One-Week Croatia Road Trip from Dubrovnik to Metković, Zadar, and Makarska
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-day road trip through Croatia.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Croatia. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Dubrovnik, 1 night in Metković, 2 nights in Zadar, and 2 nights in Makarska, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Dubrovnik, Metković, Benkovac, Zadar, and Makarska. We'll help you experience the best 8 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Dubrovnik, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, including the stunning Lovrijenac and Dubrovnik Cable Car.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Croatia. From the magnificent Sea organ to the breathtaking Church of St. Donatus and Skradinski buk, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Diocletian's Palace and learn more about the unique Marjan to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Dubrovnik, Metković, Benkovac, Zadar, and Makarska, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Croatia. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Croatia.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Croatia.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Croatia has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Croatia. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 7 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 7 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Croatia extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Croatia today!
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Day 1 – Dubrovnik - arrival day
Day 1 – Dubrovnik - arrival day
- Dubrovnik - Arrival day
- More
- Forest Park Velika and Mala Petka
- More
Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Dubrovnik. You’ll stay in Dubrovnik for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Dubrovnik has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,642 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dubrovnik, Konoba Dubrava. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,933 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dubrovnik is Pantarul. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,208 customers.
Locals recommend Shizuku -Japanese cuisine- as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dubrovnik. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,123 customers.
Dubrovnik also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Dubrovnik is Restaurant Panorama. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,604 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Dubrovnik is Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,275 customers.
Locals also enjoy Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,837 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 2 – Bosanka, Trsteno, and Metković
Day 2 – Bosanka, Trsteno, and Metković
- Dubrovnik
- Metković
- More
Drive 105 km, 2 hours 2 min
- Dubrovnik Cable Car
- Porat Dubrovnik
- The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- Lovrijenac
- Trsteno Arboretum
- More
Day 2 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Dubrovnik and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Metković. You will stay in Metković for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Dubrovnik is the amazing Lovrijenac. This attraction is a fortress that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,073 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Dubrovnik by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Metković, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran Đuđa i Mate, one of the best restaurants in the city of Metković. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 808 customers.
Locals also recommend Pizzeria Milano as one of the best restaurants in the city of Metković. Pizzeria Milano is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 573 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Metković is Konoba Vrilo. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 490 customers.
After dinner, visit Carpe Diem Cafe, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Metković. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 261 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Industry Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 153 customers.
Alternatively, Kave bar MB by Zvonko is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Metković. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 143 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 3 – Grad Benkovac, Grad Biograd na Moru, and Zadar
Day 3 – Grad Benkovac, Grad Biograd na Moru, and Zadar
- Zadar
- More
Drive 279 km, 3 hours 40 min
- Vidikovac, Kamenjak
- Plaža Dražica
- Plaža Soline
- Town of Biograd
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Grad Benkovac. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Grad Benkovac’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Grad Benkovac, start your day with a visit to the amazing Vidikovac, Kamenjak. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,609 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Grad Benkovac has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restoran 4 Kantuna. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,300 reviews.
The remarkable Konoba Rafaelo is another top restaurant in Zadar we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zadar, the fantastic Deja Brew Pub Zadar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful BackStage Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Harbor CookHouse & Club. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 4 – Zadar
Day 4 – Zadar
- Zadar
- More
Drive 4 km, 30 min
- Sea organ
- Roman Forum
- Church of St Donatus
- People's Square
- Market Zadar
- More
On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zadar, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Zadar.
Today you'll explore the city of Zadar. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Sea organ. This incredible attraction is a tide organ and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,635 visitors.
Roman Forum is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zadar. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,627 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zadar is Church of St. Donatus. This amazing attraction is a church building and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,633 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Narodni trg. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,549 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Market Zadar. This top-tier point of interest is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,601 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zadar.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar, like Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.
Pizzeria Šime is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,176 customers.
Locals enjoy Restoran Bruschetta, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zadar. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Beach Bar Bamboo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like La Famiglia. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.
The Garden Lounge is another of the best bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 5 – Grad Skradin and Makarska
Day 5 – Grad Skradin and Makarska
- Split
- Makarska
- More
Drive 274 km, 4 hours 23 min
- Skradinski buk
- Diocletian's Palace
- Mestrovic Gallery
- Forest Park Marjan
- More
Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the city of Grad Skradin and the city of Split. You’ll stay in Makarska for 2 nights.
One of the best places to explore in the town of Grad Skradin today is Skradinski buk. This excellent attraction is a waterfall that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,042 visitors.
To experience the local culture, see more of Croatia, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the town, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Croatia. You also get to admire popular places of interest.
You could then travel to Diocletian's Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Split. This popular attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,911 visitors.
This outstanding art gallery has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,137 travelers.
You can also stop at the popular Marjan in the city of Split. This attraction, a stunning mountain, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,428 visitors.
You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Makarska.
After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Makarska, Tempera Streetfood & Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,117 customers.
Locals recommend Restoran Don Antonio as one of the best restaurants in the city of Makarska. Restoran Don Antonio is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 900 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Makarska is Restaurant Berlin. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 751 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Makarska, Pivnica Pivac. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,076 customers.
You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Neverin. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 539 customers.
Restoran Bounty is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Makarska. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,426 customers.
Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia with a toast!
Experiences
Day 6 – Makarska
Day 6 – Makarska
- Makarska
- More
Drive 11 km, 1 hour 3 min
- Parasailing Makarska
- St Peter Forest Park
- Botanical garden
- More
On day 6 of your road trip across Croatia, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Makarska. You’ll stay in Makarska for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the Hotel Biokovo, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Makarska. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 875 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Makarska is the 5-star Aminess Khalani Hotel. The hotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,241 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Makarska is the 3-star Maritimo. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 695 guests.
Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.
You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the town of Makarska, like the outstanding Parasailing Makarska. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 391 visitors.
St. Peter Forest Park is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Makarska. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,912 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit in the town of Makarska is the extraordinary Botanical garden. This park is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 235 reviews.
Come to Makarska prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Makarska.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Makarska.
We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Vicenco Grill Bar - Makarska, after your day of exploring the city of Makarska. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 562 customers.
Jež is another of the best restaurants in the city of Makarska. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 552 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Makarska is Panorama. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,325 customers.
Locals recommend Cubano Beach Bar, one of the best bars in the city of Makarska, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 947 customers.
Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Makarska, Špina bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 332 customers.
Caffe Bar Smile is also one of the best bars in the city of Makarska. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 181 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Croatia.
Experiences
Day 7 – Veliko Brdo, Makarska, and Dubrovnik
Day 7 – Veliko Brdo, Makarska, and Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik
- Makarska
- More
Drive 192 km, 3 hours 7 min
- Malacological Museum
- Osejava Forest Park
- Vepric - Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes
- More
Day 7 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Veliko Brdo and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Dubrovnik. You will stay in Dubrovnik for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Veliko Brdo is the amazing Vepric - Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. This attraction is a church that is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,158 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Veliko Brdo by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Dubrovnik, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Veranda 2.0, Dubrovnik, one of the best restaurants in the city of Dubrovnik. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 706 customers.
Locals also recommend Tavern Arka Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dubrovnik. Tavern Arka Restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 732 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dubrovnik is Urban & Veggie - Vegan Restaurant Dubrovnik. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 671 customers.
After dinner, visit Cave Bar More, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Dubrovnik. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,438 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Lucin Kantun Dubrovnik. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,154 customers.
Alternatively, The Gaffe is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Dubrovnik. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 8 – Dubrovnik - departure day
Day 8 – Dubrovnik - departure day
- Dubrovnik - Departure day
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- Onofrio fountain
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Day 8 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Dubrovnik before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
Onofrio fountain is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Dubrovnik. This fountain and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,091 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Dubrovnik and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.
You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Dubrovnik at Restaurant Maskeron before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 527 customers.
Alternatively, we also recommend Taj Mahal Old Town for your last chance at a meal in the city of Dubrovnik. The Taj Mahal Old Town restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,542 customers.
If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,218 customers.
You’ll then say farewell to Dubrovnik. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!
Experiences
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