Relaxed 7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Rijeka to Zagreb

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Croatia, you’ll go deep into Rijeka, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Rijeka, and meet locals along the way!

Whether you decide to explore Rijeka on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Trsat Castle is an ideal stop early in the day. This well-known castle is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Church Of Mary Of God Of Trsat, which may be one of the most romantic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Rijeka on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Maritime And History Museum Of The Croatian Coast, a worthwhile museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Islamic Center Of Rijeka.

Croatia makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Croatia also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Rijeka, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Discover the culinary delights of Rijeka by securing a reservation at Nebo by Deni Srdoč. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern and creative cuisine. Alternatively, Zelena Dolina beckons with its unique menu offerings.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Rijeka and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Teatro Lounge Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Book Caffe Dnevni Boravak provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pub "bačva" offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Rijeka can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Croatia!

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Rijeka and visit amazing attractions in Pula, just outside the city. You still have 1 night left in Rijeka, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Rijeka, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Pula. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 33 min.

Aquarium Pula is a well-known aquarium we recommend visiting today. Discover its photogenic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Temple Of Augustus, a heritage-rich monument that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Forum Square, a romantic public square. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Pula Arena, a culturally significant and truly unique archeological site.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rijeka.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Rijeka has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Make sure to reserve a table at Restoran Morčić, an iconic dining spot in Rijeka. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bowling Center Rijeka, a popular restaurant in Rijeka. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Seafood restaurant Feral, a hidden gem nestled in Rijeka. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Rijeka and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Pet Jedan Tapas Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out "metropolis" Caffe Bar & Night Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Croatia. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Croatia tomorrow with new energy.

Day 4 of your self-drive tour in Croatia offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll start your day in Zagreb and end it in Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 2 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Croatia.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rijeka and set your GPS to Zagreb. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 54 min. Upon reaching Zagreb, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb, an intriguing botanical garden known for its peaceful features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Croatian National Theatre In Zagreb, a locally appreciated performing arts theater.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Zagreb Cathedral and uncover the details of this culturally significant church. Make sure to also explore Ban Josip Jelačić Statue, a popular monument.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Zagreb. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Croatia.

Exploring the food culture in Zagreb offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Tač in Zagreb by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, Tač offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious traditional menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Noel, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Beštija, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional contemporary menu.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Croatia.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Tesla New Generation, known for its inviting atmosphere. Caffe Bar Destino is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Booze And Blues provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Croatia!

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through Croatia means 24 hours of making the best memories in Zagreb. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Zagreb. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Zagreb!

Park Maksimir leaves a lasting impression. This park is one of the most interesting places to visit in Zagreb. Next, head to Zagreb Zoo, a popular zoo, known for its picture-perfect features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Technical Museum. This historic museum is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Bundek Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Rijeka. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Rijeka that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Zagreb to find the best options for you!

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Croatia, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Zagreb.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restoran Taurus, a top-rated dining spot in Zagreb. If you're in the mood for something new, try Trilogija - Vino & Kuhinja, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Pizzeria Park. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zagreb.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Croatia.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Krolo is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Kavana Corso, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Valhalla Beer Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll start your day in Zagreb and drive in the direction of Rijeka for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in Rijeka, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Catch Stone Gate before the crowds roll in. This grand historical landmark is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the photogenic features of Museum Of Broken Relationships, a must-visit museum in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Lotrščak Tower, a locally appreciated historical landmark.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Croatia as you make your way to Rijeka. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Rijeka, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at ŠtoRija, a popular restaurant in Rijeka. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Rijeka at Conca d'oro, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Restoran Spagho. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Rijeka tonight.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Rijeka and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Public Pub, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Kancelarija Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, The Beertija Klub provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Croatia.