6-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb traveling south to Karlovac County and Zadar

Croatian National Theater, Zagreb, Croatia
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

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

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 6-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 Zagreb, 1 night in Karlovac, and 2 nights 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 Zagreb, Karlovac, and Zadar. We'll help you experience the best 6 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 Sea organ and Church of St. Donatus, 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 Zagreb, Karlovac, 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 5 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 5 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, 5 nights
Rental car, 6 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Zagreb - city in CroatiaZagreb / 2 nights
City of Zadar aerial panoramic view.Zadar / 2 nights
Karlovac County - county in CroatiaKarlovac County / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Photo of Zadar sea organs. Tourist attraction musical instrument powered by the underwater sea stream. Dalmatia region of Croatia.Sea organ
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
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Mimara, Gradska četvrt Donji grad, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaCroatian National Theatre in Zagreb
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
Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Mimara, Gradska četvrt Donji grad, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaBotanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Photo of Aquatika Aquarium in Karlovac, Croatia.Aquatika
Roman Forum, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaRoman Forum
Photo of Park Ribnjak green forest in Zagreb, Croatia.Ribnjak Park
Nikola Tesla birth house memorial center in Smiljan, Lika, CroatiaNikola Tesla Memorial Center
Maslenica bridge, Zadar County, CroatiaMaslenica Bridge
Pariževačka glavica
Pećinski park GrabovačaGrabovača
Advent Karlovac, Karlovac, Grad Karlovac, Karlovac County, CroatiaAdvent Karlovac
Photo of Sokolac Castle, Old town of Brinje or Medieval noble town of Brinje ,Croatia.Sokolac Castle
Public institution "Velebit Nature Park", Grad Gospić, Lika-Senj County, CroatiaPublic institution "Velebit Nature Park"

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 – Zagreb - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Zagreb - arrival day

  • Zagreb - Arrival day
  • More
  • Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
  • More

Zagreb has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.

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.

Zagreb also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Vintage Industrial Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Locals also enjoy Mr. Fogg. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 6-day vacation in Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Zagreb and Karlovac County

Day 2

Day 2 – Zagreb and Karlovac County

  • Zagreb
  • Karlovac County
  • More

Drive 67 km, 1 hour 34 min

  • Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
  • Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
  • Park Maksimir
  • Zagreb Zoo
  • Bundek
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Karlovac County 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 Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,945 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,528 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Park Maksimir. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,174 visitors.

The spectacular Bundek is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating lake and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,180 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 Karlovac County, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran Mandić, one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,119 customers.

Locals also recommend Bistro Kastel as one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County. Bistro Kastel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County is Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,786 customers.

After dinner, visit Hollywood cafe, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Papa's Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Alternatively, GP is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,112 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 3 – Lika-Senj County and Zadar

Day 3

Day 3 – Lika-Senj County and Zadar

  • Zadar
  • More

Drive 286 km, 3 hours 31 min

  • Sokolac Castle
  • Grabovača
  • Public institution "Velebit Nature Park"
  • Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
  • More

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Lika-Senj County’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Lika-Senj County, start your day with a visit to the amazing Sokolac Castle. This much-appreciated castle and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 321 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Grabovača. This protected area and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,192 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Public institution "Velebit Nature Park" to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Public institution "Velebit Nature Park" is a park that has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 108 visitors.

The lovely Nikola Tesla Memorial Center is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 3,934 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Lika-Senj County has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Zadar. Zadar 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 Restoran 4 Kantuna. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,300 reviews.

The remarkable Konoba Rafaelo is another top restaurant in Zadar we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zadar, the fantastic Deja Brew Pub Zadar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful BackStage Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Harbor CookHouse & Club. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 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 4 – Zadar

Day 4

Day 4 – Zadar

  • Zadar
  • More

Drive 4 km, 30 min

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zadar, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Zadar.

Today you'll explore the city of Zadar. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Sea organ. This incredible attraction is a tide organ and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,635 visitors.

Roman Forum is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zadar. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,627 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zadar is Church of St. Donatus. This amazing attraction is a church building and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,633 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Narodni trg. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,549 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Market Zadar. This best-rated sightseeing destination is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,601 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 Zadar.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar, like Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.

Restoran Bruschetta is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Beach Bar Bamboo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like La Famiglia. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

The Garden Lounge is another of the best bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Zadar, Karlovac County, and Zagreb

Day 5

Day 5 – Zadar, Karlovac County, and Zagreb

  • Zagreb
  • More

Drive 315 km, 3 hours 51 min

  • Maslenica Bridge
  • Pariževačka glavica
  • Aquatika
  • Advent Karlovac
  • More

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Maslenica Bridge. This attraction is a deck arch bridge and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,517 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Pariževačka glavica. This landmark and travel destination has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,644 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Zadar is another excellent way to spend your new day in Croatia. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Croatia’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Croatia’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Croatia’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Advent Karlovac for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 445 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Zagreb.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Roots - juice & cocktail bar, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

Locals also recommend Restoran Vegehop as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. Restoran Vegehop is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 760 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb is Vinodol. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.

After dinner, visit Swanky Monkey Garden, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Dubravkin put. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Alternatively, Cheese Bar is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 6 – Zagreb - departure day

Day 6

Day 6 – Zagreb - departure day

  • Zagreb - Departure day
  • More
  • Ribnjak Park
  • More

Day 6 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.

Ribnjak Park 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 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,263 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 could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zagreb at Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Boban for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zagreb. The Boban restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,445 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Submarine Burger Frankopanska. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. 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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