Highlights of Croatia & Montenegro

Independent Self Drive Tours

Enjoy some of the most beautiful sites in Croatia and Montenegro as well as some off the beaten path locations on this self drive adventure! Take advantage of our years of experience in the region to discover these beautiful countries on your own. From islands to wineries, you will love all that Croatia & Montenegro have to offer!

Highlights of Croatia and Montenegro trip Highlights*

*An Example of The Exciting Activities Carpe Mundo Can Arrange For You!

What is a self drive tour?

Scroll over the car icon to discover how our independent self drive trips allow you the freedom and ease to discover a destination through your vision, your way, your pace.

Discover at your own pace

This is a self drive tour so no physical person/guide will be present. One of our specialists will work with you to develop a trip based on your interests and travel style. We provide a detailed daily itinerary with suggestions and information on things to see/do, as well as general information about travel to Croatia. You will also receive a personalized digital map with accommodations, restaurants, points of interest, etc. that can be used online or through the Google Maps app. We also provide a list of optional day tours that you can incorporate into your trip, and some of these will have an physical person/guide.

Itinerary

This is our suggested itinerary for a self-drive Highlights of Croatia and Montenegro trip. The itinerary can be changed and customized to suit your needs.

Welcome to Croatia, the Dalmatian Coast, and the beautiful city of Split! Split is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for Diocletian’s Palace which was built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian over 1,700 years ago. You can find some of the best preserved Roman remnants in Europe and you will love wandering the narrow streets of this enchanting city. Take a day cruise to the surrounding islands, visit the “Blue Cave”, or head to the town of Hvar with world-renowned beach clubs and nightlife. If you’re looking for adventure, go rock climbing, canyoning, rafting, sailing, biking, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Split has no shortage of activities or sights- there is something for everyone!

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Split, and then take an afternoon ferry to the island of Korčula, where you will spend the next two nights in the town of Korčula- the rumored birthplace of Marco Polo. This is one of our favorite places in Croatia- the compact walled old town is full of beautiful boutiques and delicious restaurants, many with stunning sea views.

The day is yours to explore Korcula! We recommend going on a boat tour where you can swim in the crystal clear water, visit a monastery on one of the islands, enjoy a beach bar accessible only by boat, and/or just relax on the boat . In the afternoon, you can explore Korcula on your own, rent a bike to venture around the island, go kayaking or paddleboarding, or visit some of the nearby vineyards and family run wineries (Korcula is known for Grk, a type of white wine found only on the island!).

Take a ferry back to the mainland where you will drive through the Pelješac peninsula to Dubrovnik. Pelješac is dotted with small fishing villages and wineries, making it a delight for the eyes and taste buds! Stop for lunch at a restaurant where you can pick your lobster directly out of the sea, try fresh mussels and seafood, or visit a winery where they age wine in bottles in the sea instead of a cellar! Continue into Montenegro and on to the small fishing village of Perast, located on the Bay of Kotor (this area was selected by Lonely Planet as the #1 place to visit in 2016!). You will be amazed by the beauty here with small villages hugging the coast, the sea on one side and towering mountains on the other. The next two nights are spent in one of the charming seaside towns such as Perast, Dobrota, or Kotor.

Make today your own adventure by choosing from a variety of exciting and relaxing activities, combining as many as you want or can! Visit the town of Kotor, a great spot for shopping, or for those wanting a workout you can climb up the fortress that rises above the town, affording a panoramic view of the bay. Visit the local market, wander the pedestrian only cobblestone streets, or take a cooking class. If you want a bit of luxury, visit nearby Porto Montenegro with luxury boutiques and restaurants overlooking the marina’s super yachts. Mt. Durmitor is another option for those who like to hike- a drive up here takes you from a coastal setting to a a cool mountain escape. If you are a water lover, rent a kayak and paddle around the Bay of Kotor, visiting the enchanting Our Lady of the Rock church (also accessible by small shuttle boats)- learn the legend of how this church was built on an island in the 15th century. Nearby Ploce beach has waterfront restaurants, unbelievably clear water, and an incredible view. Venture a little further to Budva, one of Montenegro’s most famous towns with a beautiful old town and happening night life. Another option is to visit Skadar Lake National Park- take a boat tour to discover the lake’s wildlife and to visit a 14th century monastery- still with the original frescoes! On your way back to the Bay of Kotor, stop at a local winery to sample not only some of Montenegro’s best wines but also homemade rakija, cheese, and prosciutto.

Head back to Croatia to the incredible city of Dubrovnik. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and perhaps Croatia’s best known city- it has become even more popular recently since it is used as a filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. You can wander the narrow cobblestone streets, eat at a cliffside café, swim at one of the nearby beaches, or go for a sunset sail on the Adriatic! On the way to Dubrovnik, stop in the Konavle valley for wine tasting or enjoy a farm to table cooking experience- learn the secrets to Croatian cooking with a class or just enjoy the delicious home cooked meal!

This is the end of the tour, and you have the day to explore as you please. Dubrovnik is an incredible city so we recommend spending an additional night or two if your schedule allows. There are a lot of additional activities for you to enjoy, or you can take a flight or ferry to Italy or a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia.

This is our suggested itinerary; your trip can be customized based on your preferences.

Top Itineraries for Croatia and Montenegro

Prices

Low Season

November - April

Shoulder Season

May, September, October

High Season

June, July, August

Accommodations

  • Winter
  • Spring/Fall
  • Summer
WinterSpring/FallSummer
Budget Accommodations$514$589$779
Comfort Accommodations$634$763$1,052
Luxury Accommodations$769$1,027$1,409

*Prices are in US Dollars, based on two people traveling together

Vehicles

  • Winter
  • Spring/Fall
  • Summer
WinterSpring/FallSummer
Automatic Transmission Upgrade$120$170$170
Midsize Car Upgrade$32$55$65
SUV or Station Wagon Upgrade$84$95$168

*Prices are in US Dollars, based on two people traveling together // Luxury car upgrade available upon request

Highlights of Croatia & Montenegro

Experience the best of Croatia and Montenegro, with options to see well known sites as well as off the beaten path gems!
$ 514* Prices Starting At
  • Prices vary by accommodation, season and preferred itinerary.

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Additional Information

Tours for a number other than 2 or 4 people are possible- pricing will vary depending on the number of rooms desired- contact us for pricing for tours of 1, 3 or 5+ travelers. If you have questions about the self drive tours, check out our Self Drive FAQs or contact us

To book your trip, please pay a deposit and we will then contact you to collect additional information about your trip.

About the prices: The quoted prices are per person, based on double occupancy. On a rare occasion, the pricing may be slightly higher depending how far in advance the trip is booked, as well as availability at preferred accommodations. Lower prices are available if you are interested in staying at hostels. Any of our self-drive itineraries can be customized for you- please contact us with any requests for modifications. 

About the accommodations: The standard price includes private rooms but a bathroom that is shared with other rooms. Upgraded room options include rooms with private bathrooms. Accommodations will vary but will include a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, bed & breakfasts, hotels, apartments, or cottages. All of the accommodations we choose are well liked by previous travelers. Further details will be given when we are provided with your trip dates and we can check availability at our preferred lodgings.