10-Day Croatia road trip from Zagreb to Rijeka, Senj, and Karlovac County
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 10-day road trip through Croatia.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Croatia. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 4 nights in Zagreb, 1 night in Rijeka, 1 night in Senj, and 3 nights in Karlovac, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Zagreb, Rijeka, Senj, and Karlovac. We'll help you experience the best 10 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Zagreb, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, including the stunning Park Maksimir and Ban Josip Jelačić Statue.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Croatia. From the magnificent Zagreb Cathedral to the breathtaking Bundek and Trsat Castle, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Zagreb, Rijeka, Senj, and Karlovac, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Croatia. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Croatia.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Croatia.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Croatia has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Croatia. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 9 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 9 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Croatia extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Croatia today!
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Day 1 – Zagreb - arrival day
Day 1 – Zagreb - arrival day
- Zagreb - Arrival day
- More
- Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
- More
Zagreb has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,945 visitors.
Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.
Zagreb also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Vintage Industrial Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.
Locals also enjoy Mr. Fogg. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 10-day vacation in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 2 – Zagreb
Day 2 – Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 9 km, 36 min
- Zagreb Zoo
- Ribnjak Park
- Zagreb Cathedral
- Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
- More
You still have 3 nights left in Zagreb.
One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ribnjak Park. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,263 visitors.
Zagreb Cathedral is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,381 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This amazing attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.
Restoran Vegehop is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 760 customers.
Locals enjoy Vinodol, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zagreb. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Swanky Monkey Garden. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Dubravkin put. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.
Cheese Bar is another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 3 – Zagreb
Day 3 – Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 22 km, 1 hour 16 min
- Bundek
- Croatian Museum of Contemporary Art
- Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
- Technical Museum
- Park Maksimir
- More
You still have 2 nights left in Zagreb.
One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Bundek. This incredible attraction is a lake and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,180 visitors.
Croatian Museum of Contemporary Art is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,570 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,528 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Technical Museum. This museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,180 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Park Maksimir. This park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,174 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.
Boban is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,445 customers.
Locals enjoy Submarine Burger Frankopanska, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zagreb. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Valhalla beer bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 4 – Zagreb and Rijeka
Day 4 – Zagreb and Rijeka
- Zagreb
- Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
- More
Drive 160 km, 2 hours 7 min
- Lotrščak Tower
- Museum of Broken Relationships
- Stone Gate
- St Mark's Church
- More
Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zagreb’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Zagreb, start your day with a visit to the amazing Lotrščak Tower. This much-appreciated fortified tower and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,480 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Museum of Broken Relationships. This museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,957 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Stone Gate to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Stone Gate is a city gate that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.
The lovely St. Mark's Church is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 3,997 visitors have left this church building average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zagreb has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Rijeka. Rijeka offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Konoba Tarsa. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,076 reviews.
The remarkable Barbacoa is another top restaurant in Rijeka we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Konoba Fiume is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Rijeka, the fantastic The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 5 – Rijeka and Senj
Day 5 – Rijeka and Senj
- Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
- Senj
- More
Drive 132 km, 2 hours 50 min
- City Clock Tower
- Church of Mary of God of Trsat
- Trsat Castle
- Park Prirode Učka
- Maiden with the Seagull
- More
Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Rijeka and embark on a scenic drive to Senj, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Rijeka before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Rijeka. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful City Clock Tower. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,339 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,485 visitors.
If you have time, another site you could explore in Rijeka is the stunning Trsat Castle. This castle and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,516 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable City Clock Tower. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,339 visitors.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This church and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,485 reviews.
Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Trsat Castle. This castle and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,516 visitors.
The lovely Nature Park Učka is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,438 visitors have left this park an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Lastly, if you still got energy, the wonderful Maiden with the Seagull is also a worthwhile attraction you can visit in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. This point of interest is a sculpture rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,947 reviews.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Tavern Kod Veska. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 822 customers.
Locals also recommend Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana, another of the best restaurants in Senj. Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.
If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pizzeria King. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 841 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
After dinner, visit Pirassa Caffe Gelateria to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Senj, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 120 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Restoran "Krešimir". This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Restoran "Krešimir" has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 146 customers.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 6 – Lika-Senj County and Karlovac County
Day 6 – Lika-Senj County and Karlovac County
- Senj
- Karlovac County
- More
Drive 161 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Park Nehaj
- Nehaj Fortress
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Great Waterfall
- More
Day 6 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Karlovac County for 3 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Lika-Senj County is the amazing Park Nehaj. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 61 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible fortress, Nehaj Fortress. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,527 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Lika-Senj County is the outstanding Plitvice Lakes National Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 104,350 visitors.
The spectacular Great Waterfall is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,017 visitors.
There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Karlovac County, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran Mandić, one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,119 customers.
Locals also recommend Bistro Kastel as one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County. Bistro Kastel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County is Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,786 customers.
After dinner, visit Hollywood cafe, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Papa's Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.
Alternatively, GP is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,112 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 7 – Karlovac County
Day 7 – Karlovac County
- Karlovac County
- More
Drive 143 km, 2 hours 6 min
- Historical Grain Boat
- Aquatika
- Drveni Most
- Ivana's House of Fairy Tales
- More
You still have 2 nights left in Karlovac County.
One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Historical Grain Boat. This incredible attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 414 visitors.
Drveni Most is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 284 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Ivana's House of Fairy Tales. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,123 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Karlovac County.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County, like Castle Bistro. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,552 customers.
Kvaka is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Karlovac County. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 979 customers.
Locals enjoy Konoba Kostanjac, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Karlovac County. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 756 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Karlovac County, Ćevabdžinica Behar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 949 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Choco Caffe Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 533 customers.
Catalpa Lounge Bar is another of the best bars in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 452 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 8 – Karlovac County
Day 8 – Karlovac County
- Karlovac County
- More
Drive 190 km, 3 hours 19 min
- Ozalj
- Advent Karlovac
- Glazbeni paviljon
- Stari Mlin (Old Mill)
- Caves of Barać
- More
You still have 1 night left in Karlovac County.
One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ozalj. This incredible attraction is a town and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,623 visitors.
Advent Karlovac is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 445 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Glazbeni paviljon. This amazing attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 387 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Stari Mlin (Old Mill). This best-rated sightseeing destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,010 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Caves of Barać. This show cave is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,071 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Karlovac County.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County, like Tornado. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 952 customers.
Konoba Črni kos is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Karlovac County. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 697 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Karlovac County, Palma. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 490 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like R Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 230 customers.
Yummy Street Bar is another of the best bars in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 200 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 9 – Zagreb
Day 9 – Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 152 km, 3 hours 44 min
- Ecopark Krašograd
- Žumberak and Samobor Mountains
- Samobor Castle
- King Tomislav Square
- Kipišće Lake
- More
Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night.
This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,578 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Žumberak and Samobor Mountains. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,325 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Samobor Castle to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Samobor Castle is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,929 visitors.
The lovely King Tomislav Square is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 973 visitors have left this top-tier point of interest average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Kipišće Lake. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,233 reviews.
Zagreb offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Harat's Pub. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,602 reviews.
The remarkable Stari Fijaker is another top restaurant in Zagreb we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,114 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zagreb, the fantastic Booze and Blues. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 848 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful A’e Craft Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Program Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 637 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 10 – Zagreb - departure day
Day 10 – Zagreb - departure day
- Zagreb - Departure day
- More
- Art Pavilion in Zagreb
- More
Day 10 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Zagreb before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zagreb and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.
You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zagreb at Konoba Didov san before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,110 customers.
You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!
Experiences
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