10-Day Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Plitvice Lakes National Park tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaPlitvice Lakes National Park travel expert at TourRadar
- Day 1
Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
Leave Zagreb by 9 AM to avoid traffic on the A1 highway. You'll reach Plitvice Lakes in about 2.5 hours. Get there before noon to explore the Upper Lakes when they're less busy. Bring good hiking shoes with solid grip since the wooden walkways can get slippery in wet weather.
- Day 2
Plitvice Lakes to Zadar Region
Start early at 8 AM to see the Lower Lakes before the tour buses roll in. Later, take the scenic 2-hour drive through the Velebit mountains to Zadar. Make sure you're at the Sea Organ for sunset to experience this unique musical monument as it plays with the waves.
- Day 3
Kornati National Park Day Trip
Join a boat trip to the Kornati islands, leaving Zadar harbor at 9 AM and returning around 5 PM. Bring water shoes for swimming stops since the beaches are rocky. Book directly with operators at the harbor instead of through your hotel to save about $20 per person.
- Day 4
Zadar to Island Brač
Drive the coastal road to Split (2 hours), then catch the ferry to Brač. Book your ferry ticket online a day ahead if you're traveling in July or August. Get to the terminal 45 minutes early. The trip to Supetar takes 50 minutes and ferries run regularly throughout the day.
- Day 5
Brač Island
Visit the famous Zlatni Rat beach early before it gets busy. It's a nice 15-minute walk from Bol town along a shaded pine path. The beach changes shape with the currents, so try different spots as the day goes on. Water shoes are essential on the pebbly shore.
- Day 6
Brač to Dubrovnik via Ston
Take the early ferry from Sumartin to Makarska (30 minutes), then drive south to Dubrovnik. Stop in Ston to check out the 'European Great Wall' and try fresh local oysters. The whole journey takes about 4 hours with stops. Try to reach Dubrovnik before sunset when the Old Town is less crowded.
- Days 7-8
Dubrovnik
Start early at 8 AM to walk the city walls before the heat and crowds build up. Plan your cable car trip to Mount Srđ for late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos. For dinner on your final night, try Villa Ruža in Lapad where it's easier to get a table than in the busy Old Town.
- Day 1
Split to Vodice
Arrive at Split Airport and take the one-hour coastal drive to Vodice, a charming seaside town that will be your base for exploring Croatia's natural wonders. Plan to arrive in early afternoon to skip Split's morning traffic rush.
- Days 2-3
Krka National Park & Šibenik
Start early at Krka National Park, just 20 minutes from Vodice. Arrive at 8 AM to see Skradinski Buk waterfall before the crowds. Remember to pack water shoes for swimming since the rocks can be slippery. Your next day takes you to Šibenik to visit the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral. Take a walk up to St. Michael's Fortress for beautiful views of the Kornati islands.
- Days 4-5
Kornati Islands
Take a full-day boat trip through the Kornati archipelago. The boat ride from Vodice harbor takes about 1.5 hours. Bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat since these rocky islands offer little shade. You'll want sturdy shoes for exploring the rocky coastline. Spend your second day relaxing on Vodice's pebbly beaches or walking through the historic center.
- Days 6-7
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes is the crown jewel of your trip. Leave early for the 2.5-hour drive from Vodice. Start with the Upper Lakes in the morning when the lighting is perfect for photos and the wooden walkways are less crowded. A recent visitor shared: "The morning mist over the lakes creates an ethereal atmosphere – arrive by 7:30 AM to experience this magical moment before the tour buses arrive."
- Day 8
Return to Split
Head back to Split Airport after breakfast. Give yourself 90 minutes for the drive since coastal traffic can be heavy in summer. If you have a later flight, store your bags at Split's main bus station for about $5 each and spend time exploring Diocletian's Palace.
- Day 1
Split Arrival
Arrive at Split Airport and take a 45-minute coastal drive to your hotel near Šibenik. Book a morning flight if you can to avoid heavy summer traffic and spend your afternoon exploring Split's waterfront promenade (Riva).
- Day 2
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Leave early for Plitvice Lakes, about 2.5 hours from Split. Get there before the crowds build up and take the 10-minute boat ride across Lake Kozjak to the upper lakes. The wooden walkways get slippery in wet weather so wear shoes with good grip. You'll need 5-6 hours to see all 16 lakes and waterfalls properly. Bring plenty of water and sun protection in summer since the trails don't offer much shade.
- Day 3
Zadar & Paklenica National Park
Visit Zadar's old town first to see the Sea Organ where ocean waves create natural music. After lunch head to Paklenica for a moderate 1.5-hour hike through the limestone gorge. The trail climbs about 400m and can be cool even on warm days so bring layers. The path is clearly marked but rocky - you'll definitely need hiking boots.
- Day 4
Split & Trogir
Start at Split's Diocletian's Palace early when the basement halls are quiet and cool. In the afternoon take a short 30-minute drive to historic Trogir. A good tip from a local guide: "See the Cathedral of St. Lawrence first. It often closes early and you'll get the best views of the old town from the bell tower."
- Day 5
Kornati National Park
Take a full-day boat trip through the Kornati islands with lunch included and stops at Telašćica Nature Park. If you get seasick bring medication as the water between islands can be rough. You can take an optional 20-minute walk each way to see the salt lake.
- Day 6
Krka National Park
Drive an hour to see Krka's waterfalls. Visit Roški Slap in the morning for the best photos. Stop at the traditional mill to try local prosciutto and wine. While swimming isn't allowed at the main Skradinski Buk waterfall anymore you can swim in designated areas upstream.
- Day 7
Free Day in Split
Spend the day relaxing on nearby beaches or exploring more of Split. Try Bačvice Beach near the old town with its shallow water perfect for picigin (a local beach game). Visit the Green Market (Pazar) in the morning to see local vendors selling fresh produce and regional foods.
- Day 8
Departure
Head back to Split Airport. Give yourself at least 3 hours before your flight since summer traffic can be heavy.
Plitvice Lakes National Park 10 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
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