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9-Day Adriatic Road Trip from Istria

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Overview

This road trip adventure through the indented Adriatic coastline of Croatia is a perfect way to enjoy the natural and man-made highlights. Discover the local food, wines and sights of natural wonders, antique towns and monuments.

Many of Europe's greatest empires including the Romans, Venetians, Ottoman Turks, and Habsburgs, left their mark here in the form of architecture, language, art, and food.

After visiting Istria in the northwest, we will get to know the region of Dalmatia. On this Croatia itinerary, you will be driving through some delightful spots along the 700 km long road twisting just meters off of the Adriatic sea and ending up in Dubrovnik.
Outdoors & Nature
Food & Drink
Beach & Sea
Sightseeing
Cruising
Culture & Arts

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Rovinj

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Arrival in Rovinj

We ask you to arrive into Rovinj by 5:30 pm in time for an afternoon sunset sailing tour. You, the sea, the curious dolphins swimming around you; on the horizon the sun is slowly sinking into the Rovinj sea, burning the sky with an explosion of colour. Fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience with a glass of wine and the sound of waves. After this relaxing experience, you have the rest of the evening off to roam the ancient streets of this vibrant city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Eden4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rovinj Sunset Sailing Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Vrsar / Crljenka Airport to RovinjOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rovinj

Day 2

Motovun Truffle Hunting Tour

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Motovun Truffle Hunting Tour

Today, your guide takes you inland to explore the rolling hills of Istria, taste the best local olive oils, wine and explore some of the most charming villages in the country and enjoy a unique truffle hunting experience. After a short drive, you will arrive at the foot of the famous Istrian hilltop town - Motovun where you will meet your hosts for the day. Motovun Forest is as a natural phenomenon and the ideal spot for truffle hunting. Head out with your expert guide and his two beloved dogs.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Eden4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Motovun Truffle Hunting

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rovinj

    Motovun

Day 3

Brijuni, Pula and Dinosaur Island

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Brijuni, Pula and Dinosaur Island

Make your own way to the Rovinj Marina to go on an unforgettable journey. Join a group for a cruise to the southernmost point of Istrian Archipelago and famous lighthouse Porer. Discover Fenoliga, swim in the crystal-clear waters, admire the breathtaking cliffs and caves of Rt Kamenjak, Seagull Rocks, and Pula's amphitheatre. Discover unspoiled nature and finish the journey with the beautiful, picturesque sea view on “Little Venice”. You will be dropped off at the Rovinj Marina upon your return.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Eden4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Brijuni, Pula and Dinosaur Islands

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rovinj

    Pula

Day 4

Drive to Opatija and Plitvice

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Drive to Opatija and Plitvice

Today after a hearty breakfast, pick up your rental car and leave Istria for inland Croatia. It's a four-hour drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the great natural attractions of the country. On your way to the park, stop in Opatija, a beautiful little coastal town built in the 19th century as a summer resort for Austro- Hungarian aristocracy, you can still see the villas. A local guide will be waiting for you to show you around. After touring Opatija, you will continue to Plitvice.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Plitvice Holiday Resort

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Opatija

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Rovinj to Plitvice Lakes National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rovinj

    Opatija

    Grabovac

Day 5

Plitvice National Park and Zadar

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Plitvice National Park and Zadar

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s natural masterpiece. The UNESCO-protected park is home to an exquisite collection of 16 glassy lakes, more than 90 cascading waterfalls and numerous caves. Beech and pine forests surround the terraced lakes. Here, an expert local guide will lead you through the park to show you the most impressive points of interest and explain the significance of its history and natural features. After your tour, drive to Zadar.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Zadar

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Grabovac

    Plitvički Ljeskovac

    Zadar

Day 6

Krka National Park and Split

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Krka National Park and Split

Continue your way toward Skradin to visit the Krka National Park. Skradin is a romantic Mediterranean town with narrow cobbled streets, passages, arches, and stairs. Located on the right bank of river Krka, until recently it has been hiding its beauty sheltered in a natural bay. With its beauty, Skradin has been attracting many conquerors in history. It was ruled by old Liburnians, Romans, Goths, Venetians, and Turks. After the visit, you’ll continue your drive to Split.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Cornaro4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Skradin

    Krka National Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Zadar to Split

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Zadar

    Skradin

    Brištane

    Split

Day 7

Split Historical and Gastronomical Tour

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Split Historical and Gastronomical Tour

Embark on a tour that will tickle your senses. Your guide will take you to different shops, taste the most scrumptious food, and get to know the Diocletian’s Palace and the surrounding medieval highlights of Split. You’ll start your food adventure by visiting Green Market, a traditional restaurant known for its culinary specialities of handmade pasta and fresh seafood. Visit a small shop where you will taste peasant pie “soparnik” and the oldest pastry shop in Split for sweet treats to finish.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Cornaro4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Split Historical and Gastro Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Split

Day 8

Ston and Dubrovnik Walking Tour

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Ston and Dubrovnik Walking Tour

In the morning drive to Dubrovnik via Ston, a historic town with the 5.5km long defensive wall, the world’s second-longest wall after the Great Wall of China. Afterwards drive to Dubrovnik, with a city tour starting from Pile square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik Old Town, walk through the maze of narrow streets, lively piazzas, and stunning palaces like Sponza and churches like St. Blaise. Enjoy your easy stroll down the main thoroughfare of Stradun to the cathedral and the Rector’s Palace.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Adria Dubrovnik4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    StonOptional Activity

    Dubrovnik Group Walking Tour

    Stradun

    Rector's PalaceOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Split to Dubrovnik

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Split

    Ston

    Dubrovnik

Day 9

Departure from Dubrovnik

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Departure from Dubrovnik

This is the last day of this Croatia itinerary. Depending on when you depart, you may have time to visit one of Dubrovnik's museums, like the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. Alternatively, visit the Rector's Palace and Cultural Historical Museum. Wander this well-preserved palace-turned-museum and explore its exhibits, some detailing life in the Republic of Ragusa during medieval times. The drive to the airport from Dubrovnik takes around 45 minutes with normal traffic.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Franciscan MonasteryOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik AirportOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dubrovnik

Included in Price

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • 9 activities
  • 8 breakfasts
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Notes

A rental car is included for from day 4 through day 8. Gas expenses, highway tolls and parking fees are on your own account.
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