9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Dubrovnik, Grad Benkovac, and Zadar and surrounding area

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 Dubrovnik, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Today’s itinerary in Split covers several incredible sights, including a palace, an archeological site, a historical landmark, a beach and much more! Start your adventure at Diocletian's Palace. This spectacular palace is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the UNESCO world heritage-designated wonders of Diocletian's Cellars, a must-see archeological site in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Golden Gate. This frequently visited historical landmark offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Kašjuni Beach, where you can take in its eye-catching features.

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.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Dubrovnik's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Lucin Kantun Dubrovnik, an iconic dining spot in Dubrovnik. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Portun, a popular restaurant in Dubrovnik. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food, a hidden gem nestled in Dubrovnik. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Promenada, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Sports Pub Mario offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Caffe-bar Van provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.

Day 4 of your road trip across Croatia promises a magnificent time exploring Dubrovnik. You have 1 night left in Dubrovnik. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a romantic, a mesmerizing, an eye-catching, a history-steeped, a culturally significant, an UNESCO world heritage-listed, and a peaceful. Whether you decide to explore Dubrovnik on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Tvrđava Minčeta is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this UNESCO world heritage-designated castle before continuing your journey. Onofrio Fountain is your next stop. This curiosity-inducing monument is one of the best-rated sights in Dubrovnik.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Fort Bokar. This culturally significant castle is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Velika And Mala Petka Forest Park.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Croatia is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Dubrovnik's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at Hotel Lapad, a top-rated dining destination in Dubrovnik. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Taj Mahal hotel Lero, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Shizuku -Japanese cuisine-. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dubrovnik this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Beach Bar Dodo. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Mr Foster Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Fratellos Prosecco Bar Dubrovnik, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Trsteno, Podgora, and Makarska. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Grad Benkovac, 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 Trsteno, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Podgora. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 1 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take your self-guided tour to Trsteno Arboretum, an underrated botanical garden that everyone visiting Trsteno should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Podgora. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 1 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Biokovo Nature Park - Skywalk, a curiosity-inducing observation deck known for its mesmerizing features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Makarska. This car ride takes around 55 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Osejava Forest Park. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to St. Peter Forest Park. This often recommended park is a traveler-favorite in the village.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Grad Benkovac. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

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

Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 7 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Zadar for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Get ready for a day filled with a charming, an enchanting, a visually striking, a respected, a culturally significant, a remarkable, and a profound in the charming city of Zadar. Your adventure starts at Narodni Trg, a beloved local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Market Zadar. This intriguing market is known for its visually striking appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Zadar's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Sea Organ. This culturally significant art installation offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Roman Forum is also worth visiting, along with Church Of St. Donatus. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Croatia is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zadar. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pet Bunara Dine & Wine offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant 2Ribara. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zadar.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Pirate Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Caffe Bar Bizarre, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Backstage Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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.

On day 8 of your road trip in Croatia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Bogatić, Grad Skradin, and Primošten. In the evening, you’ll end up in Split, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Zadar and set your GPS to Bogatić. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 6 min. Upon reaching Bogatić, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your journey at Roski Waterfall and explore the peaceful features.

Your self-guided tour starts at Krka National Park, an extraordinary national park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Grad Skradin, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Primošten may take around 1 hour 1 min. Upon your arrival in Primošten, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Skradinski Buk is a worthwhile waterfall we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its UNESCO world heritage-designated features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Babylon, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, DeListes restaurant Split offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Split.

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

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.