Croatia national parks walking holiday

Arrival in Zagreb or Rijeka and transfer to Zvecaj. Accommodation in a small, family-run Zeleni Kut Hotel on the bank of the Mreznica River.

Risnjak is located in Gorski Kotar, the most mountainous and heavily forested region in Croatia. We will follow an educational trail to the peak of the mountain range. After resting and enjoying the amazing view over the sea, other peaks of Gorski Kotar and even the Alps, we will slowly descend and complete the educational trail. An alternative (easier) walking activity can be organized in Kupa River Valley, depending on group abilities and preferences.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Croatia’s youngest national park – North Velebit National Park. The area was designated a national park due to its richness of karst phenomena, outstanding biodiversity and exquisitely beautiful nature on a relatively small area. The Park is crisscrossed with numerous mountaineering trails. In the afternoon we proceed to Korana Village in Plitvice Lakes National Park, where the accommodation for the following three nights is provided by the families of Korana in private guesthouses.

We start our day walking along the wooden paths and bridges in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today we will visit Bosnia, a neighbouring country separated from Croatia by a natural border – the Una River. The Una will steal your heart with its beauty, green clear water and a landscape of dense forests. There are several sections to choose from, and our guides will select the one that is best adapted to group wishes. There will be time for famous Turkish coffee break in Bihac – the economic and cultural center of this part of Bosnia.

After saying goodbye to our village hosts we continue south to Paklenica National Park, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite walking and climbing destination. The Park covers the area of torrent flows of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the south slopes of Mount Velebit and the broader surrounding area. There are several wonderful hikes through beech and black pine forests to choose from. After descending all the way to the sea, we drive to Skradin for the evening. Hotel accommodation.

The last day of the journey takes us to Krka River National Park with its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We explore the park’s extensive waterways and complex history dating back to late 10th century and first Croatian kings. We will walk to the shores of Lake Visovac where the boat will take us to Visovac island and its Franciscan monastery.

Depart from Skradin to the airport and flight home. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit – especially those you won’t find in tourist guide books.