Travel packages in Croatia

Road trips in Croatia

Relaxed 9-Day 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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Discover stunning scenery and hidden gems on this 9-day relaxed road trip in Croatia! Zagreb, Brezovac Žumberački, Samobor, Karlovac County, Rijeka, Vela Učka, Opatija, and Sopač await with vibrant culture and lasting memories as you unwind on this self-drive vacation.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Croatia, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 6 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 9-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 9 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 9-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 8 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 9 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 9-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Croatia today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Day 1

Zagreb - Arrival day
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Lower Town (Donji Grad)
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Your relaxed road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Zagreb, where you'll stay for 5 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.

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.

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.

Day 2

Zagreb
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Drive 9 km, 36 min

Zagreb Zoo
Ribnjak Park
Cathedral of Zagreb
Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
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Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Croatia more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

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.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Croatia.

Day 3

Zagreb
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Drive 13 km, 45 min

Lotrščak Tower
Museum of Broken Relationships
Stone Gate
Bundek City Park
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.

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

Experience the amazing nightlife in Zagreb 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.

Day 4

Zagreb
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Drive 17 km, 1 hour 5 min

Park Maksimir
Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
Mimara Museum
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
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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 you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Croatia, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Zagreb.

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.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Zagreb!

Day 5

Zagreb
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Drive 123 km, 3 hours 28 min

Žumberak and Samobor Mountains
Samobor Castle
Samoborski muzej
King Tomislav Square
Church of St Anastasia
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On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you’ll explore the area around Zagreb, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Zagreb will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Croatia.

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Croatia. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Zagreb, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

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

Day 6

Zagreb
Rijeka
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Drive 170 km, 2 hours 30 min

Nikola Tesla Experience Center Karlovac
Aquatika
Drveni Most
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Day 6 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Croatia lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. By evening, drive toward the Rijeka, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Rijeka. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Croatia. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Rijeka, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Croatia.

Day 7

Rijeka
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Drive 6 km, 52 min

Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
City Clock Tower
Church of Mary of God of Trsat
Trsat Castle
Korzo
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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.

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.

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!

Day 8

Rijeka
Zagreb
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Drive 255 km, 4 hours 6 min

Park Prirode Učka
Slatina
Maiden with the Seagull
Risnjak National Park
Forest Park Golubinjak
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Day 8 of your self-drive tour in Croatia offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Croatia.

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

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.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Croatia!

Day 9

Zagreb - Departure day
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Ilica
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Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Discover boutiques with stylish fashion choices to upgrade your wardrobe. Take one last moment to soak in Croatia, and unwind with tea or coffee at a cozy cafe.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Croatia is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

How it works

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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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