Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour

Discovering the natural wonders of Croatia’s Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes is an unforgettable experience. This guided day tour from Zagreb takes visitors on a journey through a picturesque village and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a perfect blend of culture and stunning scenery. From charming waterfalls to tranquil lakes, the tour promises an immersive exploration of Croatia’s breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a day of relaxation, this tour has something to captivate everyone.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour departs from Zagreb at 8:00 am and includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance tickets to Plitvice National Park.
• The tour explores the picturesque village of Rastoke, known as the "Small Lakes of Plitvice," featuring waterfalls, wooden bridges, and traditional mills.
• Visitors can enjoy a boat ride across the tranquil lakes and hike through the Lower and Upper Lakes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The tour provides insight into the area’s rich heritage and local way of life, with a moderate fitness level required for the 8.5km walking tour.
• Admission fees vary by season, and the tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, with a maximum group size of 49 travelers.

About the Tour

The full-day Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour departs from Zagreb at 8:00 am, with travelers meeting at the designated location in front of the Meteorological station on Zrinjevac 2.

This tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and entrance tickets to Plitvice National Park. Visitors can expect a boat and train ride, weather permitting.

The tour covers about 8.5km of mostly flat terrain and isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions. Children under 5 aren’t permitted, and a moderate fitness level is required.

Exploring Rastoke

After departing Zagreb, the tour ventures to the charming village of Rastoke.

Situated at the confluence of the Slunjčica and Korana rivers, Rastoke is known as the "Small Lakes of Plitvice." This historic milling town features picturesque waterfalls, wooden bridges, and traditional mills.

Nestled at the rivers’ junction, Rastoke is the "Small Lakes of Plitvice," boasting waterfalls, bridges, and historic mills.

Visitors can stroll along the peaceful streams and admire the unique architecture. The guide provides insight into the area’s rich heritage and local way of life.

Afterwards, the group continues to the magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, the main highlight of the day.

Discovering Plitvice Lakes

Arriving at the renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park, the tour group embarks on an incredible journey through this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Traversing the scenic wooden pathways, they witness the mesmerizing cascades, azure-hued lakes, and lush forests.

The tour includes:

• Boat ride across the tranquil lakes, offering a unique perspective of the park’s natural beauty

• Hike through the Lower Lakes, marveling at the tiered waterfalls and emerald-green pools

• Ascent to the Upper Lakes, unveiling stunning vistas of the park’s most breathtaking landscapes

• Observation of the diverse flora and fauna thriving in the protected ecosystem

• Train ride through the forested areas, providing a relaxing conclusion to the immersive experience.

Inclusion and Exclusion

Although the Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour includes several key features, it’s important to be aware of what’s excluded.

The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and entrance tickets to Plitvice National Park. Travelers can also enjoy a boat and train ride, weather permitting.

However, the tour doesn’t include food and drinks, and gratuities aren’t specified. Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.

The tour doesn’t include food and drinks, and gratuities aren’t specified. It’s also not wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with medical conditions.

A moderate fitness level is required for the 8.5km walking tour.

Physical Requirements and Restrictions

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions. A moderate physical fitness level is required.

The tour involves:

• Approximately 8.5km (5.3 miles) of walking in the park, mostly on flat terrain

• Suggested attire of sportswear and comfortable closed/hiking shoes

• Children under 5 years old aren’t permitted

Plus, the weather may impact the availability of the boat and train rides.

Travelers should be prepared for a physically active day exploring the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Park Admission Fees

Plitvice National Park admission fees vary by season.

During the peak months of April, May, and October, adults pay €21, students pay €13, and children pay €6.

During the peak season of April, May, and October, adult admission is €21, student admission is €13, and children pay €6.

In the high season of June through September, the rates increase to €35 for adults, €24 for students, and €13 for children.

In the low season of November through March, the fees drop to €10 for adults, €6 for students, and €4 for children.

However, access may be limited during the winter months, with only the Lower Lakes accessible and reduced transportation options.

Cancellation Policy and Pricing

Pricing for the Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour starts from $83.56 per person.

This full-day excursion offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience. Guests also have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicle transportation

• English-speaking guide

• Entrance ticket to Plitvice National Park

• Boat and train ride (weather permitting)

• Maximum group size of 49 travelers

Visitors should note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate fitness level.

Children under 5 aren’t permitted.

Reviews and Feedback

According to the available information, the Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour has received a rating of 5.0 based on 1 review.

The reviewer, Dianne_G, had an amazing experience despite visiting in December when parts of the park may not be fully accessible.

The guide, Marko, was described as super informative and very helpful.

The reviewer recommends not missing this tour, emphasizing that they were able to see both the lower and higher lakes, as well as take the boat ride, thanks to the weather cooperating.