7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina With Itinerary from Zagreb to Banja Luka, Pécs, and Budapest
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Get ready for an exhilarating 7-day European road trip. This trip will take you through Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina and immerse you in the diverse tapestry of European culture.
With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 3 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. You'll stay 2 nights in Croatia, 3 nights in Hungary, and 1 night in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
In the first leg of your journey, you'll find yourself in the heart of Croatia, a land filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. You’ll collect your chosen rental car in the city of Zagreb and begin your adventure from there. Explore Zagreb, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.
Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Hungary. Immerse yourself in the allure of Pécs and Budapest, where every street tells a story.
Continuing your journey, you'll step into the captivating realm of Bosnia & Herzegovina. This country's charm is boundless, and you'll be impressed by the wonders of Banja Luka.
From must-see attractions to breathtaking viewpoints, this meticulously crafted itinerary promises you a glimpse into the unique features of this region in Europe.
Throughout your tour, you’ll stay at some of the best accommodations along your route. Our recommendations always include options with varying levels of comfort, ranging from 3 to 5-star hotels that cater to various preferences and budgets.
Your ultimate multi-country road trip across Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina will not be complete without indulging in some retail therapy! Embark on a quest for a rare souvenir in each destination. Beyond the thrill of buying unique goods, it’s also an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in local customs and interact with friendly locals at every stop.
By booking this holiday package, you can save yourself from the tedious task of researching and planning your road trip in Europe. We'll handle all the travel arrangements for your 7-day self-drive adventure in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. With our expertise, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and focus on immersing yourself in incredible destinations without the stress of organizing every detail. This holiday deal also comes with 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide accessible via our mobile app to assist you throughout your journey.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks in multiple European countries on one epic road trip! Travel across borders and experience the freedom of the open road as you create lifelong memories in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Zagreb - Arrival day
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Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Zagreb in Croatia. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Zagreb for 1 night.
Catch an early flight to Croatia to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Zagreb before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.
Find your way to your hotel in Zagreb. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Zagreb boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Croatia.
Make sure to reserve a table at Zinfandel's Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Zagreb. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, a popular restaurant in Zagreb. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Rougemarin City, a hidden gem nestled in Zagreb. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Tesla New Generation after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Caffe Bar Destino, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Booze And Blues also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Your multi-country road trip in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.
Day 2
- Zagreb
- Banja Luka
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Drive 207 km, 2 hours 59 min
- Park Maksimir
- Zagreb Zoo
- Bundek City Park
- More
On day 2 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Zagreb in Croatia. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Banja Luka, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Zagreb today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Park Maksimir. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,618 visitors.
Next, discover the charms of the popular Zagreb Zoo. This incredible attraction and zoo holds an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to 24,493 visitors.
According to travelers in Zagreb, the extraordinary Bundek is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,435 visitors.
Upon your arrival in Banja Luka, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.
After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Banja Luka of your choice.
If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Banja Luka. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.
Make sure to reserve a table at Mac Tire, an iconic dining spot in Banja Luka. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Kod Muje, a popular restaurant in Banja Luka. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Tihe noћi, a hidden gem nestled in Banja Luka. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Snek after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Peckham Pub, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Bikerbar Košnica also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina! Enjoy your evening in Banja Luka to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.
Day 3
- Banja Luka
- Pécs
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Drive 299 km, 4 hours 2 min
- Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral
- Kastel Fortress
- City Beach - Srpske Toplice (Sitari)
- Vrućica Srpske toplice
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Banja Luka in Bosnia & Herzegovina. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Pécs where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.
A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Banja Luka is the fantastic Christ The Savior Orthodox Cathedral. As an appreciated church and local gem in the area, Christ The Savior Orthodox Cathedral has earned an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 1,537 reviews.
Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Kastel Fortress. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,776 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!
Join countless others in discovering the allure of City Beach - Srpske Toplice, a standout beach and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 297 reviewers.
Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding Vrućica Srpske Toplice. This hot spring is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 468 visitor reviews.
After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Pécs. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.
As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Pécs. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.
Discover the culinary delights of Pécs by securing a reservation at Morzsa. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of contemporary and hungarian cuisine. Alternatively, Ciao Pizzéria és Ristorante beckons with its unique menu offerings.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Kijárat Bár, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Blöff provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Cooltour Café offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!
Day 4
- Pécs
- Budapest
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Drive 215 km, 3 hours 33 min
- Central Market Hall
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge
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On day 4 of your multi-country road trip across Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Budapest in Hungary. In the evening, you’ll end up in Budapest, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Budapest, 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 Pécs to Budapest may take around 2 hours 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Budapest, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
A tour of Budapest is not complete without a visit to the famous Central Market Hall. This incredible grocery or supermarket and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 93,380 travelers.
Make the most of your Budapest travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful St. Stephen's Basilica. This church and unique destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 58,329 travelers.
You can then move on to the incredible Széchenyi Chain Bridge for an experience worth remembering. This local monument and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 54,866 visitors.
After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Budapest. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.
As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Budapest boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Hungary.
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Budapest by reserving a table at Stand. Renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern and hungarian menu. For a different taste experience, head to essência, recognized for its delicious modern and portuguese dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Babel, a local favorite known for its delightful modern cuisine in Budapest. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.
Keep the evening going at Blue Fox The Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Szimpla Kert, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Bar Pharma, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Take in the ambiance of Budapest as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!
Day 5
- Budapest
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Drive 13 km, 55 min
- Heroes' Square
- Széchenyi thermal bath
- City Park
- Jewish Quarter (District VII)
- Andrássy Avenue
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Wake up and see what day 5 of your great European road trip in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina has in store for you! You will be staying in Budapest for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.
One of the most iconic places you can visit today in Budapest is Jewish Quarter (District VII). Allow yourself some time to leisurely explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.
One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Heroes' Square. This outstanding public square and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 74,978 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Heroes' Square is worth pages in your travel diary.
The fascinating Széchenyi Thermal Bath is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This spa and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 54,476 travelers.
This day is also your chance to see the amazing park, City Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 73,708 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Budapest’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Make sure to reserve a table at Menza Étterem és Kávéház, an iconic dining spot in Budapest. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Nagy Fa-Tál étterem, a popular restaurant in Budapest. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Eazy, a hidden gem nestled in Budapest. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Kisüzem, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Macskakő Coffee Inn offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Budapest. Dzzs Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Celebrate day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 6
- Budapest
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 353 km, 4 hours 23 min
- Buda Castle
- Castle District
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Szimpla
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Budapest in Hungary. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zagreb, your home for 1 night.
Something that makes Budapest the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding castle, Buda Castle. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 51,168 visitors.
The famous Buda Castle is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Budapest's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 107,245 travelers have rated this incredible castle and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in reviews.
Budapest is also home to the extraordinary Fisherman's Bastion, which boasts a 4.8 out of 5 star rating in 90,406 traveler reviews.
Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Szimpla. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 60,232 reviews, a visit to this wonderful ruin pub and tourist destination is truly a great idea.
Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Zagreb. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Zagreb’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Zagreb by booking a table at Tač, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional traditional menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Noel, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Beštija, a local gem known for its delightful contemporary cuisine in Zagreb. Nestled in the city's heart, this Bib Gourmand-awardee is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.
Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Krolo, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Kavana Corso offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Valhalla Beer Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.
As the night falls in Zagreb, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.
Day 7
- Zagreb - Departure day
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- Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
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On day 7 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Zagreb before it’s time to leave.
Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Take a break with a cup of coffee or tea while savoring the local vibe in a coffee shop.
One place travelers keep coming back to in Zagreb is the magnificent Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. Around 20,166 visitors have rated this excellent monument and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Get a last taste of Croatia’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Zagreb and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tagliata, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
The time has come to say farewell to Zagreb for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 7-day European road trip in Croatia, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina with fond memories. Safe travels!
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