5-Day Croatia road trip from Split to Lika-Senj County and Zadar

Photo of Split panoramic aerial view of town with beautiful beach and blue sky, Dalmatia, Croatia.
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 Split, 1 night in Gospić, and 1 night in Zadar, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Split, Gospić, and Zadar. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Split, 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 Diocletian's Palace and Marjan.

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 Sea organ to the breathtaking Church of St. Donatus and Market Zadar, 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 Krka National Park and learn more about the unique Skradinski buk to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Split, Gospić, and Zadar, 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

Split city beaches aerial view, Croatia.Split / 2 nights
City of Zadar aerial panoramic view.Zadar / 1 night
Lika-Senj County - region in CroatiaLika-Senj / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Diocletian's Palace
Photo of Zadar sea organs. Tourist attraction musical instrument powered by the underwater sea stream. Dalmatia region of Croatia.Sea organ
Krka National Park, Grad Drniš, Šibenik-Knin County, CroatiaKrka National Park
Photo of Split waterfront and Marjan hill aerial view, Dalmatia, Croatia.Forest Park Marjan
Photo of beautiful Skradinski Buk Waterfall In Krka National Park, Dalmatia Croatia.Skradinski buk
Photo of St.Donatus church in Roman Forum in Zadar, Croatia.Church of St Donatus
Market Zadar, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaMarket Zadar
People's Square, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaPeople's Square
Roman Forum, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaRoman Forum
Maslenica bridge, Zadar County, CroatiaMaslenica Bridge
Roski waterfall, Grad Drniš, Šibenik-Knin County, CroatiaRoski waterfall
Pariževačka glavica
Photo of aerial view of famous Kašjuni beach from Marjan Hill, Split, Croatia.Kašjuni Beach
Photo of the Golden gate of Split old town, Croatia.Golden Gate
West Bank
Diocletian's Cellars, Split, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia County, CroatiaDiocletian's Cellars
Old Town Hall

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 – Split - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Split - arrival day

  • Split - Arrival day
  • More
  • Forest Park Marjan
  • More

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

Split has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Marjan. This attraction is a mountain and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,428 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 Split, Villa Spiza. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,322 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Split is Šug Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,279 customers.

Locals recommend Fig Split as one of the best restaurants in the city of Split. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,263 customers.

Split also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Split is Perivoj restoran i kavana. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,279 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Split is The Daltonist Craft Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

Locals also enjoy Tennis Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,185 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 2 – Split and Lika-Senj County

Day 2

Day 2 – Split and Lika-Senj County

  • Split
  • Lika-Senj
  • More

Drive 235 km, 2 hours 47 min

  • Old Town Hall
  • Diocletian's Cellars
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Golden Gate
  • Kašjuni Beach
  • 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 Split. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Lika-Senj County. You’ll stay in Lika-Senj County for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Split’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Split, start your day with a visit to the amazing Old Town Hall. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 570 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Diocletian's Cellars. This top-tier point of interest and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 892 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Diocletian's Palace to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Diocletian's Palace is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,911 visitors.

The lovely Golden Gate is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 1,783 visitors have left this memorial gates and arches average ratings of 4.7 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 Kašjuni Beach. This attraction is a beach rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,777 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Split has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Lika-Senj County. Lika-Senj County 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 Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,954 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Lika-Senj County, the fantastic The Highlanders pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 928 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Bistro @ izletište Travel. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 175 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Zadar

Day 3

Day 3 – Zadar

  • Zadar
  • More

Drive 105 km, 1 hour 37 min

  • Market Zadar
  • Sea organ
  • Roman Forum
  • Church of St Donatus
  • People's Square
  • More

Day 3 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 Zadar and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Zadar. You will stay in Zadar for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Zadar is the amazing Market Zadar. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,601 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible tide organ, Sea organ. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 56,635 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zadar is the outstanding Roman Forum. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,627 visitors.

The spectacular Church of St. Donatus is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating church building and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,633 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Narodni trg. This attraction is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,549 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Zadar 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 Zadar, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran 4 Kantuna, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,300 customers.

Locals also recommend Konoba Rafaelo as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. Konoba Rafaelo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar is Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

After dinner, visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BackStage Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Alternatively, Harbor CookHouse & Club is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 4 – Zadar, Šibenik, and Split

Day 4

Day 4 – Zadar, Šibenik, and Split

  • Split
  • More

Drive 257 km, 4 hours 18 min

  • Maslenica Bridge
  • Pariževačka glavica
  • Roski waterfall
  • Krka National Park
  • Skradinski buk
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Zadar and embark on a scenic drive to Split, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Zadar 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 Zadar. This attraction is a deck arch bridge that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,517 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Pariževačka glavica. This attraction, a beloved landmark, has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 2,644 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Roski waterfall. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,525 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Krka National Park. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 58,359 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Skradinski buk. This waterfall and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,042 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 892 customers.

Locals also recommend Chops Grill - Steak & Seafood, another of the best restaurants in Split. Chops Grill - Steak & Seafood is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,663 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Dvor. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,763 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Makarun Split to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Split, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 532 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Bokeria Kitchen & Wine has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,989 customers.

Fabrique Pub is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,169 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!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Split - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Split - departure day

  • Split - Departure day
  • More
  • West Bank
  • More

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

West Bank is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Split. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,337 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Split at Nevera Tavern before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,143 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Duje for your last chance at a meal in the city of Split. The Duje restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,027 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try To Je Tako Mexican Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,011 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Split. 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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