THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Leave Zadar’s coast at dawn for a private, 12-hour journey into the travertine-carved pools of Plitvice Lakes, a quick stop in the watermill village of Rastoke, and a panoramic drop-off through Zagreb’s Lower Town. This private tour pairs convenience with time in one of Croatia’s most photogenic national parks.
Leave Zadar’s coast at dawn for a private, 12-hour journey into the travertine-carved pools of Plitvice Lakes, a quick stop in the watermill village of Rastoke, and a panoramic drop-off through Zagreb’s Lower Town. This private tour pairs convenience with time in one of Croatia’s most photogenic national parks.
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Operated by Zico Tours · Plitvička Jezera, Lika-Senj County
You leave the Adriatic salt on your lips and head inland as the road climbs out of Zadar, past olive trees and limestone ridges. The highway straightens, the air cools, and after an hour the landscape changes—karst plateaus give way to a ribbon of turquoise that seems too vivid to be real. By the time the first boardwalks appear, the lakes have already begun to do their work: they draw you closer with tiers of water that hiss, overflow, and pause in glassy pools.
moderate.
12 hours.
Moderate—comfortable walking for several hours, ability to manage stairs and uneven boardwalks.
No—the tour provides transportation and a guide, but Plitvice National Park entrance fees are paid separately (you can buy tickets online or at the gate).
About four hours at the park is allocated—enough to cover the main cascades and take the Kozjak boat and internal shuttle, but not to complete every trail.
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; the day is long and includes stairs that may be challenging for small kids.
They generally operate year-round but can be suspended in severe weather or ice—check with the operator ahead of travel, especially in winter.
Bring photo ID for hotel pickup/drop-off and cash or card to pay the park entrance fee; some small vendors in Rastoke may prefer cash.
The tour offers hotel pickup across central Zadar and can often arrange custom pickup points—confirm your exact location when booking.
Plitvice Lakes was declared Croatia’s first national park in 1949 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979; Rastoke developed as a milling hamlet where people harnessed the river’s cascades.
Travertine formation is delicate—stick to boardwalks and trails, avoid touching deposits, and follow park rules to protect water clarity and habitats.
Zico Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Zico Tours
Book directly with Zico Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now