SELF DRIVE FROM ZAGREB TO DUBROVNIK

Upon arrival at Zagreb airport, the capital of Croatia, you will pick up the rental car and head to your accommodation to start visiting the city

The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times but developed significantly in the Middle Ages. Today, Zagreb is known for its historic architecture, lively cultural scene, museums, and parks.

The historic core of the city consists of two parts: the Upper Town (Gornji grad) and the Lower Town (Donji grad). The Upper Town is characterized by medieval, baroque, and 19th-century buildings, while the Lower Town features 19th and 20th-century buildings, as well as more modern architecture.

Greca Tip: If you are a lover of classic works, you can go to the neoclassical-style National Theater.

You will start the day with a tasty breakfast and then you will have the rest of the day free to enjoy the Croatian capital at your own pace and, thus, visit its main attractions, delight in its gastronomy, or stroll through its streets full of history.

We recommend visiting the Church of San Marcos (XVIII), the city's standard, with its colorful roof and Gothic style. The Zagreb Cathedral has its origins in the year 1040, it is located in the Kaptol neighborhood (upper area of ​​the city), and surrounded by the main points of interest that the city offers us.

If you go to Ilica Street, you can buy souvenirs in the most famous shopping area of ​​Zagreb. In turn, if you want to visit another of the main arteries, you have Tkalciceva Street, an area with a youthful atmosphere, where you will find antique shops and luxury boutiques.

Greca Tip: In Zagreb, there are more than 30 museums, so perhaps it is a good opportunity to visit one of them.

After a tasty breakfast, you will leave Zagreb and drive towards the Plitvice Lakes National Park (in Croatian, Nacionalni Park Plitvička Jezera).

It is one of the most famous and visited national parks in Croatia. It is located in the mountainous region of Lika, in the central part of the country. This park is known for its exceptional natural beauty, with a network of interconnected lakes and waterfalls, as well as its diverse flora and fauna.

The park has 16 lakes arranged in terraces and connected by numerous waterfalls. The lakes are surrounded by forests and picturesque trails.

The area is home to a great diversity of plants and animals. Among the fauna, there are deer, bears, wolves, and various species of birds. The flora includes a variety of plant species, some of which are endemic to the region.

The park offers an extensive network of trails that will allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trails are well-marked and offer stunning views of the lakes and waterfalls.

Once you finish the tour of the park you will have to drive to the accommodation in the Plitvice area.

The total distance here is 130 km.

Greca Tip: Lakes and waterfalls are constantly changing due to natural processes. The formation of travertine is a key phenomenon in the creation and evolution of the lakes and waterfalls in Plitvice.

At the end of a wonderful breakfast, you will continue your trip to the city of Zadar where you spend the night

Zadar is the city with the largest historic center in Dalmatia, it stands out for its promenade that offers visitors an unforgettable vision of the islands and its sunsets accompanied by the sound of the “Sea Organ” and the architectural monument "Ode to the Sun" by architect Nikola Basic.

The Old City sits on an isthmus and still preserves its old, thick wall. A Roman city grew inside and we can still see the ruins of its old Roman forum, next to the pre-Romanesque church of San Donato (9th century), the symbol of the city. However, the city also stands out for having the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Croatia.

The total distance is 149 km.

Greca Tip: In Zadar, you have to try "maraschino", a cherry liqueur that is a specialty of the area.

After an exquisite breakfast, you will drive to Split.

On the way, if you wish, you can visit the city of Trogir, a World Heritage Site, a historic city and port located in the center of the Adriatic coast built on a small island of approximately 1 square km.

This beautiful place was founded by Greek settlers and destroyed by the Saracens. It is the best preserved Romanesque Gothic complex in all of Central Europe. Its medieval center, in addition to preserving a castle, also has a series of palaces in Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Trogir offers a charming promenade surrounded by cafes and restaurants, with panoramic views of the sea and the yachts visiting the city.

At the desired time you have to continue driving along the route to Split, where you will stay. The second largest city in Croatia, it combines modernity with ancient history, offering visitors a unique mix of cultural, gastronomic, and recreational experiences.

The total distance is 158 km.

Greca Tip: In Split, there are beautiful squares where you can enjoy a good coffee or a beer, like Fruit Square.

After an exquisite breakfast, you will have the morning to explore Split and continue discovering its wonderful corners.

Be sure to visit Diocletian's Palace, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. This well-preserved palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a mix of ancient buildings, narrow streets, squares, and landmarks.

Later you will have to continue along the coastal route towards Dubrovnik. Arrival at your hotel and accommodation.

Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" for being one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1979. Dubrovnik means “Oak Grove” due to the number of oak trees that were in the area.

The city was dominated by Byzantines, Venetians, Hungarians, Turks and Austrians. Dubrovnik was also one of the cities that suffered the most in the war against Serbia; on December 6, 1991, more than 2,000 bombs fell on it, which is why most of its homes were newly built.

Here, the total distance is 230 km.

Greca Tip: Between the years 1358 and 1808 Dubrovnik was called the Republic of Ragusa.

After a peaceful and fabulous breakfast, you will have the day free to enjoy "The Pearl of the Adriatic."

Dubrovnik is a walled city dating back to the 7th century, full of contrasts and fusion that continues to enchant its visitors. Strolling within the walled area, we will reminisce about hundreds of years of history. Its walls and towers are considered the main attraction of the city, and from there we can capture breathtaking panoramic photos.

You shouldn't miss a visit to the Church of St. Blaise (1715), located in the heart of the city, the Stradun Street, the main artery of the city, where we will find bars and shops, and also the Franciscan Monastery and its church (14th century), home to the oldest pharmacy in the world.

To further explore the city's history, we recommend visiting the Sponza Palace, which dates back to the 16th century. We can also take a funicular ride to Mount Srđ to enjoy the views and have a good cup of coffee.

Greca Tip: Explore the city walls of Dubrovnik for breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the old town.

After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, you will go to Dubrovnik airport to return the rental car.

After spending some fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see him again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Bon voyage! Or, as you will say, “Dobro putovanje!”

Greca Tip: The most common souvenirs include wines, liquors, oils, and… ties! A Croatian invention.