The Private tour to Plitvice Lakes starts in Split/Split area around 7:30am (recommendation of our guide, to avoid the morning rush in the city). You will be picked up by your guide at the arranged meeting point.
The ride to NP Plitvice Lakes by a private car or an air-conditioned minivan takes about 2.5 hours. We will take the smooth A1 highway (the Dalmatina), benefiting from numerous potential comfort stops along the way and enjoying stunning views of the Dalmatian hinterland and the dramatic Velebit mountain.
The final 45 minutes of the journey will immerse you into the surprising landscape of the Lika region, famous for its potatoes, cheese, honey and sauerkraut.
The lush beech forest alongside of the road will signal you that you had arrived to the largest and oldest National Park in Croatia, an UNESCO heritage site since 1979. As your guide takes care of the entrance tickets, you will be able to have one last comfort stop before we get ready for the hike.
There are several possible routes to take in the park, and your guide will suggest the optimal one, taking several factors into account: available time, the weather, how crowded it is, your fitness level, your preferences. Depending on the chosen option, you may benefit from the panoramic “train” right away, taking you to the highest point of the terraced lakes, and then walk down to the lowest lake and the “Big Waterfall”.
Or, you can first embark on an electric boat and walk up to the top, and then take the panoramic train.
You may want to avoid the panoramic train altogether and just stroll along the raised boardwalks.
Whichever option you choose, you should aim to see both the Upper Lakes and the Lower Lakes.
The so-called Upper Lakes consist of numerous emerald-green lakes, joined by countless waterfalls, surrounded by centenarian beech trees, spruces, firs, sycamores and junipers. Depending on the season, expect to see endemic orchids, gentians or cyclamens, as well as an extraordinary array of butterflies and dragonflies.
Unless it’s super cold or heavily raining, expect to take the so-called “long boat ride” across Lake Kozjak. The silent electric engines and open deck will offer intimate, unobstructed contact with nature. The boat ride itself takes some 20 minutes, perfect to have a sandwich or some snacks.
As we get off the boat, another comfort stop is available, as well as a chance to get coffee or an ice-cream, or even buy souvenirs.
A gentle stroll will finally take us to the so-called Lower Lakes, a magical sequence of turquoise lakes, with tall limestone cliffs hovering above them. And then the grand finale, the “Big Waterfall”. If you’re lucky, you may even see a rainbow there. This is also the most popular photo stop, so count on some waiting in line. Before departure, more photo stops will enable you to bid farewell to this awe-inspiring place.
An optional lunch in a popular local tavern might be just what you need after such an intense day. Lamb on the spit, grilled trout, gratinated crepes or vanilla ice-cream with pumpkin seed oil topping are just some of the items on their menu.
The journey back to Split will allow you to share your impressions with your co-travelers or with the tour guide, who will also be more than happy to share useful insights on Split and Croatia.
