7-Day Croatia Road Trip from Pula traveling east to Zagreb and Rijeka

Photo of  city of Pula, ancient Roman arena, historic amphitheater and harbor with ships from drone, aerial view.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

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

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-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 4 nights in Pula, 1 night in Zagreb, and 1 night in Rijeka, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Pula, Zagreb, and Rijeka. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Pula, 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 Pula Arena 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 Zagreb Cathedral and Bundek, 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 Pula, Zagreb, and Rijeka, 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 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 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!

Read more

Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Aerial drone photo of famous european city of Pula and arena of roman time. Location Istria county, Croatia, Europe.Pula / 4 nights
Grad Rijeka - city in CroatiaPrimorje-Gorski Kotar County / 1 night
Zagreb - city in CroatiaZagreb / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Photo of summer scenic view of ancient ruins Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, Istria croatian region.Pula Arena
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 cathedral and Blessed Virgin Mary monument in Zagreb. Croatia.Zagreb Cathedral
Photo of Bundek lake and city of Zagreb aerial autumn view, capital of Croatia.Bundek
Photo of aerial view of Trsat fortress in Rijeka, Croatia.Trsat Castle
Photo of the ancient Temple of Augustus, Pula, Croatia.Temple of Augustus
Photo of Aquarium Pula, Grad Pula, Istria County, Croatia.Aquarium Pula
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
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, MO "Antun Mihanović", Gradska četvrt Trešnjevka - sjever, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaTechnical Museum
Forum Square, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaForum Square
Photo of Zagreb stone gate, one of the most famous symbols of the city, Croatia.Stone Gate
Fortress Kaštel, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaFortress Kaštel / Castello
Photo of Park Ribnjak green forest in Zagreb, Croatia.Ribnjak Park
Crkva Majke Božje Trsatske, Mjesni odbor Grad Trsat, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaChurch of Mary of God of Trsat
Historical and Maritime Museum of IstriaHistorical and Maritime Museum of Istria
Photo of Sea canyon with high sheer cliffs descending to turquoise water, place for jump in Verudela Canyon at Verudela Peninsula, south from Pula, Croatia.Verudela Canyon
City Clock Tower, Mjesni odbor Luka, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaCity Clock Tower
Pathway in Šijana woods, Croatia.Šijana/Siana Forest
Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast, Rijeka, Mjesni odbor Brajda-Dolac, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaMaritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
Stube Petra Kružića, Mjesni odbor Centar-Sušak, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaPetar Kružić Stairway
Photo of Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with clock tower in Pula city in Croatia.Pula Cathedral
Galebijana Cave, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaGalebijana Cave

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 – Pula - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Pula - arrival day

  • Pula - Arrival day
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Pula. You’ll stay in Pula for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Pula has many popular destinations you can explore.

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 Pula, Veritas Food&Wine. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pula is Pizzeria Jupiter. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,601 customers.

Pula also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Pula is Rock Bar Mimoza. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 613 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Pula is The Shipyard Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Locals also enjoy Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Croatia!

Read more

Experiences

Day 2 – Pula

Day 2

Day 2 – Pula

  • Pula
  • More

Drive 10 km, 23 min

  • Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria
  • Fortress Kaštel / Castello
  • Pula Cathedral
  • Pula Arena
  • Šijana/Siana Forest
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Pula has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Pula by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Pula. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Pula, like the extraordinary Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria. This attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,775 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Pula is the spectacular Pula Citadel. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,536 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Pula Cathedral. This cathedral has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 751 visitors.

Pula Arena is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This roman amphitheatre is a popular destination among visitors in Pula. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 58,562 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Šijana/Siana Forest. Šijana/Siana Forest is a park and popular attraction in Pula. More than 1,182 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Pula does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Pula on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Konoba Boccaporta, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,823 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Hook & Cook Pula is one of the best bars in the city of Pula for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

Old City Bar Pula is another of the most popular bars in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,368 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Pula is Cabahia. Cabahia has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 664 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Pula!

Read more

Experiences

Day 3 – Pula

Day 3

Day 3 – Pula

  • Pula
  • More

Drive 22 km, 54 min

  • Aquarium Pula
  • Verudela Canyon
  • Forum Square
  • Temple of Augustus
  • Galebijana Cave
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip across Croatia is another day in the magnificent Pula. You now have 2 nights left in Pula. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Pula offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Pula is the stunning Verudela Canyon. This has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,620 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Forum Square in the city of Pula. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,726 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Pula is the incredible Temple of Augustus. This attraction is an archaeological site and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,904 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Galebijana Cave. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 701 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Pula you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Pula has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula, Grill bar Campo. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,879 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Pula that locals enjoy, eat at Bistro Alighieri. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,688 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Pula, Beach Bar LaPlaya. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 539 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Pula, we recommend the cocktails at Bass bar Pula. This bar has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 349 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Pula!

Read more

Experiences

Day 4 – Zagreb

Day 4

Day 4 – Zagreb

  • Zagreb
  • More

Drive 276 km, 3 hours 25 min

  • Bundek
  • Zagreb Zoo
  • Park Maksimir
  • Zagreb Cathedral
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Zagreb 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 Bundek. This attraction is a lake that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,180 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park Maksimir. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,174 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Zagreb Cathedral. This popular catholic cathedral and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,381 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 Zagreb, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

After dinner, visit Vintage Industrial Bar, 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 4,500 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Alternatively, Mr. Fogg is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

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

Read more

Experiences

Day 5 – Zagreb and Rijeka

Day 5

Day 5 – Zagreb and Rijeka

  • Zagreb
  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
  • More

Drive 165 km, 2 hours 12 min

  • Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
  • Ribnjak Park
  • Stone Gate
  • Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
  • Technical Museum
  • More

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zagreb’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zagreb, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This much-appreciated best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Ribnjak Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,263 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Stone Gate to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Stone Gate is a city gate that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.

The lovely Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,528 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.6 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 Technical Museum. This attraction is a museum rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,180 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zagreb has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Rijeka. Rijeka 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 Konoba Tarsa. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,076 reviews.

The remarkable Barbacoa is another top restaurant in Rijeka we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Konoba Fiume is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Rijeka, the fantastic The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Read more

Experiences

Day 6 – Rijeka and Pula

Day 6

Day 6 – Rijeka and Pula

  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
  • Pula
  • More

Drive 117 km, 1 hour 48 min

  • City Clock Tower
  • Trsat Castle
  • Church of Mary of God of Trsat
  • Petar Kružić Stairway
  • Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
  • More

Day 6 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 Rijeka and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Pula. You will stay in Pula for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Rijeka is the amazing City Clock Tower. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,339 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible castle, Trsat Castle. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,516 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Rijeka is the outstanding Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This popular church and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,485 visitors.

The spectacular Petar Kružić Stairway is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 799 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. This attraction is a popular museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,043 visitors.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Kažun Tavern, one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,186 customers.

After dinner, visit Caffe bar "Dvojka", which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 228 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Ulysses. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 495 customers.

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

Read more

Experiences

Day 7 – Pula - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Pula - departure day

  • Pula - Departure day
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Pula 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.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Pula. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!

Read more

Experiences

Similar travel packages

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.