One-Week Croatia Road Trip from Pula to Senj, Zagreb, and Grad Varaždin

Photo of  city of Pula, ancient Roman arena, historic amphitheater and harbor with ships from drone, aerial view.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
7 nights included
Car rental
8 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-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 Pula, 1 night in Senj, 2 nights in Zagreb, and 1 night in Varaždin, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Croatia. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Pula, Senj, Zagreb, Varaždin, and Rijeka. We'll help you experience the best 8 days in Croatia you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Pula, 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 Pula Arena and Park Maksimir.

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 Ban Josip Jelačić Statue to the breathtaking Zagreb Cathedral and Bundek, 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 Pula, Senj, Zagreb, Varaždin, and Rijeka, 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 7 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 7 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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Included

Hotel, 7 nights
Rental car, 8 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Aerial drone photo of famous european city of Pula and arena of roman time. Location Istria county, Croatia, Europe.Pula / 3 nights
Grad Rijeka - city in CroatiaPrimorje-Gorski Kotar County
Zagreb - city in CroatiaZagreb / 2 nights
Photo of aerial view of town of Rovinj historic peninsula , famous tourist destination in Istria region of Croatia.Grad Rovinj
Photo of aerial view of town of Senj and Nehaj fortress , Adriatic sea, Primorje region of Croatia.Senj / 1 night
Varaždin -  in CroatiaVaraždin / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Općina Plitvička Jezera, Lika-Senj County, CroatiaPlitvice Lakes National Park
Photo of summer scenic view of ancient ruins Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, Istria croatian region.Pula Arena
Photo of Sign of Zagreb zoo park, Croatia.Zagreb Zoo
Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
Maksimir Park, Maksimir, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaPark Maksimir
Photo of cathedral and Blessed Virgin Mary monument in Zagreb. Croatia.Zagreb Cathedral
Photo of Bundek lake and city of Zagreb aerial autumn view, capital of Croatia.Bundek
Photo of aerial view of Trsat fortress in Rijeka, Croatia.Trsat Castle
Photo of the ancient Temple of Augustus, Pula, Croatia.Temple of Augustus
Photo of Aquarium Pula, Grad Pula, Istria County, Croatia.Aquarium Pula
Photo of Stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave of Baradine near the city of Porec in Croatia.Baredine Cave
Crkva sv. Eufemija, Grad Rovinj, Istria County, CroatiaChurch of Saint Euphemia
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Mimara, Gradska četvrt Donji grad, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaCroatian National Theatre in Zagreb
Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Mimara, Gradska četvrt Donji grad, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaBotanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, MO "Antun Mihanović", Gradska četvrt Trešnjevka - sjever, Zagreb, City of Zagreb, CroatiaTechnical Museum
Photo of Zagreb stone gate, one of the most famous symbols of the city, Croatia.Stone Gate
Park forest Zlatni Rt, Grad Rovinj, Istria County, CroatiaPark forest Zlatni Rt
Forum Square, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaForum Square
Fazana CROATIA, Općina Fažana, Istria County, CroatiaFazana CROATIA
Photo of aerial view of the Old Town in Varazdin, Croatia.Old Town, Varaždin
Photo of Nehaj fortres in Senj on green hill, Primorje region of Croatia.Nehaj Fortress
Fortress Kaštel, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaFortress Kaštel / Castello
Crkva Majke Božje Trsatske, Mjesni odbor Grad Trsat, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaChurch of Mary of God of Trsat
Photo of Sea canyon with high sheer cliffs descending to turquoise water, place for jump in Verudela Canyon at Verudela Peninsula, south from Pula, Croatia.Verudela Canyon
Northern Velebit National Park, Grad Senj, Lika-Senj County, CroatiaNorthern Velebit National Park
Pathway in Šijana woods, Croatia.Šijana/Siana Forest
Plaža Prva Draga, Grad Senj, Lika-Senj County, CroatiaPlaža Prva Draga

Travel details

Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 - Pula - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 - Pula - arrival day

  • Pula - Arrival Day
  • More
  • Fortress Kaštel / Castello
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Pula. You’ll stay in Pula for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Pula has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Pula Citadel. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,405 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. 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 Pula, Veritas Food&Wine. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pula is Pizzeria Jupiter. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,601 customers.

Locals recommend Konoba Boccaporta as one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,823 customers.

Pula also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Pula is Rock Bar Mimoza. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 613 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Pula is The Shipyard Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Locals also enjoy Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 2 - Pula

Day 2

Day 2 - Pula

  • Pula
  • More

Drive 14 km, 37 min

  • Aquarium Pula
  • Verudela Canyon
  • Forum Square
  • Temple of Augustus
  • Pula Arena
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Pula has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Pula by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Pula. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the town of Pula, like the extraordinary Verudela Canyon. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,591 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Pula is the spectacular Forum Square. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,697 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Temple of Augustus. This archaeological site has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,656 visitors.

Pula Arena is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This roman amphitheatre is a popular destination among visitors in Pula. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 57,714 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Pula does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Pula on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Grill bar Campo, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,879 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Pula is the popular Bistro Alighieri. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,688 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Pula is Hook & Cook Pula. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Old City Bar Pula is one of the best bars in the city of Pula for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,368 customers.

Cabahia is another of the most popular bars in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 664 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Pula!

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Experiences

Day 3 - Istria County and Senj

Day 3

Day 3 - Istria County and Senj

  • Grad Rovinj
  • Senj
  • More

Drive 255 km, 3 hours 59 min

  • Fazana CROATIA
  • Park forest Zlatni Rt
  • Church of Saint Euphemia
  • Baredine Cave
  • More

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Senj. You’ll stay in Senj for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Istria County’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Istria County, start your day with a visit to the amazing Fasana. This much-appreciated shopping mall and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,504 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Park forest Zlatni Rt. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,140 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Church of Saint Euphemia to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Church of Saint Euphemia is a church that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,157 visitors.

The lovely Baredine Cave is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 7,561 visitors have left this show cave average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Istria County has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Senj. Senj 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 Tavern Kod Veska. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 822 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana is another top restaurant in Senj we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pizzeria King is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 841 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Senj, the fantastic Pirassa Caffe Gelateria. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 120 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Restoran "Krešimir". This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 146 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 4 - Lika-Senj County and Zagreb

Day 4

Day 4 - Lika-Senj County and Zagreb

  • Senj
  • Zagreb
  • More

Drive 242 km, 4 hours 49 min

  • Plaža Prva Draga
  • Nehaj Fortress
  • Northern Velebit National Park
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Zagreb for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Lika-Senj County is the amazing Plaža Prva Draga. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,065 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible fortress, Nehaj Fortress. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,440 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Lika-Senj County is the outstanding Northern Velebit National Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,487 visitors.

The spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 102,285 visitors.

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 HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

After dinner, visit Vintage Industrial 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 4,500 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Alternatively, Mr. Fogg is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 5 - Zagreb

Day 5

Day 5 - Zagreb

  • Zagreb
  • More

Drive 14 km, 42 min

  • Stone Gate
  • Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
  • Zagreb Zoo
  • Park Maksimir
  • More

You still have 1 night left in Zagreb.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Stone Gate. This incredible attraction is a city gate and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,469 visitors.

Park Maksimir is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,435 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!

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Experiences

Day 6 - Zagreb and Grad Varaždin

Day 6

Day 6 - Zagreb and Grad Varaždin

  • Zagreb
  • Varaždin
  • More

Drive 100 km, 1 hour 34 min

  • Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
  • Zagreb Cathedral
  • Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
  • Technical Museum
  • Bundek
  • More

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Grad Varaždin. You’ll stay in Grad Varaždin for 1 night. 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 Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,260 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,419 visitors.

The lovely Technical Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 5,713 visitors have left this museum 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 Bundek. This attraction is a lake rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,007 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 Grad Varaždin. Grad Varaždin 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 Bedem. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,064 reviews.

The remarkable Medonja is another top restaurant in Grad Varaždin we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 999 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Grad Varaždin, the fantastic Medina Škrinja Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,374 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful My Way bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 7 - Grad Varaždin, Rijeka, and Pula

Day 7

Day 7 - Grad Varaždin, Rijeka, and Pula

  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
  • Pula
  • Varaždin
  • More

Drive 364 km, 4 hours 12 min

  • Old Town, Varaždin
  • Trsat Castle
  • Church of Mary of God of Trsat
  • More

You’ll stay in Pula for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Old Town, Varaždin. This excellent attraction is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,343 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Croatia, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Croatia. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Trsat Castle for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Rijeka. This popular attraction is a castle and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,964 visitors.

This outstanding church has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,415 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Pula.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula, Old City Bar Pula. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,368 customers.

Locals recommend Kažun Tavern as one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula. Kažun Tavern is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,186 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pula is Kantina Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,044 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Pula, Beach Bar LaPlaya. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 539 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Bass bar Pula. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 349 customers.

Caffe bar "Dvojka" is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 228 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 8 - Pula - departure day

Day 8

Day 8 - Pula - departure day

  • Pula - Departure Day
  • More
  • Šijana/Siana Forest
  • More

Day 8 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Pula 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.

Šijana/Siana Forest is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Pula. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,164 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Pula and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Pula at Restoran Farabuto before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 736 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restoran "Stari grad 02" for your last chance at a meal in the city of Pula. The Restoran "Stari grad 02" restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Pula. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!

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Experiences

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