Guide: 4 Days Road Trip through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia

There are so many ways to get around Europe. Out of all the ways possible, my friends and I decided to attempt our very first Europe road trip around Slovenia and dipping into parts of Italy and Croatia.

Preparation:

I did some research and mapped out where I wanted to go and how long it would take according to Google. (Of course, it took longer than expected). I also researched the rules of the road and watched YouTube videos to prepare for driving from Venice to Slovenia and Croatia. I visited an AAA office to register for an International Driving Permit. I was ready for this road trip.

Crossing Borders:

It is important to read up on crossing borders when driving. It is possible to cross between Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia as long as you have a valid passport. A border representative will check your passport before granting you entry.

Renting a Car:

I rented a vehicle through Hertz because I knew they were a reliable car rental company. For 4 days, the vehicle was approximately €200. We rented the vehicle at the last minute so the price was a bit steep. We also included full insurance on our vehicle in case of any accidentals for €50/day. We highly recommend it because we saw several motorists hitting walls as soon as they left their parking spot.

We rented a mini SUV but they upgraded us to a larger vehicle because we had 3 carry-on-sized bags and 3 backpacks. There isn’t a lot of trunk space in European cars. I would recommend sticking to a small vehicle when possible because roads can be narrow.

Getting to the Rental Counter from VCE Airport:

We rented the vehicle at Venice Marco Polo International Airport. Getting to the rental counter is a mission to get to from the arrival terminal. It is towards the water public transportation dock. Take the elevator up to the 3rd floor to get to the counter. All car rental companies are located here including Enterprise, Europa, and Sixt. Once you arrive, take a number and wait to get called.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at AirBnBs throughout our road trip. We booked our rooms either the day before or the morning of. There are certain destinations, like in Bovec that we recommend booking in advance. The city is small so not many room options. I, however, wish I hadn’t booked my hotel in Plitvice in advance because the drive was too dark and dangerous. Plitvice is a popular area so there are ample rooms. Plan the time of your arrival.

What to Eat:

Slovenia doesn’t have a lot of restaurants. The country receives tourism about one month out of the year. We spent most of our road trip eating at various gas stations. Not very luxurious but we are thankful for them.

ITINERARY:

Click on dates for the full itinerary.

*[brackets] indicate driving time between locations

• All prices are subject to change based on time and year. 
• Restaurants and excursions may be closed during off season. 

Expenses for 4 Days

*Food/Drinks are my personal expenses