On this walking trip through Croatia's National Parks, we explore the jagged mountain peaks of Dalmatia, the plunging gorges of Paklenica and admire the spectacular lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice. Along the way we also visit the pretty coastal cities of Split and Trogir, discovering a maze of cobbled streets, meandering alleyways and medieval architecture.
What we say
Staff Member Hayley Grant travelled on this tour in 2007.
"This tour was perfect for me, the walks were all very manageable and the scenery was magical! The waterfalls and lakes in Plitvice National Park are spectacular; visiting the park on this tour is still one of my most memorable experiences."
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Zagreb
Joining the tour today in the evening we meet with the group and the Tour Leader.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
City tour of Zagreb, drive to Plitvice National Park
Today we start our day with a city tour of Zagreb. Famously called a city of museums as there are more museums per square foot than any other city in the world. It has many other architectural structures to boast of. Later in the afternoon we drive down to the magnificent beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, a sumptuous setting of forested hills and beautifully clear lakes that are, with good reason, Croatia’s premier tourist attraction. Travertine terraces cascade down through the lush landscapes, presenting the visitor with a series of plunging waterfalls and turquoise, calcium rich lakes that are one of Europe’s natural marvels. Little wonder then that this remarkable park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
3
In Plitvice National Park, drive to Paklenica National Park
Today we plan to spend our time walking a track of which the second half provides us with far reaching views of the lakes, waterfalls and surrounding pine clad hillsides from a higher vantage point. Over the millennia, the waters of these lakes have dissolved the limestone rock and carved out the valley in which they now lie. Through the sedimentation of calcium carbonate and the build up of special types of algae and moss, minerals have been deposited to form the natural dams that separate these lakes. The dynamic process still continues today, creating new falls as the water breaks through the slow growing barriers. Our route today gives us the opportunity to experience the rich variety of flora in this region, ranging from reeds, bull rushes and willow trees, which shade the lakes and line the wooden walkways, through to the myriad orchids of cyclamen, scabius and smoke bushes which can be found beneath the predominantly oak and beech forests. Later this afternoon we will transfer to Paklenica National Park, lying on the southern edge of the imposing limestone mass of the Velebit Mountains. Walking approx 8-10 km, 4 - 5 hours.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
4
In Paklenica; coastal walk past local villages around the Starigrad Peninsula
The impressive mountains that make up this breathtaking landscape present an almost continuous wall of rock, rising up to separate the waters of the Adriatic from the rolling landscapes of the interior. This region contains some of the most spectacular walking country in Croatia, with majestic karst landscapes, plunging gorges and jagged mountain peaks to enchant and captivate the visitor. Following a series of rural footpaths, we head north-east from the town, passing through a string of villages en route, before turning south and following the coastal path. These villages are believed to be able to trace their ancestry back to the earliest inhabitants of the region. After breakfast this morning we will depart the hotel and follow a trail that passes the villages lining the coast. Along this coastal area the rocky slopes tend to be favoured by a thick blanket of maquis and scrub which leads down to isolated pebble beaches. We will have the opportunity to swim undisturbed in the crystal clear water before stopping for lunch. With the fabulous backdrop of the stark Velebit mountains we will have the chance to watch the changing colours of the sky and the sea and sun sets on the coast, bring our first day in the region to a close. Alternatively we can extend our walk this afternoon into the foothills of the Velabit Mountains, passing through the Mirila (stone monuments to the deceased). Dating back to the 17th Century the people here made their living from animal husbandry and lived and died in the Velabit Hamlets. Mirila offers us an unique insight into the customs and the way of life of the early Dalmatians. Walking 10 km for the morning walk (no more than 50m ascent/descent) and 18 kmsincluding the extended walk (200m ascent/descent). 5-7 hours depending on the walk.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
5
In Paklenica; full day walk through the Paklenica Gorge
A full day in the park sees us follow a different route, affording us with a variety of entrancing views. Leaving the hotel by jeep, we will follow a zigzag road with stunning views of the coast, stopping for a visit at the centuries old Mirila; stone monuments signifying the place where the departed would greet the sun for the last time. We then continue on foot to the abandoned summer village of Ramici, occupying the Njive Plateau. Making our way through the broadleafed forest we then descend into the upper reaches of the gorge, following a mountain trail lined with fragrant thyme and sage, all the while surrounded by stunning views of the dramatic karst gorge. We take our time as it is uneven terrain. Continuing up the gorge we will stop for lunch at a traditional mountain hut before returning through the spine of the gorge along a gentle stream. We wind our way through the window and chimney bellflowers and smoke bushes with a steep decent out of the gorge. There is the option to descend the other side of the gorge and continue our walk along pine forested paths, returning to the hotel via a steep ascent with far reaching views. As our route circles back towards the hotel it meets the coast, affording some opportunities for a refreshing swim, if time allows, before we head back for dinner. Walking approx walking 18km, 7 hours (please note this walk is weather dependent, if it is not available the Tour Leader will suggest a shorter walk).
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
6
Visit Vranjaca cave, drive to Trogir
Departing Paklenica today we drive to Vranjaca cave situated centrally at the foot of the northern part of the Monsor mountains. The cave is said to be the most beautiful cave in central Dalmatia. This cave has a long history of inhabitants dating back to the early Neolithic times. We will visit the cave and then drive to Trogir for a city tour. Trogir has a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC, with a delightful collection of cobble stoned squares and medieval architecture and a Romanesque cathedral that is considered one of the most exquisite in the entire Adriatic. Spanning some three centuries it boasts a superb entranceway in its west portal, carved in the 13th century by the master mason Radovan. The town also boasts Venetian Gothic mansions, an impressive clock tower and a comprehensive collection of church artwork displayed in the 13th century Church of St John. What makes Trogir such a delight to wander around though are its meandering alleyways, filled with cafes and restaurants and its elegant riverfront promenade, which leads up to the Kamerlengo Fortress, a 15th century edifice with imposing battlements and a huge octagonal tower.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
7
Free morning in Trogir, afternoon transfer to Split
We will enjoy a free morning with time to soak up the rich ambience before we transfer to Split later this afternoon where we will have a walking tour of Split. Today’s Split is the product of 17 centuries of building, renovating and remodelling. After a guided walk of the city you may wish to visit the Diocletian’s Palace (optional), the palace that Emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the 4th century became the heart of the city. The mausoleum of the pagan Roman emperor evolved with time into the world’s oldest Roman Catholic church. What began as an imperial residence and fortified camp is today an intriguing maze of narrow cobblestone streets where pre-Romanesque churches nestle alongside Gothic chapels. This evening we will enjoy a final evening in Croatia’s vibrant second city.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
8
Tour ends Split
The tour ends in Split this morning after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
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