its islands. This itinerary also entices you to get your feet walking. And your toes wet.”
Highlights
Adriatic Island hopping | Zagreb | Dubrovnik | Trogir | Zadar | Plitvice National Park | Krka National Park | Split | Historic cities
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
This trip can be tailormade throughout the year and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary
Our top tip:
Go on day trips to smaller islands and take guided walking tours when you are there. They all have stories galore.
Single supp.
Solo travelers welcome although one person per car leaves very heavy carbon footprint.
Accomm:
Small locally owned hotels.
Included:
14 nights in small locally owned hotels, breakfasts, guide book, 11 days air-conditioned car hire, airport transfers, ferry timetables, directions, on call service.
Vouchers
Accepted
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.
We have chosen to include places to stay where public transport is more than adequate for sightseeing so that the car is not used with towns or national parks; the use of such a variety of transport enables you to interact more fully with the locals, to practice your language and to minimise your carbon footprint somewhat. By including the opportunity to visit the National Parks on this vacation you choose to contribute to the excellent record of conservation in recent years through the entrance fees.As a company we employ responsible policies such as recycling paper, ink cartridges, glass and cardboard; we minimise the use of electricity and conducting the vast majority of our correspondence and promotion via the internet and email, minimizing the amount of paper used for our activities. We also compost waste in our company garden.
The Impacts of this Trip
Accommodation on this vacation is in, primarily, family run, small hotels. The food in the hotels is primarily sourced locally and a large number of dishes on the menus are home made. We encourage you to engage local guides in places where their expertise and local knowledge will enhance your experience and understanding of the historical context and on the environmental impact of your visit. In Dubrovnik in particular you will see the evidence for and read about the impact of the war on this UNESCO protected location; the cost of rebuilding and repairing the historic center has been enormous and every contribution made by visitors will help.
Environment
We have chosen to include places to stay where public transport is more than adequate for sightseeing so that the car is not used with towns or national parks; the use of such a variety of transport enables you to interact more fully with the locals, to practice your language and to minimise your carbon footprint somewhat. By including the opportunity to visit the National Parks on this vacation you choose to contribute to the excellent record of conservation in recent years through the entrance fees.As a company we employ responsible policies such as recycling paper, ink cartridges, glass and cardboard; we minimise the use of electricity and conducting the vast majority of our correspondence and promotion via the internet and email, minimizing the amount of paper used for our activities. We also compost waste in our company garden.
Community
The Impacts of this Trip
Accommodation on this vacation is in, primarily, family run, small hotels. The food in the hotels is primarily sourced locally and a large number of dishes on the menus are home made. We encourage you to engage local guides in places where their expertise and local knowledge will enhance your experience and understanding of the historical context and on the environmental impact of your visit. In Dubrovnik in particular you will see the evidence for and read about the impact of the war on this UNESCO protected location; the cost of rebuilding and repairing the historic center has been enormous and every contribution made by visitors will help.
Climate
58 Reviews of Croatia self drive vacation
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 29 Sep 2019 by Manuelle Prunier
The most memorable part of the vacation was the lovely and friendly hotel in Plitvice right in the countryside and very close to the Park (Etno Garden). Read full reviewReviewed on 27 Aug 2019 by Jean Rovegno
There were a few (memorable moments) but at the top it would have to be the lovely staff at Hotel Korsal, Korcula Island and at the Plitvice Lakes. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Jun 2019 by Trish Hart
The most memorable parts of the trip were the visits to Plitvice lakes and Krka national park, both parks were very scenic but busy. Zadar by contrast was quiet and not totally touristy yet! Read full reviewReviewed on 29 May 2019 by Peter Townsend
Plivitz and Kirka National Parks were absolutely superb Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Oct 2019 by Jonathan Rubes
Croatia is a beautiful country and all parts had their moments Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Oct 2018 by Tim Goode
Croatia is wonderful... the Port of Sucrulaj on Hvar is a beautiful village. The best Port City I have ever visited. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Sep 2018 by Joanne Manzo
Excellent. The operator was exceptional. Our accommodations were the best Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Jul 2018 by Lisbeth Faulstich
It was fabulous....Plitvice was pretty cool. Zagreb was a pleasant surprise, as was Zadar. The staff at the hotels in Zadar, Hvar, and Plitvice deserve a call out for their help, friendliness and service. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Jun 2018 by Rick Keenan
The national parks we visited, Plitvice Lakes and Kirk, were excellent. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 May 2018 by Prakash Damodaran
Croatia's natural beauty - its brilliant coastline, azure seas, beautiful lakes... and great roads meant to be driven on. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 May 2018 by Andy Brading
There were many highlights so it's hard to choose just 1. The amphitheatre in Pula was amazing, as was Dubrovnik as a whole and all of the towns, small and large with their narrow streets, beautiful churches, squares and other old buildings were an absolute delight. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Sep 2018 by Anna-Lena Neld Hansen
The most memorable part of the vacation were the National Parks - simply gorgeous Read full reviewReviewed on 31 Aug 2018 by Patrick Ko
(The vacation was) Excellent! I have gained knowledge about the scenery, culture and the people of Croatia. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Aug 2018 by Linda Franck
The excursions were the most memorable part of the vacation Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Aug 2018 by Penelope Jackson
Traveling up Cetina Valley while staying in Omis. Learning the process of lavender oil production on Hvar Island. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Oct 2017 by Amanda Distin
The most memorable part of our vacation was the time spent at Plitvice. We arrived in torrential rain at c9.00 am, but had come prepared with our ponchos! By mid morning the weather had cleared and the sun was out. This area has to be unique in the world, with all the walk ways running along the numerous waterfalls and water flowing underneath your feet. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Sep 2017 by Marilyn Cole
Difficult to make a choice because the coastline is beautiful and the towns are very interesting but the Plitvice Lakes have the edge and were very memorable even in the rain! We also found Ston surprising - in a good way - particularly walking the walls. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Sep 2017 by Carolyn Farrar
Plitvice National Park and walking the walls of Dubrovnik both stand out as super experiences. Both needed early starts but so worth it to get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Aug 2017 by Gary Charles
We stayed in 6 cities and travelled through 4 former Yugoslav states. Our favourite city was Split. It is the ideal spot to do island hopping. The most fascinating city was Sarajevo. We were not expecting such a diversity of cultures living side by side. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jun 2017 by Samantha Syder
We had a driving vacation through Croatia - with a couple of days relaxation at the end. The whole vacation was enjoyable, Croatia is a beautiful country. Each part had its own merits, so hard to pinpoint one particular aspect. Read full reviewReviewed on 27 May 2017 by Tom Lambie
An excellent vacation much enhanced by the organisation of RT, resulting in a lot achieved in the 2 weeks. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Sep 2017 by Alan Taphouse
Everything was a new experience and the country has fantastic scenery and many historical towns - nothing stood out overall. It was all exceptional! Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Sep 2017 by Julia Kemper
All bar three days of the vacation were spent in Montenegro, not Croatia. Montenegro is largely about the scenery/outdoor activities - very little in the way of notable buildings/museums/etc. But nonetheless interesting & worthwhile. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Aug 2017 by Joy Cooper
The amazing, beautiful scenery round every corner, whether we were driving along the coast road, hiking in a national park, cycling round an island or exploring the towns and cities. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Aug 2016 by Linda Atouguia
Absolutely fantastic - want to return ASAP!!!! Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Aug 2016 by Jo Tofts
Everything had been arranged perfectly and went smoothly and we really felt like we got a feel for the country. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Aug 2016 by David Kass
Fab, thank you to Andy for all the assistance given to make this a memorable vacation. Well done all. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 Oct 2016 by Markeus Woodworth
Had an amazing time exploring the islands and mainland. Easy driving. Good food. Lovely people. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 Sep 2016 by Charles Fox
Excellent. The travel arrangements worked like clockwork. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Sep 2016 by John Burgess
Unspoiled coastal towns with clean beaches and water, friendly and welcoming people, good food and drink and wall-to-wall sunshine. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Sep 2016 by Debbie Williams
Excellent, especially swimming in the lovely clear sea. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Aug 2016 by Jocelyn Carpreau
Excellent! There were many little touches that made this vacation seem more luxurious than other road trips we have taken. It felt as if the tour operator had personally chosen the best rooms for us. We wouldn't have been able to do that if we'd booked on the hotels ourselves. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Aug 2016 by Bernie Vanhaeften
Really enjoyed it. Great people, lovely country (especially northern Croatia), fascinating architecture and fabulous food. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Jul 2016 by Cathy Dawson
Beautiful coastline, clear waters, great snorkelling. The hotels were all quite different, but all good. Hotel mediteran in Zadar is not flashy, but it is clean and I think the friendliest hotel we have ever stayed in. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 May 2016 by Alison Cutts
It was all executed with simple, smooth efficiency which enabled us to enjoy everything to the max, and have a relaxing yet adventurous experience. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Sep 2015 by Mairead Lennox
Absolutely perfect. Well organized and with no hitches. Car hire was easy and the hotels were very well chosen. We would certainly recommend this to anyone. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Sep 2015 by Tony Jones
We have travelled to a lot of the world over the last 30 years and I would put this vacation at the top of them all! Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Aug 2015 by Ewan Hunter
There were so many highlights - Croatia is such a beautiful country, I genuinely loved every stop on our itinerary. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Jul 2015 by Randall Hurd
Plitvice Lakes National Park which is simply stunning, but Krka Park is also not to be missed. The drive to Hvar Town on the island of Hvar is similarly stunning. Many beautiful old towns. We liked the smaller towns like Stari Grad as well as magnificent Dubrovnik. Read full reviewReviewed on 27 Jun 2015 by Colin Beauchamp
Very good. The vacation provider gave a superb personal service and clearly with detailed knowledge of the country. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Jun 2015 by Bob Wheeler
Excellent - great country, great scenery, everyone we met was friendly and very helpful Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Jun 2015 by David Smith
A relaxing, interesting and in some ways an educational experience which was great fun and very enjoyable. The good weather also helped! Read full reviewReviewed on 11 Jun 2015 by Janet Veilands
The Plitvice Lakes exceeded our expectations to a considerable degree. Made all the more impressive by reason of it raining lightly for the two days we were there, which resulted in a lot of flowing water and I adding to the effect. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 May 2015 by Andrew Ford
Walking through the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Breath-taking views from the hilltop hotel in Motovun. The pleasure of car driving through the beautiful inland countryside of Slovenia and Croatia on relatively empty but well maintained roads. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Apr 2015 by Graham Emblen
The visit to Plitvisc lakes and falls were absolutely spectacular...Overall it was a very interesting experience and well worth it. Croatia is a beautiful country with plenty of natural sights. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Jun 2014 by Kenneth Vaithilingam
Your company was fantastic. Everything falling into place . Pick up, hotels, car arrangements , the whole works. Will recommend you to all my friends . Well done. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Sep 2014 by Roger GoodlIff
9 out of 10 ( rain for a few days cost one point!) Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Jul 2014 by Alan Paton
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall? very highly and everything was expertly organised Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Sep 2013 by Nancy Browne
Excellent. We highly recommend this type of vacation to anyone traveling to Croatia. Driving is easy. Don't hesitate to do it. It is breath taking to drive along the coast. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jun 2013 by Annemarie Flick
It was truly memorable, and we highly recommend this company to book your trip. You were willing to shorten it for us as we could only be away for 10 days not 14 days. You looked at what we wanted and the sights we wanted to visit. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Sep 2013 by Sue Howles
The most memorable part was walking along Dubrovnik walls & spectacular views. Enjoying Plitvice waterfalls - spent hrs walking every path. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 Jul 2012 by Lindsay Park
Meeting the locals seeing amazing landscapes was the most memorable part of the vacation. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Aug 2012 by Cathy Rosenberg
The whole trip down the coast of Croatia (from Zagreb to Dubrovnik) was absolutely beautiful ... all the old Roman ruins and towns. The people were so friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. Read full review
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