Croatia National Parks & UNESCO Sites — Private Tour

Day 1Arrival

Arrival to Zagreb and transfer to your accommodation in the heart of the city. In the evening you will meet your guide for a welcome drink to get to know each other and talk about your upcoming adventure. Zagreb is a lively capital with many interesting spots to visit, nice bars, restaurants and museums. If you have time, we suggest you arrive a day or two earlier — feel free to contact us for advice and customisation.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Zagreb

Day 2Plitvice Lakes National Park

This first day is dedicated to the oldest Croatian national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with beautiful waterfalls and travertine pools are really as beautiful as in the photos, even more. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We will walk by the lakes, past the waterfalls, and the trails will occasionally lead us up to amazing viewpoints where you will be able to admire the complete picture of this amazing natural attraction.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in the Plitvice Lakes area

Day 3Northern Velebit National Park

While we like to say that we will conquer a mountain, Velebit is a kind of a mountain that conquers its visitors. Northern Velebit, the youngest Croatian national park, is just one small part of this magnificent mountain and recognised for its preserved biodiversity, richness of natural phenomena and pristine wilderness. We will hike along one part of the famous Premužić Trail, built at the beginning of the 20th century and named after its constructor. It runs along the mountain ridge through the most beautiful and inaccessible parts of the mountain, with the Adriatic Sea and islands stretching on one side and continental Croatia on the other. Since the trail was engineered to provide gentle hiking without any steep ascents or descents, we will have an easy and pleasant day enjoying beautiful nature. After the trip we will head to the Zadar area and settle into our hotel.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in the Zadar surroundings

Day 4Kornati Islands National Park & Zadar

Embark on a boat trip from Zadar through the renowned Kornati Islands National Park, focusing on the scenic cliffs and breathtaking landscapes that define this captivating archipelago. Cruise through the heart of the islands, marvelling at the sheer cliffs and rugged coastlines. Admire the impressive formations and geological wonders sculpted by nature over centuries, pausing intermittently to appreciate the striking vistas of these iconic limestone cliffs jutting majestically from the Adriatic Sea. A delicious lunch will be waiting for us on one of the small islands.

Unlike the rest of this private tour, the Kornati boat trip is a shared excursion — you'll be aboard with other travellers rather than just your own group. If you'd prefer a private boat for this day, let us know when you enquire and we'll quote a supplement.

The evening will be spent enjoying free time in Zadar, a city on the coast with interesting Roman and Venetian ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in the Zadar surroundings

Day 5Krka River National Park & Trogir

With its seven travertine waterfalls and a total drop of 242 m, the Krka River is one of the most beautiful natural and karst phenomena in Croatia. The main attractions are the big Skradinski Buk waterfall, the small island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery, and the Roški waterfall. We will explore the area walking by the refreshing waterfalls and maybe even take a swim in the river if you feel like it. We will have lunch in an old family mill that serves home-made food.

After the trip we head to Trogir, an authentic medieval coastal town with a historical core proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have the evening to walk around its narrow streets, have a drink on one of the lovely terraces, or visit the market.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in Trogir

Day 6Split & Mljet Island National Park

Not far from Trogir awaits the famous city of Split with its imposing Roman ruins — the Diocletian's Palace, with rich and interesting history dating back to the 4th century. After some free time in Split, we continue south to the Pelješac Peninsula, from where we take the ferry to Mljet Island. We will settle into our hotel on the island and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight: 4-star hotel on Mljet Island

Day 7Mljet Island National Park

Mljet Island National Park is a large area that borders two saltwater lakes. Right in the middle of the Large Lake there is a small islet with a large building of the former Benedictine monastery, erected there in the 12th century — now a cafe/restaurant, reached by boats sailing from both sides of the lake. We can customise the visit to your wishes: an easy walking tour of the lakes, and/or a hike up to Mt Montokuc (253 m / 830 ft) which offers a great view over the lakes, or one of the higher island peaks. A nice fish lunch in a family restaurant is a must.

After visiting the park, take the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Dubrovnik, where you will settle in a quiet village in the city surroundings. You can spend the evening relaxing or visiting Dubrovnik, a glorious UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight: 4-star hotel in the Dubrovnik surroundings

Day 8Departure

Today is the last day of your adventure and we transfer you to the airport, bus station, or your next hotel. If you wish to spend more time in Dubrovnik, we recommend extending your stay for a few days — there are definitely many things to see (the Dubrovnik walls walk, a visit to Lokrum Island Reserve, the cable car to Srđ Mountain, nearby Montenegro) and it's worth the extension.