Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour from Zadar: UNESCO World Heritage site

Sixteen lakes, waterfalls, and a UNESCO site in one day from the coast

A full-day tour from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park includes pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a live guide in English or German. You walk the park's trails past 16 lakes divided into Upper and Lower sections, see Veliki Slap (the largest waterfall), and observe the travertine formations created by calcium-rich water. Entrance tickets are purchased separately on the day of the tour. The 8- to 9-hour itinerary departs from a meeting point in Zadar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
• See Veliki Slap waterfall

The experience

The tour picks you up at a meeting point in Zadar and drives you inland to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia's oldest national park and the country's only natural site on the UNESCO World Heritage Register. The park sits in the Lika region, historically called Devil's Garden for its dramatic landscape. Once you arrive, you're on your own to explore the interconnected lake system at your own pace: the guide and driver remain with the group but the walking is self-directed through the park's trail network.

The 16 lakes are split into Upper and Lower sections, each with its own character. What makes them distinctive is the water itself: it's saturated with dissolved calcium carbonate, and where the water moves fast, it deposits travertine, building natural dams and creating the cascades. Veliki Slap, the park's largest waterfall, is the centerpiece most visitors come to see. The park is protected habitat for numerous plant and animal species, so the rules about staying on marked paths and respecting the ecology are enforced. Bring water and wear shoes with grip. The terrain is uneven and can be slippery near the water.

The full outing runs 8 to 9 hours from Zadar, which accounts for the drive both ways and your time in the park. Entrance tickets are not included and must be paid in cash or card when you arrive: adults pay 40 euros (June through September) or 23 euros (April, May, October), with reduced rates for children aged 7 to 18. The air-conditioned vehicle and guide are included. Food, drinks and gratuities are not.

What’s included

• Pickup at the meeting point in Zadar.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the round trip.
• live guide in English or German.
• access to the park's trail system and all 16 lakes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by TERRA TRAVEL

Is this one for you?The 8- to 9-hour commitment means you leave the coast for most of the day, so book this if you have a full day free and want to see Croatia's most visited natural site rather than spend the afternoon on beaches or in the city. The walking is self-paced and moderate, but the terrain is uneven and the park is large, so allow time to move slowly and rest if you need it.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Plitvice Lakes from Zadar, and how much of the day is spent driving?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is inland from Zadar in the Lika region. The full tour runs 8 to 9 hours total, which includes the round-trip drive and your time exploring the park's trails and lakes.

What is Veliki Slap, and will I see it on this tour?

Veliki Slap is the largest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park and is the main attraction most visitors come to see. It is part of the park's trail system, which you walk at your own pace during the tour.

Are entrance tickets to the park included in the tour price?

Entrance tickets are not included and are paid separately on the day of the tour in cash or card. Adults pay 40 euros (June–September) or 23 euros (April, May, October). Children aged 7–18 pay 15 euros or 6 euros depending on the season.

What should I bring or wear for a day at Plitvice Lakes?

Wear shoes with good grip. The terrain around the lakes is uneven and can be slippery near the water. Bring water and sun protection. The park is a protected natural area, so stay on marked trails and respect the ecology and wildlife.