From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia and considering a day trip from Split to the renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park, you’re in for a treat. This guided tour, offered by BOOKER – Travel Agency, has earned rave reviews for offering a seamless, well-organized way to experience one of Croatia’s most stunning natural wonders. From lush forests to cascading waterfalls, the park’s scenery is the kind of place that leaves visitors breathless—whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a memorable outing.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible and comfortable it makes a long day of exploring. The transportation, which includes a spacious bus, scenic boat rides, and an electric train, takes the hassle out of planning. Plus, the knowledgeable guides really enhance the experience, sharing interesting facts about Croatian nature and history along the way. That said, keep in mind that the tour involves a good amount of walking over uneven terrain, so it’s not the best choice if you have mobility issues or prefer leisurely strolls.

This tour is definitely great for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience without the need to organize transportation or worry about navigating the park on their own. If you’re okay with a full day trip and some walking, you’ll find it’s a fantastic way to see the highlights of Plitvice Lakes, especially if you value expert insights and convenience. However, if you’re looking for a more flexible or private experience, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Perfect for those who want a guided, all-inclusive day trip from Split, covering transportation, park entry, boat rides, and a guide.
• The scenery is breathtaking: turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and lush greenery, perfect for photos and nature enthusiasts.
• The guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep the group engaged and on schedule.
• Long but rewarding day: expect a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain, so good footwear is recommended.
• A well-organized experience: from pick-up to drop-off, everything runs smoothly with clear instructions and helpful communication.
• Good value for the price: at $116 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, especially considering the included boat trips and train rides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Out: Meeting and Departure

The adventure begins at the Booker Travel Agency office in Split, where you check in and meet your guide. The promptness and organization here set a positive tone, with many reviews mentioning how smoothly the process runs. Expect a brief introduction, after which you’ll head out of the city, passing through the Croatian countryside. The bus ride itself is often highlighted as comfortable, with some guides providing live commentary or sharing interesting facts about the landscape and local culture.

The Journey to Plitvice Lakes

Traveling from Split to Plitvice offers a scenic preview of Croatia’s rural charm. You’ll find many reviews noting the long drive—roughly a few hours—but most agree that the scenery makes it worthwhile. One reviewer pointed out that the drive was made even more enjoyable thanks to the guide’s storytelling, sharing insights into Croatian history, culture, and fun facts, which kept the mood lively during the journey.

Arriving at the Park: First Impressions

Once at Plitvice Lakes, you’ll start exploring the park’s famous trails. The day’s itinerary typically includes a walk along paths connecting the upper and lower lakes, providing stunning views of waterfalls and vibrant waters. Many visitors mention how the scenery exceeds expectations—photos hardly do justice to the clarity and color of the water or the lush greenery surrounding the cascades.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Trails and Highlights

You’ll love the way the park’s pathways are designed to give you the best views while keeping you immersed in nature. The trail between the upper and lower lakes allows you to walk along the water’s edge, with many photo opportunities. As one reviewer put it, “The lakes were amazing!” and the guide’s commentary added layers of interesting context about the park’s formation and ecology.

Scenic Boat Rides and Train Excursions

After the initial walk, the tour includes a scenic boat trip—a highlight appreciated by many for offering a different perspective of the lakes—and an electric train ride that whisks you through more of the park. These rides provide a welcome break from walking, especially since the terrain can be uneven. Several reviews mention how these modes of transportation help manage fatigue and add to the fun of the day.

Final Views and Return Journey

Before heading back to Split, you’ll have one last chance to take in the waterfalls and lush surroundings. Many visitors recount how the tour guides ensured everyone saw the best spots and had time for photos. The return journey is typically smooth, with guides providing further insights or sharing recommendations for local restaurants or activities in Split.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides

One of the most praised aspects is the expert guides. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Sanja, Lovro, Ivana, and Sanja again as being friendly, well-informed, and attentive to the group’s needs. They often share stories about Croatian history, culture, and the park’s natural features, making the experience more enriching. This personal touch really elevates what could otherwise be just a walk in the park.

Efficient and Well-Organized

Many travelers appreciate how smoothly everything runs—from the check-in process, the punctual bus departures, to the clear instructions given via WhatsApp groups. The organization minimizes stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery. As one reviewer put it, “The trip felt very thought through, and Sanja made it even better.”

Stunning Scenery and Photo Opportunities

It’s no secret that Plitvice Lakes is beautiful, but many reviewers emphasize how incredible it is to see in person. Photos don’t quite capture the vibrancy of the water or the grandeur of the waterfalls. The lush greenery and flowing cascades make it a photographer’s dream.

Comfort and Convenience

The included transportation, boat, and train rides all contribute to a comfortable day. The bus is spacious, and the shorter stops for toilets or refreshments are well managed. The tour’s price of $116 is seen by many as fair, especially considering the entrance fee, boat, and train rides are included.

Considerations and Tips

• Walking on uneven terrain: The park involves a lot of walking over bridges and sometimes narrow or uneven paths. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a full day of activity.
• Long drive: The trip from Split is a few hours each way, so it’s best for those who don’t mind a bit of travel for the reward of seeing the park.
• Weather awareness: The park can be cooler than the coast, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.
• Food and drinks: The tour price doesn’t include meals, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch can enhance your experience—many reviews mention that food inside the park can be expensive and not the most tempting.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This guided tour is ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see the stunning Plitvice Lakes without the stress of organizing transport or navigating the park on their own. It’s perfect for those who appreciate expert commentary and want to maximize their time in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re up for a full, active day that involves walking and some travel, this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or a private experience, you might consider other options. The group size and structured nature of the tour might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
The drive generally takes a few hours each way, so be prepared for a long day. Many reviews mention that the coach is comfortable and that the scenic journey is part of the experience.

What’s included in the tour price?
The $116 fee covers transportation, entry tickets to the park, a scenic boat trip, and an electric train ride. Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The park involves quite a bit of walking on uneven terrain, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility concerns. However, the transportation options do help manage the overall pace.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and possibly snacks or water are good ideas. Some reviewers also suggest bringing a camera for the many photo opportunities.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

Is it family-friendly?
While the reviews focus on adult travelers, the scenic trails and boat rides could appeal to families with older children who enjoy walking and nature. Keep in mind the terrain and the length of the day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, informative, and visually stunning day trip from Split, this tour to Plitvice Lakes ticks most boxes. The combination of breathtaking scenery, convenient transportation, and expert guides makes it a solid choice for travelers wanting to see Croatia’s natural crown jewel without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a full day of activity and some walking, and who value having knowledgeable guides to enrich their experience. While the drive is lengthy and the terrain can be challenging, those factors are more than offset by the beauty and the seamless organization.

This tour offers a practical, reliable way to connect with some of Croatia’s most famous natural sights, leaving you with memories—and photos—that you’ll cherish long after your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: