7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar traveling east to Zagreb and Šibenik
Description
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Description
Explore the best of Croatia on a 7-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Zadar, Zagreb, Bogatić, Šibenik, Grad Benkovac, Općina Jasenice, and Općina Ražanac. This road trip itinerary in Croatia seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
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 Zadar, 2 nights in Zagreb, and 1 night in Šibenik. 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 Zadar, 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. Sea Organ and Krka National Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Zadar, Zagreb, Bogatić, Šibenik, Grad Benkovac, Općina Jasenice, and Općina Ražanac, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Zadar - arrival day
- Zadar - Arrival day
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- Kolovare Beach
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Welcome to Zadar, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Croatia! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Zadar's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Zadar 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 Kolovare Beach or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Zadar. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zadar. 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 Pizzeria Šime, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Harvatski restorant "Galiya" beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zadar tonight.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Yachting Bar & Club, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Caffe Bar Porthos provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Factory Bar 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!
Day 2 – Zadar
- Zadar
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Drive 4 km, 30 min
- Sea organ
- Roman Forum
- Church of St. Donatus
- People's Square
- Market Zadar
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Zadar for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Discover a day packed with a charming, a mesmerizing, an eye-catching, a grand, a noteworthy, a heritage-rich, and an inviting in Zadar. Begin your sightseeing with Sea Organ. This impressive art installation is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Roman Forum, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Zadar, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Church Of St. Donatus. This intriguing church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Narodni Trg, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Conclude your day at Market Zadar and uncover why it's recognized as one of the city's most beloved attractions.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Croatia is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zadar. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a top-rated dining spot in Zadar. If you're in the mood for something new, try Pet Bunara Dine & Wine, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant 2Ribara. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zadar.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Pirate Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Bizarre offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Backstage Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!
Day 3 – Zadar and Zagreb
- Zadar
- Zagreb
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Drive 301 km, 3 hours 17 min
- Bundek City Park
- Lotrščak Tower
- Museum of Broken Relationships
- Stone Gate
- Sea organ
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 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 Zagreb. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Set your GPS to Zagreb and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 53 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Zagreb beckons with new experiences!
Spend your afternoon discovering Bundek, a notable park known for its eye-catching features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Lotrščak Tower, an often recommended historical landmark that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Museum Of Broken Relationships and uncover the details of this instagrammable museum. Make sure to also explore Stone Gate, an intriguing historical landmark that offers a unique experience.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zagreb. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Zinfandel's Restaurant, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Rougemarin City is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Zagreb.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Tesla New Generation is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caffe Bar Destino, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Booze And Blues. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!
Day 4 – Zagreb
- Zagreb
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Drive 12 km, 39 min
- Park Maksimir
- Zagreb Zoo
- Cathedral of Zagreb
- Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
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Day 4 of your road trip across Croatia promises a magnificent time exploring Zagreb. You have 1 night left in Zagreb. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Zagreb, featuring a romantic, a majestic, a breathtaking, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a monumental, a grand, and a detailed. Start at Park Maksimir, an interesting park in the city. Then, head to Zagreb Zoo and soak in the ambiance of this visually striking zoo.
There are many interesting places to see in Zagreb and when you are ready for more, go to Zagreb Cathedral. This is one of the city’s most captivating spots. After exploring the church, visit the interesting Ban Josip Jelačić Statue.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. 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 explore more of Zagreb, 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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restoran Taurus, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pizzeria Park offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Roots - juice & cocktail bar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zagreb.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Krolo, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Kavana Corso provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Valhalla Beer Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!
Day 5 – Zagreb, Bogatić, and Šibenik
- Zagreb
- Bogatić
- Šibenik
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Drive 385 km, 4 hours 43 min
- Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
- Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
- Roski waterfall
- Krka National Park
- Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Zagreb and Bogatić. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Šibenik, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Zagreb, including a performing arts theater and a botanical garden. Start your adventure at Croatian National Theatre In Zagreb. This underrated performing arts theater is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb located in Zagreb for an enchanting atmosphere.
Set your GPS to Bogatić and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bogatić beckons with new experiences!
Head to Roski Waterfall, an underrated waterfall in Bogatić. Explore its awe-inspiring features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
Begin your journey at Krka National Park and explore the eye-catching features.
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 Šibenik. Šibenik 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 explore more of Šibenik, 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.
Set out on a gastronomic journey in Šibenik by reserving a table at Pelegrini. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. Looking for something different? Fry Guy offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Šibenik.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Caffe Palma, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Mystic is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Azimut also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Say good night to Šibenik and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!
Day 6 – Šibenik, Grad Benkovac, Parići, Rupine, Općina Jasenice, and Općina Ražanac
- Šibenik
- Grad Benkovac
- Zadar
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Drive 210 km, 3 hours 49 min
- Vidikovac, Kamenjak
- Paklenica National Park
- Pariževačka glavica
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On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 5 destinations, Grad Benkovac, Parići, Rupine, Općina Jasenice, and Općina Ražanac. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zadar, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Šibenik, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Grad Benkovac. This drive usually takes around 39 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Vidikovac, Kamenjak is a worthwhile observation deck we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Grad Benkovac, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Parići may take around 1 hour 18 min. Upon your arrival in Parići, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Make your way to Paklenica National Park, a worthwhile national park that draws attention for its instagrammable features.
Rupine’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Parići behind. This drive usually takes around 45 min. Rupine welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Pariževačka Glavica, an intriguing cliff that draws visitors from near and far.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Zadar, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zadar. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Roko, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Harbor CookHouse & Club? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restoran Urnebes as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Zadar.
Round off your dining experience by visiting The Garden Lounge, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Down Town, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Beach Bar Bamboo likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!
Day 7 – Zadar - departure day
- Zadar - Departure day
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- Queen Jelena Madijevka Park
- Sea organ
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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 Zadar before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Make the most of your final day in Croatia by visiting Zadar’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Croatia.
Zadar is home to plenty of attractions that offer a charming, a majestic, a mesmerizing, and an eye-catching! Start at Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, an underrated park that is worthwhile a visit in the city.
Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zadar.
You’ll then say farewell to Zadar. 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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