Croatia's Noteworthy National Parks

Day 1  Split to Sibenik      
Welcome to Croatia! Arrive into Split and pick up a car to drive over to the laidback town of Sibenik. After checking in to your residence for the next two nights, choose to wander the cobblestone streets of Sibenik’s pedestrianised old town, passing by St James’ Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its remarkable Renaissance architecture. This evening, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the local restaurants.              

Day 2  Krka National Park    
After an early breakfast, drive to Krka National Park, Croatia’s only park to receive the Green Destination’s Gold award. Spend the day strolling the winding wooden pathways, admiring the stunning natural surroundings made up of lush woodlands, tufa waterfalls, glittering lakes and an array of wildlife.  Board the boat to see more of the vast park and marvel at Skradinski Buk, a collection of 17 glorious waterfalls, and the tiny island of Visovac complete with a church and monastery.              

Day 3  Sibenik to Zadar              
After a leisurely breakfast, make your way over to Zadar, one of Croatia’s oldest cities characterised by a combination of Roman and medieval remains. After checking in to your hotel, where you’ll be spending the next three nights, why not head out to explore the beautiful old walled city or partake in Zadar’s iconic café culture by relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere in People’s Square? As the sun dips below the horizon, admire the radiant shades of pink, red and orange adorning the sky.              

Day 4  Paklenica National Park            
Today, journey to Paklenica National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve brimming with magnificent black pine tree forests, underground tunnels and boasts over 200km of incredible hiking trails. Venture to the highest peaks of the Velebit Mountains, choose to visit Manita Pec Cave, full of varying rock formations and underground fauna or discover the Marasović hamlet, to witness exquisite stone carving.    

Day 5  Kornati National Park        
Decide to take a boat trip around Kornati National Park, a spectacular archipelago comprising 89 islands, islets and crags over 217km. Cruise through the pristine waters, taking in the surrounding natural beauty of the towering cliffs, limestone plateaus, Venetian ruins and endless coves. Take the plunge and dive into the glittering sea to uncover an abundance of marine life on the reef, you may be lucky enough to see friendly bottle-nosed dolphins and loggerhead turtles.  

Day 6  Zadar to Plitvice National Park      
Take one last walk around, appreciating the history lining the city walls before setting off on the scenic drive to the oldest and largest national park in Croatia.  

Day 7  Plitvice National Park      
Choose one of the seven routes around the immense Plitvice National Park, all with varying distances and levels. Navigate the meandering wooden boardwalks through its reputed 16 emerald lake system, marvelling at the majestic cascading tufa waterfalls, thick green forests, lush vegetation and varied wildlife.  Relax as you listen to the gurgling sounds of the waterfalls and ensure to have your camera ready to capture the epic landscapes as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 8  Plitvice National Park      
Today, choose a different route around the extraordinary national park or decide to take part in some other local activities.  For the adrenaline junkies, opt to soar through the skies as you zipline above the River Korana, experience off-road quad biking trails through the mountains and valleys of Plitvice or embrace the thrill of some exhilarating rafting. If you prefer to have a more chilled day, perhaps feed the red and fallow deer at Ranch Deer Valley or visit Barac Caves to learn about the natural heritage of the area.              

Day 9  Plitvice National Park to Rijeka      
Drive to Croatia’s third largest city and one of the country’s most prominent ports, Rijeka. After checking in to your base for two nights, amble through the bustling streets, appreciating the historical architecture along the way. Head over to Trsat Castle complex, one of the oldest structures on the coastline and is perched above the city offering panoramic views of Rijeka and its surrounding areas. This evening, check out one of the nearby restaurants and savour some local cuisine.        

Day 10  Risnjak National Park      
Spend the day navigating the wonderful hiking trails through the verdant forests of Risnjak National Park or choose to have a guided wildlife tour to have the chance to observe bears, wolves and lynxes in their natural habitat. Appreciate the gorgeous views which stretch over to Istria and the Julian Alps in Slovenia from the mountaintops, relax in the Lazac Meadow surrounded by colourful flora or visit the pretty turquoise lake at the source of the Kupa River.  

Day 11  Rijeka to Pula              
After a leisurely morning, depart the hotel and make your way to Pula airport for your onward journey.