7-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka traveling east to Senj, Zadar, Grad Benkovac, and Zagreb

Welcome to Rijeka, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Croatia! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Rijeka's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Rijeka is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out City Clock Tower or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Rijeka. 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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Rijeka. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a memorable dining experience in Rijeka by booking a table at Nebo by Deni Srdoč, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern and creative menu. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Seafood restaurant Feral, 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 Conca d'oro, a hidden gem nestled in Rijeka. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Charlie Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Wine bar "kod Zajca" provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001 offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Rijeka. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Senj. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you're ready to see some sights, Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast is a great place to start. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,049 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Petar Kružić Stairway. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 806 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Church of Mary of God of Trsat. The church has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,505 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Trsat Castle. This castle is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,592 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Senj, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Senj's best restaurants.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria King, a top-rated dining spot in Senj. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bistro i Caffe bar "Kod tri mornara", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant Uskok. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Senj.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Pirassa Caffe Gelateria is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Cafe Bar Julijus, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Erna. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

On day 3 of your road trip in Croatia, 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 in Senj and Zadar. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make Nehaj Fortress your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this fortress an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,558 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Senj and set your GPS to Zadar. 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 2 hours 5 min. Upon reaching Zadar, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Drop by the renowned Market Zadar. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,657 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Sea organ. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 57,178 visitors, this tide organ deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Church of St. Donatus. This church building has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,708 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Narodni trg. This sightseeing destination and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,636 local and international travelers.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zadar's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Don’t miss out on dining at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Хърватски ресторант "Галия", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Yachting Bar & Club after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Caffe bar Porthos, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Factory Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Split. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Grad Benkovac, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Zadar, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Split may take around 1 hour 43 min. Upon your arrival in Split, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Diocletian's Palace. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,537 visitors.

Next, make your way to Mestrovic Gallery. This top attraction is an art gallery with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,156 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Marjan. This mountain is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,490 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Kašjuni Beach. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,800 travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Grad Benkovac, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Grad Benkovac. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Karlovac County and Zagreb, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zagreb. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Karlovac County and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 19 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Karlovac County beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Advent Karlovac. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 446 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Zagreb, 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 Karlovac County to Zagreb may take around 50 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Zagreb, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Stone Gate. This city gate is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,640 visitors.

When you’re finished at Stone Gate, head to Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,840 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,419 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Zagreb, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zagreb. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Roots - juice & cocktail bar boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Cheese Bar. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Zagreb.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Booze and Blues, known for its lively atmosphere. Krolo is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Valhalla beer bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Say good night to Zagreb and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Zagreb. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Rijeka, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,026 reviews.

Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,593 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Park Maksimir. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 19,379 reviews.

Zagreb Zoo is another outstanding experience in Zagreb. Around 24,176 travelers have rated this zoo an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you long for more, Bundek is not far away. This lake is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,257 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Rijeka. Rijeka offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you explore more of Rijeka, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Restoran Spagho, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Barbacoa is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Konoba Ribica. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Rijeka tonight.

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.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!

Day 7 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Rijeka before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Croatia, take time to indulge in shopping at Rijeka’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Croatia. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Croatia forever.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Venetian House. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 25 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Rijeka.

If you're eager to try something different, consider Konoba Ive, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Rijeka. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Croatia!