From Zadar: Plitvice Lakes with Boat Ride & Zadar Old town tour

Our review of the Zadar: Plitvice Lakes with Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town tour offers an excellent balance of natural beauty, cultural insight, and ease of access. Priced at just over $52 per person, this full-day adventure takes you from Croatia’s charming coastal city of Zadar to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, with a mix of walking, boat rides, and optional evening strolls through Zadar’s historic streets. It’s a tour designed for those who want to see one of Croatia’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning transport or routes themselves.

Two aspects truly shine here. First, the guided commentary by guides like Bojan, who seem to know their stuff and keep the group engaged – many reviews highlight how well-organized and friendly the guides are. Second, the effortless transportation and included activities, such as electric train rides and boat trips, mean you can focus on soaking in the scenery without lugging around cumbersome gear or navigating crowds alone. However, a key consideration is the two-hour drive from Zadar—some travelers might find the journey a bit long, especially if they’re eager to start exploring right away.

This tour provides excellent value, blending immersive nature experiences with cultural exploration. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a structured day with the flexibility to explore at their own pace during the park walk, and it suits those who love majestic waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and a touch of Croatian history. Just remember to plan for some walking shoes and be ready for a full day of discovery.

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery: The lakes, waterfalls, and turquoise waters of Plitvice are spectacular and worth every minute.
• Flexible guided experience: The semi-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace within a well-organized route.
• Comfortable transportation: The air-conditioned bus and scenic boat and train rides make the journey comfortable and scenic.
• Authentic insights: Guides like Bojan and Jelena add depth with their engaging stories and thorough explanations.
• Good value: For about $52, you get a full day of sightseeing including transportation, guiding, and a boat ride—admission fees are extra.
• Optional evening stroll: After returning to Zadar, you can join a charming guided walk through the Old Town, adding cultural context to your visit.

In-Depth Review: Why You’ll Love This Tour

When I hear about a day trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes, I expect breathtaking scenery and a well-organized itinerary—and, based on traveler reviews and available info, this tour hits the mark on both counts.

From the start, you’re picked up at a central meeting point in Zadar, where the friendly guides like Bojan set the tone with helpful introductions and a good dose of Croatian pride in their country. The coach ride out of the city is about two hours, but the scenery along the way, with views of the Croatian countryside, keeps the journey engaging. The vehicle itself is described as comfortable and air-conditioned, a big plus for the often warm Croatian summers.

Once at the park, the focus shifts to exploring one of Europe’s most beautiful national parks. You get about four hours to walk around both the upper and lower lakes, waterfalls, and springs. Many visitors comment on how the water’s clarity and the waterfalls’ size are truly mesmerizing. As one review mentions, the water color is “so beautiful,” and the flow of the waterfalls is powerful. The scenic walk is well-graded and takes you around the lakes’ edges, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

A highlight for many visitors is the electric train ride and boat trip. The train, described as “scenic,” helps you conserve energy during the walk, especially as the park can be quite extensive. The boat ride on turquoise waters, with lush green banks, offers a peaceful contrast to the busy trails and makes for wonderful photo moments—something many reviewers, including Marie, mention with enthusiasm.

The tour’s guides earn praise for their knowledge and friendly demeanor—guides like Jelena and Bojan are frequently singled out for their thorough explanations and ability to keep everyone on schedule. One reviewer, David G., appreciated how their guide kept ahead of the crowds, which can be a real bonus in a popular park like this. The “semi-guided” approach, where guides set the route and give info at specific points but let you explore freely in between, was seen as a great balance by many.

After returning to Zadar, the optional guided Old Town walk adds a cultural layer to your day. This stroll through Zadar’s historic streets is relaxed, with many travelers noting how it offers a nice way to wind down and soak in Croatia’s coastal charm. The fact that it’s flexible and can be done any evening at 6:00 PM makes it easy to fit into your plans.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

The cost—around $52—represents good value considering transportation, guiding, and activities. Admission to the park is an additional fee, ranging between €10 and €40 depending on the season, so budget accordingly. Food isn’t included, so bringing snacks or packing a picnic might be worthwhile, especially since some reviews noted the importance of good shoes and sun protection.

The group size typically numbers around 70 travelers, creating a lively atmosphere but also enough space to breathe and explore. Many reviews highlight the personable guides, like Jelena and Bojan, who make the day feel more like a friendly adventure than a tourist herd.

Timing is important: starting early helps you avoid the largest crowds and gives ample time to enjoy the park’s magic. The tour lasts roughly 10 hours from start to finish, including transport, exploring, and return to Zadar. Be prepared for a full day, especially if you want to take your time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers and photographers eager to capture the waterfalls and lakes in their full glory. It also suits history and culture enthusiasts who appreciate a guided walk through Zadar’s Old Town later in the evening. If you don’t mind spending a couple of hours on the bus and are comfortable with moderate walking, you’ll find this trip very rewarding.

Travelers who value organized logistics and guided insights will appreciate the semi-guided approach—you’re free to explore but with the safety net of a guide’s knowledge and route management. For those wanting to skip the hassle of planning their own trip to Plitvice, this tour offers a reliable, well-rated alternative.

Suitability and Tips

Pack good walking shoes—many reviews note the importance of sturdy footwear for uneven trails and stairs. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially in warmer weather. If you’re not fond of large groups, arrive early to beat the crowds or consider the quieter parts of the park. Keep an eye on extra costs like park entrance fees and optional add-ons, and consider bringing a cash reserve just in case.

The Sum Up

For just over fifty dollars, this tour offers an accessible, well-organized way to experience one of Croatia’s natural wonders. The combination of a scenic, manageable walk, boat rides, and insightful guides makes it a top choice for many travelers visiting Zadar. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to balance sightseeing with some flexibility and enjoy a bit of culture afterward with a relaxed Old Town stroll.

If you’re looking for a memorable day that combines stunning landscapes, good company, and easy logistics, this trip to Plitvice Lakes is a smart pick. Just remember to bring your camera, comfy shoes, and an appetite for Croatian scenery.

FAQ

• How long is the bus ride from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes?
  The journey takes approximately two hours each way, offering a scenic drive through Croatian countryside.

• Is lunch included in the tour price?
  No, lunch is not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat in the park or back in Zadar.

• What is the best time of year for this tour?
  The tour operates seasonally, and prices vary from €10 to €40 for entrance, so spring through early autumn usually offers the best weather and scenery.

• Can I join the Old Town walking tour on a different day?
  Yes, the Zadar Old Town tour is available to join on any day at 6:00 PM.

• Is this tour suitable for large groups?
  The tour can accommodate up to 70 travelers, but reviews suggest guides like Jelena and Bojan do a good job managing big groups.

• Are admission fees to Plitvice Lakes included?
  No, they are not included and need to be paid separately upon arrival at the park.

• What should I bring for the walk in the park?
  Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The trails can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is wise.

• Is the boat and train ride included?
  Yes, both the electric train and panoramic boat ride are included in the tour.