Explore Istria and Dalmatia in 8 Days, Self-Drive
Tour Overview
Embark on an 8-day self-drive adventure through the stunning regions of Istria and Dalmatia in Croatia. Begin your journey in Pula, the largest city in Istria County, known for its beautiful beaches and Roman ruins. Continue to the Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region, where you can explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kvarner Bay. Drive along the coast to Split, a city surrounded by mountains and crystal-clear waters, famous for its Roman ruins. Discover the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading to the charming coastal town of Porec. Enjoy the freedom of unlimited mileage and the comfort of selected accommodations as you explore Croatia's cultural and natural treasures at your own pace. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL PULA
Location: Pula
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pula or Pula City Center
Arrive at Pula Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Drive to your hotel for check-in and explore the largest town on the Istrian peninsula. It offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture, history and gastronomy. Optionally you can book our two-hour Pula city tour and explore the hidden corners of this ancient city with a private guide.
Overnight in Pula.
Day 2 : PULA - RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION (150 km – 2 hrs)
Location: Rijeka
Accommodation Name: Hotel Galeb or Hotel Bristol
Meals Included: Breakfast
After your leisure breakfast at the hotel, check-out from your hotel and follow your drive towards Kvarner Bay. En-route stop to visit Opatija and take advantage of our optional 2 hours tour with a private guide and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Kvarner Gulf is one of the most popular destinations due to breathtakingly beautiful beaches and diverse, spectacular landscapes.
Overning in Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region.
Day 3 : RIJEKA/OPATIJA/LOVRAN REGION – SPLIT (330 km – 3.45 hrs)
Location: Split
Accommodation Name: Hotel Neva or Hotel Tragos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and continue your trip to Split. Enjoy driving along the coast with stunning panoramic views, perhaps stop in Zadar, a modern-day city, perfectly combining modern life with the impressive past that defines it. Wander around its inspiring centre, get in touch with history, admire the architecture, and take the overall pulse of the city. Biograd na Moru and Šibenik are other recommended en-route destinations as they are perfect starting points for visiting National parks Paklenica and Krka. Take advantage of an optional 2 hours tour in Zadar or 3 hours Krka National Park tour with a private guide (entrance ticket excluded, to be purchased on the spot). Once in Split, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at one of the local terraces or lay back at your hotel.
Overnight in Split.
Day 4 : SPLIT
Location: Split
Accommodation Name: Hotel Neva or Hotel Tragos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at leisure visiting all of Split´s attractions, from the beautiful beaches to a variety of festivals, exhibitions and concerts, and get a deeper insight into its bustling vibrant life. You can choose to explore the area on your own or decide to book our suggested optional extra, a two-hour Split city tour, and explore the area with a private guide. Maybe explore National park Krka waterfalls, taste some of the prosciutto in surrounding hills, or decide to go to island Hvar? Choices are there.
Overnight in Split.
Day 5 : SPLIT – PLITVICE (250 km – 2.30 hrs)
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mirni Kutak or Hotel Mirjana Rastoke
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself to depart towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, a must-see natural wonder in Croatia and a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Surrounded by dense woods and characterised by its rich flora and fauna, Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Stroll the paradisiacal paths of the park, admire the magnificent lakes, the beautiful cascading waterfalls, and the whole picturesque image of nature. Take your time and relax, getting ready for a comfortable night spent at your selected hotel in Plitvice. Alternatively, you can book our optional tour, Plitvice National Park tour and with a company of an English speaking guide wonder around this natural treasure.
Overnight in Plitvice.
Day 6 : PLITVICE – POREČ (240 km – 3.5 hrs)
Location: Poreč
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pula or Pula City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel get ready to continue your Croatian exploring to Poreč. Drive along the west coast of Istria and admire wonderful views over the white sandy beaches that stretch north and south. When you arrive in Poreč you´ll see the perfect combination of authentic charm of a small coastal town and magnificent historical sites with the perks and exciting features that attract any traveller. Start discovering the unique sites on your own or you can optionally book our Poreč and Rovinj City tour with a private guide.
Overnight in Poreč.
Day 7 : POREČ
Location: Poreč
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pula or Pula City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and continue exploring the Poreč region. Visit surrounding villages and enjoy the charming atmosphere while tasting local gastronomy at one of the local restaurants. Absorb the warm Mediterranean sun rays while relaxing at the beach or discover the secret history of this beautiful region while exploring the picturesque streets of Poreč.
Overnight in Poreč.
Day 8 : POREČ – DEPARTURE PULA (60 km – 50 min)
Location: Pula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your last morning in Croatia savouring your breakfast. After check-out from your hotel and drive back to Pula Airport where you will return the rental car and prepare for your return flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights' accommodation in various hotels, with options for standard and superior categories.
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Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
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Car Hire
Car hire with unlimited mileage, CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), TP (theft protection), replacement vehicle in case of accident or breakdown, safety equipment, airport fees, and tax & VAT.
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Other
Meet and Greet on day 1.
What's Not Included
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Tour Guide
Tour guide services are not included.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
Any entrance fees and activities are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
All meals not mentioned in the included section are excluded.
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Optional Tours and Excursions
Optional tours and excursions are not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Drinks and Camera Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., are not included.
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Car Hire Exclusions
GPS, baby seat/booster, 3rd driver, damage handling fee, fuel, tolls, young driver supplement, additional charges for missing fuel, extremely dirty vehicle, lost car documents, keys, license plates or equipment, empty car battery, late car collection and return, and parking fees are not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
- Free upgrade to Car Group E for Triple Rooms
- Please note that CDW doesn’t cover: Tyre, undercarriage, interior & glass damages, Malfunctions and damages caused by wrong fuel, reckless driving, Damages caused by driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or passing through red light, Damages caused by unauthorised driver
- Driver Requirements: Minimum age of the driver: 21 years, valid driver’s license and passport or ID and possession of the driver’s license at least 2 years.
- Credit card accepted (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS or DINERS)
- Any extras for the car hire can be booked only ON SPOT
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- In many hotels the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Pula:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pula or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel category = Pula City Center or similar 4*
Day 2 Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Galeb or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bristol or similar 4*
Day 3-4 Split/Trogir region:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Neva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Tragos or similar 4*
Day 5 Plitvice region:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Mirni Kutak (Otocac) or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Mirjana Rastoke (Slunj) or similar 4*
Day 6-7 Pula:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pula or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Pula City Center or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group C = VWGolf, Opel Astra w/ AC or similar
- Car Group E = VW Passat, Opel Insignia or similar
Mode of Transport
Travel at your own pace with a self-drive tour, featuring car hire options like VW Golf or Opel Astra with AC, and VW Passat or Opel Insignia, including unlimited mileage, CDW, TP, and essential safety equipment.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation in Croatia with options ranging from 3-star hotels like Hotel Pula and Hotel Galeb to 4-star hotels such as Pula City Center and Hotel Bristol, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Pula:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pula or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel category = Pula City Center or similar 4*
Day 2 Rijeka/Opatija/Lovran region:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Galeb or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Bristol or similar 4*
Day 3-4 Split/Trogir region:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Neva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Tragos or similar 4*
Day 5 Plitvice region:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Mirni Kutak (Otocac) or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Mirjana Rastoke (Slunj) or similar 4*
Day 6-7 Pula:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pula or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Pula City Center or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group C = VWGolf, Opel Astra w/ AC or similar
- Car Group E = VW Passat, Opel Insignia or similar
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of car options are available for hire during the tour?
You can choose between Car Group C, which includes models like VW Golf or Opel Astra with AC, and Car Group E, which includes models like VW Passat or Opel Insignia.
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What is included in the car hire package?
The car hire package includes unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), a replacement vehicle in case of an accident or breakdown, safety equipment (first aid kit, triangle, high visibility vest, fire extinguisher), airport fees, and tax & VAT. ...more ...less
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What are the driver requirements for the car hire?
The driver must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license and passport or ID, and have held the driver’s license for at least 2 years. A credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, or DINERS) is also required.
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What is not covered by the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)?
The CDW does not cover tyre, undercarriage, interior & glass damages, malfunctions and damages caused by wrong fuel, reckless driving, damages caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or damages caused by an unauthorized driver.
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Are there any optional tours available during the trip?
Yes, there are several optional tours available, including a two-hour Pula city tour, a two-hour tour in Opatija, a two-hour tour in Zadar, a three-hour Krka National Park tour, a two-hour Split city tour, and a tour of Plitvice National Park.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts.
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What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable and warm clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can also be very useful.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive at Pula Airport, meet and greet by a local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. You will then drive to your hotel for check-in and explore the largest town on the Istrian peninsula.
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What activities are available in Split?
In Split, you can visit beautiful beaches, attend various festivals, exhibitions, and concerts, and explore the area on your own or with a private guide. You can also visit National Park Krka waterfalls, taste local prosciutto, or take a trip to the island of Hvar.
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What can I expect to see at Plitvice Lakes National Park?
At Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can expect to see dense woods, rich flora and fauna, magnificent lakes, beautiful cascading waterfalls, and picturesque natural scenery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see natural wonder in Croatia.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Low Deposit
Gulliver Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of gulliver travel charges.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Explore Istria and Dalmatia in 8 Days, Self-Drive
8 Days Starting and ending in Pula, Croatia
Visiting: Pula, Rijeka, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Poreč
Tour operator:
Tour code:
448033
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
10-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
