7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb to Plitvička Jezera, Zadar, and Split
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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 Zagreb, Korenica, Plitvica Selo, Plitvička Jezera, Zadar, Split, and Trogir.
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 Zagreb, 1 night in Plitvička Jezera, 1 night in Zadar, and 1 night in Split. 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 Zagreb, 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. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Diocletian's Palace are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Sea Organ, learn more about the unique Zagreb Zoo, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ban Josip Jelačić Statue.
As you hit the open road and drive through Zagreb, Korenica, Plitvica Selo, Plitvička Jezera, Zadar, Split, and Trogir, 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
- Zagreb - Arrival day
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- Lower Town (Donji Grad)
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Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Zagreb and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Zagreb 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 Lower Town (Donji Grad), a must-see neighborhood, and 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 Zagreb. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Zagreb, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Zinfandel's Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Rougemarin City. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zagreb.
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 a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Croatia!
Day 2
- Zagreb
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Drive 12 km, 49 min
- Park Maksimir
- Cathedral of Zagreb
- Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
- Museum of Broken Relationships
- St. Mark's Church
- Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
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On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.
Make sure to visit Upper Town (Gornji Grad), a popular neighborhood in Zagreb. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.
Get ready for an exciting day in Zagreb. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a park, a church, a monument, a museum and much more! Begin your adventure at Park Maksimir. This is an interesting park you should not miss. Another must-see is Zagreb Cathedral, a well-known church in Zagreb.
When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Museum Of Broken Relationships, another of the city’s intriguing attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at St. Mark's Church, a stunning place of interest in the city.
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 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.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Restoran Taurus, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Trilogija - Vino & Kuhinja is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Pizzeria Park. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zagreb tonight.
Keep the evening going at Krolo, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Kavana Corso, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Valhalla Beer Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!
Day 3
- Zagreb
- Plitvička Jezera
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Drive 161 km, 2 hours 50 min
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Great Waterfall
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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 2 vibrant destinations - Korenica and Plitvica Selo. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Plitvička Jezera. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Zagreb, including a national park and a waterfall. Start your adventure at Plitvice Lakes National Park. This world-famous national park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Great Waterfall located in Zagreb for another exciting encounter.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Plitvička Jezera. Plitvička Jezera offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Plitvička Jezera's best restaurants.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.
Day 4
- Plitvička Jezera
- Zadar
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Drive 146 km, 2 hours 20 min
- Sea organ
- The Greeting to the Sun
- Roman Forum
- Church of St. Donatus
- National Museum Zadar
- People's Square
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On day 4 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 Zadar. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, where you will stay for 1 night.
Today's adventure in Plitvička Jezera promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Sea Organ. This romantic art installation is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Monument To The Sun, another noteworthy attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Roman Forum, one of the city’s most intriguing attractions, known for its historic features.
If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Church Of St. Donatus. This heritage-rich church is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit National Museum Zadar, a locally appreciated museum, and take a stroll around the area. If you want to extend your self-guided sightseeing tour, go check out Narodni Trg before you head back to your hotel.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zadar. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
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.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Harvatski restorant "Galiya" is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zadar tonight.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Yachting Bar & Club after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Caffe Bar Porthos for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Factory Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
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.
Day 5
- Zadar
- Split
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Drive 165 km, 2 hours 18 min
- Forest Park Marjan
- Diocletian's Palace
- Golden Gate
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Split, 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 Split. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Zadar today. One of the most notable attractions included on the itinerary is Marjan. This eye-catching park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Diocletian's Palace and learn what makes this history-steeped palace unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the locally appreciated Golden Gate.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Split, 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 Split. 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 Nevera Tavern, a highly-rated dining destination in Split. If you're eager to try something different, consider Perivoj restoran i kavana, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konoba Laganini. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Split this evening.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to La Linea. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Fabrique Pub, another top-rated place in the area.
Say good night to Split and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!
Day 6
- Split
- Zagreb
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Drive 414 km, 4 hours 39 min
- Trogir Old Town
- Kamerlengo Castle
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On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Trogir. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zagreb, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Split allows for both. Start by heading to Trogir Old Town. This beloved historical landmark provides an insightful glimpse into the town's identity. Next, discover Kamerlengo Castle, a grand castle, promising a delightful encounter.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Zagreb. Zagreb offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zagreb. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Roots - juice & cocktail bar, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try La Štruk? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Tagliata as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Zagreb.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, A’e Craft Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Budbar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Mr. Fogg is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!
Day 7
- Zagreb - Departure day
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- Zagreb Zoo
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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 Zagreb before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Zagreb Zoo, an instagrammable zoo before you head out.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Take a break with a cup of coffee or tea while savoring the local vibe in a coffee shop.
Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zagreb.
You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. 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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