Relaxed 7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb to Rijeka

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Croatia, you’ll go deep into Zagreb, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Zagreb, and meet locals along the way!

Make time for Park Maksimir, a locally renowned park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Zagreb Zoo, enchanting visitors with its eye-catching appeal. Continue your exploration at Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb. This botanical garden is one of the city’s most often recommended spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Zagreb at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Croatian National Theatre In Zagreb. After exploring the performing arts theater, head to the well-known Bundek.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Croatia more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Zagreb offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Zagreb, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Begin your culinary exploration in Zagreb by securing a reservation at Tač. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Noel, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Beštija, a top local spot known for its tantalizing contemporary menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Krolo, known for its inviting atmosphere. Kavana Corso is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Valhalla Beer Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!

Day 3 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zagreb, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Croatia are extraordinary.

Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic neighborhood in Zagreb, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city.

Ribnjak Park makes a great addition to your morning plans. This curiosity-inducing park is an instagrammable place to see in Zagreb. Continue your discovery at Zagreb Cathedral, a respected church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Zagreb, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This well-known monument offers a photogenic encounter with Zagreb. Next, make your way to Stone Gate to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Zagreb.

Croatia makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Croatia also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Zagreb has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Roots - juice & cocktail bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? La Štruk offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Tagliata. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zagreb.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Zagreb and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, A’e Craft Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Budbar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Mr. Fogg is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through Croatia means 24 hours of making the best memories in Rijeka. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Rijeka. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Rijeka!

One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Korzo. Allow yourself some time to explore this street and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Let Trsat Castle set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this visually striking castle before continuing your journey. Church Of Mary Of God Of Trsat is your next stop. This increasingly popular church is one of the best-rated sights in Rijeka.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Petar Kružić Stairway. This stunning monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit City Clock Tower.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Zagreb. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Zagreb that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Rijeka to find the best options for you!

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Croatia. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Rijeka, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Trattoria Krug, a popular restaurant in Rijeka. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Rijeka at Zelena Dolina, 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 Buffet "Cocco". It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Rijeka tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Rijeka’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Croatia.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Teatro Lounge Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Book Caffe Dnevni Boravak offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Rijeka. Pub "bačva" is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Croatia.

Day 6 of your self-drive tour in Croatia offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll start your day in Vela Učka and end it in Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Croatia.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rijeka and set your GPS to Vela Učka. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 34 min. Upon reaching Vela Učka, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Vela Učka is Nature Park Učka, a locally appreciated nature reserve that draws attention for its romantic features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Vela Učka, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Opatija. This drive usually takes around 26 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Maiden With The Seagull, a worthwhile sculpture in Opatija.

Rožići’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Opatija behind. This drive usually takes around 31 min. Rožići welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Svežanj Bay, an increasingly popular beach in Rožići. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Zagreb. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Croatia.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Croatia, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Zagreb.

Make sure to reserve a table at Batak Grill, an iconic dining spot in Zagreb. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of GOSTIONICA RESTORAN PURGER, a popular restaurant in Zagreb. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Cheese Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Zagreb. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Carpe Diem is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Regular. Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Vela Učka can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Croatia!