7-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka to Pula, Karlovac County, and Zagreb

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Experience the freedom of the open road in Croatia as you embark on an unforgettable 7-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Rijeka, Rošini, Gedići, Rovinj, Fažana, Pula, Karlovac County, and Zagreb.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Croatia takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Rijeka, 1 night in Pula, 1 night in Karlovac County, and 1 night in Zagreb. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Croatia. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.

Upon arriving in Rijeka, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Croatia on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Croatia. Pula Arena and Zagreb Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Rijeka, Rošini, Gedići, Rovinj, Fažana, Pula, Karlovac County, and Zagreb, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.

Throughout your road trip in Croatia, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Croatia.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Croatia today!

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Day 1

Day 1 – Rijeka - arrival day

  • Rijeka - Arrival day
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  • City Clock Tower
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Say hello to Rijeka! Your exciting road trip through Croatia is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Rijeka for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

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.

Savor the flavors at Antonio, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurant Capote y Ole. Beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Baćo. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Rijeka tonight.

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!

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Day 2

Day 2 – Rijeka

  • Rijeka
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Drive 16 km, 1 hour 26 min

  • Trsat Castle
  • Church of Mary of God of Trsat
  • Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
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On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Take the opportunity to see Trsat Castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,774 visitors.

Church Of Mary Of God Of Trsat is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This church has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,546 travelers.

Rijeka is also the home of Maritime And History Museum Of The Croatian Coast. Around 1,063 people have rated this museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Islamic Center Of Rijeka. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 991 reviews, a visit to this mosque is a great idea.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. Croatia is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Rijeka by reserving a table at Nebo by Deni Srdoč. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern, and creative menu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Zelena Dolina, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Teatro Lounge Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Book Caffe Dnevni Boravak is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Pub "bačva" provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 3

Day 3 – Rijeka, Rošini, Gedići, Rovinj, Fažana, and Pula

  • Pula
  • Rošini
  • Gedići
  • Rovinj
  • Fažana
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Drive 199 km, 3 hours 15 min

  • MOTODROM POREC
  • Jama - Grotta Baredine
  • Church of Saint Euphemia
  • Park forest Zlatni Rt
  • Fazana CROATIA
  • More

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Rošini, Gedići, Rovinj, and Fažana, 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 Pula. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Rijeka, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Rošini. Your travel time is around 1 hour 21 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Motodrom Porec. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Rošini, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,819 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gedići. This car ride takes around 10 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Baredine Cave, a remarkable show cave where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,951 reviews.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Pula. 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Pizzeria Samantha, a top-rated dining destination in Pula. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Fresh Sandwiches and Salads, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bistro Romantic Alley. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Pula this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Beach Bar Laplaya offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Shipyard Pub is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Zeppelin - Beach & Lounge Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 4

Day 4 – Pula, and Karlovac County

  • Karlovac
  • Pula
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Drive 229 km, 3 hours 1 min

  • Pula Arena
  • Forum Square
  • Temple of Augustus
  • Aquarium Pula
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Pula. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Karlovac County, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Pula Arena, a remarkable roman amphitheatre where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 60,294 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Forum Square. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,873 travelers.

Temple Of Augustus is another must-visit attraction. This renowned archaeological site offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,264 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Aquarium Pula. This well-loved aquarium boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 10,309 reviews.

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

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

Make sure to book a table at Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac, a popular restaurant in Karlovac County. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Karlovac County at Ćevabdžinica Behar, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Konoba Črni kos. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Karlovac County tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Choco Caffe Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Kazališna Kavana for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, R Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Croatia.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Karlovac County, and Zagreb

  • Zagreb
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Drive 56 km, 1 hour 17 min

  • Ribnjak Park
  • Cathedral of Zagreb
  • Stone Gate
  • Lotrščak Tower
  • Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
  • More

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Zagreb. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zagreb, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Zagreb. This drive usually takes around 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Ribnjak Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,349 reviews.

Continue your journey at Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,501 travelers from near and far.

Zagreb is also the home of Stone Gate. This city gate has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,706 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Lotrščak Tower. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,584 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,166 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this sightseeing destination.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Rougemarin City? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restoran Taurus as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Zagreb.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Tesla New Generation. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Destino offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Booze And Blues, another top-rated bar in the area.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Croatia.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Zagreb, and Rijeka

  • Rijeka
  • Zagreb
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Drive 173 km, 2 hours 43 min

  • Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
  • Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
  • Park Maksimir
  • Zagreb Zoo
  • Bundek City Park
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Zagreb. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rijeka. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Kick off the day at Croatian National Theatre In Zagreb, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,049 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb. Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb is a park with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,694 reviews.

Park Maksimir is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,618 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Zagreb Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,493 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Bundek, a famous lake in Zagreb. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,435 travelers.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Rijeka. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restoran Morčić, a top-rated dining spot in Rijeka. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bowling Center Rijeka, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Seafood restaurant Feral. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Rijeka.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Pet Jedan Tapas Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, "metropolis" Caffe Bar & Night Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!

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Day 7

Day 7 – Rijeka - departure day

  • Rijeka - Departure day
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  • Petar Kružić Stairway
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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.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Petar Kružić Stairway. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 812 reviews.

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

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!

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