12-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb traveling east to Novalja, Zadar, Split, and Karlovac

Zagreb has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,038 visitors.

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

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

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.

Locals also enjoy Mr. Fogg. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in 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 Park Maksimir. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 18,435 visitors.

Zagreb Cathedral is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,260 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Technical Museum. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,713 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 Dubravkin put. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Cheese Bar 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 1,097 customers.

Locals enjoy Roots - juice & cocktail bar, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zagreb. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Swanky Monkey Garden. This bar is rated an average 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 2 nights left in Zagreb.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Museum of Broken Relationships. This incredible attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,559 visitors.

Lotrščak Tower is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,336 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.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,419 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 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.

Locals enjoy Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zagreb. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 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’ll stay in Novalja for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Ozalj. This excellent attraction is a town that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,586 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Croatia, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Croatia. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Zrce Festival Beach for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a natural feature and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,843 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Novalja.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia with a toast!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Zagreb. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar 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 Market Zadar. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,413 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Sea organ. This tide organ and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55,793 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Church of St. Donatus to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Church of St. Donatus is a church building that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,543 visitors.

The lovely The Land Gate is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,939 visitors have left this best-rated sightseeing destination average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Narodni trg. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,370 reviews.

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 Zadar. Zadar 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 Restoran 4 Kantuna. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,300 reviews.

The remarkable Konoba Rafaelo is another top restaurant in Zadar we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zadar, the fantastic Deja Brew Pub Zadar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful BackStage Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Harbor CookHouse & Club. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 6 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Split 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 Paški most. This attraction is a road bridge that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,305 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible deck arch bridge, Maslenica Bridge. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,469 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Paklenica National Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,736 visitors.

The spectacular Plaža Soline is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,498 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 Split, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Perivoj restoran i kavana, one of the best restaurants in the city of Split. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,279 customers.

Locals also recommend Villa Spiza as one of the best restaurants in the city of Split. Villa Spiza is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,322 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Split is Šug Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,279 customers.

After dinner, visit The Daltonist Craft Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Split. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Tennis Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,185 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Split 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 Split 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 Split. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Diocletian's Palace. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 74,369 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Marjan. This attraction, a beloved mountain, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,259 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Skradinski buk. This attraction is a waterfall that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,928 visitors.

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!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Zagreb. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Vukovar. You’ll stay in Vukovar 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 Vukovar Municipal Museum / Castle Eltz. This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,418 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Vukovar water tower. This water tower and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,041 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Memorijalni centar Domovinskog rata to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Memorijalni centar Domovinskog rata is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,592 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 Vukovar. Vukovar 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 Stari toranj. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,855 reviews.

The remarkable Vukovarska kuća - Park adica Vukovar is another top restaurant in Vukovar we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,615 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Vrške is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,158 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Vukovar, the fantastic Vukovarsko pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 290 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Caffe bar Kibic Fenster. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 191 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 9 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Osijek for 2 nights. 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 Castle Pejačević. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 294 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Kopački Rit Nature Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,125 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

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 Osijek, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try SportHouse Osijek, one of the best restaurants in the city of Osijek. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 742 customers.

Locals also recommend Grill & Beer Bar Fabrique as one of the best restaurants in the city of Osijek. Grill & Beer Bar Fabrique is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 732 customers.

After dinner, visit Pivnica Runda, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Osijek. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 612 customers.

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

On day 10 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Osijek, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Osijek.

Today you'll explore the city of Zagreb. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Church of the Holy Family. This incredible attraction is a church and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 283 visitors.

Sakuntala park is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zagreb. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,044 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zagreb is Youth pedestrian bridge. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,001 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 Osijek.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Osijek, like McDonald's & McDrive. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,583 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Osijek, Amsterdam Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 566 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like pub Merlon. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,135 customers.

Restoran Karaka Osijek is another of the best bars in the city of Osijek. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,966 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 Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb 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 Old Town, Varaždin. This much-appreciated castle and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,343 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Varaždin cemetery. This cemetery and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 318 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Varaždin to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Varaždin is a cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 670 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 Zagreb. Zagreb 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 Boban. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,445 reviews.

The remarkable Submarine Burger Frankopanska is another top restaurant in Zagreb we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zagreb, the fantastic Booze and Blues. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 848 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful A’e Craft Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Program Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 637 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 12 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.

Ribnjak Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zagreb. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,091 visitors.

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 Harat's Pub before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,602 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Stari Fijaker for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zagreb. The Stari Fijaker restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,114 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Konoba Didov san. This restaurant has an average rating 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!