7-Day Croatia road trip from Rijeka to Karlovac County and Zagreb

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Rijeka has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible City Clock Tower. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,339 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. 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 Rijeka, Konoba Tarsa. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Barbacoa. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Locals recommend Konoba Fiume as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

Rijeka also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Croatia!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rijeka has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Rijeka by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Rijeka. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Rijeka, like the extraordinary Trsat Castle. This attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,516 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Rijeka is the spectacular Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,485 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Natural History Museum Rijeka. This natural history museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 792 visitors.

Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This museum is a popular destination among visitors in Rijeka. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,043 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Rijeka does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Rijeka on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Boonker, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Rijeka is the popular Bistro Mornar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, River is one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

Pet Jedan Tapas Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Rijeka is Pub "Bačva". Pub "Bačva" has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Rijeka!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Rijeka, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Rijeka.

Today you'll explore the city of Pula. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Forum Square. This incredible attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,726 visitors.

Temple of Augustus is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Pula. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,904 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Pula is Pula Arena. This amazing attraction is a roman amphitheatre and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 58,562 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 Rijeka.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka, like King’s Caffe food pub. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 customers.

Submarine Burger Rijeka is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,653 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 753 customers.

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

Day 4 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Karlovac County for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Lika-Senj County is the amazing Sundial on the 45th parallel. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 135 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Plaža Prva Draga. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,077 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Lika-Senj County is the outstanding Nehaj Fortress. This popular fortress and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,527 visitors.

The spectacular Northern Velebit National Park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,504 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 Karlovac County, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran Mandić, one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,119 customers.

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

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County is Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,786 customers.

After dinner, visit Hollywood cafe, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average 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 has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Alternatively, GP is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,112 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 5 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 Zagreb 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 5,298 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Advent Karlovac. This attraction, a beloved top-tier point of interest, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 445 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Karlovac is the stunning Glazbeni paviljon. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 387 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,174 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,381 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Zagreb, 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 HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,369 customers.

After dinner, visit Vintage Industrial Bar 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 4,500 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Hub Cooltura Pub has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Mr. Fogg is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 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!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka 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 Stone Gate. This much-appreciated city gate and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Museum of Broken Relationships. This museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,957 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,945 visitors.

The lovely Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,528 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.6 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 Bundek. This attraction is a lake rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,180 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 Rijeka. Rijeka 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 Maslina. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,219 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Rijeka, the fantastic Public pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 521 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Kancelarija Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 260 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Celtic Caffe Bard. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 239 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 7 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Rijeka 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.

Petar Kružić Stairway is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Rijeka. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 799 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Rijeka at Conca d'oro before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,238 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restoran Spagho for your last chance at a meal in the city of Rijeka. The Restoran Spagho restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,199 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Seafood restaurant Feral. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 customers.

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