DAY 1: ARRIVAL – ZVEČAJ
Your exploring of the the National Parks of Croatia starts with a pick up at the designates spot, depending on your way of travel (airport, railway station or harbour) and transfer to the small town of Zvečaj conveniently located halfway between the Croatian capital city of Zagreb and the coast. Meeting the guides and the other group members at well-respected local restaurant and welcome dinner featuring traditional dishes: fresh water fish from nearby ponds, home-made cheese, ham and sausages as well as locally produced vegetable and fruit. Overnight in Mrežnica River area.
DAY 2: RISNJAK NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast we will take off to The Risnjak National Park in the region of Gorski Kotar. Its rugged mountain ranges are covered with dense forest and provide a perfect habitat for a rare wild cat – the lynx (ris in Croatian, hence the name). Our starting point is Črni Lug from where we will hike the Leska educational trail to the top of Big Risnjak, the highest point of the mountain range. While resting at the Schlosser’s mountain hut, we will be able to enjoy the amazing views of the Adriatic Sea and other peaks of Gorski Kotar. In clear conditions we may even see the Alps. Descend back to Črni Lug.
Within the Park, there is an easier hiking option along the Kupa River Valley, one of the most beautiful places in Gorski Kotar. It springs from a karstic well at the Park’s lowest point, forming a turquoise pond. The Kupa flows through a colourful valley inhabited by more than 500 species of butterflies. Dinner and accommodation in Mrežnica River valley.
Walking: 3 – 4 h; easy (Kupa valley) or moderate (Big Risnjak)
DAY 3: NORTH VELEBIT NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, we’ll visit the mesmerising karst region of North Velebit which was designated a national park in 1999. Numerous mountaineering trails will take us exploring this wonderful area of magnificent biodiversity. The most famous one is the Premužić trail, named after its constructor. Laid down far back in 1933, the path runs through the most beautiful and interesting parts of the park, while the surroundings peaks offer outstanding views of the Adriatic and its numerous islands as well as the continental side of this mountain chain. Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the late afternoon. Dinner and accommodation in Korana, a small and remote village within Plitvice Lakes National Park. Tiny but pleasant traditional houses provide a true fairy tale feel.
Walking: 4 – 5 h; easy to moderate
Explore the beautiful five National Parks of Croatia
DAY 4: PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most famous and most visited of all the national parks of Croatia, also recognised by UNESCO. After breakfast we will wander the wooden paths and bridges that run between 16 emerald lakes and a series of waterfalls that connect them. The lakes of course are the main drag, but it’s also worth exploring the surrounding beech and pine forests which are full of wildlife and offer some quiet spots away from the crowds. To rest our legs, we will take a panoramic boat trip and train ride back to the starting point. Return to the Korana village for an optional swim before dinner. Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Walking: 4 – 5 h; easy
DAY 5: OPTIONAL TRIP DAY
Breakfast. End of the 5-day itinerary. Transfers to Zagreb or Rijeka airport at any time of the day. The rest of the group continues their holiday with several options that include river, walking, cycling or beach excursions. If you prefer you can also relax by the river and regenerate before the rest of the trip. Dinner and accommodation in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
DAY 6: PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast we will depart the fairy tale village and head south to Paklenica National Park famous for two river canyons carved vertically into the south slopes of Mount Velebit – Velika (Great) Paklenica and Mala (Small) Paklenica. They provide a perfect setting for hikers and climbers to explore numerous geomorphologic forms and diverse flora and fauna. On our trip we will run into locals who were forced to adapted to this specific geographic and climatic environment and learn about their way of life, which mostly focuses on nomadic stock herding. We will hike the well-marked trail to mountain hut Borisov Dom and descend all the way to the sea. Transfer to Skradin for dinner and accommodation.
Walking: 4 – 5 h; moderate
DAY 7: KRKA RIVER NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast it’s time to walk around Krka River National Park with its stunning karst formations and travertine waterfalls. Along with the amazing natural beauties, we will also explore the rich history of the area dating all the way back to late 10th century when these lands were ruled by the first Croatian kings. Optional visit of Skradinski Buk waterfall, where – just a few years after the one on Niagara Falls – the second hydro plant in the world was built. Only a short boat trip away is Visovac island with a fine Franciscan monastery. We will spend the afternoon wandering around the old town of Skradin and take some time to buy souvenirs and send postcards. Dinner and accommodation in Skradin.
Walking: 3 h; easy
DAY 8: END OF TRIP
After breakfast transfer the airport. If you want to spend more time in Croatia, we can organise other trips in the area or somewhere else in the Balkans. We can even add the three missing national parks of Croatia: Brijuni, Mljet and Kornati. Contact us at ➨ info@ekorna.net for more info.
Send inquiry from 560,00 € per person
