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Road trips in Croatia

One-Week Relaxed Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb to Rijeka

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Photo of entrance to Mirogoj cemetery with Church of King Christ in Zagreb, Croatia.
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Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 8-day self-drive holiday in Croatia. Along the way, Zagreb, Brezovac Žumberački, Samobor, Strmec, Sopač, Vela Učka, Opatija, Rijeka, Ogulin, and Karlovac County invite you to discover their unique blend of culture, scenery, and memorable experiences.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Croatia, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 5 nights in Zagreb and 2 nights in Rijeka, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Croatia.

Your journey starts in Zagreb, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 8-day relaxed road trip in Croatia to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Croatia already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Zagreb Zoo and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Ban Josip Jelačić Statue.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Croatia road trip itinerary for 8 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Croatia.

If you want to make your 8-day relaxed self-drive tour in Croatia even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Croatia includes 7 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 8 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 8-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Croatia today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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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

  • Zagreb - Arrival day
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  • Ilica
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Your relaxed road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Zagreb, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Zagreb and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Zagreb 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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Zagreb. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Zagreb. The bars in Zagreb make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Croatia. Enjoy your first taste of Zagreb as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Zagreb
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Drive 23 km, 1 hour 4 min

  • Park Maksimir
  • Zagreb Zoo
  • Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
  • Bundek City Park
  • Lower Town (Donji Grad)
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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.

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.

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

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Croatia!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Zagreb
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Drive 2 km, 34 min

  • Ribnjak Park
  • Cathedral of Zagreb
  • Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
  • Stone Gate
  • Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
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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.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

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.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Zagreb as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Croatia!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Zagreb
  • More

Drive 127 km, 3 hours 30 min

  • Žumberak and Samobor Mountains
  • Samobor Castle
  • King Tomislav Square
  • Church of St Anastasia
  • Kipišće Lake
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On day 4 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Zagreb and visit amazing attractions in Brezovac Žumberački, Samobor, and Strmec, just outside the city. You still have 1 night left in Zagreb, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

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

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.

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.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Zagreb
  • Rijeka
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Drive 267 km, 4 hours 7 min

  • Forest Park Golubinjak
  • Risnjak National Park
  • Park Prirode Učka
  • Slatina
  • Maiden with the Seagull
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On day 5 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Croatia, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

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

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Rijeka and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Croatia. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Croatia tomorrow with new energy.

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Rijeka
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Drive 3 km, 54 min

  • Trsat Castle
  • Church of Mary of God of Trsat
  • Petar Kružić Stairway
  • City Clock Tower
  • Korzo
  • More

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.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Croatia. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Croatia and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

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

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Rijeka.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Croatia!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Rijeka
  • Zagreb
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Drive 240 km, 3 hours 37 min

  • Ivana's House of Fairy Tales
  • Ozalj
  • Aquatika
  • Drveni Most
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Croatia, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Continue your laid-back road trip in Croatia as you make your way to Zagreb. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

Exploring the food culture in Zagreb offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Zagreb and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Croatia.

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Zagreb - Departure day
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  • Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
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Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. Savor your final moments in Croatia at a cozy cafe while relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Croatia is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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