10-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb traveling east to Lika-Senj County, Split, Lovinac, Grad Varaždin, Slavonski Brod, and Osijek

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zagreb has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Zagreb.

A visit to Lower Town (Donji Grad) is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

Catch Park Maksimir before the crowds roll in. This eye-catching park is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the visually striking features of Zagreb Zoo, a must-visit zoo in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb, an underrated botanical garden. For a change of scene, check out Croatian National Theatre In Zagreb, known for its instagrammable features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Croatia. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Bring home unique finds from Zagreb's bustling shopping hub, Ilica Street. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique boutiques and stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Ilica Street offers plenty of options, including restaurants, cafes, primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zagreb. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Tač, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible traditional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Noel is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Zagreb. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Beštija. As a top-rated establishment with a Bib Gourmand status, it is an ideal choice for contemporary cuisine in the city.

Keep the evening going at Krolo, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Kavana Corso, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Valhalla Beer Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Croatia includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Zagreb. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lika-Senj County, where you'll spend 1 night.

Enjoy all that Ban Josip Jelačić Statue has to offer. This is a notable monument you should not miss. Another must-see is Stone Gate, an often recommended historical landmark in Zagreb.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Zagreb Cathedral. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Bundek, another of the city’s well-known attractions.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Lika-Senj County. Lika-Senj County offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Lika-Senj County's best restaurants.

Dine in style at The Highlanders pub, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Kavana Milinković boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lika-Senj County.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Caffe Bar Fortuna after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Caffe Bar Amadeus for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Caffe Bar Bevanda is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Split. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Split, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Savor the day by heading to Krka National Park, an astonishing national park that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Split.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Marjan and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Golden Gate, another highlight in Split. When you’re done exploring the historical landmark, continue to Diocletian's Palace, an UNESCO world heritage-listed palace.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Split, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Split, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Discover the culinary delights of Split by securing a reservation at Šug. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of regional cuisine. Alternatively, Perivoj restoran i kavana beckons with its unique menu offerings.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, La Linea is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Fabrique Pub is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Zadar. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lovinac, where will spend 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Zadar and set your GPS to Lovinac. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 1 min. Upon reaching Lovinac, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Market Zadar. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the market before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Narodni Trg. This frequently visited public square is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Church Of St. Donatus. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church. Next, take your journey to Roman Forum, a frequently visited archeological site. Conclude your sightseeing at Sea Organ, known for its culturally significant features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lovinac. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the village.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Lovinac. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Mihaljekov Jarek, Grad Krapina, and Radoboj. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Grad Varaždin, where you'll spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Mihaljekov Jarek, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Lovinac to Mihaljekov Jarek may take around 2 hours 30 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Mihaljekov Jarek, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Muzej Oldtimera, an underrated museum that everyone visiting Mihaljekov Jarek should see.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Grad Krapina, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Mihaljekov Jarek to Grad Krapina may take around 4 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Grad Krapina, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Museum Of Neandertals In Krapina, an underrated museum that everyone visiting Grad Krapina should see.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Grad Krapina and set your GPS to Radoboj. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 10 min. Upon reaching Radoboj, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Muzej Radboa, an increasingly popular museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Grad Varaždin. Grad Varaždin offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Grad Varaždin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Cafe Haustor, a top-rated dining spot in Grad Varaždin. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restoran Angelus, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Medonja. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Grad Varaždin.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Caffe Bar Madera, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Sax - Pub provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, My Way Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Your itinerary for day 8 of your road trip in Croatia includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Vukovar. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Osijek, where you'll spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Vukovar and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 17 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Vukovar beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Vukovar is Memorijalni Centar Domovinskog Rata, an often recommended museum that draws attention for its historic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Vukovar Water Tower, a picture-perfect monument that stands out in the town.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Vukovar Municipal Museum / Castle Eltz, a worthwhile museum that offers a unique experience.

After soaking in Slavonski Brod’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Vukovar. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 17 min. When you arrive in Vukovar, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Vučedol Culture Museum, an often recommended archeological site known for its historic features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Osijek. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Osijek is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Osijek.

Don’t miss out on dining at Ćevapdžinica More, a top-rated dining destination in Osijek. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider McDonald's & McDrive, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Pizzeria La Rosa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Osijek this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Barcelona Pub, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Amsterdam Pub offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Osijek. Pivnica Runda is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Kopačevo, Tvrđavica, Osijek, and Đakovo. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zagreb, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your day at Sakuntala Park. This picturesque park is a beloved place to see in Osijek.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kopačevo. This car ride takes around 13 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Kopački Rit Nature Park, an underrated nature reserve that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Set your GPS to Tvrđavica and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 14 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Tvrđavica beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Tvrđavica is Youth Pedestrian Bridge, an up-and-coming boardwalk that draws attention for its stunning features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zagreb. Zagreb offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Zagreb's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Roots - juice & cocktail bar, a highly-rated dining destination in Zagreb. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Štruk, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tagliata. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Zagreb this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at A’e Craft Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Budbar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Mr. Fogg. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!