Travel packages in Croatia

Road trips in Croatia

9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar to Rijeka, Zagreb, Šibenik, and Split and surrounding area

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Photo of Zadar archipelago. Kali on Ugljan island turquoise sea and walkway view, Croatia.

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Explore the best of Croatia on a remarkable 9-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Zadar, Smiljan, Senj, Rijeka, Pula, Zagreb, Bogatić, Ključ, Grad Skradin, Šibenik, and Split.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Croatia. You will spend 3 nights in Zadar, 2 nights in Rijeka, 1 night in Zagreb, 1 night in Šibenik, 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 Zadar, 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 Pula Arena are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zadar, Smiljan, Senj, Rijeka, Pula, Zagreb, Bogatić, Ključ, Grad Skradin, Šibenik, and Split, 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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Day 1

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

Zadar 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Zadar. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Croatia!

Day 2

Zadar
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Drive 7 km, 28 min

People's Square
Market Zadar
Sea organ
Roman Forum
Church of St. Donatus
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You have 1 night left in Zadar. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

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.

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.

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

Day 3

Zadar
Rijeka
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Drive 275 km, 3 hours 44 min

Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
Nehaj Fortress
Plaža Prva Draga
Sundial on the 45th parallel
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Smiljan and Senj. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Rijeka, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Day 4

Rijeka
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Drive 225 km, 3 hours 18 min

Aquarium Pula
Forum Square
Temple of Augustus
Pula Arena
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On day 4 of your road trip in Croatia, you’ll start and end your day in Rijeka, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Rijeka, there’s no need to rush. Experience Pula to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

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

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

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

Day 5

Rijeka
Zagreb
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Drive 176 km, 2 hours 21 min

Bundek City Park
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
Zagreb Zoo
Park Maksimir
Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
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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 1 place, which are Zagreb. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Zagreb, where will spend 1 night.

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

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zagreb. 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 Zagreb's best restaurants.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 6

Zagreb
Šibenik
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Drive 425 km, 5 hours 44 min

Roski waterfall
Krka National Park
Cikola Canyon
Skradinski buk
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On day 6 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bogatić, Ključ, and Grad Skradin are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Šibenik, 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 Šibenik. Šibenik 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 Šibenik's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Say good night to Šibenik and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!

Day 7

Šibenik
Split
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Drive 104 km, 2 hours 3 min

St. Jacob’s Cathedral
St Nicholas’ Fortress
Mestrovic Gallery
Forest Park Marjan
Kašjuni Beach
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Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Croatia includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Šibenik and Split. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Split, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Day 8

Split
Zadar
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Drive 169 km, 2 hours 16 min

Froggyland
Diocletian's Palace
Diocletian's Cellars
Golden Gate
West Bank
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On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Split. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zadar, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

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

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

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

Day 9

Zadar - Departure day
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Queen Jelena Madijevka Park
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Day 9 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. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices.

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!

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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