9-Day Croatia road trip from Pula to Karlovac County, Zagreb, and Rijeka

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 Verudela Canyon. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,620 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.

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 9-day vacation in Croatia!

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 city of Pula, like the extraordinary Temple of Augustus. This attraction is an archaeological site and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,904 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Pula is the spectacular Forum Square. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,726 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Pula Citadel. This best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,536 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 58,562 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 Konoba Boccaporta, 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 2,823 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Hook & Cook Pula is one of the best bars in the city of Pula for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

Old City Bar Pula is another of the most popular bars in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,368 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Pula is Cabahia. Cabahia has an average rating 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!

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 Rijeka’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Rijeka, start your day with a visit to the amazing Nature Park Učka. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,438 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Maiden with the Seagull. This sculpture and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,947 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Risnjak National Park to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Risnjak National Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,815 visitors.

The lovely Forest Park Golubinjak is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 1,508 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Rijeka 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 Bistro Kastel is another top restaurant in Karlovac County we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,786 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 and Zagreb 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 Aquatika. This attraction is an aquarium that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,298 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Advent Karlovac. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 445 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Karlovac is the stunning Glazbeni paviljon. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 387 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,174 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,381 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This must-see tourist destination and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Zagreb, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Zagreb. When you arrive in Zagreb you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,369 customers.

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!

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 Lotrščak Tower. This incredible attraction is a fortified tower and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,480 visitors.

Museum of Broken Relationships is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,957 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Stone Gate. This amazing attraction is a city gate and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding St. Mark's Church. This church building and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,997 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 Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

Restoran Vegehop 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 760 customers.

Locals enjoy Vinodol, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zagreb. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 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 will stay in Rijeka for 2 nights. 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 Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,945 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible museum, Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,466 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,528 visitors.

The spectacular Technical Museum is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,180 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Bundek. This attraction is a popular lake that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,180 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 Rijeka, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Konoba Tarsa, one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Locals also recommend Barbacoa as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. Barbacoa is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Konoba Fiume. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

After dinner, visit The Beertija Klub, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

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

On day 7 of your road trip across Croatia, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Hotel Bonavia, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Rijeka. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 42 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Rijeka is the 5-star Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa. The hotel is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,088 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Rijeka is the 4-star Hotel Jadran. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,909 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Rijeka, like the outstanding Trsat Castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,516 visitors.

Church of Mary of God of Trsat is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Rijeka. This incredible attraction is a church and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,485 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Rijeka is the extraordinary Petar Kružić Stairway. This best-rated sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 799 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible City Clock Tower. Around 1,339 visitors have given this top-tier point of interest an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast is a popular museum, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,043 travelers.

Come to Rijeka prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Rijeka.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Boonker, after your day of exploring the city of Rijeka. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Bistro Mornar is another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

Locals recommend River, one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Rijeka, Pet Jedan Tapas Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Pub "Bačva" is also one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Croatia.

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Pula. You’ll stay in Pula 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 MOTODROM POREC. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,706 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Baredine Cave. This show cave and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,659 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 8,222 visitors.

The lovely Park forest Zlatni Rt is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,231 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.8 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 Fasana. This attraction is a shopping mall rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,543 reviews.

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 Pula. Pula 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 Grill bar Campo. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,879 reviews.

The remarkable Bistro Alighieri is another top restaurant in Pula we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,688 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Pula, the fantastic Beach Bar LaPlaya. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 539 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Bass bar Pula. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 349 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 9 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 1,182 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 Kažun Tavern before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,186 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!