Current as of: September 5, 2025 - 19:47
Walking North Croatia's Islands & Lakes Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Croatia
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TVP
Trip Overview
Hike the most scenic trails in northern Croatia with a tour leader who knows them better than anyone else
Discover northern Croatia on foot, a heady blend of coastal paths, olive groves and Adriatic islands. Starting in historic Zagreb, you’ll explore the walkable capital and tumbling waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, before continuing to the island of Krk. Natural beauty awaits, including the famous Lungomare seaside promenade on neighbouring Cres island. Throughout, you’ll be guided by a tour leader who knows the trails better than anyone – allowing you to explore northern Croatia like an insider.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels)
- Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Join the best local tour leader to discover northern Croatia on foot
- Marvel at the waterfalls and chain lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Enjoy a nature walk in Maksimir Park, one of the oldest public parks in Europe
- Stay on the Adriatic island of Krk and enjoy a wine and cheese tasting in Vrbnik
- Follow the stone-lined paths through the olive groves of Cres island
- Hike the most scenic section of the celebrated Lungomare coastal walk
Is This Trip for You?
This tour is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Suitability: Most of the hiking routes are on clearly defined paths. The paths can get steeper in places and some sections can be rocky. No specific technical experience is required but we recommend you are comfortable hiking in hilly and mountainous areas. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be comfortable with the daily distances and height gained.
Flexibility: The distances and times stated in the itinerary are maximums; however, the tour leader may alter the hikes based on several factors, including climate and overall group pace.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Group
Normally six to 16, plus tour leader and driver.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Zagreb
- End City: Zagreb
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure begins in Zagreb
Begin your adventure in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, where grand Austro-Hungarian architecture meets leafy parks and lively cafe terraces.
As many flights arrive late into Zagreb Airport, we have a welcome briefing tomorrow morning.
Want more time in Zagreb? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre (or similar)
Highlights of Zagreb tour • Stroll past lakes and spot wildlife in Maksimir Park
After breakfast, say bok (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers as we gather for the first time to get to know each other and hear more about the adventure ahead.
Then, set out on foot to uncover the highlights of Zagreb’s Upper and Lower Town. We pass grand squares, the colourful roof of St Mark’s Church, and the lively Dolac Market, gaining insights into the city’s past and present. The Upper Town retains its medieval street plan and gothic churches, while the Lower Town is a showcase of 19th-century architecture, with sweeping boulevards inspired by Vienna.
In the afternoon, we stretch our legs in Maksimir Park, one of the oldest public parks in Europe. Opened in 1794, it was designed in the English landscape style and is home to a baroque pavilion and Zagreb zoo. With tranquil lakes, shaded pathways, and protected wildlife to spot, including plenty of birdlife, it’s a refreshing contrast to the city streets.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Croatian welcome by arranging a group dinner at a local restaurant, where we enjoy our first taste of regional flavours.
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre (or similar)
Discover the tumbling waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes • To Krk island
Bid farewell to Zagreb, as we transfer (two hours) to Plitvice Lakes National Park, among the most celebrated natural wonders in Croatia.
A World Heritage site, it’s home to a chain of 16 terraced lakes, connected by tumbling waterfalls. With our expert tour leader guiding the way, we walk wooden boardwalks and trails to admire the park’s karst landscape and spot the varied wildlife.
After, we transfer (three hours) by minibus to Krk island, staying in the picturesque seaside town of Malinska, our home for the next four nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Malin (or similar)
Hike through vineyards and olive groves near Vrbnik • Wine and cheese tasting
A 20-minute transfer takes us to Vrbnik, a clifftop town famous for producing Žlahtina, a crisp white wine unique to this part of Croatia. Our circular walk passes through the vineyards where this indigenous grape grows, weaving between dry-stone walls and olive groves before reaching a viewpoint above the Adriatic.
We end with a well-earned wine and cheese tasting back in Vrbnik, raising a glass with the winemakers and learning how they create their excellent produce.
Accommodation: Hotel Malin (or similar)
Follow stone-lined paths through olive groves on Cres island
Take the 30-minute ferry from Krk to neighbouring Cres, an island where centuries-old olive trees are still tended by local families.
Our hike today follows stone-lined paths through these groves, with glimpses of the sea in the distance.
Back in the small harbour town of Cres, enjoy free time for a coffee or perhaps a swim before returning to Krk for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Malin (or similar)
Free day on Krk for boating, swimming or hiking
Today is free to enjoy the wonders of Krk. You may wish to swim in one of the island’s many coves, take a boat excursion, or simply relax in Malinska.
For hikers, there’s the option to follow the Paradise Path, an easy 6mi (10km) coastal trail linking Malinska and Porat. Passing pine woods, seaside chapels, and the stone Fumak Cross, the route offers plenty of shady spots and inviting swimming stops.
Accommodation: Hotel Malin (or similar)
Hike the most beautiful section of the renowned Lungomare promenade • To Zagreb
Head north (1hr 30min) to Opatija, once the favoured retreat of Viennese nobility. Here, we hike the Lungomare promenade, a seafront path built in the late 19th century as part of the area’s transformation into a fashionable spa resort under the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Our route takes us along the most beautiful section of the trail: from Opatija through Ičići and Ika to Lovran, where we pause for lunch. Known for its seafood taverns and atmospheric old town, it’s a fitting finale to our coastal walks.
Later, we return by bus (two hours) to Zagreb, where we can enjoy a farewell dinner together – a chance to remember highlights of the tour.
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre (or similar)
Adventure ends in Zagreb
You’ve walked among waterfalls at Plitvice, sampled wines in Vrbnik, and strolled the elegant promenades of Opatija, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our wide range of extension options.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Well-located hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Food & Drink
Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled meat, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from central Europe, Italy and the Balkans. Delicacies we highly recommend include squid-ink risotto and octopus salad.
For breakfast, expect a large continental buffet with meats and cheeses, bread, jams and pastries, plus tea and coffee.
Transport
Travel is by private minibus and we take the ferry.
Weather & Seasonality
Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are well known to be free from rain. Our trips run from March to October, so expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly on the July departures when average temperatures are around 29C (84F). Temperatures in March, April and October are typically cooler.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre, Ul. kneza Branimira 29, 10000, Zagreb,
Phone: +385 1 4559 505
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm, followed by a welcome dinner
Airport: Zagreb Airport (ZAG)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Zagreb
Location end: Zagreb
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Normal daily clothes
- Lightweight walking clothes (especially for summer)
- Small backpack to carry camera, water bottle etc
- Walking boots (with ankle support and good soles)
- Waterproofs and warm jacket/jumper
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Towel and swimwear
Optional Equipment
- Snacks to eat on hikes
- Walking poles
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Croatia
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Croatia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/croatia
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/croatia
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html
Vaccinations and Health
Croatia
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Croatia's time zone: Europe/Zagreb (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Croatia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Croatia's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, and most credit cards are accepted in shops and restaurants. Cash is usually easier for smaller purchases and is the only form of payment accepted at market stalls.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow €45 per day for meals that are not included; this would cover a good-size lunch and a standard three-course meal in the evening. It is certainly possible to spend a lot more depending on what you choose to eat and drink.
The following optional activities are also available on the free day:
- Private boat tour from Punat to explore wild bays and the island of Košljun: €89 per person (minimum of six people)
- Sailing trip to Rab island with swimming, lunch and music: €75 per person
- Šurlice-making workshop: €25 per person (minimum of six people)
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of €20-€25 per person for the week. It is also customary to leave a tip for any additional local staff who support your trip – for example, drivers, cooks and hotel staff. This can be handed to your tour leader at the end of the week to distribute accordingly. In total for the tour leader to distribute to all relevant staff, budget approximately €10-€15 per person per week.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
