- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Inclusions
- Booking
Discover five Croatian National Parks in a company of a professional outdoor guide. We will take you on an adventure across mountains and hills, along rivers and waterfalls and passing through authentic small villages we will reach Adriatic sea.
This itinerary is designed for those who seek knowledge of a country through a comprehensive study of nature, wildlife and traditional local life.
During the 7 day adventure you will explore the wondrous biodiversity of Croatia, get to know local life in remote parts of Croatia, taste some of the best traditional Croatian food and capture stunning images from the mountain peeks overlooking the Adriatic sea.
Activities included in this trip are hiking (Risnjak, Northern Velebit, Paklenica), walking (Plitvice Lakes, Krka), cycling (Plitvice Lakes), zip-line (Plitvice Lakes), climbing (Paklenica) and swimming (Šibenik).
Itinerary includes easy to moderate physical activities therefore is suitable for all ages (children min. 8 years old) and fitness levels. Keep in mind this is a private tour hence itinerary is flexible and we will accommodate all your suggestions.
Itinerary includes easy to moderate physical activities therefore is suitable for all ages (children min. 8 years old) and fitness levels. Keep in mind this is a private tour hence itinerary is flexible and we will accommodate all your suggestions.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival to Zagreb
On your arrival day you will be picked up from the airport and we will drive to our first point of interest – Gorski Kotar. Gorski Kotar is the mountainous region in Croatia located around 1,5 hour drive from the capital of Croatia, Zagreb. This forested area, often called the green lungs of Croatia still remains a hidden gem not many tourists know about making it a perfect retreat for body and soul much needed after a long flight. After you settle in your accommodation we will arrange a welcome dinner with a traditional Croatian food as the best way to start your Croatia adventure. At this point we will have a chance to get to know each other and discuss the upcoming holiday itinerary.
Day 2
Risnjak National Park Hiking
Risnjak National Park covers an area of 63.5 square kilometers and includes Risnjak and Snježnik massif and the source area of river Kupa. Area of the park is a strong climate and vegetation barrier between coastal and continental parts of Croatia and a natural bond between the Alps and the Balkan mountains.
We start the hike in the morning and our goal is Big Risnjak – the highest point of the park elevating 1528 m above sea level. There are several hiking trails ( from 1 to 3 hours long one way) leading to Big Risnjak. On our orientation dinner we will discuss which one to take according to your abilities and wishes. Once we reach the top we will be able to admire the magnificent views of the Adriatic sea, surrounding are and even the Alps if the weather permits. Before we start descending we will have a deserved brake in one of the most beautiful mountain huts in Croatia, situated around 100 m from the top.
Day 3
Northern Velebit National Park Hiking
Third day of our adventure we are leaving Gorski Kotar behind and continuing towards Plitvice Lakes. On our way south, after 2 hour drive, we will visit Northern Velebit National Park covering the area of 109 square kilometers. It is the youngest national park in Croatia recognizable by its preserved biodiversity, richness of the natural phenomena and experience of pristine wilderness.
We will take the part of Premužić trail, named after its constructor from 1930s. This trail, often regarded as masterpiece of trail building is also suitable for visitors unaccustomed to mountaineering. Highest point elevating at 1630 m offers a spectacular view over the Adriatic sea and islands to the one side and continental Croatia to the other.
We will finish the day with checking in to the accommodation in Plitvice Lakes area.
Day 4
Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the best known and most visited Croatian National Park what makes it one of the biggest tourist attractions in Croatia. Plitvice Lakes, with its outstanding beauty, was in 1979 inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site for geological and ecological values. Complex of 16 terraced lakes joined by waterfalls offers visitors walkways, hiking trails, electric boats and buses.
We will start our walking tour of Plitvice Lakes in early morning hours to beat the crowds. Beautiful lakes and amazing waterfalls will give you numerous opportunities for photo taking and soaking up this magical natural attraction. Besides walking, we will have a panoramic boat ride across the lake and take an electric bus back to our starting point.
Afternoon is reserved for optional cycling tour or, for those more adventurous, zip-line over the canyon of river Korana.
Day 5
Paklenica National Park Hiking and Climbing
After one hour drive from Plitvice Lakes we will reach Paklenica National Park – area of 95 square kilometers which is a part of the longest mountain in Croatia, Velebit. Paklenica is famous for dramatic canyons carved into the slopes of the mountain, beech and black pine forest and untouched nature. National park offers more than 500 m of climbing routes and 150 km of hiking trails. After we discuss which activity, hiking or climbing (or the combination of the both) you prefer we will finalise the itinerary for the day.
In the late afternoon we will settle in the small seaside village for the next two days. You are welcome to take a swim on the local beach or have a walk by the sea.
Day 6
Krka National Park Tour
Krka National Park, situated along river Krka is known for a series of seven waterfalls and Visovac island with a 15th century monastery situated in the middle of the lake. This natural and karst phenomenon is covering 145 square kilometers and offers more than twenty hiking trails. We will take one of the trails to see the biggest attraction in Krka National Park – Skradinski Buk waterfall and take a boat ride.
On the way back to our accommodation it is possible to make a stop at Šibenik – the only city in Croatia and one of few in the world with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Picturesque Mediterranean city of Šibenik is famous for St. Jacob Cathedral which is the best example of fusion of Gothic and Renaissance art in Croatia.
In the evening we will have a traditional dinner together to celebrate our amazing adventure.
Day 7
Departure
After you are done packing or after your last swim in Croatian sea we will transfer you to the airport/bus station or your next hotel.
INCLUDED:
- Experienced and first aid trained license holder guide
- Meals (6 x breakfast, 2 x dinner)**
- 6 nights accommodation*
- Entrance fee for all National Parks in the itinerary
- Cycling tour on Plitvice Lakes or zip-line
- All transfers between locations and from/to the airport/bus station/next hotel
- Basic insurance
*B&B type of stay or typical homestay where local host rents out rooms with en-suite bathroom or apartments (depending on a group size)
**additional meals can be arranged upon request
NOT INCLUDED:
- Beverages
- Other than specified
- Climbing (Paklenica)
- Gratuities (optional)
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