6-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb to Split and Zadar

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Explore the best of Croatia on a 6-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Zagreb, Plitvica Selo, Split, Trogir, Šibenik, Zadar, Karlovac County, and Rastoke. This road trip itinerary in Croatia seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Croatia takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Zagreb, 2 nights 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 got 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. Marvel at the remarkable Krka National Park, learn more about the unique Ban Josip Jelačić Statue, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Marjan.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zagreb, Plitvica Selo, Split, Trogir, Šibenik, Zadar, Karlovac County, and Rastoke, 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, accommodation, 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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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Lower Town (Donji Grad)
Great WaterfallGolden GateDiocletian's Palace
Forest Park MarjanTrogir Old TownRivaKamerlengo CastleBacvice
St. Jacob’s CathedralŠibenik City MuseumKrka National ParkSea organThe Greeting to the Sun
Archaeological Museum ZadarChurch of St. DonatusAquatikaStari Mlin (Old Mill)
Ban Josip Jelačić Statue

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Day 1

Saturday, February 22

  • Zagreb - Arrival day
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  • Lower Town (Donji Grad)
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Welcome to Zagreb, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Croatia! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Zagreb's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Zagreb is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Lower Town (Donji Grad), a must-see neighborhood, and taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Zagreb. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Zinfandel's Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Zagreb. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, a popular restaurant in Zagreb. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Rougemarin City, a hidden gem nestled in Zagreb. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Tesla New Generation after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Caffe Bar Destino for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Booze And Blues is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Croatia!

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Day 2

Sunday, February 23

  • Zagreb
  • Split
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Drive 406 km, 5 hours 22 min

  • Great Waterfall
  • Golden Gate
  • Diocletian's Palace
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Plitvica Selo and Split. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Split, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Zagreb is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a waterfall, a historical landmark, and a palace. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the underrated Great Waterfall and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Golden Gate, a heritage-rich historical landmark that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Diocletian's Palace, one of the village’s most extraordinary spots that you shouldn’t miss.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Nevera Tavern, a top-rated dining destination in Split. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Perivoj restoran i kavana, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konoba Laganini. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Split this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, La Linea offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Split. Fabrique Pub is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

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Day 3

Monday, February 24

  • Split
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Drive 67 km, 1 hour 53 min

  • Forest Park Marjan
  • Trogir Old Town
  • Riva
  • Kamerlengo Castle
  • Bacvice
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Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in Croatia. With 1 night left in Split, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Bacvice is a neighborhood that stands out as one of the must-see places in Split. Take a moment to explore its distinct atmosphere, and don’t miss the popular sightseeing spots just a short walk away.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Split allows for both. Start by heading to Marjan. This well-known park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Trogir Old Town, a visually striking historical landmark, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Trogir Promenade, an intriguing boardwalk. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the intriguing Kamerlengo Castle.

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

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

Savor the flavors at Babylon, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, DeListes restaurant Split beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Split tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Caffe Bar Mythos, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Caffe Bar Legis, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Caffe Bar Tik provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 4

Tuesday, February 25

  • Split
  • Zadar
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Drive 217 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • St. Jacob’s Cathedral
  • Šibenik City Museum
  • Krka National Park
  • Sea organ
  • The Greeting to the Sun
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Šibenik and Zadar. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zadar, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Split’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Šibenik Cathedral. This inviting church is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the standout features of Šibenik City Museum, a must-visit museum in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Krka National Park, a top-rated national park. For a change of scene, check out Sea Organ, known for its visually striking features. We also recommend visiting Monument To The Sun. This art installation is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of 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 explore more of Zadar, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated dining spot in Zadar. If you're in the mood for something new, try Harvatski restorant "Galiya", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zadar.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Yachting Bar & Club after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Caffe Bar Porthos for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Factory Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!

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Day 5

Wednesday, February 26

  • Zadar
  • Zagreb
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Drive 413 km, 5 hours 22 min

  • Archaeological Museum Zadar
  • Church of St. Donatus
  • Aquatika
  • Stari Mlin (Old Mill)
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On day 5 of your road trip in Croatia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Zadar, Karlovac County, and Rastoke. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zagreb, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites in the charming city of Zadar. Your adventure starts at Archaeological Museum Zadar, a curiosity-inducing local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Church Of St. Donatus. This underrated church is known for its photogenic appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Zadar's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Aquatika. This instagrammable aquarium offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Stari Mlin (old Mill) is also worth visiting.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Restoran Taurus, an iconic dining spot in Zagreb. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Trilogija - Vino & Kuhinja, a popular restaurant in Zagreb. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Pizzeria Park, a hidden gem nestled in Zagreb. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Krolo, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Kavana Corso is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Valhalla Beer Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

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Day 6

Thursday, February 27

  • Zagreb - Departure day
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  • Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
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Day 6 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Zagreb before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This locally renowned monument is a popular place to see in the city.

Maximize your last day in Croatia and go on a shopping spree in Zagreb’s shopping center, the lively Arena Centar. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Croatia. Take one last moment to soak in Croatia, and unwind with tea or coffee at a cozy cafe.

Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zagreb.

You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. 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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