Plitvice Lakes Tours & Trips
Ever seen those photos of turquoise waterfalls flowing between forested lakes? That's Plitvice in Croatia. The park has 16 lakes connected by waterfalls and cascades, wooden walkways letting you walk right over the water. You can cover it in a day trip from Zagreb or Split, but rushing through doesn't do it justice. It's genuinely as beautiful as the photos suggest.
Excellent
- Choose from 29 Plitvice Lakes National Park tours
- 25 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- T
Taylor • traveled in June
This Topdeck tour was unlike anything I have ever done before. The sights and locations were incredible. The accommodations were great. The food was amazing. But what really made the trip so outstanding was the staff. Malik was the best driver that made me feel safe and taken care of the whole trip. Jude was truly the best, most energetic, caring, knowledgeable, and fun guide I could’ve ever asked for. I would highly recommend a Topdeck trip like this to anyone looking to travel through the Balkans!
Venice to Athens: Culture & Coastline
The best Plitvice lakes tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaPlitvice Lakes National Park travel expert at TourRadar
- Venice to Athens: Culture & Coastline
- Croatia, Mostar & Montenegro - 11 days
- Dubrovnik to Ljubljana
- Croatia Highlights & Island Hopping - 11 days
- Amazing Balkans (24 destinations)
- Balkan Extravaganza (39 destinations)
- Dubrovnik to Rome
- Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast (2025)
- Scenic Slovenia & Croatia (from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik)
- Zagreb City Stay - 5 days
Venice to Athens: Culture & Coastline
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From making everyone feel welcome on day one, to very well informed tours of various places.”
James, traveled in May
Croatia's premier national park boasts 16 interconnected lakes and stunning waterfalls. Included entry and guided pathways lead visitors across wooden boardwalks, crystal-clear waters, and lush forest landscapes.
Duration 17 days Destinations Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece Age Range Ages 18-32 Operator Topdeck From $3,799
12% Off- US$3,349You save $450
A 3-hour guided tour winds through UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes' 16 interconnected waterways and cascading falls. Includes boat ride across Emerald Green Lake and expert commentary about this natural wonder in Croatia's mountainous heart.
Duration 11 days Destinations Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro Age Range Ages 15+ Operator On The Go Tours From $3,615
20% Off- US$2,892You save $723
This 14-day trip takes you from Dubrovnik's medieval city walls to Ljubljana Castle, with stops at Diocletian's Palace in Split and the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. Private apartments on Hvar and Vis islands serve as your base, where you'll join local families in Komiža for wine tastings. The Benedictine monastery of St. Mary offers samples of award-winning products, and you'll walk through military tunnels at Vis Island's rocket launcher base from Yugoslavia's era.
Duration 14 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Vis, Split, Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Bled, Ljubljana Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- US$5,070
Majestic UNESCO World Heritage site presents 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. Guided walk along wooden pathways reveals over 90 waterfalls and pristine nature. Visit included during transfer from Opatija to Split.
Duration 11 days Destinations Zagreb, Opatija, Pula, Rovinj, Motovun, Plitvica, Trogir, Split, Hvar Island, Korcula IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator On The Go Tours From $5,625
20% Off- US$4,500You save $1,125
Tour Romania's Bran Fortress (Dracula's Castle) and have dinner at Count Dracula's restaurant in UNESCO-listed Sighișoara. Walk through Diocletian's Palace in Split, cross the Pelješac Bridge, and see Mostar's stone bridge that links three religious communities. Accommodation includes hotels like Doubletree by Hilton Bucharest Unirii Square, and 8 dinners are included throughout the trip.
Duration 13 days Destinations Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
20% Off- US$2,306
Travel through 8 Balkans countries over 20 days, checking out UNESCO sites like Meteora monasteries with admission included and Plitvice Lakes National Park with boat rides through cascading waterfalls. Accommodation includes hotels like Novotel Athens and Doubletree Bucharest while visiting 39 destinations from the Acropolis in Athens to Diocletian's Palace in Split. The trip includes 10 dinners, with a special meal at Count Dracula's restaurant in Sighișoara where Vlad the Impaler was born.
Duration 20 days Destinations Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
20% Off- US$3,855
Walk among the 16 turquoise lakes and waterfalls of UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, surrounded by ancient beech forests. You'll see Dubrovnik's UNESCO Old Town and take a boat trip to the Elafiti Islands, then check out Split's 3rd-century Diocletian's Palace. Accommodation includes a mix of 8 hotel nights and 8 hostel nights, with group sizes of 12-16 travelers aged 15+.
Duration 17 days Destinations Croatia, Slovenia, Italy Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- US$3,390
Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast (2025)
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park spans 73,000 acres of natural beauty. Guided walks showcase terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. Croatia's oldest national park comes alive through expert local guides.
Duration 10 days Destinations Zagreb, Opatija, Pula, Zadar, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
20% Off- US$2,399
Walk through Plitvice Lakes National Park's 16 turquoise lakes connected by cascading waterfalls and wooden walkways through forested landscapes. Accommodation includes comfortable tourist-class and first-class hotels across Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, with 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners included. Tour UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace in Split, walk Dubrovnik's medieval Old Town and Franciscan Monastery, and see Ston's ancient walls overlooking Mali Ston Bay's famous oyster beds.
Duration 8 days Destinations Ljubljana, Zagreb, Plitvica, Zadar, Split, Ston, Dubrovnik Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $2,559
10% Off- US$2,309You save $250
See the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park with its 16 cascading lakes and over 90 waterfalls on a guided walking tour. Panoramic boat rides and scenic train rides take you through this natural area. You'll stay 4 nights at a 5-star hotel in Zagreb with daily breakfasts included, priced at comfort level for ages 12+.
Duration 5 days Destinations Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From $3,320
20% Off- US$2,656You save $664
What our customers ask about Plitvice Lakes Tours & Trips
When is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park for a Lakes tour?
Plitvice Lakes National Park shines between May and September with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). These conditions make it perfect for walking the wooden pathways and taking boat rides on the lakes. Hotel Jezero right at the park entrance lets visitors start their day early before crowds arrive. A TourRadar traveler noted "The summer months offered perfect weather for photographing the crystal-clear lakes and enjoying the boat rides though I'd recommend arriving early to avoid peak crowds."
How long should I spend exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Plan for a full day (6-8 hours) to see Plitvice Lakes National Park's 16 connected lakes and waterfalls. The Lower Lakes trail takes about 3 hours while the Upper Lakes needs 2-3 hours more. Hotels like Degenija or Jezero put you close to the action. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "We spent a full day exploring both the Upper and Lower Lakes sections taking the scenic boat ride across Lake Kozjak and still felt we could have stayed longer to soak in all the natural beauty."
What's the best way to avoid crowds at Plitvice Lakes?
Start your visit before 9 AM or after 3 PM beginning at the Upper Lakes section near Hotel Plitvice where fewer people gather. May and September offer good weather with smaller crowds. Look for quiet spots around Lake Kozjak and the Upper Lakes. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Starting our tour at 8 AM from the Upper Lakes entrance gave us peaceful trails and perfect photo opportunities before the tour buses arrived."
What wildlife might I see during a Lakes tour at Plitvice?
The park hosts European brown bears wolves and rare birds especially around Lake Kozjak. Clear waters make fish watching easy from the wooden boardwalks at the Lower Lakes. Guests at Hotel Degenija often spot deer at dawn. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We were amazed to spot several deer at dawn near the Upper Lakes and the crystal-clear waters made it easy to see schools of fish swimming beneath the boardwalks."
What photography tips do you recommend for Plitvice Lakes?
Head to Veliki Slap or the Lower Lakes canyon during early morning light when crowds are thin. Use a polarizing filter to capture the lakes' turquoise colors and bring a tripod for waterfall shots. Hotel Jezero guests can easily reach prime morning photo spots. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The early morning light at the Lower Lakes created magical conditions for photography and the viewpoints near Lake Kozjak offered stunning panoramas of the waterfalls."
What kind of footwear is recommended for a Plitvice Lakes tour?
Waterproof shoes with good grip work best for the wooden boardwalks and natural paths. The walkways get slippery from water spray and trails near Veliki Slap can be uneven. Many Hotel Jezero guests choose hiking boots or sturdy water-resistant sneakers. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Don't underestimate the importance of proper footwear - the wooden walkways can be slippery and you'll be walking for several hours across varying terrain."