9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb to Karlovac County, Lika-Senj County, Split, and Zadar

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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 9-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Zagreb, Karlovac County, Plitvica Selo, Korenica, Smiljan, Lika-Senj County, Split, and Zadar.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Croatia. You will spend 4 nights in Zagreb, 1 night in Karlovac County, 1 night in Lika-Senj County, 1 night in Split, and 1 night in Zadar. 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. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Diocletian's Palace are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zagreb, Karlovac County, Plitvica Selo, Korenica, Smiljan, Lika-Senj County, Split, and Zadar, 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

Zagreb - Arrival day
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Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
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Say hello to Zagreb! Your exciting road trip through Croatia is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Zagreb for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!

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.

Find your way to your hotel in Zagreb. 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 Zagreb, 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

Zagreb
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Drive 13 km, 46 min

Park Maksimir
Zagreb Zoo
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
Lower Town (Donji Grad)
Ilica
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You have 2 nights left in Zagreb. 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zagreb's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

Day 3

Zagreb
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Drive 16 km, 1 hour 3 min

Bundek City Park
Croatian Museum of Contemporary Art
Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
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You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night.

A visit to Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

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.

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

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

Day 4

Zagreb
Karlovac
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Drive 54 km, 57 min

Strossmayer Promenade
Lotrščak Tower
Museum of Broken Relationships
Stone Gate
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On day 4 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 Karlovac County, 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 Karlovac County. Karlovac County 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 Karlovac County, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

Day 5

Karlovac
Lika-Senj
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Drive 162 km, 3 hours

Great Waterfall
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
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Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Croatia includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Plitvica Selo, Korenica, and Smiljan. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel 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.

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

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

Day 6

Lika-Senj
Split
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Drive 231 km, 2 hours 56 min

Forest Park Marjan
West Bank
Diocletian's Palace
Golden Gate
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Split. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Split, where will spend 1 night.

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

Split 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 Split.

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

Day 7

Split
Zadar
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Drive 160 km, 2 hours 14 min

Sea organ
The Greeting to the Sun
Roman Forum
Cathedral of St. Anastasia
Church of St. Donatus
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On day 7 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Zadar are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, 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 Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

Day 8

Zadar
Karlovac
Zagreb
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Drive 313 km, 3 hours 59 min

Market Zadar
People's Square
Kolovare Beach
Aquatika
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Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Zadar and Karlovac County. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zagreb, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Day 9

Zagreb - Departure day
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Ribnjak 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.

Browse boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces. Wrap up your shopping with a drink and some pastries at a cozy cafe.

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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Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

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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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