Overview
An eight day small group tour exploring Croatia, starting and finishing in the capital of Zagreb, taking in a wonderful array of land, islands and seascapes in between. Highlights along the way include the Velebit Mountains, the waterfalls and walking trails or Plitviče Lakes National Park and then a superb collection of Adriatic islands. With private boat transfers between many, explore the waters around the islands of Krk, Lošinj and Cres, as well as some of their remote rambling trails, coves and villages. Accommodation is in 3-star hotels (4-star in Zagreb) or traditional guesthouses and walking trails are moderately easy.
- Zagreb
- Plitviče Lakes National Park
- Velebit Mountains
- Hiking and kayaking on Krk island
- Cres island
- Lošinj Island
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb
Arrive in the Croatian capital city of Zagreb and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, meet your guide and the rest of your group over a welcome drink to discuss all trip details. After that, we recommend taking time to visit the city, in particular the medieval Gornji Grad district.
- Accommodation: Hotel Academia or similar in Zagreb
Day 2: Plitviče Lakes National Park | 15km
It’s an early start today at 05.00, which we realise is quite early but trust us that this is the way to get the best experience of Plitviče Lakes National Park, by avoiding the crowds. You can have a two hour nap in the van, and the hotel prepares a take-away breakfast. Once there, you can see it’s worth the early start and journey, as we explore the turquoise lakes and waterfalls, walking on wooden boardwalks, and learning about the local flora and fauna, geography and geology of this mesmerising place. We take a break around midday when the park gets busy, and head to our next hotel. After a great home-cooked lunch and a relaxing siesta in the afternoon, we will drive to a hidden local swim spot and splash around in the river pools.
- Walking for the day: 5-6h, 15km, ↑450m ↓450m
- Accommodation: Rustic Lodge Plitvice or similar in Plitvice Lakes
Day 3: Velebit Mountains – Krk island | 12km
After breakfast, we drive approx 1.5h to the Velebit Mountains, which rise up over the coast to an elevation of 1,700m with views out across to the many islands. A semi-circular hike takes us along a grassy ridge and through some forested areas to see the peaks of Visibaba, Prikinuto Brdo and Budakovo Brdo, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. We then drive for approximately an hour to the coast, where a private speedboat takes us to the Krk Island, but stopping at some idyllic spots along the way for swimming and snorkelling, and also pass the infamous island of Goli Otok, the site of a political prison during the Communist rule.
- Walking for the day: 4-5h, 12km, ↑500m ↓500m
- Accommodation: Došen V B&B or similar or similar in Baška
Day 4: Krk island | 13km
Today we start hiking directly from our hotel’s doorstep in the town of Baška, covering some rugged and spectacular terrain, with the Adriatic and Velebit Mountains as backdrop. We return to Baška for lunch in a traditional konoba or tavern, leaving the afternoon and evening free to explore the town and gorgeous beach.
- Walking for the day: 4-5h, 13km, ↑350m ↓350m
- Accommodation: Došen V B&B or similar or similar in Baška
Day 5: Cres island – Lošinj island | 3km
Start early with a morning hike to one of our favourite viewpoints above Baška. The views of Goli Otok and Prvić islands and the Velebit Mountains are definitely worth the effort. We come back for a late breakfast, have our last swim on Krk and then take a short ferry ride to Cres island, which is quite different to Krk. Cres is much more forested, with an omnipresent aroma of pine trees and other Adriatic flora. First of all, we drive to the tiny hilltop village of Lubenice. After lunch in the Old Town, we hike downhill to Lubenice beach, famous for its white pebbles and turquoise waters. This is followed by a boat trip to the nearest harbour, from which you are transferred by van to the island of Lošinj, accessible by bridge.
- Walking for the day: 1h, 3km, ↓330m
- Accommodation: Hotel Vila Conte or similar in Veli Losinj
Day 6: Lošinj island | 10km
After breakfast, we start directly from the hotel and explore the east coast of the island of Losinj, following trails past several bays. There is plenty of time for some refreshing swims before returning to Veli Losinj for lunch. In the afternoon you can swim, siesta, explore the neighbouring town of Mali Lošinj or join the guide on another easy walk on the west coast. The day comes to a close with some drinks on the island’s best sunset location overlooking the town of Mali Lošinj and the sharp Osoršćica ridge, our challenge for tomorrow.
- Walking for the day: 4h, 10km, ↑50m ↓200m
- Accommodation: Hotel Vila Conte or similar in Veli Losinj
Day 7: Osoršćica ridge, Lošinj / Zagreb | 7km
An early start with a 30mins drive, to the trailhead that takes us up to the top of Osoršćica ridge. It is a constant ascent with approx. 500m of elevation gain, luckily mostly in the shade of the forest. On the top, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Lošinj and Cres, as well as numerous other islands. After completing our final hike of this trip, we drive to the tiny town of Osor for our last lunch together. If time permits, you can have another swim and then we head towards Zagreb. We reach the Croatian capital in the late afternoon, check in at the hotel and have a final drink or ice cream gelato together.
- Walking for the day: 4h, 7km, ↑450m ↓500m
- Accommodation: Hotel Academia or similar in Zagreb
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is mostly in 3-star hotels (4-star in Zagreb) or traditional guesthouses, all with en-suite facilities. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism.
Click to view our default hotels for this trip
- Hotel Academia (Zagreb)
- Rustic Lodge Plitviče (Plitviče)
- Došen V B&B (Krk Island)
- Hotel Vila Conte (Cres Island)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis, although six lunches are also included (one picnic and five in restaurants). Our guide will recommend the best places for dinners.
Difficulty and terrain
We would rate this trip as easy to moderate, with a maximum distance per day of 12km, and 500m elevation gain. As this is a guided tour, it is possible to adapt the itinerary according to the general pace of the group (read more about difficulty grades). Please be aware that there is not much shade on some of the trails and the summer months can get quite hot, so come prepared.
When to go
This small group tour is available in May, June and September. The warm season can be above 35C. We can adapt the tour and start hikes earlier, allowing some downtime during the hottest hours and then be active again in the late afternoon. For more information, see our blog, Best time to go to Croatia.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Recommended airport: Zagreb Airport or Rijeka Airport.
By train or bus
- There are two buses from Zagreb airport to the city centre (and reverse): ZEP and Pleso. From both bus stations, there is a 30mins walk to the hotel or take a taxi.
- It is possible to use Rijeka airport as well. It is located on the island of Krk, and the tour is passing it by on the way back to Zagreb on day seven. If you prefer, you can be dropped off at a nearby hotel in Malinska or Njivice, from where it will be easy to catch your flight.
Inclusions
Included
- An English-speaking walking guide throughout the trip. Guide to guest ratio is max. 1:8
- All van and ferries transport (as listed in the itinerary)
- Private speedboat tour to the islands of Rab, Goli Otok and Prvic
- Boat ride from Cres
- 7 nights with breakfast in double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities
- 6 lunches
- Plitviče Lakes National Park entrance fee
Excluded
- Airfare
- Meals not mentioned as included
- Drinks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Other entrance fees and optional activities
- Airport transfers to/from Zagreb
- Medical costs, personal expenses, tips
- Any items not specifically listed as included in the programme
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Extra nights in Zagreb before or after the tour
