Zadar: Plitvice Lakes with Boat Ride and Zadar Old Town Tour

If you’re in Zadar and looking to experience one of Croatia’s most breathtaking natural wonders, a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park is often at the top of the list. Based on hundreds of traveler reviews, this tour promises scenic waterfalls, peaceful boat rides, and a charming stroll through Zadar’s historic streets. But is it worth your time and money? Let’s break down what you can expect, what others love, and a few things to consider before booking.

Two standout features we love about this tour are the guided walks through the stunning lakes and waterfalls—which are truly some of Europe’s finest—and the combination of relaxing boat and train rides that allow you to take in the sights without wearing yourself out. It’s a well-rounded way to see the park at a comfortable pace. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the entry fee to the park is not included in the price—so you’ll need to budget for that separately, which could add up if you’re visiting alone or with a big group.

This tour is especially suitable if you want a guided experience that balances sightseeing and leisure. It’s great for travelers who prefer not to navigate the park on their own and appreciate a bit of storytelling from knowledgeable guides. If you’re a nature lover, or simply want to tick off a bucket-list destination with ease, this tour could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: You’ll see waterfalls, lakes, and lush greenery that make for incredible photos.
• Comfortable transportation: The air-conditioned bus, boat, and electric train keep the day relaxed and enjoyable.
• Guided insights: The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the experience more engaging.
• Flexible exploration: You get around 4 hours in the park, with enough time to walk, rest, and take photos at your own pace.
• Value for money: The tour combines transportation, guided commentary, and scenic rides, offering a lot of experience for $53.
• Additional Zadar Old Town tour: After returning, you can join an optional walk to discover charming streets, churches, and squares.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour All About?

This full-day guided trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is designed for travelers wanting to see one of Croatia’s most iconic national parks without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s a popular choice, with a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 1,300 reviews, indicating consistent satisfaction among past travelers.

The journey begins early in the morning, with a comfortable bus picking you up from the city. As you leave Zadar behind, your guide will share stories about Croatia, setting the scene for the day ahead. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of the Croatian countryside as you head toward the park.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Meeting & Departure

You’ll meet your guide at Ul. Alesandra Paravije 5 in Zadar, arriving about 15 minutes early to check in and settle in. This is a straightforward starting point, and the bus ride is comfortable thanks to air conditioning and modern facilities. Past travelers mention the smooth transfers, making the day feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Arrival at Plitvice Lakes

Once you arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be given around 4 hours to explore the lakes, waterfalls, and surrounding meadows. The park’s trails are about 6 miles of walking, so be prepared for uneven surfaces and some moderate physical effort. The terrain is natural, and the walk can be demanding for some, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.

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Exploring the Waterfalls and Lakes

What makes Plitvice Lakes such a must-see? The series of lakes and waterfalls that cascade over limestone and chalk barriers. The water is a vibrant turquoise, and the sound of rushing water adds to the magic. Several reviews mention that the park is beautiful and well maintained, with plenty of spots for photos.

Scenic Boat and Train Ride

After walking around, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the park’s turquoise waters, which is often highlighted as a relaxing highlight of the day. The boat provides a different perspective of the waterfalls and lush surroundings. Then, a scenic electric train takes you further into the park, offering a comfortable way to cover more ground without exhaustion. Travelers say this combo helps balance walking and resting, especially on a hot day or if you’re traveling with older visitors.

Last Views & Return

Before heading back to Zadar, you’ll have a chance to take a few more photos of the waterfalls and lakes. The return journey is smooth, with your guide sharing more stories about Croatian culture and nature.

Optional Zadar Old Town Tour

Back in Zadar, you can choose to join an evening guided walking tour of the Old Town at 6:00 PM. This is a relaxed way to wind down, exploring medieval churches, charming squares, and the Roman Forum, with many travelers praising the guide for their knowledge.

How Do Travelers Feel About It?

Based on reviews, this tour consistently earns high marks. Many emphasize the expertise and friendliness of guides—with names like Filip, Bojan, and Monica getting special mentions. Travelers appreciate the organized nature of the trip, the timely departures, and the scenic beauty of the park.

One reviewer summed it up nicely: “The trip was made extra special by Filip. He was informative and friendly and managed our large group well, without us feeling we were being herded.” Another mentioned that adventurous visitors will love the opportunity to take photos and explore at their own pace, thanks to the well-planned route and enough free time.

What Do People Love Most?

• The scenery and waterfalls, which many say are even more breathtaking in person than in photos.
• The knowledgeable guides who tell stories, share insights, and keep the group on schedule.
• The boat and train rides, which add a relaxing element and help cover the park’s expansive area.
• The value for money, especially considering transportation, guided commentary, and scenic rides are included in the ticket price.

What About Downsides?

While most reviews are glowing, a few travelers mention that entry tickets are not included in the price, so you’ll need cash to buy your park entrance. Also, some note the distance and walking can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to uneven terrain or if the weather is hot. But overall, these are manageable with some preparation, like good shoes and warm clothing, especially since some mention the park can be cooler than Zadar.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature enthusiasts and travelers wanting a guided, stress-free day. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer to avoid navigating the park alone or dealing with tickets and transportation logistics. The inclusion of boat and train rides makes it accessible and relaxing.

If you’re traveling with family, the manageable pace and guided structure could work well, though children should be accompanied by adults given the walking and uneven surfaces. It’s also a great choice for solo travelers or couples seeking a memorable day out in Croatia’s natural beauty.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price: $53 per person, representing good value given the transportation, guided commentary, and included scenic rides.
• Duration: Around 12 hours, including travel time, park exploration, and return.
• Transportation: Air-conditioned bus, boat ride, and electric train.
• Inclusions: Guide, boat and train rides, transportation.
• Not Included: Park entry tickets (pay in cash on the day), food, and drinks.
• Best Time to Go: The reviews suggest that visiting in the late afternoon can help avoid crowds. Still, the park is beautiful year-round, and autumn colors or after rain can enhance the scenery.
• What to Bring: Warm clothing (the park tends to be cooler), comfortable walking shoes, water, and a camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy park tickets in advance?
No, the tickets are paid separately on the day in cash, so plan to have some local currency ready.

How much walking is involved?
Expect about 6 miles of walking on uneven surfaces, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome but should be accompanied by an adult and prepared for the walking and terrain.

What time does the Old Town walking tour start?
It’s available at 6:00 PM on any day, meeting in front of Novi Cafe in Zadar.

Can I join the Old Town tour if I don’t do the park trip?
Yes, it’s an optional activity you can join separately.

Is the boat ride included in the tour?
Yes, the boat ride on the lake is part of the tour, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the bus is air-conditioned, and the overall transport arrangements are praised for being smooth.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, especially since some parts of the park are cooler, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven trails.

How long do I spend at Plitvice Lakes?
You’ll have around 4 hours to explore the park independently after the guided walk.

What makes this tour stand out compared to other options?
The combination of guided storytelling, scenic boat and train rides, and flexible exploration makes it a well-rounded, enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a hassle-free way to see the stunning lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice, this tour offers a solid mix of scenic beauty, expert guides, and relaxed transportation. It’s praised for being well-organized and delivering on the promise of unforgettable views. The high rating and positive reviews suggest most travelers leave with a smile—and plenty of photos to prove it.

This tour suits those who value guided insights and comfort, especially if you don’t want to worry about logistics. It’s less ideal if you prefer to explore entirely independently or seek a budget-only experience. But for most, the combination of scenery, ease, and local stories will make it a highlight of their Croatian adventure.

Whether you’re snapping photos of waterfalls, wandering charming Zadar streets afterward, or simply soaking in the natural wonder, this trip provides a memorable day in Croatia’s most photogenic landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: