• Activity Level:  3
  • Comfort:  4
  • Departs From: Zagreb
  • Location: Risnjak, Velebit, Plitvice, Paklenica, Krka
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Availability: SELECTED SATURDAYS, May - Sep
  • CLICK FOR PRICING / DEPARTURES

Highlights

  • Hiking tour of 5 national parks from the mountain regions to the Adriatic coast
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site – Plitvice Lakes National Park.
  • Risnjak, Northern Velebit, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica and Krka National Parks
  • Includes arrival transfer from Zagreb or Rijeka and departure transfer to Zagreb, Zadar or Split
  • 2-5hrs walking on easy terrain
Book now (obligation free) pay later

8 days from (Zagreb) Zvecaj, Risnjak, Kupa River, Velebit, Plitvice Lakes, Barac Caves, Paklenica, Krka River, Skradin and to Zagreb/Split

This trip will show you stunning sceneries and landscapes of 5 Croatian National Parks. It is perfect for those who like to enjoy the great outdoors on foot, no matter the age. All the way from Croatia’s inland mountain region to the Adriatic coast through five national parks: Risnjak, Northern Velebit, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica and Krka. The daily walking routes between two and five hours on easy to moderate terrain with enough time for evening relaxation. We will stay in a family run hotel on a river bank, charming Korana Village guesthouses and a hotel in the town of Skradin on Krka River

Itinerary

8 days from (Zagreb) Zvecaj, Risnjak, Kupa River, Velebit, Plitvice Lakes, Barac Caves, Paklenica, Krka River, Skradin and to Zagreb/Split

Open age tour for 8yrs and above, physically challenging. Double/twin rooms. Solo travelers can book a double/twin for solo use with a solo use supplement or share with a stranger. Arrival transfer from Zagreb and departure transfer to Zagreb or Zadar

2019 departures: May 18, Jun 1 & 22, Jul 6, Aug 17 & 31, Sep 14
LIMITED DEPARTURE DATES – DON’T MISS OUT


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https://discovercroatia.com.au/before-you-go/


ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival and Transfer to Zvecaj Village
Zvecaj is a small village by the Mreznica River, not far from the highway connecting the Croatian capital city of Zagreb with the harbour of Rijeka. We will meet you at the airport, railway station or in the harbour. Zeleni kut (“The Green Corner”) is a well-known restaurant and a small family owned hotel overlooking the green Mreznica River and its waterfall. It was built above an old mill which now supplies electric power. The hotel serves traditional Croatian specialties using fresh water fish from its own fishing ponds, homemade cheese, ham and sausages as well as fresh vegetables and fruit from local farms. In the evening we will meet on the terrace overlooking the river for dinner and brief orientation, where we will have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our guides and fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Zvecaj hotel; Meals: D; Drive: 1h from Zagreb airport, 1.5 h from Rijeka airport.

Day 2 Walking in Risnjak National Park
The Risnjak mountain range is named after a rare animal that inhabits its woods – the lynx. It is located in Gorski Kotar, the most mountainous and heavily forested region of the country, about 15 km inland from the Adriatic Sea. The pristine park covers an area of 63,5 km2. It includes both the Risnjak and Snjeznik ranges and the source area of the Kupa River. We start our hike from Vilje which will lead us towards our goal – Big Risnjak, the highest point of the mountain range. Schlosser’s mountain hut, situated 100m below the peak, is probably one of the most beautiful mountain huts in Croatia. After resting and enjoying the amazing view over the sea, other peaks of Gorski Kotar and even the Alps, we will descend slowly back to Vilje. After hiking we will return back to our hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Zvecaj hotel; Meals: B; Walking:3-4 h, easy/moderate, well-marked paths; Drive: 1.5h-2h each way.

Day 3 Walking in Northern Velebit National Park
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Croatia’s youngest national park – Northern Velebit National Park. The area was designated a national park due to its richness of karst phenomena, outstanding biodiversity and exquisitely beautiful nature on a relatively small area. The Park is crisscrossed with numerous mountaineering trails. The most famous is the Premužic trail, named after its constructor who built it in the late 1933. The path runs through the most beautiful and the most interesting parts of the park. From the numerous peaks in the surroundings you can have a magnificent view on the Adriatic Sea, its islands and the continental side of the mountain chain. Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes National Park is provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley by the Korana River. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes the village an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area – Korana Village has no pubs, restaurants, shops, schools, not even a church – it’s just a village as small and wonderful as it can be, an ideal setting for a fairy tale…
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Walking: 4 – 5 h, easy/moderate, well-marked paths; Drive: 2.5 h each way.

Day 4 Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Today we visit the most beautiful and stunning national park of Croatia – Plitvice Lakes National Park. We start our day walking along the wooden paths and bridges in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pure and untouched nature. Panoramic boat and train rides will take us back to the start. Later in the afternoon we return to our accommodation in the village just in time to enjoy some free time before dinner.
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Drive: 15 min each way; Walking: 4-5 h, easy, well-marked paths.

Day 5 Optional trip day
For those who chose a 5-day trip, this is the end of your holiday. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time (transfer to Zagreb airport is included in the price). The rest of the group continues the trip. On the fifth day of your holiday you can be as active or as lazy as you want. Several river, walking, sightseeing or beach trips will be offered, in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer.
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Drive: max 2 hours each way.

Day 6 Paklenica National Park Walking
After saying goodbye to our village hosts we continue south to Paklenica National Park, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite hiking and climbing destination. Paklenica National Park covers the area of torrent flows of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the south slopes of Mount Velebit and the broader surrounding area. This relatively small area offers exceptional diversity of geomorphologic phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature. Having adapted to the geographic and climatic environment, the locals mostly engage in nomadic stock herding, which can be seen by their mountain shepherd residences. Hiking is the only way to really get to know Paklenica National Park. The most popular trail is the one leading to Borisov Dom, a mountain hut popular among mountaineers. After descending all the way to the sea we drive to Skradin for the evening.
Accommodation: 3 star Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Meals: B; Walking: 4-5 h, moderate, well-marked paths; Drive: 2h 1h.

Day 7 Krka River National Park Walking
The last day of the journey takes us to Krka River National Park with its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We explore the park’s extensive waterways and complex history dating back to late 10th century and first Croatian kings. One of the options is a visit to Skradinski Buk waterfall, the place where the second hydro plant in the world was built, just a few years after the one on Niagara Falls. A boat will take us to Visovac island and its Franciscan monastery. After walking, we return to the hotel and enjoy a late afternoon in the old town before the final evening dinner and a celebration of an amazing adventure.
Accommodation: 3 star Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Meals: B, D; Walking: 3 h, easy, well-marked paths.

Day 8 Departure
Depart from Skradin to the airport and flight home. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit – especially those you won’t find in tourist guide books.
Meals: B; Drive: Zadar 45 min, Split 1 h, Zagreb 3.5 h

INCLUDED:
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• meals as noted in itinerary (7xB=breakfast and 5xD=dinner)
• activities and use of equipment (kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, catamaran)
• use of walking poles (with advanced notice)
• 5 days organized activities
• National Parks entrance fees
• local taxes and river permits
• local transfers
• Saturday arrival transfer from Zagreb or Rijeka airport
• Saturday departure transfer to Zagreb, Zadar or Split airport
• skilled English-speaking guide and assistance
• ground transportation
• insurance

NOT INCLUDED:
• airfare
• drinks and meals not indicated in the itinerary
• tips and other personal expenses
• optional trips

ACCOMMODATION
Private guesthouses in Korana Village
3star Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin or similar

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Tour guides and trip leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional situations. Operator reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Accommodations

Great accommodations are provided.

Essential Information

If flying out of Zagreb please do not book a departure flight before 1 PM due to long driving time from the accommodation.

Arrival airport: Zagreb or Rijeka
Departure airport: Zagreb, Zadar or Split
If flying out of Zagreb please do not book a departure flight before 1 PM due to long driving time from the accommodation.

Arrival and departure transfers: several group transfers between the airport and destination depending on arrival/departure time. Arrivals after 6 pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 euros per person. If flying out of Zagreb please do not book a departure flight before 1 PM due to long driving time from the accommodation

Optional trips are not included in the price and can be booked and paid on the spot. Optional trips cost approximately 50-60 € per person, payable on site, and are dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a minimum of 4 participants

Inclusions

  • INCLUDED:
  • • 7 nights’ accommodation
  • • meals as noted in itinerary (7xB=breakfast and 5xD=dinner)
  • • activities and use of equipment (kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, catamaran)
  • • use of walking poles (with advanced notice)
  • • 5 days organized activities
  • • National Parks entrance fees
  • • local taxes and river permits
  • • local transfers
  • • Saturday arrival transfer from Zagreb or Rijeka airport
  • • Saturday departure transfer to Zagreb, Zadar or Split airport
  • • skilled English-speaking guide and assistance
  • • ground transportation
  • • insurance

Exclusions

  • NOT INCLUDED:
  • • airfare
  • • drinks and meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • • tips and other personal expenses
  • • optional trips

Extras & Upgrades

Single use rooms are available upon request with a 20% surcharge. Sharing a twin room with another person is possible in case there are other guests interested in sharing.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 12 years if accompanied by an adult

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our specific FAQ pages here:

Before You Go - General Croatia Info (general info for all travellers)

Before Your Cruise - General Cruise Info (for all small ship Croatia cruises)

Before Your Island Hopping Tour - General Info (packages combining hotels, ferries and transfers)

Before Your Private Charter - General Yacht and Gulet Charter Info (private charters)

 

Click here to see how the booking process works: https://www.discovercroatia.com.au/booking-process-how-to-book/

How far in advance do I need to book?

Cruises: For our weekly small ship cruises with guaranteed departures we suggest you book as soon as your plans are in motion. All cruises are extremely popular especially during peak season, which is June, July, August, September and these dates can be booked out up to a year in advance, especially September. One-way cruises are particularly sought-after and tend to sell out first, so please speak to us first to ensure your cruise choice is available before booking any flight arrangements.

Escorted Tours: Escorted Group Tours with guaranteed departures are also best booked as early as possible to ensure your place on the tour, as spaces are limited to a set number of passengers. Once the tour is full that departure is closed for new bookings.

Island Hopping, Self-Drive, Self-Guided Cycling/Hiking and Independent or Private Tours: Independent tours are available most days of the week at any time of year, so if you're booking late these are a great option. They can also start or finish on any day of the week, so can be a great alternative to the cruises (that mostly depart only on Saturdays). You can check out our Island Hopper Tours and our active tours for some examples. If you can't find what you are looking for please make an enquiry on any of our tours and let us know what you need. We love creating custom tours with our clients.

What do the different ship categories mean?

Please see our Ship Descriptions page here, for all the information on Ship Categories, Deck and Cabin Descriptions.

 

What is half-board? What meals are included?

Half-board (HB): This means that 2 meals a day are usually provided, mostly it will be breakfast and lunch on cruises, and breakfast and dinner on escorted tours. Each cruise or tour will have meals listed on the daily itinerary, so that you will know exactly which meals are included. Some lunches or dinners are swapped occasionally, so that you may enjoy a wonderful gourmet experience with your fellow travellers, such as a Captain's Dinner on a cruise, or a wine-tasting and lunch on an escorted tour. For the remainder of your meals you will be able to dine anywhere you choose and you will be responsible for the cost of those meals. Your Cruise or Tour Director will be happy to recommend a good value and trusted eatery nearby at every location, or you can explore on your own.

Bed and Breakfast (BB): This means that only breakfast is included in your holiday. Most of our Independent Tours include breakfast only, so that you are not beholden to going back to your hotel for lunch or dinner as you are going to be exploring on your own. We think that flexibility with lunch and dinner gives you the best option for exploring Croatia and experiencing the local culture and cuisine.

Full-board (FB) is occasionally offered on cruises as an optional extra, but we do not recommend you take the full-board option unless you are really sure about it. A lot of the joy of the cruise and tour experiences is to dine in local restaurants, 'konobas' (traditional pubs) and bars, so that you can meet the people who live and work there. Why come all the way to Croatia only to eat on-board for every meal? There are so many fabulous (and even some famous!) eateries. Get out there and taste them!

 

What type of transport is used on the Island Hopper Tours? Local ferries and vehicle transfers

Local ferries: Local ferries are used between the mainland and the islands where possible. Most of these ferries are fast ferries (high speed catamarans). Our Island Hopper Tours include all ferry tickets, as well as delivery of the ferry tickets to your hotel, when we come to pick you up to take you to the ferry port. In some towns, where some hotels are in the pedestrian zone close to the ferry port (like Hvar), then you will be met at the ferry and directed to your hotel, with luggage assistance if required. If your hotel is outside the pedestrian zone you will be met at the ferry and taken to your transfer vehicle, with luggage assistance if required.

Transfers: Most Island Hoppers have private airport transfers included, and private transfers to/from the ferry ports on the islands. Some transfers will be shared transfers if there are others going to the exact same hotel at the same time and it is a short distance.

How fit do I need to be for my holiday?

Relaxation/cultural cruises and tours: On-board your cruise ship, you will need to be able to negotiate gangways and stairs and be able to step from ship to ship as the cruise ships are moored next to each other sideways and sometimes you need to step across to the next ship. You will be walking mostly on the cobblestone streets through the iconic cities and towns of the region. The excursions are best-suited to those who are capable of walking on uneven surfaces as many old cities and towns have limited totally flat surfaces that can accommodate wheelchairs or walking-frames. Please contact us to ask about your specific circumstances, as we are happy to help plan for your needs as best we can. Assistance will be provided on cruise ships to help you navigate getting on and off, but there are a few limitations. Please ask.

Cycling tours: Although almost completely flat this cycle tour is graded easy to moderate as the daily distance ranges between approximately 15-50 km. You will be biking mostly on the dedicated cycle paths alongside canals, rivers and through the iconic cities and towns of the region. This tour is well-suited to those who have never taken a cycling holiday before as it is flat and predominantly traffic-free and you also have the option of skipping the cycling and relaxing on board.

What happens if I can't attend an excursion?

It is possible to relax at your hotel, on the tour bus or on the boat at any time.

What happens if I can't cycle or hike a stage on an active holiday?

For cycling cruises: If you don't want to cycle it is possible to relax on the boat as it moves to the next port of call.

For cycling and hiking tours: If you don't want to (or can't due to illness or injury) cycle, hike or walk a stage, then we will make arrangements to have you transferred to the next stop on your itinerary so that you can continue with your holiday. Prices for transfers vary widely, so pricing will be provided on an 'as needed' basis only.

What equipment do I need?

Relaxation/excursion cruises and tours: You will need comfortable walking shoes, clothes for relaxing, your swimming costume, and a sunhat. Most cruises are fairly relaxed and casual clothing is fine for all meals, though you may want to take one nice outfit depending on where you wish to dine onshore.

Cycling cruises and tours: You will need comfortable sports shoes, comfortable clothes for cycling, waterproof jacket and trousers, a helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.

If you have any questions, just give us a call or email:

Call us or WhatsApp: +612-9212-1507
Email us: [email protected]

 

 

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Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival and Transfer to Zvecaj Village
  • Day 2 Walking in Risnjak National Park
  • Day 3 Walking in Northern Velebit National Park
  • Day 4 Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Day 5 Optional trip day
  • Day 6 Paklenica National Park Walking
  • Day 7 Krka River National Park Walking
  • Day 8 Departure