7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb to Lovinac, Grad Varaždin, and Slavonski Brod and surrounding area
Description
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Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Croatia as you embark on an unforgettable 7-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Zagreb, Lovinac, Zadar, Mihaljekov Jarek, Grad Krapina, Radoboj, Grad Varaždin, Trakošćan, Slavonski Brod, Garčin, and Krapje.
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 Lovinac, 1 night in Grad Varaždin, and 1 night in Slavonski Brod. 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. Sea Organ and Zagreb Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Ban Josip Jelačić Statue, learn more about the unique Park Maksimir, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bundek.
As you hit the open road and drive through Zagreb, Lovinac, Zadar, Mihaljekov Jarek, Grad Krapina, Radoboj, Grad Varaždin, Trakošćan, Slavonski Brod, Garčin, and Krapje, 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
- Zagreb - Arrival day
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- Lower Town (Donji Grad)
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Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Zagreb and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
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.
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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Zinfandel's Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Rougemarin City. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zagreb.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Tesla New Generation, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Caffe Bar Destino provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Booze And Blues offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Croatia!
Day 2
- Zagreb
- Lovinac
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Drive 242 km, 2 hours 50 min
- Park Maksimir
- Zagreb Zoo
- Bundek City Park
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Zagreb. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lovinac, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Zagreb, including a park and a zoo. Start your adventure at Park Maksimir. This popular park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Zagreb Zoo located in Zagreb for another exciting encounter.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Bundek. Its eye-catching features will captivate you.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lovinac. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the village.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Lovinac. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the village, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 3
- Lovinac
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Drive 156 km, 2 hours 11 min
- Market Zadar
- People's Square
- Church of St. Donatus
- Roman Forum
- Sea organ
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On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Lovinac, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate village. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Zadar. You still have 1 night left in Lovinac.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Lovinac. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Market Zadar is the perfect place to start. This market is one of the most locally appreciated places to visit in Lovinac. Next, head to Narodni Trg, a worthwhile public square, known for its stunning features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Church Of St. Donatus. This culturally significant church is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Roman Forum and Sea Organ. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Lovinac.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Lovinac's best restaurants.
Say good night to Lovinac and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!
Day 4
- Lovinac
- Varaždin
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Drive 325 km, 3 hours 42 min
- Muzej Oldtimera
- Museum of Neandertals in Krapina
- Muzej Radboa
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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 Mihaljekov Jarek, Grad Krapina, and Radoboj. In the evening, you’ll end up in Grad Varaždin, where you will stay for 1 night.
Lovinac is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and historic treasures! Start at Muzej Oldtimera, a beloved museum that is worthwhile a visit in the village. Nearby, you’ll find Museum Of Neandertals In Krapina, enchanting visitors with its visually striking appeal. Continue your exploration at Muzej Radboa. This museum is one of the village’s most locally appreciated spots.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Grad Varaždin, 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 Grad Varaždin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Cafe Haustor, a highly-rated dining destination in Grad Varaždin. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restoran Angelus, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Medonja. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Grad Varaždin this evening.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Caffe Bar Madera, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Sax - Pub, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, My Way Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!
Day 5
- Varaždin
- Brod-Posavina County
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Drive 310 km, 3 hours 42 min
- Varazdin Cathedral
- Old Town, Varaždin
- Trakošćan Castle
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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 2 vibrant destinations - Grad Varaždin and Trakošćan. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Slavonski Brod. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. The first attraction of today is Cathedral Of The Assumption Of The Virgin Mary, Varaždin. This worthwhile church is an inviting place to see in Grad Varaždin. Continue your discovery at Old Town, Varaždin, a romantic castle with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Grad Varaždin, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Trakošćan Castle. This locally appreciated castle offers a romantic encounter with Grad Varaždin. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Grad Varaždin.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Slavonski Brod. Slavonski Brod 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 Slavonski Brod, 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Fast Food Slavonija - Kod Šefkija, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant & Pizzeria Papo's offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Grill Jelić is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Slavonski Brod.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Prohibition Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Caffe Bar Derby offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Slavonski Brod. Cafe Lennox is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.
Day 6
- Brod-Posavina County
- Zagreb
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Drive 268 km, 3 hours 57 min
- Park Slavonski Brod
- Korzo
- Ranč Ramarin
- Lonja field
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Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Slavonski Brod, Garčin, and Krapje, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zagreb. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Slavonski Brod, including a park, a street, a farm, a nature reserve and much more! Start your day at Park Slavonski Brod. This visually striking park is an often recommended place to see in Slavonski Brod. Then, wander over to Korzo. If visually striking sites excite you, this street will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Ranč Ramarin. This picturesque farm is a favorite among visitors.
Slavonski Brod offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Park Prirode Lonjsko Polje is a locally appreciated spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zagreb. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zagreb's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Begin your culinary exploration in Zagreb by securing a reservation at Tač. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Noel, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Beštija, a top local spot known for its tantalizing contemporary menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Krolo after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Kavana Corso, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Valhalla Beer Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!
Day 7
- Zagreb - Departure day
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- Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
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Day 7 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, we recommend visiting Ban Josip Jelačić Statue, a heritage-rich monument before you head out.
On your last day in Croatia, take time to indulge in shopping at Zagreb’s popular marketplace, Arena Centar. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Wrap up your shopping with a drink and some pastries 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.
Dine in style at Roots - juice & cocktail bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Štruk boasts a menu that's sure to impress.
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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