Head out to the Istrian peninsula for a day that takes in two of its most beloved towns, starting with Pula and its remarkably intact Roman amphitheatre before crossing to the colourful fishing town of Rovinj. One of the best day trips you can do from Zagreb, combining ancient history with one of the prettiest waterfronts on the Adriatic.
Spend a day in Slovenia taking in the best of what the country has to offer, from the charming streets and castle of Ljubljana to the iconic island church sitting in the middle of Lake Bled. A packed and memorable day out from Zagreb that crosses the border and delivers two of Central Europe's most beautiful spots.
Go beyond the main trails at Plitvice and discover the quieter, lesser visited corners of Croatia's most famous national park, where the waterfalls and turquoise lakes are just as stunning without the crowds. A great option from Zagreb for anyone who wants to see Plitvice properly rather than just scratching the surface.
Visit the fairy tale Trakošćan Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress set above a tranquil lake in the Croatian highlands. Continue to Varaždin, the elegant baroque town that once served as Croatia's capital, full of grand architecture and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a world away from the coast.