Tour description
This magnificent journey introduces you to the numerous charms of Croatia. The Dinaric Alps which cross the country from north to south, abound in remarkable natural sites. You will hike along the spectacular lakes and waterfalls of the Krka and Plitvice National Parks, walk along the ridges and canyons of the impressive Paklenica and central Velebit mountain massifs, and explore the surprising moonlike landscape of the Bay of Pag.
Each stage is also an opportunity to get acquainted with the country’s rich history, particularly through the visits to UNESCO sites Zadar and Trogir, rich in architectural and cultural heritage.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Arrival at the Split airport and transfer to the hotel. During the dinner, the guide presents the activities of the tour.
Day 2 - Krka National Park
Early morning transfer to Krka National Park (60 min). During the morning walk, we will visit Roški slap, one of the 7 magnificent waterfalls of the Krka River. The walking path will also take us to a cave and a unique viewpoint overlooking the canyon. After a break for swimming and a picnic, we will continue to Skradinski buk, the last in the series of 7 travertine waterfalls of the Krka River and the most impressive one, made up of about a dozen smaller waterfalls. Afterwards we drive to Starigrad Paklenica (1 hour), check-in at the hotel, and enjoy some free time.
Duration of the transfer: Trogir – Roški Slap 1h / Roški slap – Skradin 25min. / Skradin – Starigrad Paklenica 1h, total transfer during the day: 2h30
Trail Roški slap: WALKING TIME 1h40 / TRAIL LENGTH 3,7km / ALTITUDE 300m
Trail Skradinski buk: WALKING TIME 45min. / TRAIL LENGTH 2,2km / ALTITUDE 75m
Total: WALKING TIME cca. 2h30 / LENGTH 6km / ALTITUDE cca. 400m
Transport: 2h30
Walking time: cca. 2h30
Altitude: cca. 400m
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Accommodation: hotel*** or hotel****
Day 3 - Paklenica National Park
The hiking trail in Paklenica National Park takes us through the beautiful Velika Paklenica canyon, alongside impressive climbing cliffs and the majestic Anića kuk, the highest rock face in Croatia. Karst landscapes emerge from dense beech forests and Mediterranean-influenced vegetation. Along the trail, we continuously follow the streambed of Velika Paklenica. A lunch break with a beautiful panoramic view is reserved at the Ramića Dvori mountain lodge, where we relax before returning to the starting point by following the canyon floor.
Duration of the transfer: 10min
From Canyon Velika Paklenica to Ramića dvori and back through the canyon: WALKING TIME 5h / TRAIL LENGTH 12km / ELEVATION 700m
Day 4 - Life on Mars hike
Transfer to the village of Metajna, where our hike along the shores of Pag Bay begins. The route follows the trail named “Life on Mars” due to the landscapes it traverses. Here, in winter, the “bura,” a violent wind that descends from the mountains, limits vegetation and creates a unique barren terrain. The water then erodes the limestone formations, creating caves and rock formations that delight climbers. We walk through this magical scenery, offering spectacular views of the blue Pag Bay and the Velebit Mountains. Numerous beaches line the trail throughout the day, providing opportunities for refreshing swims. Picnic during the hike. On the way back, we stop in Zadar for a free visit of the city (2.5 hours) and its fascinating artistic creations, the “Sea Organ” and the “Greeting to the Sun” square. Return transfer to Starigrad.
Duration of the transfer: Starigrad Paklenica – Metajna 1h30, total of 3h during the the day
Trail Life on Mars: WALKING TIME 2h30 / TRAIL LENGTH 7,3km/ ALTITUDE 230m
Day 5 - Velebit Nature Park
Transfer to Velebit Nature Park (1h15). We start from Baške Oštarije, a small village from which we start a circular walk, alternating views of monumental stone massifs and paths in the middle of meadows. Crossing over different peaks and ridges allows us to see the entire central and southern part of the Velebit Nature Park and, if the weather is clear, you can see the Adriatic Sea and its islands. Picnic while hiking. Transfer to Krasno (1h15). Check-in at the hotel for 1 night.
Duration of the transfer: Starigrad Paklenica – Baške Oštarije 1h15, Baške Oštarije – Krasno 1h20, total in a day 2h30
Trail Baške Oštarije over the tops of Debela kosa, Basača and Badanj: WALKING TIME 4h / TRAIL LENGTH 10km / ALTITUDE 455m
Day 6 - Northern Velebit National Park
Transfer to the village of Zavižan (45 min.), in the heart of the Northern Velebit National Park, from where our spectacular hike begins along the Premužić Trail, named after the architect who had it built using the stone wall and dry wall construction technique. With a very gentle slope, the route stretches along the peaks of the massif with a beautiful view of the Adriatic islands and the continental countryside. A picnic break is planned at the Rossi shelter with a beautiful view of the sea and the rugged landscape of the strictly protected reserve Hajdučki and Rožanski kukovi. Transfer to Plitvice (2h) and check-in at the hotel for 1 night.
Duration of the transfer: Krasno – Zavižan 45 min., Alan – Plitvice 2h30, total in a day 3h30
Trail Premužić from Zavižan to Alan: WALKING TIME 5h30 / TRAIL LENGTH 15km / ALTITUDE 500m
Day 7 - Plitvice Lakes National Park
A day to visit part of the UNESCO natural heritage, Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. lt has been a part of the UNESCO world heritage of protected natural and cultural sites for almost 40 years. lt is known for its 16 beautiful interconnected lakes of crystal blue-green color, whose creation is due to the constant formation of travertine barriers. These lakes represent the basic phenomenon and beauty of this national park. The water of the Plitvice Lakes is premium drinking water. You will experience natural beauty by walking along forest paths, wooden bridges, riding an electric boat and a panoramic vehicle.
Duration of the transfer: Plitvice – Trogir 2h30
Trail Plitvička jezera Upper Lakes: WALKING TIME 3h / TRAIL LENGTH 8km / ALTITUDE 390m
Trail Plitvička jezera Lower Lakes: WALKING TIME 1h20 / TRAIL LENGTH 3,4km / ALTITUDE 160m
Total of Upper and Lower Lakes: WALKING TIME 4h2O / TRAIL LENGTH 11,4km / ALTITUDE 550m
Day 8 - Departure
Check-out and transfer from the hotel to the Split airport.
Ecological sustainability
We have always been committed to the development of responsible tourism. Since our establishment, we have created different travel experiences but with the commitment to ensuring their sustainability for future generations. We are in the process of obtaining the Travelife certification and will soon become a certified Travelife partner. Our entire team works on the systematic use of sustainable resources and promoting the positive social and ecological impact
What's included
Accommodation
- 2 nights in Trogir, in a 3* or 4* hotel, in a double room with private bathroom.
- 3 nights in Starigrad, in a 3* or 4* hotel, in a double room with private bathroom.
- 1 night in Krasno in a 3* accommodation, in a double room with private bathroom.
- 1 night in the Plitvice Lakes region in a 3* or 4* hotel, in a double room with private bathroom.
Single room supplement available. Please contact us for more details.
Accommodation facilities can be adjusted to include apartments, campsites, hostels, resorts, lodges and eco hotels. Different types of accommodation can be combined on each tour. Accommodation can be upgraded to 5* hotels.
Transfers
Private vehicle and boats. Where possible, the program can be conducted by public transfer.
Transfer from/to the airport.
For a group of up to 8 people, transportation by van is arranged.
If group size is from 9 to 15 people, transfer is organized in a minibus.
Transfers included in the price:
- Transfers for all the activities in the programme.
- Airport transfer.
- Luggage transfer.
- Boat ride in Krka and Plitvice lakes National Park.
Guide
English speaking licensed tourist and mountain guide who takes care of the group during the whole duration of the trip. The type of the tour determines the number of guides. It is possible to also have a licensed tourist guide for city tours.
Depending on the group, we can organize German, Italian, or French speaking guide.
Meals
Breakfasts and dinners are served in accommodation facilities or in restaurants. Lunch is served in the form of a picnic. On days 2 and 4, dinner is not included. The program can be adjusted to include B&B service, full board service or packed lunch.
According to your habits, we recommend you to provide some chewable energy during walking (bars of cereals, dry fruit…).
Please report any specific diet as soon as your register.
Tickets
Entrance fees to the national parks Krka, Paklenica, Northern Velebit, Plitvice Lakes and to Velebit Nature Park.
What's not included
Airplane ticket
Flights not included in the tour cost.
Insurance
Travel Insurance is not included.
Optional experiences
Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost.
Additional services
Tips and personal expenses are not included in the tour price. You can also book extra nights at the beginning and end of the trip. The cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.
Additional info
Private tour
For private groups, we can customize:
• Duration and difficulty of activities
• Accommodation
• Number of nights
• Number and type of activities
• Inclusion of additional services
Contact us for more information.
Group size and age
The group size ranges from 4 to 15 people, with a minimum age requirement of 16 years.
Number of activity days
The program includes 6 days of activities.
The total number of days and activities can be adjusted for private groups.
Additional cost
A surcharge is required for the following services:
- Single-room accommodation.
- Activities and transfers not listed in the travel description.
Contact us for an offer.
Tour difficulty
The activities involve approximately 5 to 7 hours of walking per day, with an elevation gain of 500 to 700 meters. Good physical fitness is required. The program intensity can be adapted to participants’ physical condition.
Technical details of the tour
The terrain is partially rocky and stony, requiring sturdy footwear that protects the ankles. Activities take place in a limestone karst landscape, in mountains, forests, and plains.
During summer, special care should be taken due to high temperatures.
Personal equipment
What to Bring on the Trip?
BAGS:
• Backpack (20-30 liters)
• Waterproof lining or an additional small backpack
CLOTHING:
• Waterproof jacket (rain poncho)
• Waterproof pants
• Fleece jacket or similar
• Long pants
• Light pants/shorts/skirt
• Short-sleeved shirts
• Underwear and socks
• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sleepwear
• Hiking boots
• Sandals/evening shoes
OTHER:
• Trekking poles (for those who normally use them)
• Universal travel adapter
• Portable or solar charger
• Passport
• Travel insurance documents
• Earplugs
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Personal first aid kit (including any medications you use and blister treatment)
• Quick-dry towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Reusable water bottle (2 liters)
• Energy bars and snacks
• Camera, memory cards, and spare batteries
• Headlamp
• Cutlery
• Tupperware containers with lids
Backpack and luggage
During hikes, carry only a backpack with essentials for the day’s activities (water, sunglasses, raincoat, etc.). While on boat rides in Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks, take care of your backpack.
In case of accommodation changes, backpacks and luggage are transported by the group’s vehicle.
Luggage transfer
Throughout the trip, luggage is transported in the same vehicle. You can leave any items you do not need during activities in the vehicle, where they will be available after the activity.
Environmental sustainability
We have always been committed to developing responsible tourism. Since our founding, we have created various trips while ensuring their sustainability for future generations. We are in the process of obtaining the Travelife certification and will soon become a certified Travelife partner. Our entire team is dedicated to systematically using sustainable resources and promoting a positive social and environmental impact.
On our tours, we place special emphasis on:
- Minimizing waste by carrying personal utensils and containers for meals outside of restaurants that provide food for outdoor consumption in the form of picnics
- Carrying personal refillable bottles for drinking water
- Minimizing the use of private transport by prioritizing walking
- Protecting nature and the environment while respecting local communities, their culture, and traditions
- Consuming meals made from local products sourced from markets or fairs