5-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar traveling north to Lika-Senj County and Lovinac
Description
Included
Description
Explore the best of Croatia on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Zadar, Lika-Senj County, Smiljan, Perušić, Korenica, Plitvica Selo, Lovinac, Grad Skradin, Bogatić, and Općina Bibinje. This road trip itinerary in Croatia seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Croatia takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Zadar, 1 night in Lika-Senj County, and 1 night in Lovinac. 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 got 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 Sea Organ are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Krka National Park, learn more about the unique Skradinski Buk, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Church Of St. Donatus.
As you hit the open road and drive through Zadar, Lika-Senj County, Smiljan, Perušić, Korenica, Plitvica Selo, Lovinac, Grad Skradin, Bogatić, and Općina Bibinje, 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, accommodation, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Zadar - Arrival day
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- Kolovare Beach
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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 1 night immersing yourself in Zadar's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Zadar is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Kolovare Beach or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Zadar. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
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.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated dining spot in Zadar. If you're in the mood for something new, try Harvatski restorant "Galiya", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zadar.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Yachting Bar & Club, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Caffe Bar Porthos is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Factory Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Croatia!
Day 2
- Zadar
- Lika-Senj
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Drive 114 km, 1 hour 43 min
- Market Zadar
- People's Square
- Church of St. Donatus
- Roman Forum
- Sea organ
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Zadar. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lika-Senj County, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Zadar allows for both. Start by heading to Market Zadar. This up-and-coming market provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Narodni Trg, a history-steeped public square, promising a delightful encounter.
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Church Of St. Donatus, an underrated church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the up-and-coming Roman Forum. Round off your day at Sea Organ, another gem in Zadar with detailed features to discover.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Lika-Senj County, 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 Lika-Senj County's best restaurants.
Enjoy a delicious meal at The Highlanders pub, a highly-rated dining destination in Lika-Senj County. If you're eager to try something different, consider Kavana Milinković, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Lika-Senj County this evening.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Caffe Bar Fortuna, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Caffe Bar Amadeus provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Caffe Bar Bevanda offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!
Day 3
- Lika-Senj
- Smiljan
- Perušić
- Korenica
- Lovinac
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Drive 164 km, 2 hours 58 min
- Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
- Grabovača
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Smiljan, Perušić, Korenica, and Plitvica Selo. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lovinac. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today's adventure in Smiljan promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences!
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Smiljan. This car ride takes around 8 min.
Take your self-guided tour to Nikola Tesla Memorial Center, a curiosity-inducing museum that everyone visiting Smiljan should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Set your GPS to Perušić and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Perušić beckons with new experiences!
Your self-guided tour starts at Grabovača, a beloved cave system that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Korenica, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Perušić to Korenica may take around 1 hour 4 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Korenica, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Head to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a world-famous national park in Korenica. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Lovinac. Lovinac offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
As you explore more of Lovinac, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.
Day 4
- Lovinac
- Skradin
- Bogatić
- Zadar
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Drive 245 km, 3 hours 49 min
- Skradinski buk
- Krka National Park
- Roski waterfall
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Grad Skradin, Bogatić, and Općina Bibinje. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zadar, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Set your GPS to Grad Skradin and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 23 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Grad Skradin beckons with new experiences!
Skradinski Buk is a locally appreciated waterfall we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.
Krka National Park is an astonishing national park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.
When you’ve had your share of Bogatić, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Općina Bibinje. Your travel time is around 1 hour.
Begin your journey at Roski Waterfall and explore the peaceful features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zadar. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zadar. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Pet Bunara Dine & Wine offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant 2Ribara is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Zadar.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Pirate Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Caffe Bar Bizarre, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Backstage Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Head back to your accommodation in Zadar and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Croatia!
Day 5
- Zadar - Departure day
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- Queen Jelena Madijevka Park
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Day 5 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Zadar before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
On your last day in Croatia, take time to indulge in shopping at Zadar’s popular marketplace, City Galleria. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Browse boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces.
Start by visiting Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, a prime spot to begin your journey. This romantic park is sure to impress.
Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zadar.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Harbor CookHouse & Club, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Zadar. 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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