7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb to Lovinac, Grad Varaždin, and Slavonski Brod and surrounding area

On day 2 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 Zagreb. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lovinac, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Immerse yourself in Zagreb’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This instagrammable monument is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the historic features of Zagreb Cathedral, a must-visit church in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Zagreb Zoo, a captivating zoo. For a change of scene, check out Bundek, known for its serene features.

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

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

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

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Lovinac, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Set your GPS to Zadar and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 59 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Zadar beckons with new experiences!

Sea Organ is a spectacular art installation we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its detailed features before continuing your self-guided tour to Roman Forum, a picture-perfect archeological site that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Church Of St. Donatus, a heritage-rich church. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Market Zadar, a photogenic and truly unique market. End your sightseeing at Narodni Trg, a beloved public square that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Lovinac and your accommodation.

As you explore more of Lovinac, 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.

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 3 destinations, Mihaljekov Jarek, Grad Krapina, and Radoboj. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Grad Varaždin, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lovinac, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Mihaljekov Jarek may take around 2 hours 30 min. Upon your arrival in Mihaljekov Jarek, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make your way to Muzej Oldtimera, a beloved museum that draws attention for its photogenic features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Mihaljekov Jarek, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Grad Krapina. This drive usually takes around 4 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Museum Of Neandertals In Krapina, a curiosity-inducing museum that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’ve had your share of Grad Krapina, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Radoboj. Your travel time is around 10 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Muzej Radboa. Spend some time admiring the photogenic features of the museum before you continue to your next stop.

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

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Caffe Bar Madera, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Sax - Pub is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, My Way Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

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 Grad Varaždin and Trakošćan. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Slavonski Brod, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

A blend of fun adventures, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites await you in Grad Varaždin on today’s itinerary. First up is the increasingly popular church, Cathedral Of The Assumption Of The Virgin Mary, Varaždin. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Old Town, Varaždin. A visit to this castle is an enriching experience for all.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Trakošćan, 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 Grad Varaždin to Trakošćan may take around 47 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Trakošćan, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make your way to Trakošćan Castle, an intriguing castle that draws attention for its respected features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Slavonski Brod. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Fast Food Slavonija - Kod Šefkija, a popular restaurant in Slavonski Brod. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Slavonski Brod at Restaurant & Pizzeria Papo's, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Grill Jelić. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Slavonski Brod tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Prohibition Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Derby offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Cafe Lennox provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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.