From Split to Zagreb: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to walk 4–6 km on uneven surfaces, climb stairs, and stand for extended viewpoints.
Overview
A full-day group transfer from Split (or Trogir) to Zagreb that stops for a guided walk through UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes. Expect boardwalks, a park train and boat ride, and the 78‑meter Veliki Slap waterfall.
From Split to Zagreb: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Select participants and date
You leave Split before dawn, the Adriatic light still silver on the highway, and the minivan folds the coastline behind you as the hills of Lika rise. By mid-morning the air changes—cooler, wood-scented, and carrying the faint roar of water—and the first terraces of turquoise appear between firs and limestone cliffs. The boardwalks at Plitvice are theatrical: wooden planks tracing the edges of lakes like a hand following a face, with curtains of water spilling between each terrace.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, grippy shoes
Boardwalks and stone steps can be wet and uneven—closed hiking shoes or sneakers with good traction are essential.
Bring a refillable water bottle
There are short distances between visitor facilities; refill at kiosks or bring a filter bottle to stay hydrated.
Dress in layers and pack a rain shell
Weather in Lika shifts quickly; a lightweight waterproof and mid-layer will keep you comfortable through changing conditions.
Arrive early and follow the guide’s route
The guide routes you to key viewpoints and manages timing for the park train and boat—stay with the group to cover the highlights.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- European otter
- woodland songbirds and woodpeckers
History
Plitvice’s travertine barriers formed over thousands of years; the park gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979 for its geological and ecological importance.
Conservation
Stay on marked trails and avoid feeding wildlife—the park’s travertine and fragile habitats are sensitive to trampling and pollution.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Plitvička Jezera
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support for wet boardwalks and limestone steps.
Light rain jacket
Keeps you dry and windproof during sudden showers common in spring.
spring specific
Insulating mid-layer (fleece)
Useful for cool mornings and shaded canyon sections later in the year.
fall specific
Daypack with water and snacks
Carries water, snacks, camera, and a small first-aid kit for the day’s walk.
summer specific