One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zagreb to Lovinac, Grad Varaždin, and Slavonski Brod and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zagreb has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Zagreb.

A top thing to do today is to explore Lower Town (Donji Grad), a must-see neighborhood in Zagreb. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.

One of the most well-known attractions included on the itinerary is Park Maksimir. This romantic park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Zagreb Zoo and learn what makes this instagrammable zoo unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the increasingly popular Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb. After exploring the botanical garden, head to Bundek. This popular park is a highlight in Zagreb.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Croatia. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit Centar Cvjetni, the top shopping destination in Zagreb. Browse local shops and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Centar Cvjetni has to offer, including cafes, attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zagreb. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Tač, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional traditional menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Noel, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Zagreb is Beštija, a renowned Bib Gourmand restaurant and a delicious contemporary menu.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Krolo after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Kavana Corso for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Valhalla Beer Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Zagreb. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lovinac, where will spend 2 nights.

Let Ban Josip Jelačić Statue set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this symbolic monument before continuing your journey. Stone Gate is your next stop. This curiosity-inducing historical landmark is one of the best-rated sights in Zagreb.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Ribnjak Park. This romantic park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Zagreb Cathedral.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Lovinac. Lovinac offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Lovinac's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Croatia.

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Lovinac, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate village, including Zadar.

Set your GPS to Zadar and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 56 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Zadar beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Market Zadar, a locally appreciated market that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Narodni Trg, where you can soak in the romantic surroundings.

Next, explore Church Of St. Donatus, yet another worthwhile place to see in the area. After the church, make time to go to Roman Forum. This picture-perfect archeological site is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Sea Organ, a spectacular art installation you won’t want to miss.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Lovinac.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lovinac. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.

On day 5 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Mihaljekov Jarek, Grad Krapina, and Radoboj are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Grad Varaždin, where you will stay for 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Mihaljekov Jarek.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Mihaljekov Jarek. This car ride takes around 2 hours 30 min.

Muzej Oldtimera is an often recommended museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its historic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Mihaljekov Jarek and set your GPS to Grad Krapina. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 4 min. Upon reaching Grad Krapina, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Museum Of Neandertals In Krapina, a worthwhile museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Grad Krapina and set your GPS to Radoboj. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 10 min. Upon reaching Radoboj, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Muzej Radboa, a frequently visited museum known for its heritage-rich features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Grad Varaždin. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Grad Varaždin. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Cafe Haustor, a popular restaurant in Grad Varaždin. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Grad Varaždin at Restoran Angelus, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Medonja. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Grad Varaždin tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Caffe Bar Madera after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Sax - Pub for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, My Way Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Croatia includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Grad Varaždin and Trakošćan. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Slavonski Brod, where you'll spend 1 night.

Make time for Cathedral Of The Assumption Of The Virgin Mary, Varaždin, an underrated church that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Old Town, Varaždin, enchanting visitors with its visually striking appeal.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Grad Varaždin, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Trakošćan. This drive usually takes around 47 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Trakošćan is Trakošćan Castle, a curiosity-inducing castle that draws attention for its romantic features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Slavonski Brod, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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 Slavonski Brod, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Fast Food Slavonija - Kod Šefkija, a top-rated dining spot in Slavonski Brod. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restaurant & Pizzeria Papo's, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Grill Jelić. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Slavonski Brod.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Prohibition Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caffe Bar Derby, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Cafe Lennox. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!