One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Šibenik and Zadar

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Photo of Split panoramic aerial view of town with beautiful beach and blue sky, Dalmatia, Croatia.
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One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Šibenik and Zadar
One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Šibenik and Zadar
One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Šibenik and Zadar
One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Šibenik and Zadar
One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Šibenik and Zadar
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through Croatia. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Croatia. You will spend 3 nights in Split, 2 nights in Šibenik, and 2 nights 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 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, Trogir, Šibenik, Grad Skradin, Zadar, Korenica, Plitvica Selo, Nin, and Grad Biograd na Moru, 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, accommodations, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Day1

Day 1

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Nevera Tavern, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Perivoj restoran i kavana? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Konoba Laganini as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Split.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to La Linea, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Fabrique Pub provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

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Day2

Day 2

  • Split
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Drive 11 km, 55 min

  • Forest Park Marjan
  • West Bank
  • Split Ethnographic Museum
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Golden Gate
  • Bacvice
  • More

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Split. You’ll stay in Split for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Bacvice is a fantastic place you can explore today in Split. This neighborhood is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Split-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

One of the most popular attractions included on the itinerary is Marjan. This idyllic park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to West Bank and learn what makes this visually striking boardwalk unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Split Ethnographic Museum. After exploring the museum, head to Diocletian's Palace. This spectacular palace is a highlight in Split. As your day continues, stop by Golden Gate, known for its photogenic features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Croatia. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Split's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Babylon, a top-rated dining spot in Split. If you're in the mood for something new, try DeListes restaurant Split, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Split.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Caffe Bar Mythos, known for its lively atmosphere. Caffe Bar Legis is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Caffe Bar Tik offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

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Day3

Day 3

  • Split
  • Trogir
  • Šibenik
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Drive 87 km, 2 hours 27 min

  • Trogir Old Town
  • Kamerlengo Castle
  • Šibenik City Museum
  • St. Jacob’s Cathedral
  • St. Nicholas Fortress
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Trogir and Šibenik are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Šibenik, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Split, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Trogir. Your travel time is around 38 min.

Savor the day by heading to Trogir Old Town, an often recommended historical landmark that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Kamerlengo Castle, where you can soak in the history-steeped surroundings.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Šibenik. This car ride takes around 54 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Šibenik City Museum, an up-and-coming museum 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 Šibenik Cathedral and admire its history-steeped features.

When you’re ready, continue to St. Nicholas Fortress, an intriguing castle beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Šibenik. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Antin Gušt Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Šibenik. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Fry Guy, a popular restaurant in Šibenik. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Atrium, a hidden gem nestled in Šibenik. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Caffe Palma. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Mystic, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Azimut provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!

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Day4

Day 4

  • Šibenik
  • Skradin
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Drive 89 km, 2 hours 16 min

  • Krka National Park
  • Visovac Monastery
  • Skradinski buk
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On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Grad Skradin. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Šibenik, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Krka National Park. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the national park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Visovac Monastery. This increasingly popular monastery is a traveler-favorite in the town.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Grad Skradin, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Šibenik. This drive usually takes around 37 min.

Savor the day by heading to Skradinski Buk, a frequently visited waterfall that draws visitors from near and far.

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

Šibenik 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 Šibenik.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Gastro Italiano, a top-rated dining destination in Šibenik. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider buffet Šimun, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Pub&wine bar Scala. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Šibenik this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Caffe Bar Garage, known for its inviting atmosphere. Vintage Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Moby Dick Caffe Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Šibenik
  • Zadar
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Drive 90 km, 1 hour 30 min

  • Sea organ
  • The Greeting to the Sun
  • Roman Forum
  • Church of St. Donatus
  • National Museum Zadar
  • People's Square
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Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Croatia includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Zadar. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zadar, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Zadar and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 3 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Zadar beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Sea Organ, an extraordinary art installation in Zadar. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Monument To The Sun. This increasingly popular art installation is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Roman Forum is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most standout archeological site in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the curiosity-inducing Church Of St. Donatus and discover what makes this church unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the city, head to National Museum Zadar, a photogenic museum many travelers find the visit worthwhile.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zadar. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Pizzeria Šime, a highly-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're eager to try something different, consider Harvatski restorant "Galiya", another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Yachting Bar & Club stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Porthos offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Factory Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

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Day6

Day 6

  • Zadar
  • Korenica
  • Plitvica Selo
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Drive 318 km, 4 hours 26 min

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Great Waterfall
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zadar, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Korenica and Plitvica Selo.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Korenica may take around 2 hours 11 min. Upon your arrival in Korenica, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a wondrous national park that everyone visiting Korenica should see.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Plitvica Selo. This car ride takes around 12 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Great Waterfall. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the waterfall before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zadar and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zadar's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a highly-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're eager to try something different, consider Pet Bunara Dine & Wine, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant 2Ribara. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Pirate Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Caffe Bar Bizarre is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Backstage Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!

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Day7

Day 7

  • Zadar
  • Nin
  • Grad Biograd na Moru
  • Split
  • More

Drive 202 km, 3 hours 29 min

  • Knez Branimir
  • Church of the Holy Cross
  • Solana Nin Salt Museum
  • Town of Biograd
  • Plaža Soline
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Nin and Grad Biograd na Moru. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Split, where will spend 1 night.

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nin. This car ride takes around 21 min.

Knez Branimir is an intriguing monument we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour to Church Of The Holy Cross, a photogenic church that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Solana Nin Salt Museum, a gorgeous museum.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Grad Biograd na Moru may take around 1 hour. Upon your arrival in Grad Biograd na Moru, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Town Of Biograd, an increasingly popular city hall known for its history-steeped features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Plaža Soline, an often recommended beach.

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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Split. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Villa Spiza, a top-rated dining destination in Split. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Kadena, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konoba Kod Joze. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Split this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Ave Caffe Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Tennis Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Jadran Beach Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

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Day8

Day 8

  • Split - Departure day
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  • Croatian Maritime Museum
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Day 8 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.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Croatian Maritime Museum, a heritage-rich maritime museum before you head out.

Take some time to indulge in shopping at Split’s popular marketplace, Pazar Market. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Split.

Savor the flavors at Movi, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Downtown Grill Split steak & seafood beckons with its unique menu offerings.

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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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.

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

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