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Plitvice Lakes Tour: Explore Terraced Lakes and Waterfalls in a Small Group
4.9
96 Ratings
Zagreb
Embark on a small group tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park and discover its stunning terraced lakes and waterfalls. Immerse yourself in Croatian culture with our knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Zagreb - Starting with a hotel pickup in Zagreb at 8am, you’ll leave the city for a 1.5-hour drive to Rastoke.
- Sava River - Crossing the Sava River marks our official departure from Zagreb and the beginning of our adventure.
- Karlovac - We’ll pass through Karlovac, a city uniquely situated on four rivers. It’s the only city in Croatia with a known founding date, established for defense against the Ottomans. During the relaxing drive, you’ll learn about the city’s history and its various war conflicts.
- Rastoke - Rastoke is a watermill village where the blue-green waters of the Slunjčica River flow into the Korana River, creating natural phenomena similar to those at Plitvice Lakes. Often called “the Small Lakes of Plitvice,” Rastoke is ecologically and ethnographically significant due to its blend of natural and civilizational features. The village has a rich history, with Napoleon himself having visited and led the construction of a bridge here. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.
- Slunj - A culturally rich town surrounded by nature, Slunj boasts a magnificent old fort built by the powerful Frankopan dynasty.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park - Our guide will lead you through the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, a forest reserve and one of Croatia’s most exciting locations. You’ll explore the forest on foot, learning about the park’s history while encountering wildlife and stunning waterfalls.
- The Lower Lakes - Plitvice Lakes National Park features 16 lakes, divided into 12 Upper Lakes and four Lower Lakes, along with magnificent waterfalls. You’ll explore the Lower Lakes on foot, learning about the park’s history and enjoying the natural beauty. This part of the tour is sure to energize any nature lover.
- Great Waterfall - Our hike begins with the highest waterfall in Plitvice National Park and Croatia, the 78-meter Great Waterfall. Its beauty is breathtaking, especially in winter when it freezes into a perfect ice sculpture.
- The Upper Lakes - After lunch, we’ll head to the park’s twelve remaining lakes, including Veliki Prštavac, the second-largest waterfall in the park, located on Lake Galovac. This 28-meter waterfall offers some of the most beautiful views in the park. We’ll also visit Prošćansko Lake, the last lake on our tour.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park - After a few hours of hiking, you’ll enjoy a panoramic train ride back to the station, offering another chance to appreciate the park’s beauty. A final 20-minute hike provides a different perspective of the park, a perfect way to conclude the walking tour.
- Kozjak Lake - Our next stop is Lake Kozjak, one of the park’s largest and deepest lakes. Here, you’ll enjoy marvelous views and a lunch break. Afterward, we’ll take a boat ride on one of the eco-friendly electric boats operating on the lake.
What's Included
- All taxes and VAT included.
- Entrance fee to Plitvice Lakes included.
- Professional English-speaking guide (other languages available on request).
- Road tolls and parking fees covered.
- Transportation in a comfortable sedan or passenger van.
- Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels.
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Information
At the heart of Croatia lies a 295-square-kilometer woodland sanctuary, the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Renowned for its chain of 16 tiered lakes, interconnected through cascading waterfalls, it nestles in a limestone gorge. Footpaths and treks meander around and over the waters, with a Lake Kozjak boat service bridging the upper and lower lakes. The latter is home to Veliki Slap, a waterfall that towers at 78 meters high.
What sets our tour apart is our emphasis on small, intimate group voyages. Our tour guides combine expertise and adaptability. Their personal interaction with the group provides a deep dive into Croatian culture and everyday life. Come, spend a day in the company of a congenial local!
- Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
- Please note: November 1st through March 31st, the panoramic trains and electric boats do not operate. Tour will be operated on foot during these periods.
- Depending on the weather conditions some parts of the park might be restricted
- Bring your passport
- This tour will still operate in all weather conditions.
Location
Zrinjevac 2
Zrinjevac
Customers should wait in front of the meteorological pole.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(96 Ratings)
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Mark_s
May 23, 2024
A wonder to see. Well organized visit. - Steve did a great job of planning and executing the visit. He had a specific schedule that he stuck to. It included enough time to see what we wanted without taking too much time. He took plenty of pictures of us at key spots. Despite being in the rain for 1/2 of the visit, it was very worthwhile and memorable.
The park is a natural wonder! Definitely a "must see" if you like natural beauty.
Review provided by Viator
Sonjaleigh_p
May 9, 2024
Great guide and park - The guide, Tonza, did an excellent job in every way. Plitvice Lakes National Park is beautiful. It was all a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Svetlana_b
Apr 28, 2024
Fantastic! - Amazing experience with our guide Bruno, professional and friendly. Small group makes it easier to visit the lakes at our pace. We have had the tile to see most of the sightseeing without hurry. I warmly recommend this tour !
Review provided by Viator
1marystem
Apr 1, 2024
If you're going to Zagreb, don't miss Plitvice! - Fabulous trip with Steve! From the moment he picked us us at our hotel; through our wonderful stop at Rastoke to the time spent at the Park itself; Steve was thoroughly entertaining. His knowledge of Croatia's history, geography and culture was amazing and we would urge anyone coming to Zagreb to schedule an extra day for this tour. You will not regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_k
Mar 20, 2024
Beautiful, and interesting walking tour with history provided - Plitvice Lakes are so beautiful even in winter when trees have no leaves. Our van was full (8 guests, plus driver), but also comfortable. On the drive there, our wonderful guide (Patrick) took the time to explain the long and complicated history of Croatia and Yugoslavia. He answered all questions openly and honestly (much appreciated). We walked with him at a comfortable pace through both the lower and upper Plitvice lakes area. The journey also included a boat ride, and a train-bus ride back to the parking area. Rastoke was small, but also interesting. Highly recommend Patrick and this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Wingsze_c
Feb 13, 2024
Excellent tour guide that made our trip a memorable one! - Our guide Stjepan is very friendly, professional and helpful. He is knowledgeable and provided us with many useful information and insights. Definitely if there is another chance to visit Zagreb, will engage his services again for sure!
Review provided by Viator
Juopiaok
Feb 8, 2024
The overall feeling is very casual, relaxed and comfortable! - scenery is beautiful. The tour guide service is very good. The walk is leisurely. The pick up and drop off service was very punctual. The location is very central. The tour guide is very familiar with every place. The explanations, explanations, and history are all very good, especially for the elderly. She speaks English very well and is easy to understand and accept. Thank you very much for your arrangement. Thanks again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Megalodon
Feb 4, 2024
Miracle of nature - Outstanding tour. Plitvice lake is one of the most beautiful nature places I have ever been in my life. Highly recommend it to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Regis_l
May 24, 2024
The walk through the... - The walk through the Plitvice Lake and the small town of Rastoke was very nice. TONKA our guide/driver was very professional and knowledgeable, she gave us very good information.
Review provided by Viator
John_k
Apr 25, 2024
Ordinary - Rastoke is the high light because of its unique qualities. Seeing the houses using water to power their gristmills on the lower level while living in the upper level.
The Falla themselves are underwhelming. Yes, there are numerous falls, but the pale by comparison to others. Being on two levels is interesting and maybe unique.
Review provided by Viator
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