Best of Istria and Dalmatia self-drive (MC001)

Highlights:

Istria: Explore Istria’s idyllic countryside peppered with Italian style. Visit the interior hill top towns such as Motovun and Groznjan, the latter is an artist’s enclave, with a variety of galleries, craft, and treasure shops, set in original stone cottages and cobbled walkways. Discover the delights of the coastal towns of Rovinj, Porec and Pula. Taste the excellent regional cuisine such as the wild asparagus and pasta dishes and the outstanding local wines. Sample olive oils infused with truffle and Porcini mushrooms which are in season only in September and October.

Dalmatia: At the end of your stay drive to Northern Dalmatia, approximately a 5 hour drive along the super-fast A6
and then A1 highways to Split region. Stay at one of our coastal which offers an ideal base from which to explore highlights such as the UNESCO towns of Split, Trogir and Sibenik as well as the waterfall and lakes park at Krka. Shop at the stunning outdoor markets bursting with organically grown seasonal produce and the bakeries producing freshly baked bread and pastries for you to take back to your accommodation and enjoy with a glass of chilled Dalmatian wine.

Suggestions, Recommendations, Variations

Arrive Zagreb and stay 1 or 2 nights exploring this interesting city before picking up a rental car to drive to Istria (2 hours on the superfast highways E71 and E751) at the end of your Zagreb stay.

Start your holiday in Venice, Italy and spend a few days exploring this magical city. When you have finished take a catamaran* from Venice to one of the cities along Istria’s Western coast arriving Pula, Rovinj or Porec where you can arrange for a car hire pick up to take you to your Istrian property.

You can also visit Venice as a day trip from Istria region. This excursion is extremely popular with our guests and can be arranged for you.

An alternative option to an Istrian stay is a stay in the beautiful neighbouring region of the Kvarner Bay which includes Croatia’s largest island, the island of Krk.

When you drive down between Istria and Dalmatia, consider stopping on the way and spending 1 day (2 nights) exploring Plitvice National Park.

* Venice – Croatia catamarans run seasonally and early booking is strongly recommended. All driving and ferry times are approximate.

Did you know?

Besides those from Alba and Piedmont in Italy and Provence in France, truffles from Istria are among the most highly appreciated in the world. The best Istrian truffles are found in the Motovun Forest.

Istria accommodation suggestions:
IS002A Apartment with shared pool. Sleeps 2-3
IS002B Apartment with shared pool. Sleeps 4-5
IS029 Villa with private pool. Sleeps 4

Dalmatia accommodation suggestions:
TG002 Beachfront apartment sleeps 4
TG040 2 Bedroom Villa in Sevid near Primosten, Sleeps 4
TG026 Villa with private pool. Sleeps 4

Larger property suggestions for bigger group sizes available on request.
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Route Map