Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes & Adriatic Islands

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb
Day 2: Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes National Park, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 3: Plitvice - Velebit - Krk, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 4: Krk, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 5: Krk - Cres - Losinj, 2 mi. (3 km)
Day 6: Losinj, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 7: Losinj - Zagreb, 4 mi. (7 km)
Day 8: Departure from Zagreb

Please note that the daily schedule may be adjusted as needed, particularly due to heat or wind conditions. The tour leader will make any necessary changes to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all participants.

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb
Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital. Check in at your centrally located hotel and take some time to explore the city on your own. In the afternoon, join your guide for a welcome drink to go over the trip details and meet your fellow travelers. Enjoy a lively evening in Zagreb, but be sure to get an early night—tomorrow starts bright and early!

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Dubrovnik

Day 2: Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes National Park, 9 mi. (15 km)
Your day begins at 5:00 AM. Yes, it’s early, but it's worth it! You'll have a chance to catch up on sleep during the drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most stunning natural treasures. You’ll be among the first to enter the park, exploring its beautiful lakes and cascading waterfalls via wooden boardwalks. Learn about the local flora, fauna, and the park’s fascinating geology. After leaving the park before lunchtime to avoid the crowds, you’ll head to the hotel. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch, followed by some relaxation and a refreshing swim in nearby river pools.

Sample Accommodations: Rustic Lodge Plitvice

Elevation gain: +450m, -450m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Transfer Time: 2 hours

Day 3: Plitvice - Velebit - Krk, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Following breakfast, you’ll drive 1.5 hours to Velebit, a dramatic mountain range with rocky formations, dense forests, and panoramic views reaching up to 1,700 meters above the Adriatic. You'll enjoy a semi-circular hike along a grassy ridge, taking in the breathtaking scenery before heading to the coast. From there, board a private speedboat for an island-hopping adventure. Explore secluded bays with crystal-clear waters and enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Meanwhile, your guide will transport your luggage to Krk Island, where you’ll check into your hotel for the next two nights. End the day with a lively evening on Krk Island!

Sample Accommodations: Bed & Breakfast Dosen

Elevation gain: +500m, -500m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Transfer Time: 2.5 hours by van + boat time

Day 4: Krk, 8 mi. (13 km)
Today, start your hike right from the hotel in Baska. Traverse the rugged southern terrain of Krk Island, which offers a stark but spectacular view of the Croatian islands. Despite the lack of shade and potential wind, the stunning vistas and inviting beaches make it worthwhile. After the hike, return to Baska for lunch at a charming local "konoba". Enjoy a free afternoon to relax, swim, kayak, or explore the area.

Sample Accommodations: Bed & Breakfast Dosen

Elevation gain: +350m, -350m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Transfer Time: 1 hour

Day 5: Krk - Cres - Losinj, 2 mi. (3 km)
Early risers can take a spectacular morning hike to a viewpoint above Baska, offering incredible views of nearby islands and mountains. After returning for a late breakfast, you’ll catch a ferry to Cres Island. Explore the lush forests and visit the hilltop village of Lubenice. After lunch, hike downhill to the stunning Lubenice beach for a swim. To avoid a steep return hike, a taxi boat will transport you to the nearest harbor while your guide fetches the van. You’ll then drive to Veli Losinj for the next two nights.

Sample Accommodations: Vitality Hotel Punta

Elevation: -330m
Duration: 1 hour (plus optional sunrise hike)
Transfer Time: 2.5 hours by van, 25 min ferry, 30 min boat ride

Day 6: Losinj, 6 mi. (10 km)
Enjoy a relaxed day of coastal walks on Losinj Island. After breakfast, a short drive will take you to the trailhead, where you’ll follow scenic paths along the rocky coastline and through picturesque bays. Refresh with swims in the sea before stopping for lunch at a family-run eatery renowned for its delicious seafood. Spend the afternoon at leisure—relax, swim, explore Veli Losinj, or join an optional walk. Conclude the day with drinks at a prime sunset spot overlooking Mali Losinj and the Osorscica ridge—your challenge for the following day.

Sample Accommodations: Vitality Hotel Punta

Elevation gain: +50m, -200m
Duration: 4 hours
Transfer Time: Short local transfers

Day 7: Losinj - Zagreb, 4 mi. (7 km)
Start early again with a drive to the trailhead for a climb to Osorscica Ridge. This ascent, mostly shaded by forest, rewards you with sweeping views of Losinj’s and Cres’ coastlines and nearby islands. After your final hike, you'll have lunch in the quaint town of Osor before heading back to Zagreb. It’s a long drive, so take advantage of nap time. Arrive in Zagreb, check into the hotel, and enjoy a final gelato before a night out with your new hiking friends.

Sample Accommodations: Hotel Dubrovnik 

Elevation gain: +450m, -500m
Duration: 4 hours
Transfer Time: 3-4 hours by van, 25 min ferry ride

Day 8: Departure from Zagreb
After breakfast, your unforgettable hiking tour concludes. 

You’ll be accommodated in carefully chosen, clean, and centrally located 3 or 4 star hotels or charming local B&Bs, with options for double or single rooms, each featuring en-suite bathrooms. A sample accommodation is provided in the day-to-day itinerary. If the listed hotel is unavailable at the time of booking, a suitable alternative will be arranged.