From Zadar: Plitvice Lakes with Boat Ride & Zadar Old town tour

Experiencing Plitvice Lakes National Park on a day trip from Zadar offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration. This tour, priced at $53.95 per person, includes around 10 hours of sightseeing, with 4 hours dedicated to exploring the park’s upper and lower waterfalls. The journey is well-supported by air-conditioned transportation, a scenic boat ride, and an electric train ride, making the day both comfortable and engaging. The guide-led group typically consists of up to 70 travelers, providing a lively atmosphere while ensuring personalized commentary.

What really sets this tour apart are the stunning views of the lakes and waterfalls, the knowledgeable guides who share insightful stories about Croatia, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a combination of nature, history, and leisurely boat rides. A potential consideration is the long travel time from Zadar—about two hours each way—which might be demanding for some. Still, many agree that the spectacular scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

Key Points

• Visit Croatia’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site: Plitvice Lakes National Park.
• Includes scenic activities: panoramic boat ride and electric train through the park.
• Flexible exploration: 4 hours to walk around waterfalls, springs, meadows, and caves.
• Comfortable transport: air-conditioned vehicle from Zadar.
• Optional Zadar Old Town tour: available at 6:30 PM after returning.
• Great value with free admission to the park and guided commentary.

Starting from Zadar to Croatia’s Only UNESCO Site

The tour departs from Ul. Alesandra Paravije 5, Zadar, where travelers meet their friendly guide and group. The journey begins with a scenic drive through the Croatian countryside, giving travelers a glimpse of rural life and lush landscapes on the way to Plitvice Lakes. The return trip is equally comfortable, with plenty of opportunities to relax and reflect on the day’s sights.

The transport is an air-conditioned vehicle that comfortably holds up to 70 travelers, ensuring a smooth journey both to and from the park. The timing allows for a full day of sightseeing, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening, leaving room to explore Zadar’s Old Town afterward.

Walking Through the Enchanting Plitvice Lakes Park

Once at Plitvice Lakes, visitors get around 4 hours to explore the upper and lower lakes. The park’s crystal-clear waters cascade over numerous waterfalls, creating a mesmerizing landscape. The nature trails are designed to take visitors around the edges and above the water, offering excellent photo opportunities and close-up views of flowing springs, flowering meadows, and mysterious caves.

Many visitors find the waterfalls and waterfalls particularly impressive, with water color that’s described as beautiful and vibrant. The paths are well-maintained, but the amount of walking can be considerable—around 30,000 steps—so comfortable shoes are recommended. The park’s natural beauty exceeds expectations, making the long drive worthwhile.

Scenic Boat and Train Rides in the Park

After walking, the tour provides a chance to rest and enjoy the park’s scenery via scenic boat and electric train rides. The boat ride glides across the turquoise waters, allowing travelers to take in views of lush green banks from a different perspective. The electric train offers a relaxed way to cover more ground, especially when tired from walking.

Both rides are included in the tour, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate the park’s size and diversity without fatigue. Reviewers consistently praise the scenic boat ride as a highlight, with many noting how it enhances the overall experience of the park’s stunning landscape.

The Role of the Guides and Their Stories

The guides on this tour are often described as knowledgeable and personable. For example, Bojan and Felip receive high praise for their informative commentary and friendly approach. They share interesting stories about Croatia’s culture, history, and the park’s natural features, enriching the visit.

One reviewer notes that Bojan offers a “potted history” during the bus ride, making the journey educational as well as scenic. Guides also help navigate crowds, suggesting less busy routes and meeting points that maximize time in the park and avoid congestion.

Exploring Zadar Old Town After the Tour

After returning to Zadar, there is an optional guided walking tour of the Old Town at 6:30 PM. This adds a cultural dimension to the day, with highlights including historic buildings, narrow streets, and local shops. Many find this a great way to extend their experience without extra planning, and the admission is free.

This part of the tour is flexible, providing an opportunity for self-guided exploration or a more structured experience with a guide. The Old Town walk complements the day’s focus on natural beauty with a taste of Croatia’s urban charm.

Practicalities: Meeting Points, Timing, and Group Size

The meeting point at Ul. Alesandra Paravije 5 is conveniently near public transportation in Zadar. The tour’s duration is approximately 10 hours, with about 5 hours spent at the park. The group size can be up to 70 travelers, which allows for a lively atmosphere but still maintains some sense of personal attention.

The timing is designed to maximize your experience: early departure, ample time at the park, and an optional evening walk. Lunch is not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or buy food at the park or en route.

The Experience’s Strengths and Realities

Many reviews highlight the stunning scenery and excellent organization as main strengths. The guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor are frequently praised, as is the value for money. The scenic boat ride and electric train are particularly appreciated for adding variety to the walking-heavy day.

A few practical considerations include the long drive from Zadar, which might be tiring for some, and the amount of walking required—approximately 30,000 steps. The bus quality has been noted as average to good, with some suggesting a newer vehicle could enhance comfort. Also, lunch is not included, so planning ahead is advisable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals most to nature lovers and those interested in seeing Croatia’s most famous natural attraction. It’s ideal for active travelers prepared for long walks and outdoor exploration, and for those who appreciate guided commentary that adds context to the scenery.

While the group size is relatively large, the guides’ personable approach makes the experience engaging. It’s a good option for families, couples, or solo travelers willing to spend a full day outside Zadar. For those seeking a relaxing day with scenic rides and cultural exploration, this tour offers a well-rounded package.

Plitvice Lakes and Zadar Old Town: An Unmissable Combo

This full-day tour from Zadar delivers a spectacular combination of Croatia’s natural and cultural treasures. The entry to the park is free, and the scenic boat and train rides add unique perspectives to the Waterfall-filled landscape. The guides’ expertise and well-planned itinerary ensure a smooth and enriching experience.

While the long bus ride might be a consideration, the stunning views, engaging guides, and optional Old Town walk make this tour a worthy investment for those eager to see some of Croatia’s finest sights. It’s particularly suited for adventurous souls who enjoy nature, history, and scenic rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, so it’s recommended to bring snacks or plan to eat at the park or en route.

How long do I spend at Plitvice Lakes?
You get around 4 hours to explore the upper and lower lakes, waterfalls, caves, and meadows.

What activities are included?
The tour features a panoramic boat ride across the lakes, an electric train ride, and guided commentary throughout.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 70 travelers, creating a lively yet manageable experience.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride to and from the park.

Can I join the Zadar Old Town walking tour?
Yes, this optional tour is available at 6:30 PM after the day trip.

How much walking is involved?
Expect to walk approximately 30,000 steps, so comfortable footwear is advised.

What about the weather?
The tour operates in good weather; if canceled due to weather conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

What do reviewers say about the guides?
Guides like Bojan and Felip receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
It is suitable for most travelers able to handle long walks and outdoor activity; accessibility details are not specified but the paths are well-maintained.