A luxurious journey through the hidden gems of Croatia

• Transfer from Zagreb Airport to the hotel in Velika Gorica.
• Dinner: Hotel Velika Gorica
• Overnight stay: Velika Gorica, single room (1/1)

Description:
A day dedicated to visiting part of Croatia’s UNESCO natural heritage – Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. For almost 40 years, it has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a protected natural and cultural area.

The park is renowned for its 16 interconnected lakes, featuring crystal-clear blue-green waters formed through the continuous natural process of travertine barrier formation. This process creates waterfalls and streams that connect the lakes and represents the central feature of the park. The lakes contain exceptionally clear water that is considered drinkable.

Plitvice Lakes are also home to dense forests, diverse plant life, and numerous animal species, making them an important natural habitat. Visitors explore the park by walking along wooden footbridges and forest trails, taking an electric boat across the lakes, and riding a panoramic vehicle that offers views of the surrounding landscape. Together, these activities make the visit an educational experience and provide an opportunity to discover one of Croatia’s most important natural areas.

• Activity: Hiking and rock climbing at Bojin Kuk / Bojinac Rock
• Optional: Via ferrata (a secured climbing route equipped with safety systems)

The Bojinac area is one of the most beautiful rocky landscapes in Croatia and is located within the boundaries of Paklenica National Park. The trail passes through a wild landscape of rugged rock formations interspersed with woodland, with views extending towards the sea and the highest peaks of the Velebit mountain range. The Bojinac area is one of the finest examples of karst landscape, a type of terrain particularly well represented by a wide variety of geomorphological formations throughout Croatia.

The trail passes several fascinating rock formations, most of which bear female names, as legend has it that peasant shepherd girls once hid here from the Ottomans. This spectacular trail of unusual beauty and untouched wilderness leads through the rock formations, while from the foot of Bojinac Rock we can enjoy views of the peaks of Velebit, the Adriatic islands, and the mountainous landscape, with rocky formations rising like natural galleries amid the surrounding meadows.

For those seeking an additional challenge, there is an option to climb Bojinac Rock via a via ferrata, adding an adventurous element to the journey. During the hike, we will enjoy a picnic in the heart of this unspoiled nature. At the end of the hiking tour, at the top of the Veliki Kanjon (Great Canyon), the host of Ramića dvori Mountain Lodge welcomes us with local food and drinks, along with a beautiful view of the green canyon.

Overnight stay: Ramića dvori Mountain Lodge

Description:
Our hike begins at Ramića dvori Mountain Lodge, ascending to the eastern ridge of the Veliki Kanjon (Great Canyon) in Paklenica National Park. Our route crosses the plateau on the eastern side, passing through forests and rocky terrain. Karst formations emerge from dense beech forests and Mediterranean-influenced vegetation.

We reach the hamlet of Jurline, an abandoned shepherds’ village. We enjoy panoramic views from the summit and continue along the mountain ridge before descending through dense forest towards the bottom of the canyon. We then continue through the Veliki Kanjon along the banks of the Paklenica River, surrounded by enormous cliffs and impressive rocky slopes, until we reach the park entrance and complete the final part of the route to the centre of Starigrad Paklenica.

Afterwards, a transfer to Novalja follows, where we will stay at a hotel for 3 nights. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant.

OPTION B: Descent from Ramića dvori Mountain Lodge through the canyon to Starigrad Paklenica + visit to the city of Zadar

• Activity: Hiking through the Veliki Kanjon of Paklenica from Ramića dvori to Starigrad Paklenica
• Along the trail: Impressive cliffs, rocky landscapes, and the Paklenica River
• After the hike: Visit to the historic city of Zadar, including landmarks such as the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, and the historic city centre
• Transfer and accommodation: Hotel in Novalja for 3 nights
• Dinner: Hotel restaurant

Description:
The hiking trail in Paklenica National Park takes us through the beautiful Velika Paklenica Canyon, alongside impressive climbing cliffs and the magnificent Anića kuk, the highest rock face in Croatia. Karst formations emerge from dense beech forests and vegetation with Mediterranean characteristics. Along the trail, we follow the riverbed of the Velika Paklenica torrent all the way to Starigrad Paklenica.

After the hike, there is an opportunity to visit the city of Zadar, one of the most fascinating cities on the Adriatic. With 3,000 years of history, Zadar harmoniously combines ancient heritage with contemporary creativity. Take a walk through its charming historic centre, where Roman remains, medieval churches, and contemporary art installations such as the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun create a unique atmosphere.

During the visit, lunch is planned at a local restaurant, including a taste of authentic Dalmatian cuisine. Afterwards, we continue with a transfer to Novalja and dinner at the hotel.

• Activity: Visit the famous Lun Olive Garden, renowned for its centuries-old olive trees and the production of high-quality olive oil
• Boat trip to the island of Rab and enjoy its pristine coves and natural surroundings
• Visit Zavratnica Cove, one of the most beautiful natural coves on the Adriatic
• Return to the hotel and free time
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Description:
The day begins with a scenic walk through the Lun Olive Grove, a unique nature reserve in the northern part of the island of Pag. This extraordinary landscape is home to more than 80,000 olive trees, including around 1,500 wild olive trees that are over a thousand years old, some of which are believed to date back to biblical times. Their gnarled and twisted trunks create a striking sight, shaped over centuries by wind, sun, and stone. The olives of Lun are highly valued and produce one of the most distinctive olive oils in the Adriatic, renowned for its purity and bold character. A walk through the grove offers not only the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful landscape but also to discover the deep cultural and agricultural heritage that has shaped life on Pag for generations.

A short transfer takes us to Lun harbour, from where we set off by boat towards the neighbouring island of Rab. Along the way, we stop at the stunning Zavratnica Cove, an extraordinary marine nature park. Here, just a few metres below the surface, lies the wreck of a German ship from the Second World War, a fascinating sight for both history and nature enthusiasts.

The journey continues to the island of Rab, where free time is provided to explore the charming medieval town of Rab. With a history dating back to prehistoric times and the early Roman period, the town is surrounded by ancient walls and is distinguished by four iconic church bell towers, which give it the appearance of a ship with four masts. After the visit, we return to the hotel for dinner.

• Visit Gligora Cheese Dairy, renowned for producing high-quality Dalmatian and Pag cheeses, with an introduction to traditional production methods and a tasting of local specialties
• Explore the “Life on the Mars” Trail on the island of Pag, a unique lunar-like karst landscape featuring fascinating limestone formations and panoramic views
• Return to the hotel and free time
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Description:
The “Life on the Mars” Trail on the island of Pag offers an unforgettable experience through a surreal, moon-like landscape shaped by wind, sea, and time. This unique route takes hikers across vast expanses of barren limestone formations, alongside spectacular coastal cliffs and pristine hidden beaches, with the shimmering Adriatic Sea in the background.

As we pass through this striking landscape, we are rewarded with sweeping views of the deep blue waters of Pag Bay and the dramatic outline of the Velebit mountain range on the horizon. The trail leads to a series of secluded beaches, each with its own charm – from small pebble coves to smooth rocky surfaces shaped by the waves. These peaceful spots, often accessible only on foot or by boat, provide a sense of solitude and a close connection with nature.

A visit to the renowned Gligora Cheese Dairy adds a cultural and culinary dimension to the day. Here, we learn about the traditional production of Pag cheese, a local specialty made from sheep’s milk, and discover why this cheese has gained international recognition. Visitors can see the production process, meet the cheesemakers and, of course, taste the rich, aromatic cheese that has become a symbol of the island.

• Visit Krka National Park, including Skradinski Buk, the park’s most famous and impressive waterfall
• Walk along well-maintained trails and wooden footbridges through the park’s rich natural surroundings, with the possibility of swimming in designated areas
• After enjoying the natural beauty, sightseeing in Šibenik, including medieval streets, St. James’ Cathedral (UNESCO), and charming squares
• Return to the hotel and dinner

Description:
An early-morning transfer takes us to Krka National Park, a beautiful natural oasis renowned for its series of cascading waterfalls and rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, we explore Skradinski Buk, the largest and most spectacular of the park’s seven travertine waterfalls. This impressive cascade consists of around ten smaller waterfalls, each contributing to the peaceful soundscape and visual spectacle of the Krka River. Visitors can walk along well-maintained wooden paths and footbridges through lush vegetation, enjoying close-up views of the waterfalls and the surrounding flora and fauna.

After the visit, a picnic in the charming town of Skradin is planned, providing an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the picturesque riverside setting. The tour then continues to the historic city of Šibenik, an ancient city rich in cultural heritage and architectural treasures. St. James’ Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to the city’s artistic and historical importance. Visitors can explore the cobbled streets of the old town, admire the cathedral’s intricate stone craftsmanship, and experience the lively atmosphere of this coastal city.

The day concludes with a transfer to Trogir, where dinner is planned at the hotel, offering an opportunity to reflect on a day filled with natural beauty, history, and the charm of Dalmatian cities.

• Transfers to the airport
• Optional: Sightseeing of Split’s Old Town, possible only if the guide can arrange it in accordance with the airport transfer schedule