6-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Rijeka traveling east to Zadar
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Experience the freedom of the open road in Croatia as you embark on an unforgettable 6-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Rijeka, Opatija, Korenica, Plitvica Selo, Zadar, Split, and Trogir.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Croatia takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 4 nights in Rijeka 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 Rijeka, 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. Marvel at the remarkable Sea Organ, learn more about the unique Trsat Castle, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Church Of St. Donatus.
As you hit the open road and drive through Rijeka, Opatija, Korenica, Plitvica Selo, Zadar, Split, and Trogir, 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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Day 1
- Rijeka - Arrival day
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- Korzo
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Say hello to Rijeka! 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 Rijeka for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!
Rijeka 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 Korzo, a must-see street, and taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Rijeka. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading 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 Rijeka, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Antonio, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Capote y Ole. Offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Baćo is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Rijeka.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Charlie Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Wine Bar "kod Zajca" offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Phanas Pub Rijeka Est.2001 provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Croatia!
Day 2
- Rijeka
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Drive 44 km, 1 hour 53 min
- Trsat Castle
- Church of Mary of God of Trsat
- Islamic Center of Rijeka
- Maiden with the Seagull
- Slatina
- Opatija
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At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Rijeka, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Rijeka, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at Trsat Castle, a well-known castle in the city. Then, head to Church Of Mary Of God Of Trsat and soak in the ambiance of this visually striking church.
There are many interesting places to see in Rijeka, and when you are ready for more, go to Islamic Center Of Rijeka. This is one of the city’s most up-and-coming culturally significant spots of interest. After exploring the mosque, visit the locally appreciated Maiden With The Seagull. Not far away, you'll also find Slatina. This beach is a serene highlight in Rijeka. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to Opatija, an up-and-coming beach in the city.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Rijeka and your accommodation.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Rijeka. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at Trattoria Krug, an iconic dining spot in Rijeka. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Zelena Dolina, a popular restaurant in Rijeka. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Buffet "Cocco", a hidden gem nestled in Rijeka. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Teatro Lounge Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Book Caffe Dnevni Boravak offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Pub "bačva" provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!
Day 3
- Rijeka
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Drive 363 km, 5 hours
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Great Waterfall
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Greet day 3 of your road trip in Croatia with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Rijeka for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Korenica and Plitvica Selo.
Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Rijeka, including a national park and a waterfall. Start your day with a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This wondrous national park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Great Waterfall, which may be one of the most romantic places you will experience today.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rijeka.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Rijeka's best restaurants.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Restoran Morčić, a top-rated dining destination in Rijeka. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bowling Center Rijeka, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Seafood restaurant Feral. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rijeka this evening.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Pet Jedan Tapas Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to "metropolis" Caffe Bar & Night Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!
Day 4
- Rijeka
- Zadar
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Drive 295 km, 3 hours 35 min
- Market Zadar
- Church of St. Donatus
- The Greeting to the Sun
- Sea organ
- Roman Forum
- People's Square
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On day 4 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. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, where you will stay for 1 night.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Rijeka, including a market, a church, an art installation, an archeological site, a public square and much more! Start your day at Market Zadar. This instagrammable market is a worthwhile place to see in Rijeka. Then, wander over to Church Of St. Donatus. If culturally significant sites excite you, this church will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Monument To The Sun. This noteworthy art installation is a favorite among visitors.
Rijeka offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Sea Organ is an impressive spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the art installation, don’t forget to check out the culturally significant Roman Forum. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this increasingly popular archeological site. Wrap up your self-guided tour of Rijeka's top attractions with a visit to Narodni Trg.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Zadar, 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 Zadar's best restaurants.
Don’t miss out on dining at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Harvatski restorant "Galiya", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.
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.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 5
- Zadar
- Rijeka
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Drive 572 km, 6 hours 15 min
- Diocletian's Palace
- Golden Gate
- Kamerlengo Castle
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Split and Trogir. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Rijeka, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Diocletian's Palace. This widely recognized palace is an enchanting place to see in Zadar. Continue your discovery at Golden Gate, a symbolic historical landmark with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Zadar, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Kamerlengo Castle. This up-and-coming castle offers a grand encounter with Zadar. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Zadar.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Rijeka. Rijeka 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 in Rijeka. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Make sure to reserve a table at ŠtoRija, an iconic dining spot in Rijeka. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Conca d'oro, a popular restaurant in Rijeka. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restoran Spagho, a hidden gem nestled in Rijeka. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Public Pub, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Kancelarija Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at The Beertija Klub, another top-rated place in the area.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!
Day 6
- Rijeka - Departure day
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- Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
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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 Rijeka 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, we recommend visiting Maritime And History Museum Of The Croatian Coast, a respected museum before you head out.
As your final day in Croatia unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Rijeka's best shopping area, City Center one Rijeka. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Croatia.
Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Rijeka.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Konoba Ribica, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Rijeka. 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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