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National parks of Croatia – Hiking

From medieval Zagreb, across national parks to the Adriatic coast
Duration / level / type: 8 days / moderate / self-guided
Season: Zagreb capital of Croatia, National Park Plitvicka jezera, National Park Paklenica, National Park Krka
Price: from 470 € per person in DBL room

  • Highlights

  • Lakes & waterfalls of Plitvice
  • Canyons & villages of NP Paklenica
  • Green world of National Park Krka
  • Medieval city of Zagreb

This program will show you the full scale & diversity of Croatia’s Natural Heritage, as well as take you on a voyage through the history, culture and traditions (including cuisine) of Croatia – from its north (more influenced by Austro-Hungarian heritage) to its coast, marked by centuries of Venetian rule. From the streets of Old Town of Zagreb, over emerald lakes & forests of Plitvice lakes to the rocky karstic world of Paklenica national park, this program takes you through several wonders of Nature, one of them even recognized by UNESCO (Plitvice). At the end of the week, you will again enjoy the world of karstic rivers & waterfalls at the National park Krka. On the last day, the relaxed atmosphere, swimming options, and the traditional cuisine in the restaurants of Biograd na moru, a small town on the coast of the Adriatic, will make a beautiful end to this hiking adventure.

 

 

  • Itinerary

  • DAY 1 – ARRIVAL TO ZAGREB

    Arrival to Zagreb and accommodation in the hotel (bed & breakfast).

    NOTE ABOUT ARRIVAL FROM ZAGREB AIRPORT:

    • In case you are using public transport or taxis, see more about arriving in Zagreb City HERE
    • If you wish to pre-order a private transfer (English-speaking driver), check out prices under ‘WHAT’S INCLUDED – Optional services’
    • In case you are doing the program with your private car or rent-a-car, see more on parking options under ‘ADDITIONAL INFO’
    • In case you wish to rent a car through our office, see more on prices and conditions HERE

  • DAY 2 – ZAGREB / PLITVICE LAKES (optional Medvednica Nature Park)

    Morning free for a visit of Zagreb City. Optional lunch in one of the local restaurants, tasting traditional cuisine (to be reserved in advance).

    Afternoon bus to Plitvice Lakes. Overnight in the hotel.

    NOTE:

    • In case you wish to take a pre-ordered transfer to Plitvice, see more under ‘What’s Included – Optional services’
    • If you have already visited Zagreb before (or on day 1) and wish to spend an active morning, the option for a half-day trip to Medvednica Nature Park, just above Zagreb town (reachable by public transport, available in guided and self-guided form; for more see under ‘What’s included – optional services’)

  • DAY 3 – PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

    Full-day visit of the NP Plitvice lakes (Upper and Lower Lakes). Overnight in the hotel.

  • Day 4 – PLITVICE LAKES / STARIGRAD PAKLENICA (optional Krupa river)

    In the morning, enjoy some additional time around Plitvice Lakes National Park. You might want to hike around Kozjak lake (if you haven’t done it yesterday) or perhaps do a nice 3h hike to Medvjedzak hill, ending near the Big Waterfall. In the early afternoon, private transfer to Starigrad Paklenica and free time to relax on the coast of Adriatic (although possible, bus connections from Plitvice to Starigrad Paklenica are unreliable and time-consuming, so we include this transfer for your comfort). Accommodation in Starigrad Paklenica, overnight.

    NOTE:
    In case you are active and keen on more hiking, with a small supplement for the transport company, you can also visit the Krupa river canyon, an amazing piece of karstic nature! For more info about Krupa supplement see under ‘WHAT’S INCLUDED – Optional services’ and for more info on what’s interesting there see HERE

  • Day 5 – CANYONS & SACRED SITES OF PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK

    A full day hike visiting sacred sites and old villages as well as discovering the stunning Velika Paklenica canyon, before going back down to the coast again. When the hike reaches the main canyon, option for a traditional lunch at Ramica Dvori local tavern. In the late afternoon, return to the hotel, overnight.

    NOTE:
    It is possible to pre-book lunch at Ramica dvori – please inquire at our Adventure Consultant Team on vmd@vmd.hr

  • Day 6 – TULOVE GREDE & OLD TOWN OF ZADAR / BIOGRAD NA MORU

    Morning transfer by the old panoramic Majstorska road, to the area of Tulove grede – towering over southern Velebit, Tulove grede area offers amazing views to both the inner lands as well as Northern Dalmatia Adriatic basin. This visit includes a relatively short but exciting morning hike (1:30h-2:00h) combined with splendid photo opportunities and the option to ride along the road that was built in Austro-Hungarian times. After the visit, we continue towards Zadar, the main town of Northern Dalmatia. Free time for optional lunch and a stroll through the Old Town, taking you through history, from the time of the Roman Empire, through centuries of Venetian rule up to the present day. Don’t forget to visit the Zadar Sea Organ and relax on its ‘riva’ (coastal promenade), from where it is said that famous director Alfred Hitchcock saw ‘the most beautiful Sunset in the world’. Early evening transfer to Biograd na moru, a small coastal town southeast of Zadar and our base for the last 2 nights of the program. Overnight.

    NOTE:
    In case you are active and keen on more hiking, with a small supplement for the transport company, you can also visit the Krupa river canyon, an amazing piece of karstic nature! For more info about Krupa supplement see under ‘WHAT’S INCLUDED-Optional services’ and for more info on what’s interesting there see HERE

  • Day 7 – BIOGRAD NA MORU – NATIONAL PARK KRKA – BIOGRAD NA MORU

    Local bus to Sibenik and continue to Skradin and National park of Krka. Visit the national park. Optional: boat to the island of Visovac and to the Roski Slap. In the afternoon, return to Biograd na moru. Optional dinner (with a supplement, see more under What’s Included’) in one of the local restaurants, offering traditional Dalmatian cuisine. We encourage you to taste some of the Dalmatian wines on offer – beloved even by the Romans, wine from Dalmatia has reached all parts of the Globe – and for a reason! Overnight in Biograd na moru.

  • DAY 8 - DEPARTURE

    Public bus to Split/Zagreb and flight back.

    Transfer time to Split is about 3h. The transfer time to Zagreb is about 4h.

 

 

  • Price & Info

 

  • INCLUDED


    • 7 nigths, bed & breakfast

    • All transports starting from arrival to the airport, until the departure

    • Tour leader throughout

    • Entrance tickets to all 5 national parks in the program

    NOT INCLUDED


    • Flights to/from Croatia

    • Travel insurance

    • Optional activities on day 5 (rafting / jeep safari)

  • 1 night in ZAGREB – HOTEL CENTRAL 3*,
    http://www.hotel-central.hr/en/
    Bed & Breakfast service.
    Located in the very heart of Zagreb opposite the main railway station and close to the bus station and the terminal for Zagreb Airport. Only a 10-minute walk from the hotel through Zrinjevac Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Zagreb, will bring you to the main square and the historic center of the city. Popular coffee shops, well-known museums, galleries, shops, the Dolac market, and sights of the medieval area of the city are all within easy reach.
    – Free Wi-Fi
    – SAT-TV
    – Laundry service
    – Hairdryer
    – Air conditioning

    2 nights in PLITVICKA JEZERA, HOTEL PLITVICE 2*,
    http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/plan-your-visit/accommodation/plitvice-hotel,30.html
    Hotel Plitvice was designed by a renowned Croatian architect, Marijan Haberle, and constructed between 1954 and 1957. At the time it was built, it was the first hotel of the so-called „A“ category both in Croatia and in the region. The building represented one of the best architectural pieces (public use buildings) of post-WW2 time in Croatia. The hotel includes a car park and a souvenir shop, and provides luggage carry services, a reception desk open 24/7, an exchange office, a safe, laundry services, room service and internet access.
    – Free Wi-Fi
    – SAT-TV
    – Minibar
    – Safe
    – Hairdryer
    – Some rooms also offer spacious balconies

    2 nights in STARIGRAD PAKLENICA, PANSION TINKA ,
    http://www.pansion-tinka.com/eng.htm
    Tinka guest house is situated in a peaceful place, 200 m far from the main road. It is ideal for those who want to spend their holidays immersed in a natural, quiet surrounding. It has a beautiful garden with a lot of trees. There is a parking place and a big garage for 4 cars. In addition to walking along long sandy beach, swimming in crystal clear seawater and resting in the shadow of tamarisk trees, you may also visit Velika and Mala Paklenica canyons, where griffons inhabit and the remote hamlets situated at the foothill (ethno villages), in which you still may find a rare older native who will gladly chat with you, offer you brandy and dried figs.
    – Air conditioning

    2 nights in BIOGRAD NA MORU, VILLA MAIMARE,
    http://www.maimare.hr/EN/maimare001.html
    VILLA MAIMARE is a small family hotel built in 2006 with an attractive appearance and pleasant atmosphere. It is situated in the center of Biograd, near beaches and pine trees surrounding tennis courts ( 50 meters ). Villa Maimare is an ideal place for those who want to relax in quite surroundings and yet be in the center of the town’s events. Modern, comfortable and luxuriantly equipped rooms will make your stay pleasant and relaxing.
    – Free Wi-Fi
    – SAT-TV
    – Fridge
    – Safe
    – Hairdryer
    – Air conditioning
    – Rooms also offer balconies
    – If needed Baby cribs

  • NATIONAL PARKS OF CROATIA HIKING TOUR

    TOTAL COST FOR THE TOUR WITH ACCOMMODATION IN A DOUBLE ROOM*

    APRIL 470.00
    MAY 490.00
    JUNE 540.00
    JULY 610.00
    AUGUST 610.00
    SEPTEMBER 520.00
    OCTOBER 500.00

    TOTAL COST FOR THE TOUR WITH ACCOMMODATION IN A SINGLE ROOM*

    APRIL 580.00
    MAY 630.00
    JUNE 700.00
    JULY 830.00
    AUGUST 830.00
    SEPTEMBER 670.00
    OCTOBER 620.00

    Discounts:
    – For groups 3-5 pax 10% discount
    – For groups 6-8 pax 15% discount
    – For larger groups please contact our office for a special deal!

    – SELF-DRIVEN program (rent-a-car or private car) – see more below*

    PROGRAM WITH TRANSFERS INCLUDES:
    – 1 night in 3* hotel in Zagreb / ensuite bathroom / breakfast buffet
    – 2 nights in 2* hotel Plitvice in Plitvice Lakes National Park / ensuite bathroom / breakfast buffet. The entrance ticket for the national park for one day will be prolonged during the stay of clients in the hotel.
    – 2 nights in a family pension in Starigrad Paklenica / ensuite bathroom / continental breakfast
    – 2 nights in 3* family hotel in Biograd na Moru / ensuite bathroom / breakfast buffet
    – Day 4: At 4.30 p.m. transfer of guests with their luggage from the accommodation in Plitvička Jezera to
    the accommodation in Starigrad Paklenica
    – Day 6: At 6 p.m. transfer of guests with their luggage from the accommodation in Starigrad Paklenica to
    the accommodation in Biograd na Moru with luggage
    – City taxes
    – Emergency telephone support

    SELF-DRIVEN (rent-a-car or private car) PROGRAM INCLUDES:
    – 1 night in 3-star Hotel Central in Zagreb in rooms with private bathroom, including breakfast buffet.
    Guests can park their car in a nearby car park for about 55 kn per day.
    – 2 nights in 2-star Hotel Plitvice in Plitvička Jezera in rooms with private bathroom, including breakfast
    buffet. Guests can park their car for free in the parking lot of the hotel. The entrance ticket for the
    national park for one day will be prolonged during the stay of clients in the hotel.
    – 2 nights in Pension Tinka in Starigrad Paklenica in rooms with private bathroom, including continental
    breakfast. Guests can park their car for free in the parking lot of the Pension.
    – 2 nights in Villa Maimare in Biograd na Moru in rooms with private bathroom, including a breakfast buffet.
    Guests can park their car for free in the parking lot of the accommodation.
    – City taxes
    – Emergency telephone support

    IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ACCOMMODATION
    – for the period of April and October, in Biograd na Moru we use HOTEL MEDUZA

    REDUCTION FOR SELF-DRIVEN PROGRAM (PER RESERVATION, NOT PERSON)
    250.00 EUR for 1-3 pax
    350.00 EUR for 4-6 pax

    ENTRANCE TICKETS (to pay on-site)

    National Park Plitvice
    -April, May, October – 180 HRK (25 €) per person – one day
    -June-September – 300 HRK (40.50 €) per person – one day

    National Park Paklenica
    -April, May. October – 40 HRK (5,5 €) per person – 1 day
    -June, July, August, September – 60 HRK (8,2€) per person – 1 day

  • Eating & drinking
    All breakfasts are included throughout. This program will give you a chance to taste the gastronomical variety of different Croatian regions – from the light Mediterranean cuisine in Biograd na moru and Starigrad to the strong cuisine of the green Croatian continent – everything from the sea and river fish, calamari and squids to the lamb and veal meat, potatoes, cheese, local grown vegetables, and fruits.

    Vaccinations and Visa
    Visas are not required by the following nationalities: British and other EU countries, Nationals of Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada. Other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities. There are no specific health risks.

    Holiday style
    This program is dedicated to nature lovers who like to do medium difficulty walks, usually up to a 12-13km distance, with an altitude difference of a maximum of 750m (mostly up to 500m). Trails vary from rugged rocky limestone terrains to dense forests and easy paths following the lakes and rivers of the national parks.

    Some hiking experience is desirable, although anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can do the program.

    If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us

    Weather & seasonality
    This tour takes you from the capital of Zagreb to the seaside through 3 National parks. 3 different climates will offer something for everyone. If you like green forest paths, or rocky mountains, beautiful beaches or walks in the big cities in this program you will find everything. Climate can be various but our tours are run in periods when the weather is usually stable, be sure to be ready for sun & rain. Warmer clothes for the Plitvice lakes and National Park Paklenica (depending on the date of traveling), but also a hat and sunglasses for the strong Adriatic sun.

 

  • Hiking profile

Number of days walking: 5
Level: easy to moderate
Average daily distance: 12 km / 7,45 miles
Terrain: medium altitude differences (up to 700m); trails passing green forests but also rocky limestone areas

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  • Who is guiding the tour?

29 years of experience in the organization of hiking programs in Croatia and around the world, combined with a team of well-versed tour guides who are passionate about nature and cultural and historical heritage, this is the recipe that results in every tour concocted in the VMD adventure lab being a successful ‘experiment’. Let us introduce you to the secrets of adventurous Croatia in a safe and interesting way! More about our tour leaders and the office crew here: VMD GUIDES

Contact
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