One-Week Croatia Road Trip from Zadar to Karlovac County, Zagreb, and Lika-Senj County

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

Zadar has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Kolovare Beach. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,177 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 Zadar, Restoran 4 Kantuna. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,300 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar is Konoba Rafaelo. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

Locals recommend Pet Bunara Dine & Wine as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

Zadar also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zadar is Deja Brew Pub Zadar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zadar is BackStage Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Locals also enjoy Harbor CookHouse & Club. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

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

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zadar, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Zadar.

Today you'll explore the city of Zadar. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Sea organ. This incredible attraction is a tide organ and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,635 visitors.

Roman Forum is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zadar. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,627 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zadar is Church of St. Donatus. This amazing attraction is a church building and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,633 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Narodni trg. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,549 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Market Zadar. This must-see tourist destination is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,601 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 Zadar.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar, like Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.

Pizzeria Šime is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,176 customers.

Locals enjoy Restoran Bruschetta, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zadar. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Beach Bar Bamboo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like La Famiglia. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

The Garden Lounge is another of the best bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Smiljan. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Karlovac County. You’ll stay in Karlovac County for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Smiljan’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Smiljan, start your day with a visit to the amazing Nikola Tesla Memorial Center. This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,934 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Smiljan has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Karlovac County. Karlovac County 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 Restoran Mandić. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,119 reviews.

The remarkable Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac is another top restaurant in Karlovac County we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,786 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Castle Bistro is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,552 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Karlovac County, the fantastic Hollywood cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Papa's Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is GP. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,112 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Karlovac and embark on a scenic drive to Zagreb, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Karlovac 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 Karlovac. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Bundek. This attraction is a lake that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,180 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Park Maksimir. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,174 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Karlovac is the stunning Zagreb Zoo. This zoo and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,886 visitors.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated park in Karlovac. The popular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,528 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

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 Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,945 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like mekPer's. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,654 customers.

Locals also recommend Pri zvoncu, another of the best restaurants in Zagreb. Pri zvoncu is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,325 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Restaurant Zelen Dvor. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,571 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Vintage Industrial Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zagreb, with an average rating 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 is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Hub Cooltura Pub has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Mr. Fogg is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 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!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zagreb, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Zagreb.

Today you'll explore the city of Zagreb. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ribnjak Park. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,263 visitors.

Zagreb Cathedral is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zagreb. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,381 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zagreb is Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This amazing attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Croatian Association of Fine Artists. This art gallery and place of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,961 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Technical Museum. This museum is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,180 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 Bota Šare Zagreb restaurant - oyster & sushi bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,778 customers.

HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop 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 1,369 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.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Dubravkin put. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Cheese Bar is another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

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 Zagreb and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Lika-Senj County. You will stay in Lika-Senj County for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Zagreb is the amazing Lotrščak Tower. This attraction is a fortified tower that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,480 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible museum, Museum of Broken Relationships. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,957 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Stone Gate. This popular city gate and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.

The spectacular St. Mark's Church is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating church building and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,997 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Zagreb 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 Lika-Senj County, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav, one of the best restaurants in the city of Lika-Senj County. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,954 customers.

Locals also recommend Restoran "Malo misto" - kod Franića as one of the best restaurants in the city of Lika-Senj County. Restoran "Malo misto" - kod Franića is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 247 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Lika-Senj County is Restoran Maki. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,881 customers.

After dinner, visit The Highlanders pub, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Lika-Senj County. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 928 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Sala za vjenčanja Prašina. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 550 customers.

Alternatively, Caffe Bar Bevanda is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Lika-Senj County. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 105 customers.

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

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 7 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Drniš. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Drniš’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Drniš, start your day with a visit to the amazing Krka National Park. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 58,359 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Roski waterfall. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,525 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Drniš has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Zadar. Zadar 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 Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,587 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant 2Ribara is another top restaurant in Zadar we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,703 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant Malo Misto is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,645 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zadar, the fantastic Yachting Bar & Club. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,289 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Pirate Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 925 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Restaurant Taverna. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 825 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

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

Queen Jelena Madijevka Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zadar. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,288 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zadar at Proto Food&More before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restoran Urnebes for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zadar. The Restoran Urnebes restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,305 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Kh'rvatski restorant "Galiya". This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,023 customers.

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