5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Pula traveling north to Rijeka

Photo of  city of Pula, ancient Roman arena, historic amphitheater and harbor with ships from drone, aerial view.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-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 2 nights in Pula and 2 nights in Rijeka, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Pula and Rijeka. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Pula, 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 Pula Arena and Temple of Augustus.

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 Trsat Castle to the breathtaking Baredine Cave and Church of Saint Euphemia, 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 Pula and Rijeka, 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 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 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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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Aerial drone photo of famous european city of Pula and arena of roman time. Location Istria county, Croatia, Europe.Pula / 2 nights
Grad Rijeka - city in CroatiaPrimorje-Gorski Kotar County / 2 nights
Photo of aerial view of town of Rovinj historic peninsula , famous tourist destination in Istria region of Croatia.Grad Rovinj

Map

Attractions

Photo of summer scenic view of ancient ruins Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, Istria croatian region.Pula Arena
Photo of aerial view of Trsat fortress in Rijeka, Croatia.Trsat Castle
Photo of the ancient Temple of Augustus, Pula, Croatia.Temple of Augustus
Photo of Aquarium Pula, Grad Pula, Istria County, Croatia.Aquarium Pula
Crkva sv. Eufemija, Grad Rovinj, Istria County, CroatiaChurch of Saint Euphemia
Photo of Stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave of Baradine near the city of Porec in Croatia.Baredine Cave
Park forest Zlatni Rt, Grad Rovinj, Istria County, CroatiaPark forest Zlatni Rt
Forum Square, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaForum Square
Fazana CROATIA, Općina Fažana, Istria County, CroatiaFazana CROATIA
Fortress Kaštel, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaFortress Kaštel / Castello
MOTODROM POREC, Općina Tar-Vabriga, Istria County, CroatiaMOTODROM POREC
Crkva Majke Božje Trsatske, Mjesni odbor Grad Trsat, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaChurch of Mary of God of Trsat
Photo of Sea canyon with high sheer cliffs descending to turquoise water, place for jump in Verudela Canyon at Verudela Peninsula, south from Pula, Croatia.Verudela Canyon
City Clock Tower, Mjesni odbor Luka, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaCity Clock Tower
Pathway in Šijana woods, Croatia.Šijana/Siana Forest
Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast, Rijeka, Mjesni odbor Brajda-Dolac, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaMaritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
Stube Petra Kružića, Mjesni odbor Centar-Sušak, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaPetar Kružić Stairway

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Pula - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Pula - arrival day

  • Pula - Arrival day
  • More
  • Verudela Canyon
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Pula. You’ll stay in Pula for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Pula has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Verudela Canyon. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,620 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 Pula, Veritas Food&Wine. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pula is Pizzeria Jupiter. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,601 customers.

Pula also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Pula is Rock Bar Mimoza. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 613 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Pula is The Shipyard Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Locals also enjoy Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Pula and Rijeka

Day 2

Day 2 – Pula and Rijeka

  • Pula
  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
  • More

Drive 119 km, 1 hour 59 min

  • Fortress Kaštel / Castello
  • Pula Arena
  • Forum Square
  • Temple of Augustus
  • Aquarium Pula
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Pula. 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 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Pula’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Pula, start your day with a visit to the amazing Pula Citadel. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,536 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Pula Arena. This roman amphitheatre and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 58,562 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Forum Square to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Forum Square is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,726 visitors.

The lovely Temple of Augustus is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 9,904 visitors have left this archaeological site average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Pula 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!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Rijeka

Day 3

Day 3 – Rijeka

  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
  • More

Drive 4 km, 1 hour 7 min

  • Trsat Castle
  • Church of Mary of God of Trsat
  • Petar Kružić Stairway
  • City Clock Tower
  • Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip across Croatia, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Hotel Bonavia, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Rijeka. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 29 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Rijeka is the 5-star Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa. The hotel is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,088 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Rijeka is the 4-star Hotel Jadran. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,909 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Rijeka, like the outstanding Trsat Castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,516 visitors.

Church of Mary of God of Trsat is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Rijeka. This incredible attraction is a church and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,485 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Rijeka is the extraordinary Petar Kružić Stairway. This best-rated sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 799 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible City Clock Tower. Around 1,339 visitors have given this best-rated sightseeing destination an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast is a popular museum, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,043 travelers.

Come to Rijeka prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Rijeka.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Boonker, after your day of exploring the city of Rijeka. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Bistro Mornar is another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

Locals recommend River, one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Rijeka, Pet Jedan Tapas Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Pub "Bačva" is also one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Croatia.

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Experiences

Day 4 – Istria County and Pula

Day 4

Day 4 – Istria County and Pula

  • Grad Rovinj
  • Pula
  • More

Drive 199 km, 3 hours 15 min

  • MOTODROM POREC
  • Baredine Cave
  • Church of Saint Euphemia
  • Park forest Zlatni Rt
  • Fazana CROATIA
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Pula for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Istria County is the amazing MOTODROM POREC. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,706 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible show cave, Baredine Cave. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,659 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Istria County is the outstanding Church of Saint Euphemia. This popular church and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,222 visitors.

The spectacular Park forest Zlatni Rt is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,231 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Fasana. This attraction is a popular shopping mall that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,543 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 Pula, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Konoba Boccaporta, one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,823 customers.

After dinner, visit Hook & Cook Pula, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Old City Bar Pula. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,368 customers.

Alternatively, Cabahia is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 664 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Pula - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Pula - departure day

  • Pula - Departure day
  • More
  • Šijana/Siana Forest
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Pula 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.

Šijana/Siana Forest is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Pula. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,182 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Pula and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Pula at Grill bar Campo before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,879 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Bistro Alighieri for your last chance at a meal in the city of Pula. The Bistro Alighieri restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,688 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Pula. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!

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Experiences

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