Hiking National Parks of Croatia
Where pure beauty is preserved!
This national parks Croatia hiking holiday provides an unforgettable hiking adventure. Therefore a combination of hiking through national parks, scenery and cultural immersion make it a unique experience of Croatia. It’s a place where the Mediterranean and the Pannonian plains come together. Forming a unique blend of natural beauty. Within just over a hundred kilometers. Therefore you can experience an exciting range of different landscapes.
Visit 5 national parks
Although a small country, Croatia has a rich variety of beautiful landscapes and preserved natural areas. Hiking national parks trip will take you from mountains to plains, from rivers to sea. Croatia is alive with well-preserved old towns, castles, palaces, monuments and native architecture. Together with the tradition, folklore, art scenes and music, Croatia is a unique and exotic place to discover. There are eight national parks: NP Brijuni, NP Risnjak, NP Plitvice Lakes, NP North Velebit, NP Paklenica, NP Kornati Islands, NP Krka River and NP Mljet Island. Let this active holiday take you there.
Short itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Zvecaj
Day 2: Risnjak National Park Hiking
Day 3: North Velebit National Park Hiking
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park Walking
Day 5: Optional trip day
Day 6: Paklenica National Park Hiking
Day 7: Krka River National Park Walking
Day 8: Departure
Arrival and transfer to Zvecaj
Accommodation: Hotel in the Mreznica River area; Van ride: 1h from Zagreb airport, 1.5 h from Rijeka airport; Meals: D
Risnjak National Park Hiking
Accommodation: Hotel in Mreznica River area; Van ride: 1.5h-2 each way; Walking:3-4 hours; Terrain: easy/moderate, well marked paths; Meals: B
North Velebit National Park Hiking
Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes National Park is provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley by the Korana River. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes the village an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area – Korana Village has no pubs, restaurants, shops, schools, not even a church – it’s just a village as small and wonderful as it can be, an ideal setting for a fairy tale.
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Van ride: 2.5 h each way; Walking: 4 – 5 h; Terrain: easy/moderate, well-marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Plitvice Lakes National Park Walking
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Van ride: 15 min each way; Walking: easy, 4-5 h; Terrain: easy, well-marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Optional trip day
On the fifth day of your holiday you can be as active or as lazy as you want. You can relax by the river, swim or even take another optional cycling tour on your own in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. Several river, walking, sightseeing or beach trips will be offered, in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer. Please note that the optional trip will incur an additional charge of approx. 50€ per head, payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a min. of 4 participants.
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Van ride: max 2 h one way; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Paklenica National Park Hiking
Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Van ride: 2h+1h; Walking: 4-5 h; Terrain: moderate, well- marked paths; Meals: B
Krka River National Park Walking
Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Walking: easy, 3 h; Terrain: easy, well-marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Departure
Meals: B; Van drive: Zadar 45 min, Split 1 h, Zagreb 3.5 h
Note on Itinerary:
This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Raftrek Guides and Trip Leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their 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. Raftrek reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.
Group size
Min 4 – max 16 people per group; larger groups are on request. Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. In case the minimum number of participants is not met but the guest/s still want to do the trip, the price increases by a percentage depending on the final number of participants.
Skill level
Easy*** Read more
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in different locations ranging from North to South Croatia. We mostly use either small family run hotels or private guest houses located outside the popular tourist areas. This will make your experience of Croatia even more complete.
Accommodation is provided in the following units: in the Zeleni Kut hotel on the bank of the Mreznica River (days 1 & 2) by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley surrounding both sides of the river in Plitvice Lakes National Park (days 3, 4 & 5) and in Skradinski Buk hotel in Skradin (days 6, 7 & 8).
Air Travel
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate. Early arrivals / Extended stay notes – we include two transfers with each trip. These are usually the transfers on the first and the last day of the trip. In case you are arriving a few days earlier or extending your stay in Dubrovnik after your trip with us, we can provide additional airport transfers.
Arrival and departure transfers: several group transfers between airport and destination depending on arrival/departure time. Arrivals after 6pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 EUR per transfer.
Meals
Meals tend to be fairly heavy on the meats and sausages, breads and pastries, pastas and dumplings. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know as soon as possible. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated but we recommend that you bring along with you some of your favorite protein snacks.
Price
- All prices are per person in EUR.
- Maximum number of participants: 16 guests per group. Larger groups on request.
- Minimum age: 12 years if accompanied by parent(s).
- Children discount is valid for children age 12 at the time of the travel if accompanied by an adult.
*1 child enjoying discount shares parents’ room, 2 or more children can have their own room. - Rooms: Zeleni kut hotel offers rooms from 1 to 4 beds. Please note that each house in Korana Village has 2-4 bedrooms and that sometimes two rooms share one bathroom.
- Single use rooms are available upon request, with 20% surcharge. Sharing a room with another person is possible.
- Please inform us in advance (at the time of your booking, by e-mail) should you require walking poles
| high | intermediate | low | |
|---|---|---|---|
| double | 840,00 € | 760,00 € | 670,00 € |
| child | 756,00 € | 684,00 € | 603,00 € |
| single | 1008,00 € | 912,00 € | 804,00 € |
**NOTE: The prices are fixed in euros. This conversion is for comparison purposes only. The exact price in dollars or pounds is calculated on the day of booking according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank.
Departure seasons
High Season: June 29 – August 23
Intermediate: June 8-June 28, August 24-Sept 13
Low Season: May 18-June 7, Sept 14-Sept 27
What’s included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 2 meals per day (dinner day 1-breakfast day 8)
- 5 days of organized activities
- use of walking poles (with advanced notice)
- national parks entrance fees
- local taxes and river permits
- Saturday transfer from Zagreb or Rijeka airport (arrival)*
- Saturday transfer to Zagreb, Zadar or Split airport (departure)*
- skilled English speaking guide and assistance
- ground transportation
- basic insurance
*Several group transfers between the airport and destination depending on arrival time. Arrivals after 6 pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 euros per transfer.
Not included
- international airfare to/from Croatia
- optional trip on day 5
- items of a personal nature and gratuities to your guide(s)
- beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in itinerary
Other trips in the region
Cancelation made by Raftrek
In the unlikely case of extreme weather conditions, Raftrek Adventure Travel will reschedule the activity for a day or two prior or after the date booked, if possible. If the rescheduling is not possible, the payments will be refunded in full. Read more – Terms & conditions.
Staff & Experts
Raftrek Guides and Trip Leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their 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.
Weather – the summers are typically warm and sunny. From May to October temperatures are comfortable for hiking, paddling, and swimming. Rain is always a possibility in Croatia so it is essential to bring adequate rain wear and a jacket in case of inclement weather.
Questions – Feel free to call us at 0038516521666, if you still have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help you. For further information on FAQ please visit our website www.raftrek.com
Read what other guest say about this activity
Here are some random reviews from our participant of this activity trip.
Share your experience.
Wendy2795
Five National Parks
Comment origin: TripAdvisorWe have just returned from 4 weeks in the Balkans including seven days with Raftrek and our excellent guide Branimir walking, boating and driving through five beautiful National Parks. From the first day we were very well looked after and given a very personal introduction to Croatia, it's people, big cities and small towns, and wonderful natural attractions. The hotels were always in great locations and the food plentiful - even for the vegetarian !! Some of the drives were very long, but always seemed to go Ok with Branimir in the drivers seat and good conversation on the way ( when we weren't sleeping, sorry !). Planning our trip was easy, with helpful advice from Branka in the office before we left home and then with the day to day arranged for us all we had to do was enjoy. Well recommended.