7-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb to Rijeka and Zadar
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Croatia.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Croatia. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Zagreb, 2 nights in Rijeka, and 1 night in Zadar, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, and Zadar. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Zagreb, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, including the stunning Park Maksimir and Ban Josip Jelačić Statue.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Croatia. From the magnificent Zagreb Cathedral to the breathtaking Bundek and Sea organ, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, and Zadar, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Croatia. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Croatia.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Croatia.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Croatia has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Croatia. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Croatia extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Croatia today!
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Day 1 – Zagreb - arrival day
Day 1 – Zagreb - arrival day
- Zagreb - Arrival day
- More
- Park Maksimir
- More
Zagreb has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,435 visitors.
Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.
Zagreb also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Vintage Industrial Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.
Locals also enjoy Mr. Fogg. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 2 – Zagreb
Day 2 – Zagreb
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 23 km, 1 hour 3 min
- Zagreb Zoo
- Museum of Broken Relationships
- Stone Gate
- Bundek
- More
You still have 2 nights left in Zagreb.
One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Museum of Broken Relationships. This incredible attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,559 visitors.
Stone Gate is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,469 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Bundek. This amazing attraction is a lake and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,007 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Dubravkin put. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.
Cheese Bar is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.
Locals enjoy Roots - juice & cocktail bar, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zagreb. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Swanky Monkey Garden. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 3 – Zagreb and Rijeka
Day 3 – Zagreb and Rijeka
- Zagreb
- Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
- More
Drive 163 km, 2 hours 6 min
- Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
- Ribnjak Park
- Zagreb Cathedral
- Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
- Technical Museum
- More
Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zagreb’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Zagreb, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,038 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Ribnjak Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,091 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Zagreb Cathedral to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Zagreb Cathedral is a catholic cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,260 visitors.
The lovely Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,419 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Technical Museum. This attraction is a museum rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,713 reviews.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zagreb has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Rijeka. Rijeka offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Konoba Tarsa. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,076 reviews.
The remarkable Barbacoa is another top restaurant in Rijeka we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Konoba Fiume is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Rijeka, the fantastic The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Pajol bar Pecine. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 644 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Bar Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!
Experiences
Day 4 – Pula and Rijeka
Day 4 – Pula and Rijeka
- Pula
- Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
- More
Drive 225 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Aquarium Pula
- Forum Square
- Temple of Augustus
- Pula Arena
- More
On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Rijeka, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Rijeka.
Today you'll explore the city of Pula. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Trsat Castle. This incredible attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,964 visitors.
Church of Mary of God of Trsat is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Pula. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,415 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Pula is City Clock Tower. This amazing attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,256 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Rijeka.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka, like Boonker. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.
Bistro Mornar is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.
Locals enjoy King’s Caffe food pub, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Rijeka. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, River. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Pet Jedan Tapas Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.
Pub "Bačva" is another of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 5 – Lika-Senj County and Zadar
Day 5 – Lika-Senj County and Zadar
- Zadar
- More
Drive 295 km, 4 hours 32 min
- Nehaj Fortress
- Northern Velebit National Park
- House Velebit
- Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
- More
Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Rijeka and embark on a scenic drive to Zadar, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Rijeka and Lika-Senj County before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Rijeka. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Trsat Castle. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,964 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,415 visitors.
If you have time, another site you could explore in Rijeka is the stunning City Clock Tower. This must-see tourist destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,256 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Nehaj Fortress. This attraction is a fortress that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,440 visitors.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Northern Velebit National Park. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,487 reviews.
Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Velebit House. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,053 visitors.
The lovely Nikola Tesla Memorial Center is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 3,826 visitors have left this museum an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
When you're done with your sightseeing in Lika-Senj County, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Zadar. When you arrive in Zadar you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.
Locals also recommend Konoba Rafaelo, another of the best restaurants in Zadar. Konoba Rafaelo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.
If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
After dinner, visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zadar, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BackStage Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. BackStage Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.
Harbor CookHouse & Club is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 6 – Zadar and Zagreb
Day 6 – Zadar and Zagreb
- Zadar
- Zagreb
- More
Drive 307 km, 3 hours 30 min
- Market Zadar
- Sea organ
- Roman Forum
- Church of St Donatus
- The Land Gate
- More
Day 6 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Zadar and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Zagreb. You will stay in Zagreb for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Zadar is the amazing Market Zadar. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,413 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible tide organ, Sea organ. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,793 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zadar is the outstanding Roman Forum. This popular must-see tourist destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,478 visitors.
The spectacular Church of St. Donatus is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating church building and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,543 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic The Land Gate. This attraction is a popular must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,939 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Zadar by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Zagreb, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran Vegehop, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 760 customers.
Locals also recommend Vinodol as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. Vinodol is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb is Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.
After dinner, visit Valhalla beer bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!
Experiences
Day 7 – Zagreb - departure day
Day 7 – Zagreb - departure day
- Zagreb - Departure day
- More
- Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
- More
Day 7 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Zagreb before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zagreb and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.
You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zagreb at Boban before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,445 customers.
Alternatively, we also recommend Submarine Burger Frankopanska for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zagreb. The Submarine Burger Frankopanska restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.
You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!
Experiences
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