Croatia is growing heavily in popularity as a tourist destination: it has a great climate with 2,500 hours of sun per year, lots for culture vultures and history seekers, picturesque ports, nature at it’s best and idyllic islands.

DUBROVNIK

We begin our journey by flying into the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, where you will be able to pick up your Indigo hire car and drive the 20kms (30mins) to Old Town.

Old Town

Here you will find the most wonderful churches and palaces as seen in the Games of Throne films. There is some 1,400 years of history in this UNESCO World Heritage site including Onofrio’s Fountain, the Franciscan Monastery, and the magical city walls for a perfect introduction to Dubrovnik.

City Walls

This Medieval City’s grand City Walls are recognised worldwide and the most intact following the reconstruction from the damage incurred in the Civil War (1991-92). They surround the city and are some 1950 metres long and date back to the 12^th century. At some places they are 6 metres thick and 25 metres high.

Lokrum Island

Just a 10 minute boat ride from the Old Town Harbour Lokrum will take you to a place of peace and calm including the ancient ruins here. Plus you can take a dip in the waters of the Dead Sea.

Fort Lovrijenac

Aka “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar”, this medieval fortress has stunning views of Old Town and West Harbour. Another site that is referenced in Game of Thrones with the Red Keep in King’s Landing.

Old Port Dubrovnik

Located at the Eastern part of the City, the port is made up by two breakwaters: breakwater Porporela in front of St. John fortress and Kaše breakwater going perpendicular across the port bay. And it is the starting point for boat lines to Lokrum Island, Cavtat and Mliini.

Zarkovica Animal Shelter

A result of the decision of the veterinary inspection, which demanded the urgent care of all dogs from the unregistered shelter Žarkovica in Dubrovnik, the Adopt Žarkovica Dogs project was launched to help dogs in Žarkovica. The kids will love meeting these woofy waifs and strays.

Red History Museum

A recently opened one-of-a-kind Museum with interactive exhibitions of common-day life in communist Yugoslavia – a totally different time in Croatian history. Find out what it was like under the Yugoslav regime in all its art, design, politics, and secret agencies.

MAKARSKA (2 hr 26 min, 158.1 km)

Nature Park Biokovo

Take the educational trail on the Biokovo road which takes about half an hour with an explanation of the geology of the area. The park can also be used for organized and individual hiking accessible from the coastal and hinterland side.

Grabovac Winery

One of the leading wine producers in Dalmatia, where winemaking has taken place since ancient times. Winemaking skills have been passed down through the generations of Grabovac family, ever since 1812. On the tour of the venue you will learn about history, tradition, vineyards, vinification and enjoy some wine tasting.

Nugal Beach

A bit off the beaten track compared to Makarska’s other beaches, this small bay is enclosed by steep cliffs. You can sunbathe, snorkel and dive as well as being nude-friendly if you care to go au naturel.

Makarska’s Observatory

For some family fun the kids will love to visit this venue that is built on a monument, central to the town centre and circled by pine trees, all allowing some exciting astronomy.

Shells Museum

And if you also want to understand the wonder of nature too then this collection of shells, both collected locally and from around the world, will inspire you.

HVAR ( 1hr 33 mins, 91.4 km)

Hvar Beach

One of the many lovely swimming spots around Hvar but be aware they are mainly pebble or rock. In close proximity to the Hvar Harbour though you feel you are miles away from the madding crowd. The water is crystal clear that provide some lovely refreshment to body and soul.

Luviji Winery

With some 2400 years of wine making history going back to the ancient Greeks this winery boasts some five generations of production. You are allowed into the cellar where the magic happens and taste from the six brands of quality wines.

SPLIT (1 hr 23 mins, 54.4 km)

Croatia’s second largest city with an absolutely ancient history, Split is a very popular tourist hub with an international airport and easy links to the Adriatic Islands.

Marjan Park

This oasis of greenery is perfect for hiking, biking, swimming and rock climbing plus panoramic views of the city.

Diocletian’s Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 4^th century and was the retirement home of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. It was then an inhabited fortress and definitely demands adding to any visitor to Split’s itinerary.

Promenade (Riva)

Another must-do is a promenade at the lovely harbour (Riva). Palm trees line the waterfront and you can gaze at the vista of the deep blue sea and the fishing port’s boats.

Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Sveti Duje)

And for some soul food take in this impressive cathedral, dating back to the 4^th century, the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world. Take the 200 vertiginous steps up to the bell tower for a stunning view of the city.

The Museum of Fine Arts (Galerija umjetnina)

This art museum holds works from the 14^th century right up to the present day with works by major Croatian artists.

Winery Kovac

After being picked up at a central meeting point you will be hosted by the wine making team. You will have a tour of the vineyard with tasting on a sea view terrace, tour of the production area and then tasting the current vintage. Plus platters of local cheeses, prosciutto, bread and extra virgin

TROGIR (39 mins, 27.3 km)

This island resort dates back to the Helenistic period with many changes since over the centuries. So there are delightful Romanesque churches, Renaissance and Baroque buildings too, all complementing one another.

SIBENIK (49 mins, 46.8 km)

Krka National Park is situated some 10km inland from Sibenik and covers an area of 142km. Popular features are the renowned Skradinski Buk waterfalls and the small island of Visovac. Park the car and take a boat trip to explore the park in style.

ZADAR (1 hr 3 mins, 89.4 km)

This open-air museum has some of the the most beautiful monuments of architecture and cultural heritage of the eastern Adriatic coast and deservedly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

PULA (4 hr 8 mins, 408.1 km)

Located right on the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is famed for its many well preserved Roman remnants, and it’s unspoiled surrounding areas of natural beauty.

Pula Arena

Being the sixth largest coliseum in the world, the Arena of Pula has a four-sided tower, the only remaining amphitheatre of its kind. Dating back to the 1^st century AD it was famous for its gladiator fights and you can go inside and see the caverns beneath.

The Temple of Augustus

For another historical fascinating treat visit this temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus in the 2^nd century BC. In its time it has been a temple, a church and even a granary.

ZAGREB (3 hr 11 mins, 269.4 km)

A visit to Croatia wouldn’t be complete of course without a visit to Zagreb – both the capital and largest city in Croatia. A modern metropolis now – Zagreb is absolutely brimming with history, getting its start as a Roman settlement named Andautonia which you can still visit the ruins of today.

Tkalčićeva Street

On this street you will find international cuisine and some great bars too, all brimming with both tourists and locals.

Museum of Broken Relationships

If you have a fascination for heartbreak stories this museum is for you. There is a display items that remind you of love and loss, each with its own particular anecdote.

Maksimir Park (Maksimirirski perivoj)

Fun for all the family is the zoo in this park that is one of three zoos in Croatia and home to 370 animal species and 8.800 animals.

The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

Culture vultures flock here for this museum dedicated to the work of naïve artists of the 20^th century. There are some 1,900 exhibits including paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints, both local and international.

Zagreb 80’s Museum

And for one last blast of nostalgia try out this museum that is dedicated to the 80’s decade. So you can see the life of those living in former Yugoslavia. There is even a weekly party for you to celebrate with 80’s music.

Unfortunately holidays don’t last forever though – from there we return the car back at Zagreb Airport, and head off home. Don’t worry though – we have plenty of other incredible Road Trip ideas for your next adventure!

With such a sprawling coastline to see, it would be a waste not to rent a car! Thankfully at Indigo Car Hire we can arrange the perfect rental for you – no matter what your needs are. Check our main Croatia page here, and here are just some of the services we offer there:

• Debit Card Car Hire
• Low Deposit Car Hire
• Young Driver Car  Hire
• Senior Driver Car Hire
• New Driver Car Hire

If you have any questions at all though of course we are always available to contact here, and we will do our utmost to ensure you have the smoothest holiday possible. Feel free to take a look at some of our other road trip ideas for further inspiration too:

• Switzerland Road Trip – an Alpine Adventure!
• Road Trip to the Wonders of Israel
• Best Places to See in Asturias: Road Trip Itinerary

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