One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb traveling east to Zadar, Lika-Senj County, and Slavonski Brod

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Photo of entrance to Mirogoj cemetery with Church of King Christ in Zagreb, Croatia.
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Explore the best of Croatia on a remarkable 8-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Lika-Senj County, Smiljan, Perušić, Slavonski Brod, Garčin, Podvinje, Grad Varaždin, and Trakošćan.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Croatia. You will spend 3 nights in Zagreb, 1 night in Zadar, 1 night in Lika-Senj County, and 2 nights in Slavonski Brod. 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 Zagreb, 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. Diocletian's Palace and Sea Organ are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Lika-Senj County, Smiljan, Perušić, Slavonski Brod, Garčin, Podvinje, Grad Varaždin, and Trakošćan, 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

  • Zagreb - Arrival day
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  • Park Maksimir
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Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Zagreb and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in Zagreb, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

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.

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

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Zagreb
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Drive 23 km, 1 hour 2 min

  • Zagreb Zoo
  • Cathedral of Zagreb
  • Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
  • Bundek City Park
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You’ll stay in Zagreb 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.

Bring home unique finds from Zagreb's bustling shopping hub, Arena Centar. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Arena Centar offers plenty of options, including a cinema, restaurants, cafes, primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Zagreb's best restaurants.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Croatia.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Zagreb
  • Zadar
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Drive 300 km, 3 hours 21 min

  • Museum of Broken Relationships
  • Stone Gate
  • Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Zagreb. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zadar, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

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

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

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

  • Zadar
  • Lika-Senj
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Drive 385 km, 4 hours 12 min

  • Sea organ
  • Church of St. Donatus
  • Diocletian's Palace
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Zadar and Split. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Lika-Senj County, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Lika-Senj County. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Croatia.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Lika-Senj
  • Brod-Posavina County
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Drive 402 km, 4 hours 4 min

  • Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
  • Grabovača
  • Park Slavonski Brod
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Smiljan, Perušić, and Slavonski Brod. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Slavonski Brod, where will spend 2 nights.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Slavonski Brod's best restaurants.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Brod-Posavina County
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Drive 43 km, 59 min

  • Ranč Ramarin
  • Šuma Striborova
  • Monastery of the Holy Trinity
  • Korzo
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On day 6 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Garčin, Podvinje, and Slavonski Brod. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Slavonski Brod, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Slavonski Brod. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

  • Brod-Posavina County
  • Zagreb
  • More

Drive 374 km, 4 hours 34 min

  • Old Town, Varaždin
  • Varaždin City Cemetery
  • Trakošćan Castle
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Grad Varaždin and Trakošćan are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zagreb, where you will stay for 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in 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 road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

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.

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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How it works

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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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