Nature Highlights of Croatia

Discovering masterpieces of nature

Waterfalls of Krka River, Dalmatia hinterland

Walking trail Plitvice Lakes National Park

Wild horses on the pasture in National Park Paklenica

Hiking tour on Velebit mountains, NP Northern Velebit

Croatian National Parks ideal for walking tour

Masterpiece of nature – Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Stopover in Guesthouse „Zeleni kut“ on Mreznica River

Croatia – land of waterfalls and river rapids

Hiking in National Park Risnjak, Gorski kotar, Croatia

Overnight in romantic Korana Village, near Plitvice

Plitivice Lakes National Park tour, Lika & Gorski kotar region

Rugged mountain peaks of Velebit, range Tulove grede

Kozjak – the biggest lake in NP Plitvice

Relaxed hiking tour through the forests of Risnjak, Croatia

Powerful waterfalls of Krka River, Croatia

Picturesque small town Skradin next to Krka Waterfalls

Wonderful walking day in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Resting by numerous of lakes in National Park Plitivice

Natural highlight of Croatia – Plitvice Lakes

Croatia Hiking Highlights

HIKING TOUR | 8 days | from 850€ | Explore Croatian National Parks and discover masterpieces of nature in Inland Croatia. Fun-filled family holiday.

Croatia has incredibly diverse landscapes like the magnificent natural phenomena of Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls or the miraculous and massive Velebit mountains. A wide variety of habitats for their wildlife, including dense forests, lakes, rivers and mountain ranges are waiting for you to explore.

This unique hiking tour is tailored to show you the stunning nature highlights of Inland Croatia including 5 national parks and their surroundings: Risnjak, Plitvice Lakes, Northern Velebit, Paklenica and Krka Waterfalls.

The tour itself is an easy-to-moderate hiking tour with an experienced guide.

Our stopovers during the tour days will be the green environment of the Mreznica, Kupa and Krka rivers with their numerous rapids and waterfalls.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival in Zvecaj, green oasis in Gorski Kotar

Transfer from the airport, the harbour or the railway station to accommodation in Zvecaj, a small village on the Mreznica River. The village is surrounded by the fresh green nature of river canyons and forests of beech and hornbeam. The family-run hotel has a long tradition and a unique location overlooking the Mreznica River and its waterfall. It was built above an old mill which now supplies electric power. Each room has a private bathroom, most of them a balcony as well. The hotel serves traditional Croatian specialities using freshwater fish from its fishing ponds, homemade products as well as vegetables and fruit from local farms. In the evening we will meet on the terrace overlooking the river for dinner and a brief orientation, where we will discuss the tour itinerary and get to know our guides and all participants. Van ride: 1h from Zagreb airport, 1.5 h from Rijeka airport. Accommodation: Zvecaj Hotel on the Mreznica River. Meals: dinner.

Day 2 - Risnjak National Park with great views of the Kvarner Bay

On our first hiking day, after having breakfast, we will explore Risnjak National Park, located in Gorski Kotar – a green region in the Inland of Croatia, where the hilly terrain and forested countryside are ideal for starting our hiking tour. The park Risnjak covers an area of 63,5 km2. Its name comes from "Ris" which means lynx in Croatian. We start our hike from the village Vilje towards our goal – Veliki Risnjak (English: Big Risnjak), the highest peak of the mountain range, at 1.528m above sea level. Schlosser’s mountain hut, situated 100m below the peak of Veliki Risnjak at 1.418 m, is probably one of the most beautiful mountain huts in Croatia. Once at the top, you can expect a great view of the peaks of Gorski Kotar, the Adriatic Sea and the Alps. After resting we will descend slowly back to the village of Vilje and return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Zvecaj Hotel on the Mreznica River. Van ride: 1.5h-2h each way. Hiking: 3-4 h. Terrain: easy/moderate, well-marked paths. Meals: breakfast (dinner on your own).

Day 3 - Hiking National Park Northern Velebit

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Croatia's youngest national park - Northern Velebit which 80% of the area consists of forests. The wild side of Northern Velebit is represented by carnivores – bear, wolf and lynx. The park still provides them with the opportunity to survive. Among the numerous mountaineering trails, the Premužić trail is the most famous, named after its constructor who built it in 1933. The path runs through the most beautiful and the most interesting parts of the park. Many peaks in the surroundings offer a magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea, its islands and the continental side of the mountain chain. From here, we drive towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the natural wonderland Plitvice Lakes National Park. Accommodation is provided in family guesthouses in Korana Village, a picturesque village on the Korana River. The houses are small and traditional with simple rooms. The locals have always lived in symbiosis with nature and the river. There is no pub, restaurant or shop, not even a church. The peaceful atmosphere makes the village an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village. Van ride: 2.5 hours each way. Hiking: 4 – 5 h. Terrain: easy/moderate, well-marked paths. Meals: breakfast and dinner (packed lunch on your own).

Day 4 - Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park

After breakfast, we are going to visit the most beautiful Croatian national park – Plitvice Lakes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 16 emerald green travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and many caves is a true masterpiece of nature. Walking through the Plitvice landscape, its beech and pine forests, along wooden paths and bridges over the streams and waterfalls is an amazing experience. We’ll have a picnic lunch amid untouched nature. A panoramic boat and tourist train will take us over the lake back to the exit of the park. After visiting the Plitvice Lakes we return to our village where we can spend the rest of the day swimming in the Korana River before having dinner. Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village. Van ride: 15 min each way. Hiking: easy, 4-5 h. Terrain: easy, well-marked paths. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own).

Day 5 - Free day

For participants who chose a 5-day tour, this is the end of their holiday. After breakfast, you are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time (transfer to Zagreb airport is included in the price). The rest of the group continues their adventure. The motto for the fifth tour day is "free and easy", offering the participants a choice of being active or relaxing by or in the river in front of their accommodation. Some of the options: a cycling tour on your own in and around National Park Plitvice Lakes, walking, excursions to towns of interest in surrounding areas, including beach trips and sightseeing. Accommodation: private guesthouses in Korana Village. Van ride: max. 2 hours one way. Meals: breakfast and dinner (lunch on your own).

Day 6 - Hiking in National Park Paklenica

After breakfast, we will leave the Korana Village and continue south to Paklenica National Park. The park is a part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favourite hiking and climbing destination. It lies on the southeast slopes of the Velebit Mountains over the Adriatic coast. More and more visitors are attracted by the natural phenomena of two impressive canyons Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica with their incised cliffs (400 m deep) and numerous caves. The surrounding peaks offer superb panoramas of coastal and mountain scenery. There are several wonderful hikes through beech and black pine forests to choose from. The most popular is the trail leading to Borisov Dom, a mountain hut popular among hikers. After descending to the sea we drive to the romantic city of Skradin for an overnight stay. Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin. Van ride: 2h+1h. Hiking: 4-5 h. Terrain: moderate, well-marked paths. Meals: Breakfast (packed lunch and dinner on your own).

Day 7 - National Park Krka with its extraordinary waterfalls

On the last day of our hiking tour, we will explore the National Park Krka, best known for its extraordinary waterfalls and lagoons of the Krka River. We will discover the extensive waterways of the park and its complex history dating back to the late 10th century and the first Croatian kings. One of the options is a visit to Skradinski Buk waterfall. A boat will take us to Visovac island and its mystic monastery founded by the Franciscans in 1445. From here we return to the hotel in the late afternoon. While a well-deserved dinner is being prepared you can discover the Old Town of Skradin, the small town protected as a cultural monument. Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin. Hiking: 3 hours. Terrain: easy, well-marked paths. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own).

Day 8 - Departure from Town of Skradin

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight home. Meals: breakfast. Van ride: Zadar 45 min, Split 1 h, Zagreb 3.5 h.

- Note on the itinerary:

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Our guides and trip leaders will do their utmost care to ensure the best possible experience for our clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional situations. Inlandia.com reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Price information & additional costs:

Tour dates 2024:	8-day tour	5-day tour	Tour dates 2024:	8-day tour	5-day tour
4 - 11 May	850 €	620 €	15 – 22 June	940 €	690 €
11 - 18 May	850 €	620 €	29 June – 6 July	940 €	690 €
18 - 25 May	850 €	620 €	7 – 14 September	850 €	620 €
1 - 8 June	940 €	690 €	21 – 28 September	850 €	620 €

All prices are per person.
Minimum occupancy per room: 2 persons.
The tour price is based on a minimum of six (6) and a maximum of sixteen (16) participants in a group.
Individual guests can join an existing group.
Definite departure will be confirmed to participants by e-mail.

DISCOUNTS:

children 8-12 years: 10%

Additional costs:

Arrival transfer after 6pm (Central European time): 30 € /transfer
Single-use supplement: 20%

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Experienced local English-speaking guide and assistance.
7 nights accommodation (sometimes two rooms share one bathroom).
Meals: 7x breakfast and 5x dinner (as noted in the itinerary).
Use of hiking poles (with advanced notice).
5 days of organized activities.
National Parks entrance fees.
Local taxes and river permits.
Saturday arrival transfer from Zagreb or Rijeka airport.
Saturday departure transfers to Zagreb, Zadar or Split airport.
Ground transportation.
Basic insurance and costs for the organization and realization of travel.

Note*

Arrival and departure transfers: several group transfers between airport and destination depending on arrival/departure time.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE / Additional costs:

International airfare to/from Croatia.
Drinks and meals not indicated in the itinerary.
Optional excursions on a free day. Approx. 40 – 70 € per person (based on a min. of 4 participants).
Tips and other personal expenses.
Additional health insurance and cancellation insurance, which can be arranged by e-mail to info@inlandia.com
All other expenses not covered by the programme.

Remarks:

Maximum number of participants: 16 guests per group. Larger groups upon request.
Minimum age: 12 years if accompanied by an adult.
Children discount: valid for children 8-12 years of age if accompanied by an adult. One child enjoying the discount shares parents’ room; two or more children can have their own room.
Accommodation type: rooms in family-run hotels and private guesthouses. Each house in Korana Village has 2-4 bedrooms, and sometimes two rooms share one bathroom.
Sharing a twin room with another person is possible in case there are other guests interested in sharing.
Arrival and departure transfers: Several group transfers will be organized throughout the day depending on group arrival times from the Zagreb meeting point and Zagreb airport. Waiting time may take up to 3 hours. Arrivals after 6 pm may be subject to a surcharge of 30 EUR per person. If flying out of Zagreb please do not book a departure flight before 1 pm due to the long driving time from the accommodation
Optional excursions can be booked on the spot and are dependable on suitable weather conditions. The price is payable on-site.

You need to bring:

Sturdy hiking shoes, sunglasses, sun cream, water, appropriate spare clothes in accordance to the weather conditions (fleece/jumper, rain gear), camera.

Please inform us in advance (at the time of your booking, by e-mail) should you require hiking poles.

Explore Risnjak National Park over the Kvarner Bay
Enjoy the natural beauties of Plitvice Lakes
Discover the magnificent wilderness of Velebit Mountain
Experience impressive Krka waterfalls

Risnjak National Park is located in the heart of Gorski Kotar, 15 km from the Adriatic Coast and in the vicinity of the City of Rijeka. The park covers an area of 64 km², including the Risnjak and Snježnik massif and the source area of the Kupa River. The highest point of the park is Veliki Risnjak (1.528 m) which offers breathtaking views of the Kvarner Bay, Istria and the Julian Alps in neighbouring Slovenia. The lowest point is the area around the source of the Kupa River (313 m). The summers are pleasantly warm with an average temperature of up to 22°C; springs and autumns are rainy, and the winter is long and snowy with an average snow depth of between 122 and 448 cm.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a misty natural wonderland. A spectacular chain of turquoise lakes linked together with cascading falls and travertine pools. Plitvice Lakes is one of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe and the largest in Croatia. It is listed on UNESCO's list of World Natural Heritage sites because of its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe.
Velebit Mountain Nature Park is one of the wildest parks in this part of Europe. The miraculous and massive Velebit mountains extend over the majority of the coast and offer a true alpine feeling. Because of its value and importance for the conservation of biological diversity of the planet, the Velebit Nature Park has been included in UNESCO's network of international biosphere reserves. It gives the visitors a spectacular panorama of the north Adriatic Sea and its numerous islands. There are a lot of historical roads and well-marked hiking paths. The park has 2 national parks: Northern Velebit and Paklenica. The must-see places in Northern Velebit National Park are the Zavižan Botanical Garden (with an elevation of 1.645 m), and mountain ranges Hajdučki and Rožanski Kukovi. The Paklenica Canyon inside the Paklenica National Park is a popular hiking/walking, trekking and climbing destination.
National Park Krka is a monument of nature of the highest category, protected as a part of the world's natural and cultural-historical heritage. The tufa cascades of the Krka River make seven magnificent waterfalls, one of which is the most beautiful and highest waterfall in Croatia, the Skradinski Buk, ten lakes and one lake spring. The animal world is rich here – as many as ten endemic fish species can be found in the area. There are 225 bird species in the area too, making the Krka River an ornithological area of extraordinary value. There are also six medieval fortresses and the ruins of two large ancient cities.