Travel packages in Croatia

Road trips in Croatia

12-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar traveling east to Zagreb, Grad Varaždin, Senj, Lika-Senj County, Šibenik, and Metković

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Photo of Zadar archipelago. Kali on Ugljan island turquoise sea and walkway view, Croatia.

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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 12-day road trip in Croatia! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Zadar, Karlovac County, Zagreb, Grad Varaždin, Trakošćan, Grad Krapina, Senj, Korenica, Smiljan, Lika-Senj County, Knin, Bogatić, Grad Skradin, Šibenik, Split, Metković, Dubrovnik, Bosanka, and Grad Biograd na Moru.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Croatia. You will spend 3 nights in Zadar, 2 nights in Zagreb, 1 night in Grad Varaždin, 1 night in Senj, 1 night in Lika-Senj County, 1 night in Šibenik, and 2 nights in Metković. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Croatia. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Zadar, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Croatia on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Croatia. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Diocletian's Palace are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zadar, Karlovac County, Zagreb, Grad Varaždin, Trakošćan, Grad Krapina, Senj, Korenica, Smiljan, Lika-Senj County, Knin, Bogatić, Grad Skradin, Šibenik, Split, Metković, Dubrovnik, Bosanka, and Grad Biograd na Moru, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.

Throughout your road trip in Croatia, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Croatia.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Croatia today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Zadar - Arrival day
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People's Square
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Welcome to Zadar, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Croatia! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Zadar before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Zadar is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Zadar. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 Zadar, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in Croatia!

Day 2

Zadar
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Drive 4 km, 32 min

The Greeting to the Sun
Sea organ
Roman Forum
Church of St. Donatus
Cathedral of St. Anastasia
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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.

Zadar 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 Zadar.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Croatia.

Day 3

Zadar
Zagreb
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Drive 305 km, 3 hours 22 min

Nikola Tesla Experience Center Karlovac
Museum of Broken Relationships
Stone Gate
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Karlovac County and Zagreb. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zagreb, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Zadar.

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

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 Zagreb, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Day 4

Zagreb
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Drive 12 km, 49 min

Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Bundek City Park
Lower Town (Donji Grad)
Ilica
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Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Zadar. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

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.

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 Zagreb, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Day 5

Zagreb
Varaždin
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Drive 88 km, 1 hour 36 min

Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
Cathedral of Zagreb
Park Maksimir
Zagreb Zoo
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Your itinerary for day 5 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 Grad Varaždin, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

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

Day 6

Varaždin
Senj
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Drive 263 km, 3 hours 42 min

Old Town, Varaždin
Trakošćan Castle
Museum of Neandertals in Krapina
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On day 6 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Grad Varaždin, Trakošćan, and Grad Krapina are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Senj, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Senj. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!

Day 7

Senj
Lika-Senj
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Drive 149 km, 3 hours 11 min

Nehaj Fortress
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
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Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Senj, Korenica, and Smiljan. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Lika-Senj County, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lika-Senj County. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

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

Say good night to Lika-Senj County and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!

Day 8

Lika-Senj
Šibenik
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Drive 195 km, 3 hours 42 min

Knin Fortress
Roski waterfall
Krka National Park
Skradinski buk
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Knin, Bogatić, and Grad Skradin. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Šibenik, where will spend 1 night.

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

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

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!

Day 9

Šibenik
Metković
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Drive 239 km, 3 hours 29 min

St. Jacob’s Cathedral
Forest Park Marjan
Golden Gate
Diocletian's Palace
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On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Šibenik and Split. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Metković, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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

Metković 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 Metković.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Croatia.

Day 10

Metković
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Drive 207 km, 3 hours 34 min

Fort Lovrijenac
Dubrovnik Cable Car
Stradun
Old Town
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Greet day 10 of your road trip in Croatia with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Metković, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Dubrovnik and Bosanka.

One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Stradun. Allow yourself some time to explore this street and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Metković and your accommodation.

Metković 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 Metković.

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

Day 11

Metković
Zadar
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Drive 272 km, 3 hours 18 min

Town of Biograd
Plaža Dražica
Plaža Soline
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Your itinerary for day 11 of your road trip in Croatia includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Grad Biograd na Moru. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zadar, where you'll spend 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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

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 Zadar, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 12

Zadar - Departure day
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Kolovare Beach
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Day 12 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Croatia!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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