11-Day Croatia Road Trip around Zagreb to Varaždin, Rijeka, and Karlovac

Zagreb has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,435 visitors.

Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

Zagreb also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Vintage Industrial Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 11-day vacation in Croatia!

You still have 6 nights left in Zagreb.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This incredible attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,038 visitors.

Ribnjak Park is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,091 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Zagreb Cathedral. This amazing attraction is a catholic cathedral and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,260 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Technical Museum. This museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,713 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Bundek. This lake is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,007 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

Dubravkin put is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Mr. Fogg. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Swanky Monkey Garden. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

You still have 5 nights left in Zagreb.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,419 visitors.

Museum of Broken Relationships is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,559 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Stone Gate. This amazing attraction is a city gate and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,469 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Cheese Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

Roots - juice & cocktail bar is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Dubravkin put. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

You still have 4 nights left in Zagreb.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is The birth house of Josip Broz Tito. This incredible attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,868 visitors.

Kumrovec is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,788 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Dvor Veliki Tabor. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Museum of Neandertals in Krapina. This museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,224 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Restoran Vegehop. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 760 customers.

Vinodol is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Valhalla beer bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

You still have 3 nights left in Zagreb.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Trakošćan Castle. This incredible attraction is a château and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,191 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.

Boban is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,445 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Booze and Blues. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 848 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

You still have 2 nights left in Zagreb.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Varaždin City Museum. This incredible attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 136 visitors.

Old Town, Varaždin is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,343 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Muzej Anđela. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 136 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Submarine Burger Frankopanska. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, A’e Craft Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Program Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 637 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Grad Varaždin. You’ll stay in Grad Varaždin for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zagreb’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zagreb, start your day with a visit to the amazing Izletište i skijalište Jarki. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 171 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zagreb has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Grad Varaždin. Grad Varaždin offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Bedem. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,064 reviews.

The remarkable Medonja is another top restaurant in Grad Varaždin we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 999 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Grad Varaždin, the fantastic Medina Škrinja Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,374 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful My Way bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 8 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Rijeka for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Zagreb is the amazing Varaždin cemetery. This attraction is a cemetery that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 318 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Castle Batthyany-Strattmann (Ludbreg). With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 192 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Aquae Iassae - Forum. This popular top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 295 visitors.

The spectacular Lječilišni park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 579 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Rijeka, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Konoba Tarsa, one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Locals also recommend Barbacoa as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. Barbacoa is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Konoba Fiume. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

After dinner, visit The Beertija Klub, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Pajol bar Pecine. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 644 customers.

Alternatively, Bar Bar is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

Rise and shine on day 9 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Rijeka and embark on a scenic drive to Karlovac County, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Rijeka and Pula before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Rijeka. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Trsat Castle. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,964 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,415 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Rijeka is the stunning City Clock Tower. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,256 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Zagreb and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Pula has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Temple of Augustus. This attraction is an archaeological site that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,656 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Forum Square. This must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,697 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Pula Citadel. This must-see tourist destination and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,405 visitors.

The lovely Pula Arena is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 57,714 visitors have left this roman amphitheatre an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Pula, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Karlovac County. When you arrive in Karlovac County you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restoran Mandić. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,119 customers.

Locals also recommend Bistro Kastel, another of the best restaurants in Karlovac County. Bistro Kastel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,786 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Hollywood cafe to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Karlovac County, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Papa's Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Papa's Bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

GP is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,112 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!

Rise and shine on day 10 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Karlovac and embark on a scenic drive to Zagreb, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Karlovac and Lika-Senj County before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Karlovac. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Aquatika. This attraction is an aquarium that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,081 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Advent Karlovac. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 441 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Karlovac is the stunning Glazbeni paviljon. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 380 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Plitvice Lakes National Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 102,285 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Great Waterfall. This best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 954 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Lika-Senj County, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Zagreb. When you arrive in Zagreb you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Harat's Pub. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,602 customers.

Locals also recommend Stari Fijaker, another of the best restaurants in Zagreb. Stari Fijaker is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,114 customers.

After dinner, visit Krolo to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zagreb, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 520 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 11 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Zagreb before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zagreb and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zagreb at Konoba Didov san before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,110 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!