Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive

Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive

15 Days Starting and ending in Pula, Croatia

Visiting: Pula, Rijeka, Šibenik, Makarska Riviera, Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvice

Tour operator:

Gulliver Travel

Tour code:

448129

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2118 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a 15-day self-drive adventure through Croatia, exploring its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Begin your journey in Pula, the largest city in Istria County, known for its beautiful beaches and Roman ruins. Discover the mesmerizing waterfalls and abundant wildlife of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a paradise for nature lovers. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and medieval walls of Dubrovnik, a city that will capture your heart with its landmarks and culture. Drive along the picturesque Makarska Riviera, with its charming views and white sandy beaches. Enjoy the flexibility of a self-drive tour, with 14 nights of accommodation and car hire included, allowing you to explore Croatia at your own pace.

Highlights

  • Pula: the largest city in Istria County with beautiful beach-lined coast and Roman ruins

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park: with paradisiacal landscapes, mesmerizing waterfalls, and abundant wildlife

  • Dubrovnik: The lively city protected by magnificent medieval walls, with fascinating landmarks and an inspiring culture

  • The Makarska Riviera: a stretch of coast at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range with charming views over cliffs and white sandy beaches

  • Opatija: known as the Adriatic Pearl, with beautiful landscapes and breathtaking beaches

  • Krka National Park: featuring beautiful landscapes and waterfalls, perfect for hiking and exploring

  • Skywalk in Natural Park Biokovo: a glass walkway offering stunning views of the Mediterranean surroundings

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVAL PULA

Location: Pula

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pula or similar

Arrive at Pula Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Drive to your hotel for check-in and explore the largest town on the Istrian peninsula. It offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture, history and gastronomy. 



Overnight in Pula.


Day 2 : PULA

Location: Pula

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pula or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you´ll start exploring Pula. Pula is to Croatia what Rome is to Italy. There is no hiding the city’s main attraction – an enormous Roman Amphitheatre. Wandering around the remnants of ancient history, you’ll be able to picture gladiators fight in the blood-soaked dust. Optionally you can book our two-hour Pula city tour and explore the hidden corners of this ancient city with a private guide.



Overnight in Pula.


Day 3 : PULA – RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION (150 km – 2 hrs)

Location: Rijeka

Accommodation Name: Hotel Galeb or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After your leisure breakfast at the hotel, check-out from your hotel and follow your drive towards Kvarner Bay. En-route stop to visit Opatija, known as the Adriatic Pearl and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Kvarner Gulf is one of the most popular destinations due to breathtakingly beautiful beaches and diverse, spectacular landscapes.

Overning in Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region.

Day 4 : RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION – ŠIBENIK/BIOGRAD NA MORU (280 km – 3.5 hrs)

Location: Šibenik

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Donat or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and continue your trip to Šibenik and Biograd na Moru, perfect starting points for visiting National parks Paklenica and Krka. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and waterfalls of Krka and don´t skip hiking in Paklenica Park. Alternatively, you can book our three-hour optional Krka National Park tour and explore this breathtaking scenery with a private guide (entrance ticket excluded, to be purchased on the spot).



Overnight in Šibenik/Biograd na Moru.


Day 5 : ŠIBENIK/BIOGRAD NA MORU

Location: Šibenik

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Donat or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before heading on the round to explore the medieval town of Šibenik, or drive to visit one of the beautiful National Parks. Perhaps you can book our optional three-hours Krka National Park tour and walk between these remarkable natural gems accompanied by a private guide (entrance ticket excluded). 



Overning in Šibenik/Biograd na Moru.


Day 6 : ŠIBENIK AREA – MAKARSKA RIVIERA (190 km – 2.5 hrs)

Location: Makarska Riviera

Accommodation Name: Hotel Sirena or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel, prepare for check-out and drive to the following destination, Makarska Riviera. It is a 60km stretch of coast at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range, part of Dalmatian coast of Adriatic. Along the drive your will be passing picturesque views, and the smell of pine forests, olive groves and fruit trees will indulge you into this Mediterranean surrounding. Don’t miss to visit Skywalk, glass walkway in the Natural Park Biokovo. 



Overnight in Makarska Riviera.


Day 7 : MAKARSKA RIVIERA – DUBROVNIK (165 km – 3 hrs)

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ivka or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, continue to Dubrovnik with recommended stops at the enchanting seaside towns of Ploce and Neum. Once in Dubrovnik, this striking medieval city with a proud cultural heritage will leave you breathless. You can choose to explore the area on your own or decide to book our optional two-hour Dubrovnik city tour and explore the area with a private guide. Alternatively, go on 3 hours Cilipi Folklor tour to witness local customs through song and dance. Let us greet you with a traditional “warm” welcome (grape brandy and figs) as you step into the village of Čilipi. Browse the market for some authentic local souvenirs and enjoy the rhythms of Dalmatian music. Maybe explore Peljesac, taste some of its famous wine, or decide to go to Korcula or the island of Mljet? Choices are there.



Overnight in Dubrovnik.


Day 8 : DUBROVNIK

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ivka or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with breakfast before visiting the city. Dubrovnik is a breath-taking sight, surrounded by immense cream-coloured stone walls, interspersed with four gates, three forts, five bastions and 14 square towers. The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ contains a treasure trove of medieval art and architecture. Take a walk atop the wall surrounding the city for beautiful panoramic views of this spectacular city on the Adriatic.



Overnight in Dubrovnik.


Day 9 : DUBROVNIK – ŠIBENIK/ BIOGRAD NA MORU (280 km – 3.5 hrs)

Location: Šibenik

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Donat or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, you will drive back to Šibenik. If you haven´t visited the Krka National Park you can take our optional Krka National Park tour or you can choose from many hiking trails and stroll the paradisiacal paths on your own (entrance ticket excluded, to be purchased on the spot). 



Overnight in Šibenik/Biograd na Moru.


Day 10 : ŠIBENIK AREA – PLITVICE (175 km – 2 hrs)

Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirni Kutak or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself to depart towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, a must-see natural wonder in Croatia and a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Surrounded by dense woods and characterised by its rich flora and fauna, Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Stroll the paradisiacal paths of the park, admire the magnificent lakes, the beautiful cascading waterfalls, and the whole picturesque image of nature. Take your time and relax, getting ready for a comfortable night spent at your selected hotel in Plitvice.



Overnight in Plitvice.


Day 11 : PLITVICE

Location: Plitvice

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirni Kutak or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After enjoying your tasty breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring the striking beauty of Plitvice. You can choose from different hiking trails and enjoy this exceptional natural beauty. Alternatively, you can book our optional tour, Plitvice National Park tour and with a company of an English speaking guide wonder around this natural phenomena.



Overnight in Plitvice.


Day 12 : PLITVICE – RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION (100 km – 1.45 hrs)

Location: Rijeka

Accommodation Name: Hotel Galeb or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy your last breakfast at Plitvice before returning back to Kvarner Gulf. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the beach or taste the variety of Mediterranean delicate at typical Croatian restaurant in the town. 

Overnight in Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region.

Day 13 : RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION – PULA (120 km – 2 hrs)

Location: Pula

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pula or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel check out and drive back to Pula. Drive along the west coast of Istria and admire wonderful views over the white sandy beaches that stretch north and south. When you arrive check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Pula.

Day 14 : PULA

Location: Pula

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pula or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your full day at leisure. Bask under the healing sunshine and soak up the alluring sights and sounds of a truly enchanting land. Lie down on the alluring beach and get seduced by the softness of the golden sand. Explore the diversity of the marine life and discover the multi coloured corals and other gems of the Adriatic Sea. During the whole day enjoy the dining facilities at the hotel.

Pula.

Day 15 : DEPARTURE PULA

Location: Pula

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend your last morning in Croatia savouring your breakfast. After check-out from your hotel and drive back to Pula Airport where you will return the rental car and prepare for your return flight.


What's Included

  • Accommodation

    14 nights' accommodation in various hotels, with options for standard and superior categories.

  • Meals

    14 breakfasts are included.

  • Car Hire

    Car hire with unlimited mileage, CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), TP (theft protection), replacement vehicle in case of accident or breakdown, safety equipment, airport fees, tax, and VAT.

  • Other

    Meet and Greet on day 1.

What's Not Included

  • Tour Guide

    Tour guide services are not included.

  • Flights

    Domestic and international flights are not included.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    Any entrance fees and activities are not included.

  • Meals Not Mentioned

    All meals not mentioned in the included section are excluded.

  • Optional Tours and Excursions

    Optional tours and excursions are not included.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included.

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.

  • Drinks and Camera Fees

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees (if any) are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., are not included.

  • Car Hire Exclusions

    GPS, baby seat/booster, 3rd driver, damage handling fee, fuel, tolls, young driver supplement, additional charges for missing fuel, extremely dirty vehicle, lost car documents, registration plates or keys, empty car battery, and parking fees are not included.

Requirements

Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.


Please Note

  • Free upgrade to Car Group E for Triple Rooms
  • Please note that CDW doesn’t cover: Tyre, undercarriage, interior & glass damages, Malfunctions and damages caused by wrong fuel, reckless driving, Damages caused by driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or passing through red light, Damages caused by unauthorised driver
  • Driver Requirements: Minimum age of the driver: 21 years, valid driver’s license and passport or ID and possession of the driver’s license at least 2 years. 
  • Credit card accepted (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS or DINERS)
  • Any extras for the car hire can be booked only ON SPOT
  • Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
  • In many hotels the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed  

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Pula:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pula or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel category = Hotel Pula City Accommodation or similar 4*

Day 3 Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Galeb or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bristol or similar 4*

Day 4-5, 9 Biograd na moru:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Donat or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Kornat or similar 4*

Day 6 Makarska:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Sirena or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Osejava or similar 4*

Day 7-8 Dubrovnik:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Ivka or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Adria or similar 4*

Day 10-11 Plitvice region:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Mirni Kutak (Otocac) or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Mirjana Rastoke (Slunj) or similar 4*

Day 12 Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Galeb or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bristol or similar 4*

Day 13-14 Pula:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pula or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Pula City Centre Accommodation or similar 4*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

  • Car Group C = VWGolf, Opel Astra w/ AC or similar
  • Car Group E = VW Passat, Opel Insignia or similar

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, including options like VW Golf, Opel Astra, VW Passat, or Opel Insignia, complete with unlimited mileage, CDW, TP, and safety equipment.

Accommodation

Enjoy 14 nights' accommodation in a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels, including Hotel Pula, Hotel Galeb, Hotel Vila Donat, Hotel Sirena, Hotel Ivka, and Hotel Mirni Kutak, among others.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Pula:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pula or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel category = Hotel Pula City Accommodation or similar 4*

Day 3 Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Galeb or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bristol or similar 4*

Day 4-5, 9 Biograd na moru:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Donat or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Kornat or similar 4*

Day 6 Makarska:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Sirena or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Osejava or similar 4*

Day 7-8 Dubrovnik:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Ivka or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Adria or similar 4*

Day 10-11 Plitvice region:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Mirni Kutak (Otocac) or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Mirjana Rastoke (Slunj) or similar 4*

Day 12 Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Galeb or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bristol or similar 4*

Day 13-14 Pula:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pula or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Pula City Centre Accommodation or similar 4*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

  • Car Group C = VWGolf, Opel Astra w/ AC or similar
  • Car Group E = VW Passat, Opel Insignia or similar

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of car options are available for hire during the tour?

    You can choose between Car Group C, which includes models like VW Golf or Opel Astra with AC, and Car Group E, which includes models like VW Passat or Opel Insignia.

  • What is included in the car hire package?

    The car hire package includes unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), a replacement vehicle in case of an accident or breakdown, safety equipment (first aid kit, triangle, high visibility vest, fire extinguisher), airport fees, and tax & VAT.

  • What are the accommodation options during the tour?

    Accommodation options vary by location and include both standard and superior hotel categories. For example, in Pula, you can stay at Hotel Pula (3*) or Hotel Pula City Accommodation (4*). In Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region, options include Hotel Galeb (3*) or Hotel Bristol (4*). Similar options are available in other locations such as Biograd na moru, Makarska, Dubrovnik, and Plitvice.

  • Are there any optional tours available during the trip?

    Yes, there are several optional tours available, including a two-hour Pula city tour, a three-hour Krka National Park tour, a two-hour Dubrovnik city tour, and a three-hour Cilipi Folklor tour.

  • What activities can I do in Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can stroll the paradisiacal paths, admire the magnificent lakes and cascading waterfalls, and choose from different hiking trails. You can also book an optional Plitvice National Park tour with an English-speaking guide.

  • What should I wear and bring for the tour?

    Comfortable and warm clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

  • What are the driver requirements for the car hire?

    The minimum age of the driver is 21 years, and the driver must have a valid driver’s license and passport or ID, with at least 2 years of driving experience. A credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, or DINERS) is also required.

  • What is not covered by the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)?

    The CDW does not cover tyre, undercarriage, interior, and glass damages, malfunctions and damages caused by wrong fuel, reckless driving, damages caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or passing through a red light, and damages caused by an unauthorized driver.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour?

    Highlights of the tour include visiting Pula with its Roman ruins, exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park with its mesmerizing waterfalls, experiencing the lively city of Dubrovnik, and enjoying the scenic Makarska Riviera.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

Reviews of this operator

Maria  

Highly recommend travelling with Gulliver Trave

14-Sep-2022

Highly recommend travelling with Gulliver Travel! We enjoyed our time visiting Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia. Great itinerary and the guides were very insightful.

John  

Great Tour Operator

20-Jan-2023

Our guide Blancha was excellent. She knew the history of Croatia and was able to share her knowledge to make us appreciate the country and its history and the significance of all the sites we visited. She went out of her way to help us make connections for our ongoing travels. A true outstanding rerpresentative for her country and its history,

Robert  

Excellent company to deal with

28-Jun-2023

Great car & excellent company to deal with (last minute car rentall) Accommodation was very good great locations and clean and friendly staff.Trip set up for the 7 days was very good we enjoyed all the locations and driving through the beautiful countryside. Would highly reccomend

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Gulliver Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of gulliver travel charges.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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