7-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka to Senj, Zadar, and Zagreb

Aerial panoramic view of Rijeka, Croatia city center, marina and harbor
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 3 nights in Rijeka, 1 night in Senj, 1 night in Zadar, and 1 night in Zagreb, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Rijeka, Pula, Senj, Zadar, and Zagreb. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Rijeka, 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 Zagreb Cathedral and Pula Arena, 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 Rijeka, Pula, Senj, Zadar, and Zagreb, 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!

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Included

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

Destinations

Grad Rijeka - city in CroatiaPrimorje-Gorski Kotar County / 3 nights
Zagreb - city in CroatiaZagreb / 1 night
Aerial drone photo of famous european city of Pula and arena of roman time. Location Istria county, Croatia, Europe.Pula
City of Zadar aerial panoramic view.Zadar / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of town of Senj and Nehaj fortress , Adriatic sea, Primorje region of Croatia.Senj / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Općina Plitvička Jezera, Lika-Senj County, CroatiaPlitvice Lakes National Park
Photo of summer scenic view of ancient ruins Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, Istria croatian region.Pula Arena
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 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
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Mimara, Gradska četvrt Donji grad, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaCroatian National Theatre in Zagreb
People's Square, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaPeople's Square
Museum of Broken RelationshipsMuseum of Broken Relationships
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 Zagreb stone gate, one of the most famous symbols of the city, Croatia.Stone Gate
Forum Square, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaForum Square
Fazana CROATIA, Općina Fažana, Istria County, CroatiaFazana CROATIA
Roman Forum, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaRoman Forum
Crkva Majke Božje Trsatske, Mjesni odbor Grad Trsat, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaChurch of Mary of God of Trsat
City Clock Tower, Mjesni odbor Luka, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaCity Clock Tower
Stube Petra Kružića, Mjesni odbor Centar-Sušak, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaPetar Kružić Stairway
Kružna ulica

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 - Rijeka - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 - Rijeka - arrival day

  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County - Arrival Day
  • More
  • City Clock Tower
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Rijeka has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible City Clock Tower. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,256 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 Rijeka, Konoba Tarsa. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Barbacoa. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Locals recommend Konoba Fiume as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

Rijeka also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is Pajol bar Pecine. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 644 customers.

Locals also enjoy Bar Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 2 - Rijeka

Day 2

Day 2 - Rijeka

  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
  • More

Drive 3 km, 51 min

  • Petar Kružić Stairway
  • Church of Mary of God of Trsat
  • Trsat Castle
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rijeka has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Rijeka 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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka, like the extraordinary Petar Kružić Stairway. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 743 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Rijeka is the spectacular Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,415 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Trsat Castle. This castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,964 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Rijeka.

Your discovery of Rijeka does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Rijeka 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 Boonker, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Rijeka is the popular Bistro Mornar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Rijeka is King’s Caffe food pub. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, River is one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

Pet Jedan Tapas Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Rijeka is Pub "Bačva". Pub "Bačva" has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 3 - Istria County, Pula, and Senj

Day 3

Day 3 - Istria County, Pula, and Senj

  • Pula
  • Senj
  • More

Drive 278 km, 4 hours

  • Fazana CROATIA
  • Temple of Augustus
  • Forum Square
  • Pula Arena
  • More

You’ll stay in Senj for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Fasana. This excellent attraction is a shopping mall that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,504 visitors.

Around 9,656 travelers rated this attraction with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Forum Square. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,697 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Pula Arena. This roman amphitheatre and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 57,714 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Croatia, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Croatia. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Temple of Augustus for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Pula. This popular attraction is an archaeological site and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,656 visitors.

This outstanding best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,697 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Pula Arena in the town of Pula. This attraction, a stunning roman amphitheatre, has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 57,714 visitors.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Senj, Tavern Kod Veska. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 822 customers.

Locals recommend Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana as one of the best restaurants in the city of Senj. Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Senj is Pizzeria King. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 841 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Senj, Pirassa Caffe Gelateria. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 120 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Restoran "Krešimir". This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 146 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 4 - Lika-Senj County and Zadar

Day 4

Day 4 - Lika-Senj County and Zadar

  • Zadar
  • More

Drive 219 km, 4 hours 3 min

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Sea organ
  • Roman Forum
  • People's Square
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Senj 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 Senj 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 Senj. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 102,285 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Sea organ. This attraction is a tide organ that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55,793 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Roman Forum. This top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,478 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Narodni trg. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,370 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.

Locals also recommend Konoba Rafaelo, another of the best restaurants in Zadar. Konoba Rafaelo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zadar, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BackStage Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. BackStage Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Harbor CookHouse & Club is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 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 - Zagreb

Day 5

Day 5 - Zagreb

  • Zagreb
  • More

Drive 307 km, 3 hours 28 min

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

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 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 Park Maksimir. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,435 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,260 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ban Josip Jelačić Statue to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Ban Josip Jelačić Statue is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,038 visitors.

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 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 6 - Zagreb and Rijeka

Day 6

Day 6 - Zagreb and Rijeka

  • Zagreb
  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
  • More

Drive 164 km, 2 hours 27 min

  • Stone Gate
  • Museum of Broken Relationships
  • Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
  • Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
  • Bundek
  • More

Day 6 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Rijeka 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 Stone Gate. This attraction is a city gate that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,469 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible museum, Museum of Broken Relationships. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,559 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,419 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 15,007 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 Rijeka, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Submarine Burger Rijeka, one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,653 customers.

Locals also recommend Maslina as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. Maslina is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,219 customers.

After dinner, visit Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 753 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Public pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 521 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 7 - Rijeka - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 - Rijeka - departure day

  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County - Departure Day
  • More
  • Kružna ulica
  • More

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

Kružna ulica is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Rijeka. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars by 2 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Rijeka at Conca d'oro before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,238 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restoran Spagho for your last chance at a meal in the city of Rijeka. The Restoran Spagho restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,199 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Seafood restaurant Feral. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Rijeka. 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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