My hubby and I have 1 week in Croatia after a group tour. The group tour starts in Zagreb, then we got to Pula and Ljubljana, and then returns to Zagreb. I was thinking of renting a car and visiting Dubrovnik, Zadar and Split, and also the Plitvice Park. I was thinking of driving to Dubrovnik on the first day, then making our way back up the coast, and visiting Plitivice on our last day. Does that seem doable, our would it be too busy?
Hey, all mentioned locations receive peak amount of tourists in July and august, so expect crowds, going early in the morning is a great benefit as sometimes crowds can be unbearable if there are cruise ships in town specifically for Split and Dubrovnik.
Check this general guide for this period:Â Visiting Croatia in August?: Here's everything you need to know!
The idea for renting a car is a great and you could do the drive of 6+ hours to Dubrovnik from Zagreb, during July always check before going from Zagreb if there is a huge hold up on the highway, this is frequent so check when traffic is normal before heading out, very early in the morning is usually the best. The locations mentioned are great to visit and really recommended, I would suggest you check these two guides so you know what you can see along your drive.
From Zagreb to Split drive (Best stops on the way) Guide
Road Trip from Split to Dubrovnik (Best stops along the way)
The drive can be tiresome but I have done it several times, it really depends if you are used to long drives, the high way is great but during these months you could experience larger amount of traffic so slower and more stressful drive. You can easily find parking in all locations sometimes its not close to the old town or specific tourist location so you might need to walk, for parking guides check the list at the bottom.
In a week you can sightsee what you are planning by driving down and spending 2 days in Dubrovnik, 2 Days Split and you can sightsee stuff around, natural Park, Sibenik, Trogir, Omis.
And then Zadar 2 nights + Plitvice and back to Zagreb, the day you will drive to Zagreb and sightsee the park will be a long day tbh, its worth it but you will definitely be tired from the walk and the drive.
Plitvice Lakes Guide by a Local (Which entrance, trail to choose, prices etc.)
Rastoke (Beautiful waterfalls, great stop towards National Park Plitvice Lakes)
If you will need any other city guides, restaurant guides, sightseeing, beaches in Croatia check this subs Megathread here which has all links compiled, this CROATIA TRAVEL GUIDE, or this Croatia Travel Map