Contact us: +385 91 764 1300 | info@terramagicacroatia.com |
Croatian National Parks and Rivers
Visit Three Croatian National Parks on this 8-day Adventure Tour
This multisport adventure holiday features three Croatian national parks – Plitvice Lakes, Krka, and Paklenica – and includes visits to the historic cities of Zagreb, Skradin, and Split.
The journey begins in Zagreb, where we will stroll through the lively capital’s charming streets and numerous parks. We then head to the beautiful blue-green Mreznica River for kayaking, followed by cycling in the countryside surrounding world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park.
After visiting the park, which dazzles visitors with its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, we will travel south towards the wild Dalmatian Coast. We’ll make a stop in the Velebit mountain range for Paklenica National Park hiking, taking in views of the majestic limestone canyon.
We’ll spend the last two days of the trip exploring the waterfalls and forests of pristine Krka National Park and rafting in the Cetina River Canyon.
This national parks of Croatia trip ends in Split. We can explore Roman ruins spread through the ancient, meandering streets and relax by the sea.
Day | Activities | Location | Lodging | Meals Included |
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1 | Arrival | Zagreb | Zagreb | Dinner |
2 | Kayaking | Mreznica River | Plitvice Lakes NP | Breakfast, Dinner |
3 | Cycling | Plitvice Area Countryside | Plitvice Lakes NP | Breakfast, Dinner |
4 | Walking | Plitvice Lakes National Park | Novigrad | Breakfast, Dinner |
5 | Hiking | Paklenica National Park | Skradin | Breakfast, Lunch |
6 | Walking | Krka National Park | Skradin | Breakfast, Lunch |
7 | Rafting | Cetina River | Split | Breakfast, Dinner |
8 | Departure | Split | Breakfast |
Arrival in Zagreb
Our Croatian National Parks Adventure begins in Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital city. Groups typically meet in the afternoon or evening, so please keep this in mind when booking your flights. Many guests choose to arrive a day or two early to adjust to the local time and explore Zagreb’s charming streets, lively cafes and numerous parks. Before sunset we will meet for a welcome drink, dinner and brief orientation where you will have a chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know the guides and fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Zagreb; Meals: Dinner.
Kayaking Mreznica River
After breakfast in Zagreb, a one-hour drive brings us to the starting point for kayaking on the Mreznica River. The trip includes class I-III rapids and cascading waterfalls. As our kayaks take us down the river canyon, take in the lush, verdant forests and gorgeous emerald water and enjoy the array of beautiful shades of greens in the surrounding landscapes. There will be time to swim and enjoy a picnic lunch in this peaceful natural area during the break. After kayaking we have around a one-hour drive to our accommodation near Plitvice Lakes National Park. You will have time to settle into your room, relax and/or explore the area before dinner.
Accommodation: Plitvice Lakes NP guesthouse; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Countryside Cycling and Cave Tour
The area surrounding Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to traditional villages, small farms, green meadows and lush forests, making it a lovely place to explore by bike. Enjoy views of the pastoral landscape and surrounding mountains as we cycle on roads with rolling hills and few cars. The trip includes a stop at Barac Caves, where we will learn about the history and geology of the area while experiencing the caves’ interesting karst formations.
Accommodation: Plitvice Lakes NP guesthouse; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Today we visit one of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in Europe – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its stunning sequence of turquoise lakes separated by travertine barriers and over 90 waterfalls.
As we walk along the park’s wooden paths and bridges, we’ll take in views of 16 gorgeous lakes, fairy-tale forests and cascading waterfalls fed by both the Black and White Rivers. The seemingly endless beech and pine forests surrounding the lakes are home to extensive wildlife, numerous caves and an interesting karst landscape. There is an option to enjoy a picnic lunch in this pristine, natural area. After the hike, we’ll have the chance to admire the lakes from a different perspective on a short bus ride that will take us back to the starting point.
Following our visit to the park, we have a two-hour drive to our accommodation in Novigrad, a quaint town by the sea. Enjoy a swim before dinner, relax and watch the sunset over the Velebit mountain range.
Accommodation: Novigrad; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hiking Paklenica National Park
Today we hike through Paklenica National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Croatia. The park is part of the Velebit Mountain Range and is famous for its exceptional hiking and rock climbing. This relatively small area has an abundance of diversity of flora and fauna, unique landscapes and pristine nature. We will hike through Velika Paklenica, the park’s main canyon, towards Ramica Dvori mountain hut. At the top, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch prepared using a time-honored cooking technique called “peka,” or “under the bell.” You’ll have time to relax and enjoy views of the largest and best-preserved forest complex in the territory of Dalmatia before we hike back down.
This is a round-trip hike that will bring us back through the canyon to the parking area. We then have a short drive to Skradin, a small town located at the entrance of Krka National Park where we will spend the next two nights. You will be able to relax and explore the historic town on your own in the evening. Your guide will recommend the best places for dinner.
Accommodation: Skradin; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Exploring Krka National Park
Our excursion starts after breakfast with a visit to Krka National Park, which is famous for its amazing travertine waterfalls and turquoise water. For the first part of the day we will explore the park by boat and on foot. In addition to enjoying the pristine forests and magical waterfalls, we will have the chance to learn about the local culture and history and see where the second hydroelectric plant in the world was built.
In the afternoon, a short drive will take us to a different part of the park, where we will have a lunch filled with local specialties, including homemade prosciutto and cheeses. After lunch you can relax by the river and go for a swim before we head back to Skradin for the evening. During the evening you will have free time to explore the town’s charming narrow streets and beautiful marina.
Accommodation: Skradin; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Cetina River Rafting
Today we embark on an action-packed white water rafting trip on the gorgeous Cetina River. We will start with a 1.5-hour drive to the starting point for rafting. You will paddle through crystal clear water, over waterfalls and through dense, jungle-like forest. This outing is exciting, but still suitable for families with children and absolute beginners.
After the rafting trip we will drive to Split, where you can explore the historic city before and after our last dinner together.
Accommodation: Split; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Departure
Today our tour comes to an end. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time, but we suggest avoiding booking departures early in the morning. If you decide to extend your stay in Croatia, our guides will happily share their knowledge and recommend other wonderful places to visit.
Meals: Breakfast.
8-Day Tour | |
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Adult (double room) | 2700,00 € / 20.343,15 kn |
Single | 3375,00 € / 25.428,94 kn |
All prices are per person, with a minimum of 4 people per group. We can do the tour for groups of less than 4, but the price for each person will be higher. Private tours are also available – contact us for more details.
This 8-day trip typically runs from Saturday to Saturday. Please send us an inquiry with your requested travel dates and we will get back to you with our availability.
Trip price includes:
- 7-nights accommodation
- 2 meals per day (dinner day 1-breakfast day 8)
- use of equipment
- 6 days of organized activities
- National Park entrance fees
- local taxes, sea and river permits
- skilled English-speaking guide and assistance
- ground transportation during the tour
- transfers from Zagreb airport at the beginning of the trip and to Split airport at the end (available only for private groups where everyone is arriving and departing at the same time)
- insurance
Not Included:
- international airfare to/from Croatia
- items of a personal nature
- gratuities for your guide(s)
- beverages and meals not stated in the itinerary
Payment:
A deposit equal to 50% of the price of the trip is due at the time of booking in order to reserve your dates. The remaining balance is to be paid at least 30 days before the departure date. We accept payment via bank transfer – details will be provided to you upon booking.
All prices are in euros (1 EUR = 7,53450 HRK). If you are paying in another currency, such as US Dollars, please check the current exchange rate with your bank to ensure the final amount delivered corresponds to the correct amount in EUR.
Cancellation policy:
If you decide to cancel your trip for any reason, you will be subject to the following cancellation policy:
- Cancellation 90 days or more before the departure date: the deposit is fully refundable, minus any fees charged by your bank.
- Cancellation 60-89 days before the departure date: the deposit is partially refundable – you will receive half of your deposit back, minus any fees charged by your bank.
- Cancellation 30-59 days before the departure date: the deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancellation within 30 days of departure date: full cost of the trip is non-refundable.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to protect your investment from unforeseen circumstances.
This cancellation policy applies to our small-group, 5+ day tours. Custom and private itineraries may have different cancellation, deposit, and refund policies. You will be sent the terms and conditions prior to confirming your booking.
Trip confirmation for small-group departures:
We reserve the right to cancel trips with an insufficient number of participants (minimum 4 people, unless otherwise stated). In that case, all money paid to Terra Magica Adventures will be refunded, minus the cost of any fees charged by your bank.
Do not book any non-refundable air travel until you receive notification that your trip is confirmed. The latest we will confirm a trip is 2 months before the departure date.
How to book: please email us at info@terramagicacroatia.com or call +385 91 764 1300 to book your Croatian National Parks Adventure Tour
Maximum number of participants: Maximum number of participants: 8 guests per group. Larger groups possible on request.
Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s)
Single use rooms are available upon request with a 25% surcharge. Sharing a twin room with another person is possible.
Activities: hiking, walking, cycling, river kayaking, swimming, white water rafting
Activity level: moderate
Accommodation: 1 night in a 3*** accommodation in Zagreb, 2 nights in a 3*** guesthouse in Plitvice area, 1 night in a 3*** small hotel in Novigrad, 2 nights in a 3*** accommodation in Skradin and 1 night in a 3*** accommodation in Split
Meals and dietary requirements: All arrangements regarding dietary requirements can be made upon request. We can provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals. Lunches are sometimes picnic-style allowing for flexibility along our route. You will be able to buy lunch and snacks from local shops.
Highlights: Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Paklenica National Park, Krka National Park, stunning river canyons, Split
Arrival and departure transfers: group transfers between the airport and destination may be available depending on arrival/departure time. Arrivals after 6pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 euros per transfer.
You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. If you are staying longer in Croatia, our guides will provide you all the information needed to continue your adventure – that includes recommendations for places, hotels and restaurants all over Croatia. We love our country and know it well, and will be happy to share our knowledge with you. Transfers to other locations in Croatia can be arranged upon request but will not be included in the price of the trip.