One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dubrovnik to Split, Zadar, and Plitvička Jezera

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Dubrovnik and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in Dubrovnik, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Dubrovnik 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 Order Of Friars' Minor Capuchin Monastery - Lady Of Mercy. 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Dubrovnik. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 Dubrovnik, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Lucin Kantun Dubrovnik, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Portun? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Dubrovnik.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Promenada stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Sports Pub Mario offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Caffe-bar Van is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Split. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Split, where will spend 2 nights.

Split’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Dubrovnik behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 1 min. Split welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Marjan, a notable park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Diocletian's Palace and admire its visually striking features.

When you’re ready, continue to Golden Gate, an intriguing historical landmark beloved by locals and tourists alike.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Split, 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 Split. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Nevera Tavern, an iconic dining spot in Split. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Perivoj restoran i kavana, a popular restaurant in Split. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Konoba Laganini, a hidden gem nestled in Split. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out La Linea, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Fabrique Pub provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Korenica and Plitvica Selo. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Plitvička Jezera, where you'll spend 1 night.

As you explore Korenica’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Korenica, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Zadar to Korenica may take around 2 hours 11 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Korenica, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Korenica is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a wondrous national park that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

Set your GPS to Plitvica Selo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 12 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Plitvica Selo beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Great Waterfall, an underrated waterfall in Plitvica Selo. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Plitvička Jezera. Plitvička Jezera offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Plitvička Jezera is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Plitvička Jezera.

Head back to your accommodation in Plitvička Jezera and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Croatia.

On day 7 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Trogir are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dubrovnik, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Trogir. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 36 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Trogir Old Town, a locally appreciated historical landmark that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Chapel Of St. Sebastian, where you can soak in the culturally significant surroundings.

Next, explore Kamerlengo Castle, yet another beloved place to see in the area.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Dubrovnik, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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 Dubrovnik, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hotel Lapad, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Taj Mahal hotel Lero offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Shizuku -Japanese cuisine-. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dubrovnik.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Beach Bar Dodo, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Mr Foster Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Fratellos Prosecco Bar Dubrovnik also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!