One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Rijeka to Zadar and Split

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Photo of beautiful view of Rijeka harbor in Croatia.
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Description

Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through Croatia. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Croatia. You will spend 4 nights in Rijeka, 2 nights 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 you covered.

Upon arriving in Rijeka, 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.

As you hit the open road and drive through Rijeka, Opatija, Rovinj, Pula, Plitvica Selo, Korenica, Zadar, Šibenik, 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, accommodations, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Rijeka - Arrival day
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  • Trsat Castle
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Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Rijeka and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 3 nights and explore what to see in Rijeka, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Rijeka is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Rijeka. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

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 Rijeka, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Croatia!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Rijeka
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Drive 28 km, 1 hour 12 min

  • Cathedral of St. Vitus
  • City Clock Tower
  • Риека
  • Maiden with the Seagull
  • Opatija
  • Korzo
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Greet day 2 of your road trip in Croatia with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 2 nights to stay in Rijeka, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Rijeka and Opatija.

Set aside time today to explore Korzo, a standout street that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Rijeka. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Rijeka
  • More

Drive 237 km, 4 hours 2 min

  • Church of Saint Euphemia
  • Park forest Zlatni Rt
  • Temple of Augustus
  • Forum Square
  • Pula Arena
  • Rovinj Old Town
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Wake up to day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Rovinj and Pula. With 1 night to stay in Rijeka, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rijeka.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Rijeka's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Rijeka
  • Zadar
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Drive 335 km, 4 hours 49 min

  • Great Waterfall
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Plitvica Selo and Korenica. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zadar, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

Zadar is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Zadar.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Zadar
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Drive 4 km, 37 min

  • Sea organ
  • The Greeting to the Sun
  • Church of St. Donatus
  • Archaeological Museum Zadar
  • People's Square
  • The Five Wells Square
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You’ll stay in Zadar for 1 night.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Croatia. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zadar's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Zadar
  • Split
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Drive 182 km, 2 hours 52 min

  • St. Jacob’s Cathedral
  • Split Ethnographic Museum
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Golden Gate
  • Forest Park Marjan
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Šibenik and Split. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Split, where will spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Split. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Split. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Split
  • Rijeka
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Drive 419 km, 4 hours 43 min

  • Puerta de la Tierra
  • Trogir Old Town
  • City Loggia Trogir
  • Kamerlengo Castle
  • Riva
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Trogir are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Rijeka, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Rijeka. Rijeka offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Rijeka's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Rijeka - Departure day
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  • Petar Kružić Stairway
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Day 8 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

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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