12-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb to Grad Varaždin and surrounding area
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 12-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 10 nights in Zagreb and 1 night in Varaždin, 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, Općina Bistra, Pisarovina, and Varaždin. We'll help you experience the best 12 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 Bundek to the breathtaking Zagreb Cathedral and Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, 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. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Zagreb Zoo and learn more about the unique Trakošćan Castle to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Zagreb, Općina Bistra, Pisarovina, and Varaždin, 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 11 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 11 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
- Zagreb - Arrival day
- More
- Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
- More
Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 10 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
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 9,026 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. 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.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb is Dubravkin put. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.
Zagreb also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Mr. Fogg. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Swanky Monkey Garden. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 2 – Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 14 km, 59 min
- Bundek
- Croatian Museum of Contemporary Art
- Ribnjak Park
- Zagreb Cathedral
- Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
- More
Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zagreb has to offer. Cherish the 9 nights you have left in Zagreb by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Zagreb. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Zagreb, like the extraordinary Bundek. This attraction is a lake and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,257 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Zagreb is the spectacular Croatian Museum of Contemporary Art. This attraction is an art museum and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,598 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Ribnjak Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,293 visitors.
Zagreb Cathedral is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This catholic cathedral is a popular destination among visitors in Zagreb. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,419 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.
If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. Ban Josip Jelačić Statue is a top-tier point of interest and popular attraction in Zagreb. More than 19,840 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Your discovery of Zagreb does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zagreb on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Cheese Bar, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Zagreb is the popular Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, Valhalla beer bar is one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.
Booze and Blues is another of the most popular bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 848 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zagreb!
Experiences
Day 3 – Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 17 km, 1 hour
- Park Maksimir
- Zagreb Zoo
- Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
- Technical Museum
- More
Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zagreb has to offer. Cherish the 8 nights you have left in Zagreb by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Zagreb. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Zagreb, like the extraordinary Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,379 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Zagreb is the spectacular Zagreb Zoo. This attraction is a zoo and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,176 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,593 visitors.
Technical Museum is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This museum is a popular destination among visitors in Zagreb. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,294 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.
Your discovery of Zagreb does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zagreb on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Restoran Vegehop, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 760 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Zagreb is the popular Mali Medo. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,203 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, A’e Craft Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.
Program Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 637 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zagreb!
Experiences
Day 4 – Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 1 km, 21 min
- St Mark's Church
- Stone Gate
- Museum of Broken Relationships
- Lotrščak Tower
- More
Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zagreb has to offer. Cherish the 7 nights you have left in Zagreb by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Zagreb. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Zagreb, like the extraordinary St. Mark's Church. This attraction is a church building and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,070 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Zagreb is the spectacular Stone Gate. This attraction is a city gate and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,640 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Museum of Broken Relationships. This museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,032 visitors.
Lotrščak Tower is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This fortified tower is a popular destination among visitors in Zagreb. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,513 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.
Your discovery of Zagreb does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zagreb on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Vinodol, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Zagreb is the popular Pri zvoncu. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,325 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, Krolo is one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 520 customers.
Vintage Industrial Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zagreb!
Experiences
Day 5 – Staničići Žumberački, Strmec, Velika Gorica, Budinjak, and Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 169 km, 3 hours 48 min
- Turopolje Museum
- Playground / Lake Kipiste
- Kipišće Lake
- Eco-center Budinjak
- Žumberak and Samobor Mountains
- More
Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Staničići Žumberački has to offer. Cherish the 6 nights you have left in Staničići Žumberački by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Staničići Žumberački. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the village of Staničići Žumberački, like the extraordinary Žumberak and Samobor Mountains. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,339 visitors.
This is a popular destination among visitors in Staničići Žumberački.
Your discovery of Staničići Žumberački does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Staničići Žumberački on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Zagreb is the popular Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,925 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, Hub Cooltura Pub is one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zagreb!
Experiences
Day 6 – Samobor, Lužnica, and Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 115 km, 3 hours 3 min
- Ski resort Sljeme
- Lužnica, Zaprešić
- Church of St Anastasia
- King Tomislav Square
- Samobor Castle
- More
Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Samobor has to offer. Cherish the 5 nights you have left in Samobor by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Samobor. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the town of Samobor, like the extraordinary Church of St. Anastasia. This attraction is a church and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 504 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Samobor is the spectacular King Tomislav Square. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 976 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Samobor Castle. This castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,942 visitors.
This is a popular destination among visitors in Samobor.
Your discovery of Samobor does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Samobor on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Boban, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,445 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Zagreb is the popular Submarine Burger Frankopanska. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zagreb!
Experiences
Day 7 – Krašić, Sopote, and Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 181 km, 3 hours 34 min
- Ecopark Krašograd
- Erdödy Castle in Jastrebarsko
- Church of the Most Holy Trinity
- Sopote Waterfall
- More
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations like the extraordinary Ecopark Krašograd. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,633 visitors.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Harat's Pub, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,602 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Zagreb is the popular Bota Šare Zagreb restaurant - oyster & sushi bar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,778 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zagreb!
Experiences
Day 8 – Grad Krapina, Desinić, Općina Kumrovec, and Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 164 km, 3 hours 2 min
- The birth house of Josip Broz Tito
- Kumrovec
- Dvor Veliki Tabor
- Museum of Neandertals in Krapina
- More
Day 8 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Grad Krapina has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Grad Krapina by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Grad Krapina. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the town of Grad Krapina, like the extraordinary Museum of Neandertals in Krapina. This attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,655 visitors.
This is a popular destination among visitors in Grad Krapina.
Your discovery of Grad Krapina does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Grad Krapina on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Stari Fijaker, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,114 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zagreb!
Experiences
Day 9 – Trakošćan, Grad Varaždinske Toplice, and Zagreb
- Zagreb
- Varaždin
- More
Drive 215 km, 3 hours 31 min
- Lječilišni park
- Varaždin City Museum
- Old Town, Varaždin
- Trakoscan Castle
- More
On day 9 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zagreb, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Zagreb.
Today you'll explore the city of Grad Varaždin. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Varaždin City Museum. This incredible attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 144 visitors.
Old Town, Varaždin is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Grad Varaždin. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,698 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.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 10 – Grad Varaždin
- Varaždin
- More
Drive 89 km, 1 hour 24 min
- Kapucinska crkva
- Advent u Varaždinu
- Crkva sv Nikola
- Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Varaždin
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 10 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Grad Varaždin. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Grad Varaždin. You’ll stay in Grad Varaždin for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Grad Varaždin’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Grad Varaždin, start your day with a visit to the amazing Kapucinska crkva. This much-appreciated church and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 307 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Advent u Varaždinu. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 400 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Church of St. Nicholas to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Church of St. Nicholas is a church that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 453 visitors.
The lovely Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Varaždin is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 700 visitors have left this cathedral average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Grad Varaždin has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Grad Varaždin. Grad Varaždin 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 Bedem. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,064 reviews.
The remarkable Medonja is another top restaurant in Grad Varaždin we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 999 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restoran Angelus is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,837 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Grad Varaždin, the fantastic Medina Škrinja Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,374 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful My Way bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Macuba Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 781 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 11 – Podgarić, Grad Čazma, and Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 208 km, 3 hours 10 min
- Church of St Mary Magdalene
- Monument to the Revolution of the People of Moslavina
- Garic town
- More
Day 11 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Podgarić and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Zagreb. You will stay in Zagreb for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Podgarić is the amazing Monument to the Revolution of the People of Moslavina. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 441 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Garic town. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 355 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
You can make the most of your new day in Podgarić by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. 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 Zagreb, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 12 – Zagreb - departure day
- Zagreb - Departure day
- More
- Bandićeve Fontane
- More
Day 12 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.
Zagreb Fountains is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zagreb. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,216 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zagreb and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.
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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