5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zadar to Zagreb and Šibenik

Aerial panorama of the cityscape and waterfront of Zadar, 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 Zadar, 1 night in Zagreb, and 1 night in Šibenik, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Zadar, Zagreb, Šibenik, and Split. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Zadar, 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 Sea organ and Park Maksimir.

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 Ban Josip Jelačić Statue to the breathtaking Bundek and Krka National Park, 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 Zadar, Zagreb, Šibenik, and Split, 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

City of Zadar aerial panoramic view.Zadar / 2 nights
Split city beaches aerial view, Croatia.Split
Zagreb - city in CroatiaZagreb / 1 night
Grad Šibenik - town in CroatiaŠibenik-Knin County / 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 Sign of Zagreb zoo park, Croatia.Zagreb Zoo
Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
Maksimir Park, Maksimir, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaPark Maksimir
Photo of Bundek lake and city of Zagreb aerial autumn view, capital of Croatia.Bundek
Photo of Split waterfront and Marjan hill aerial view, Dalmatia, Croatia.Forest Park Marjan
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
The Land Gate, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaThe Land Gate
Kolovare Beach
The Greeting to the SunMonument to the Sun
Roman Forum, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaRoman Forum
Roski waterfall, Grad Drniš, Šibenik-Knin County, CroatiaRoski waterfall

Travel details

Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

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 - Zadar - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 - Zadar - arrival day

  • Zadar - Arrival Day
  • More
  • Market Zadar
  • More

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

Zadar has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Market Zadar. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,413 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 Zadar, Restoran 4 Kantuna. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,300 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar is Konoba Rafaelo. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

Locals recommend Pet Bunara Dine & Wine as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

Zadar also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zadar is Deja Brew Pub Zadar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zadar is BackStage Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Locals also enjoy Harbor CookHouse & Club. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 2 - Zadar and Zagreb

Day 2

Day 2 - Zadar and Zagreb

  • Zadar
  • Zagreb
  • More

Drive 307 km, 3 hours 31 min

  • Monument to the Sun
  • Sea organ
  • Roman Forum
  • Church of St Donatus
  • The Land Gate
  • 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 Zadar. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zadar’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zadar, start your day with a visit to the amazing Monument to the Sun. This much-appreciated monument and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,750 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Sea organ. This tide organ and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55,793 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Roman Forum to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Roman Forum is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,478 visitors.

The lovely Church of St. Donatus is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 8,543 visitors have left this church building 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 The Land Gate. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,939 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zadar has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Zagreb. Zagreb 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 HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,369 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zagreb, the fantastic Vintage Industrial Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Mr. Fogg. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 3 - Zagreb and Šibenik

Day 3

Day 3 - Zagreb and Šibenik

  • Zagreb
  • Šibenik-Knin County
  • More

Drive 350 km, 3 hours 41 min

  • Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
  • Zagreb Zoo
  • Park Maksimir
  • Bundek
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Šibenik for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Zagreb is the amazing Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,038 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park Maksimir. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,435 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Bundek. This popular lake and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,007 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 Šibenik, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran Pjat, one of the best restaurants in the city of Šibenik. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 597 customers.

Locals also recommend Argola Sibenik Restaurant - Pizzeria as one of the best restaurants in the city of Šibenik. Argola Sibenik Restaurant - Pizzeria is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,128 customers.

After dinner, visit Azimut, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Šibenik. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Vintage Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 534 customers.

Alternatively, Bronzin is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Šibenik. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 4 - Šibenik, Split, and Zadar

Day 4

Day 4 - Šibenik, Split, and Zadar

  • Split
  • Zadar
  • More

Drive 319 km, 4 hours 38 min

  • Krka National Park
  • Roski waterfall
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Forest Park Marjan
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Šibenik and embark on a scenic drive to Zadar, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Šibenik and Šibenik-Knin County 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 Šibenik. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Šibenik Cathedral. This attraction is a cathedral that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,282 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible St. Nicholas’ Fortress. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,824 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Šibenik is the stunning St. John's Fort. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 662 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Krka National Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 57,687 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Roski waterfall. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,445 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Šibenik-Knin County, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Zadar. When you arrive in Zadar you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 762 customers.

Locals also recommend Restoran Bruschetta, another of the best restaurants in Zadar. Restoran Bruschetta is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Harbor CookHouse & Club. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Beach Bar Bamboo to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zadar, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like La Famiglia. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. La Famiglia has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

The Garden Lounge is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 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 - Zadar - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 - Zadar - departure day

  • Zadar - Departure Day
  • More
  • Kolovare Beach
  • More

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

Kolovare Beach is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zadar. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,077 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zadar at La Famiglia before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant 2Ribara for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zadar. The Restaurant 2Ribara restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,703 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zadar. 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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