ZAGREB TO SPLIT - self drive tour
- Start point: Zagreb
- End point: Zagreb
- Meal plan: breakfast
- Transportation: rent-a-car
Itinerary highlights
Zagreb - the capital city of Croatia, with Baroque ambience of the old city, open green areas, charming markets, rich historical and cultural heritage that has roots in Central European urban culture, enriched by Mediterranean and Balkan traditions. The flag and emblem of Zagreb shows a white-walled town with three towers, and the golden gates wide open – it symbolizes that the city is open to visitors and welcomes all venders and travellers to the city with open arms.
Plitvice Lakes - we like to think of them as they are nature’s version of the Mona Lisa - more than 1.2 million people visit every year. There are 16 lakes – all arranged in a cascade. They are separated by natural travertine banks, while still following the same water flow. The sound of water commotion, gurgling and splashing is a non-stop occurrence. You can definitely see the might of water here in all of its glory. The biggest waterfall is called simply „the Great Waterfall“. It’s over 70 meters tall and you can spot its mist for miles around.
Split - is the second largest city in Croatia and capital of Dalmatia, world known for its 1700 years old Diocletian's palace, the best-preserved monument of late antiquity in the whole world. Diocletian Palace and the entire historical core of Split have been on the World Heritage UNESCO list ever since 1979, and not only for the extraordinary preservation of the Palace, but also because the Palace and its city (or the city and its Palace, if you like) continue to live a full life. All historical layers from the old Rome, middle ages till today are still visible and alive in this structure.
Itinerary proposal
Day 1: Arrival to Zagreb
Welcome to Croatia!
Pick up the arranged rent-a-car at the airport and drive to your Zagreb hotel. After check in to hotel – short break to dress up, as we will take you to restaurant for dinner with Folklore program. Return to hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Samobor & Zagreb full day tour
Breakfast. Local guide will wait for you on hotel reception for Samobor & Zagreb full day sightseeing - walking & driving.
The tour starts by introducing you to history of Croatia. hop in to your rent-a-car and let us drive all the way to city of Samobor. The town is a gem of Baroque architecture, and is the most popular excursion destination for Zagreb residents, who pay visits to enjoy its charm, natural beauty, museums, restaurants and excursion sites. From 1809 to 1813, this was the seat of Napoleon’s Illyrian province. Many excellent old recipes date back to this period, including today’s famed Samobor specialities, muštarda and bermet. Another delicacy that is not to be missed is the Samobor kremšnita.
After we return to Zagreb, we will drive you at Mirogoj. It is actually a cemetery – but has a really interesting story and represents the open-air museum. The arcades were designed by famous architect Herman Bolle, and they enchant all the visitors with peace and beauty. Then we will drive to the city centre and make a round around Zrinjevac, which is a part of the so-called Green horseshoe or Lenuci’s horseshoe. When driving around take a peek at Botanical garden, and to the Museum Mimara. We will pass the Croatian National Theatre, and drive you back to city centre. Before walking tour we – lunch break in one of the restaurant opposite to Zagreb cathedral. After lunch the walking tour starts: first we will walk to visit Kaptol and its landmark – Zagreb Cathedral, which story goes all the way from 11th century. We will pass the Dolac market, to come to Radićeva Street that leads us all the way to Stone Gates. This is the entrance to old city of Gradec, today „the upper town “, where you will hear all about city legends, witches and lovers that represent this part of the town. We will walk to St. Marko church, the landmark of the old city, and finish our tour by passing the very famous Museum of Broken Relationships and Tower of Lotrščak all the way back to Ban Jelačić square.
Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Plitvice lakes – Split
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Split via Croatian most popular National Park – Plitvice lakes.
The unity and the harmony of the 16 lakes and their natural and cultural values is famous worldwide, earning this remarkable national park a coveted place on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Arriving at Plitvice, you’ll walk through these ancient woodlands led by our experienced guide. The path takes you across the Upper Lakes and then it’s time for a magical boat ride within the sound of the waterfalls to the Lower Lakes. Wherever you are in Plitvice it’s easy to see why its travertine marble formations are such an extraordinary natural phenomenon. The barriers, sills and other forms created in these lakes, karst rivers and streams is still an ongoing process that shapes the wonderful landscapes that make your walk through the park so enjoyable. It’s these same travertine formations that have and are still creating the numerous magnificent waterfalls here. Over time, the water changes its course, leaving some barriers dry and as it deposits new layers elsewhere. This constant evolution makes the Plitvice Lakes never look the same. The best way to actually see this happening is when you are standing in front of the Great fall, 78 m high. The roaring thunder of the water as it hits the ground is unforgettable! Your journey ends with a panoramic train ride.
After sightseeing we suggest to stop at one of many restaurants in this area for lunch. Drive in direction Split for overnight.
Day 4: Split - Omiš
After breakfast, local guide will wait for you at hotel reception for Split walking tour.
Split represents the historical center and the well-preserved remains of Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979), built between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries A.D. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. 12th and 13th century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th - century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area.
The rest of the day free to explore the city on your own or drive to Omiš
Omiš is a small village 1-hour drive from Split. When approaching you will notice Just above the roofs of the old town, as a permanent reminder of the glorious pirate history, stands one of the most famous Omiš landmarks – the fortress of Mirabela. There is a possibility to take the boat and drive on Cetina river canyon to reach the Radman Mills – a peacefull place surrounded by hundred years old trees, and a roar from the mills.
Return to Split for overnight in hotel.
Day 5: Trogir – Zadar – Zagreb
After breakfast, check out from te hotel and drive to the city of Trogir - the town museum (UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997). Trogir is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period. Now is the best time to relax and grab something for lunch. Than drive to ZADAR.
We will arange a walking tour of this ancient Croatian city which inherited architectural sights from long and turbulent history as a church of St Donat, originally built in 9th century in Byzantine style. The main city street – The Wide Street – or Kalelarga, together with modern architectural solutions of Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun are unique in the world.
In the evening drive back to Zagreb hotel for overnight.
Day 6: departure day
Check out from hotel depending on your flight schedule. Return the rent-a-car on the airport. Good to have you in Croatia - hope to see you again!
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Package price includes:
- rent-a-car (economy style) with full insurance and GPS
- 2 overnight with breakfast in hotel Art 4* or similar in Split
- 2 overnight with breakfast in hotel Academia 4* or similar in Zagreb
- 1 overnight with breakfast in hotel 4* near Zagreb airport
- Special dinner with folklore program in Zagreb
- local guides in Zagreb, Split & Zadar
- Entrance tickets for: Plitvice lakes, Diocletian basements, Jupiter temple and cathedral in Split
- Organization and all taxes.
Package price does not include:
- Airplane ticket
- Other personal expenses
