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Relaxed 12-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar to Šibenik and Split

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Photo of Zadar archipelago. Kali on Ugljan island turquoise sea and walkway view, Croatia.
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Embark on this 12-day relaxed road trip in Croatia, as Zadar, Grad Biograd na Moru, Šibenik, Primošten, Grad Skradin, Bogatić, Veliko Brdo, Makarska, Split, and Općina Jasenice welcome you with stunning sights, fun activities, and the freedom of a laid-back self-drive holiday!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Croatia, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 3 nights in Zadar, 3 nights in Šibenik, and 5 nights in Split, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Croatia.

Your journey starts in Zadar, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 12-day relaxed road trip in Croatia to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Croatia already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Diocletian's Palace and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Sea Organ.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Croatia road trip itinerary for 12 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Croatia.

If you want to make your 12-day relaxed self-drive tour in Croatia even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Croatia includes 11 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 12 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 12-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Croatia today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Zadar - Arrival day
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  • Kolovare Beach
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Your relaxed road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Zadar, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Zadar and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Zadar is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Zadar. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Zadar, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Zadar and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Croatia. Enjoy your first taste of Zadar as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Zadar
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Drive 4 km, 32 min

  • Cathedral of St. Anastasia
  • Church of St. Donatus
  • Roman Forum
  • Sea organ
  • The Greeting to the Sun
  • More

Croatia makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Croatia also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Zadar offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Croatia.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Zadar
  • Šibenik
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Drive 80 km, 1 hour 52 min

  • Market Zadar
  • People's Square
  • Town of Biograd
  • Plaža Dražica
  • Plaža Soline
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Day 3 of your self-drive tour in Croatia offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Šibenik for 3 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Croatia.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Šibenik. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Croatia.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Šibenik, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Šibenik.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Šibenik!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Šibenik
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Drive 162 km, 3 hours 42 min

  • Statue of Our Lady Of Loreto
  • Beach Mala Raduča
  • Skradinski buk
  • Krka National Park
  • Roski waterfall
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On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you’ll explore the area around Šibenik, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Šibenik will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Croatia.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Šibenik.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Šibenik, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Šibenik.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Šibenik!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Šibenik
  • More

Drive 1 km, 22 min

  • St. Jacob’s Cathedral
  • Šibenik City Museum
  • Aquarium Terrarium Šibenik
  • St Nicholas’ Fortress
  • More

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Šibenik.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Zadar. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Zadar that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Šibenik, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Šibenik.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Croatia!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Šibenik
  • Split
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Drive 223 km, 2 hours 59 min

  • Vepric - Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • St Peter Forest Park
  • Malacological Museum
  • Osejava Forest Park
  • More

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Croatia, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

In Split, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Croatia.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Split has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Split’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Croatia.

Toast to another amazing day in Croatia!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Split
  • More

Drive 1 km, 15 min

  • Diocletian's Cellars
  • Saint Domnius Bell Tower
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Split City Museum
  • Golden Gate
  • More

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Croatia. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Croatia and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Croatia. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Croatia tomorrow with new energy.

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Split
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Drive 18 km, 1 hour 13 min

  • Kašjuni Beach
  • Mestrovic Gallery
  • Forest Park Marjan
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Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Croatia more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Split has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Croatia.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Croatia!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Split
  • More

Drive 3 km, 51 min

  • Archaeological Museum in Split
  • Split viewpoint (belvedere)
  • West Bank
  • Marmontova Street
  • More

Croatia makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Croatia also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Croatia, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Split.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Split. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Split
  • More

Drive 4 km, 35 min

  • Croatian Maritime Museum
  • Beach Bar History
  • Bacvice
  • More

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Zadar. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Zadar that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Croatia. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Split, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Split’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Croatia.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Split
  • Zadar
  • More

Drive 244 km, 2 hours 59 min

  • Maslenica Bridge
  • Pariževačka glavica
  • Paklenica National Park
  • More

Day 11 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Croatia offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Zadar for 1 night.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Zadar. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Zadar. The bars in Zadar make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Zadar - Departure day
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  • Queen Jelena Madijevka Park
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Day 12 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 12 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 12-day relaxed road trip in Croatia is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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