5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Split traveling west to Karlovac County, and Zadar
Description
Included
Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Croatia as you embark on an unforgettable 5-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Split, Karlovac County, Plitvica Selo, Korenica, Perušić, Zadar, and Grad Skradin.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Croatia takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Split, 1 night in Karlovac County, and 1 night in Zadar. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Croatia. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Split, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Croatia on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Croatia. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Diocletian's Palace are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Split, Karlovac County, Plitvica Selo, Korenica, Perušić, Zadar, and Grad Skradin, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.
Throughout your road trip in Croatia, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Croatia.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Croatia today!
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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Split - arrival day
- Split - Arrival day
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- Forest Park Marjan
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Welcome to Split, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Croatia! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Split's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Split is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Marjan or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Split. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Split. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Nevera Tavern, a top-rated dining destination in Split. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Perivoj restoran i kavana, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konoba Laganini. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Split this evening.
Continue your lively evening at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. La Linea is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Fabrique Pub ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Croatia!
Day 2 – Split, and Karlovac County
- Karlovac
- Split
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Drive 378 km, 4 hours 8 min
- Kašjuni Beach
- Diocletian's Cellars
- Golden Gate
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Split. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Karlovac County, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Kick off the day at Kašjuni Beach, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This beach is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,872 reviews.
Today is also your chance to visit Diocletian's Palace. Diocletian's Palace is a museum with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 77,945 reviews.
Diocletian's Cellars is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 928 visitors.
Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Golden Gate. This memorial gates and arches is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,927 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Karlovac County. Karlovac County offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Karlovac County's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Ćevabdžinica Behar offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Konoba Črni kos is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Karlovac County.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Choco Caffe Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Kazališna Kavana offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, R Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 3 – Karlovac County, Plitvica Selo, Korenica, Perušić, and Zadar
- Zadar
- Plitvica Selo
- Korenica
- Perušić
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Drive 262 km, 3 hours 57 min
- Great Waterfall
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Grabovača
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Plitvica Selo, Korenica, and Perušić. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zadar, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Karlovac County, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Plitvica Selo. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Great Waterfall. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,108 reviews.
Korenica’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Plitvica Selo behind. This drive usually takes around 13 min. Korenica welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Your sightseeing of the day begins at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 107,392 reviews.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Zadar, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zadar. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated dining spot in Zadar. If you're in the mood for something new, try Хърватски ресторант "Галия", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zadar.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Yachting Bar & Club, known for its inviting atmosphere. Caffe Bar Porthos is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Factory Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!
Day 4 – Zadar, Grad Skradin, and Split
- Split
- Zadar
- Skradin
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Drive 207 km, 3 hours 33 min
- Sea organ
- Church of St. Donatus
- People's Square
- Krka National Park
- Skradinski buk
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Zadar, and Grad Skradin, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Split. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Make Sea Organ one of your first sightseeing stops in Zadar. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 58,697 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.
Church Of St. Donatus is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This church building is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,882 reviews.
Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Narodni Trg. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,796 visitors.
Be one of the day’s first visitors at Krka National Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 59,505 visitors.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Split, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Split's best restaurants.
Savor the flavors at Babylon, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, DeListes restaurant Split beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Split tonight.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Caffe Bar Mythos. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Legis offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Caffe Bar Tik, another top-rated bar in the area.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Croatia.
Day 5 – Split - departure day
- Split - Departure day
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Day 5 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Split before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
On your last day in Croatia, take time to indulge in shopping at Split’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Drop by the renowned West Bank. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,356 visitors.
Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Split.
You’ll then say farewell to Split. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Croatia!
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