Croatia Self Drive 07 - Coastal Odyssey

Option 1 (if in Pula) - deliver hire car to your hotel; local sightseeing,such as the Brijuni Islands from nearby Fazana, then onward drive to Rovinj via the small town of Bale.

Option 2 (if in Rovinj) - a full day to explore the west of Istria, including Brijuni Islands, Lim Gorge, Porec, Svetvincenat and many more fascinating places.

You actually have a fantastic choice of places to stay in Istria which include Rovinj, Porec and the hilltop town of Motovun.

Drive through the centre of Istria (via Pazin and/or Motovun) to the east coast. A visit of the beautiful Austro-Hungarian resort of Opatija and maybe Rijeka prior to driving over the bridge to the impressive Krk Island.

** Alternative places to stay on this night include Opatija and Rijeka.

Return to the mainland across the bridge and then drive down scenic coast road to Senj prior to heading inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

** Alternatively, if you prefer to stick with the coast entirely on this holiday then you may like to visit either Rab or Pag islands or perhaps Stari Grad Paklenica (for the national park) and then take an extra night in Zadar.

A full day to explore the national park using the transport options included in your entry ticket together with some walking around the impressive natural wonders. We recommend pre-booking your tickets to ensure entry at a time of your choosing; these can be included as part of your holiday itinerary.

Drive south towards the Dalmatian coast on a choice of routes to beautiful Zadar; optional detour along the way to Paklenica National Park. If you wish to devote the whole day an enchanting alternative route would be via Otocac and Senj / Velebit National Park, even Rab and Pag Islands. Explore Zadar old town for dinner on arrival, visiting the fascinating Sea Organ and the ingenious "Greeting to the Sun" at the Riva.

More time to visit the historic old town of Zadar and its market and enjoy a little cafe culture. If you were to add a night here you may then have time to visit the nearby seaside town of Nin, Pag Island, Lake Vrana or any of the nearby islands such as Dugi Otok or the Kornati Islands National Park.

Your onward route today will depend upon where you wish to visit en route to Trogir (or Split). If you choose to use the main highway for at least some of your journey then you can easily visit historic Sibenik and the National Park of Krka; however, you may elect to simply enjoy the spectacular coast road via Biograd, Pakostane (Lake Vrana) and Primosten. Your choice for the next two days is either the pretty little town of Trogir or the centre of historic Split.

NB. Trogir is recommended here as it is quieter, always better value and easier, logistically, on a fly-drive holiday.

A free day to explore Trogir or visit nearby places of interest such as the Roman ruins of Salona, the Kliss Fortress or return to Split (it is possible to visit Split using the local passenger ferry across the bay).

Day 10 - at a time of your choosing drive to Split port and take a car ferry to one of the nearby islands, such as Hvar or Brac (or even Korcula). Onward drive to your chosen resort and hotel.

Day 11 - a full day to relax and explore your chosen island.

• Hvar Town - old town with castle, optional trips to Blue/Green caves, Pakleni Islands & wine tasting
• Bol - experience the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach)
• Korcula Town - beautiful old town, nearby beaches & wine tasting

Drive a short distance south along coast to the beautiful resort of Omis for a couple of nights. Spend day 10 (or morning of day 11) rafting and/or doing the multi zip-wire experience in the stunning Cetina Valley.

Drive across your island to the east coast for a short ferry crossing to the mainland; then drive along the coast road including through the "Bosnia Corridor" to Ston for the night.

* We recommend that you include a night in Ston, particularly if you have been to Brac or Hvar, prior to travelling on to Dubrovnik; this would also allow you time to visit Korcula or Mostar.

Drive across island to east coast and take short ferry to mainland; drive along coast road including the "Bosnia Corridor" to Ston for a visit of the castle walls and maybe to sample the oysters.

Then head inland and visit Mostar with its famous old bridge and exciting atmosphere. Depending upon time constraints and border traffic (in high season) you may prefer to go straight inland to Mostar via Medugorje or the Kravice waterfalls instead of going to Ston.

Day 13 - if you decided to stay in Mali Ston then you can visit the castle walls, travel up the Peljesac Peninsula to Orebic & Korcula or head inland to Mostar to visit the World-famous bridge. Drop off car in Dubrovnik (we will collect it from your hotel).

Day 14 - a full day to explore the old town on foot, by bus and cable car including its nearby beaches and countryside; visit independently or with a choice of pre-booked excursions and activities.

Optional Guided Tour: Dubrovnik Panorama & Sightseeing "... those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik" (George Bernard Shaw). This tour will reveal the finest sites of the old walled City as well as give you an opportunity to view it from above. Our guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the Old Town introducing you to the history and culture of this magnificent city.

Private transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your flight home.