From Zagreb to Split
Discover Croatia's Natural Splendor on a Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes
Private tour
From Zagreb
New Connections
Day trip:
One
In our vehicles:
Wi-Fi
Multilingual professional:
Driver
On this day trip, you'll witness the wealth of beauty that Croatia holds, from the inland paradise of Plitvice Lakes to the picturesque coastal allure of Split. Immerse yourself in the natural splendor and cultural riches that await you on this unforgettable journey. Book your Zagreb to Split day tour now and embark on a remarkable adventure through Croatia's stunning landscapes, all while experiencing the coastal charm of Split.
We typically arrange pick-ups at around 09:00 AM from your
accommodation, and the drop-off time in Zadar is approximately 09:00 PM,
depending on the road conditions. We kindly ask that you be ready at
the agreed-upon time in front of your accommodation's address, at the
nearest designated stopping spot for our vehicle.
Since this tour is
private, we offer flexibility with both the pick-up and drop-off times
to ensure your convenience and comfort.
09:00-09:30 AM: Pick-up in Zagreb from your designated location
11:00-12:00 PM: Visit to Rastoke village
01:00-05:00 PM: Exploration of Plitvice Lakes
09:00 PM: Drop-off in Splitat your chosen destination
Our tours are available and guaranteed throughout the year, ensuring you can enjoy them at any time. The basic price covers private ground transportation with waiting included. This includes a specific vehicle of your choice, a skilled driver, fuel, tolls, and taxes.
Please note that travelers must have a valid ticket for the National Park, and entry to the park is only permitted at the designated time stated on your ticket. It is essential to book your entrance ticket in advance, and we can assist with making the reservation for an additional cost based on the current pricing.
If you'd like to enhance your experience, you have the option to book a traditional meal in advance, which incurs an additional cost. Similarly, hiring an official guide is also available as an extra service, which requires advance booking and incurs an additional cost.
Please keep in mind that gratuity for the driver is not included in the price, so it is appreciated to provide a tip separately.
Additionally, each stop along the way is considered as a one-hour limo service and will incur an additional charge.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and awe-inspiring landmarks that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime.
We will start our tour from your hotel in Zagreb at 09:00 and make our way to the captivating Plitvice Lakes. As we pass Karlovac,
which takes about an hour, you'll notice the changing landscapes and
terrains along the route. Our first stop will be the charming village of
Rastoke, famous for its picturesque watermills.
Rastoke Falls came into existence through a remarkable interplay of natural forces. The vibrant blue-green waters of the Slunjčica River flow down a series of travertine barriers, merging with the Korana River
and creating a mesmerizing chain of waterfalls, rapids, pools, and
cascades that the village is built around. After exploring this
enchanting sight, we will continue our journey to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes.
Once inside the park, you'll find splendid wooden trails that wind through the forest and connect the magnificent lakes.
To enhance your experience and make getting around easier, there are
electric boats and trains available. These convenient modes of transport
allow you to navigate the renowned National Park more efficiently. After immersing yourself in the park's wonders, we’ll continue our journey to Split.
Explore with Ease
We provide ground
transportation using choosen vehicle. Our drivers are extensively
trained and experienced, and we utilize advanced communication
technology to guarantee a seamless and secure journey.
As a complimentary gesture, each passenger will receive a bottle of water during the ride.
Additionally, our vehicles are equipped with onboard Wi-Fi for your convenience.
Unforgettable Adventures
We strongly advise booking an official guide to enhance your experience at this incredible destination.
By doing so, your interests, energy level, and available time will all be taken into account, ensuring that you can fully enjoy and make the most of this remarkable place. The unforgettable stories and hidden gems of the park cannot be fully appreciated without the expertise of an official guide.
Please note that hiring an official guide is an additional cost and is not included in the basic tour price.
Culinary Delights
Meals are not included in the tour package and will incur an additional cost. As an optional add-on, we offer a traditional meal experience. This authentic meal features lamb or veal cooked under an iron cover known as "Peka" over an open fire. Alternatively, you can opt for a fish menu ("Trout") or a vegetarian meal. Additionally, each passenger will receive a complimentary bottle of water at no extra charge.
Tailored Escapes
It is possible to make stops along the way during the tour; however, please note that each stop will incur an additional charge. The cost will depend on the chosen vehicle and the current pricing. Here are a few recommended stops:
Safe Day Tours
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a place of extraordinary biodiversity and geological variety, attracting more than a million visitors each year. Therefore, we kindly request that you refrain from leaving any traces of your visit behind, in order to protect this preserved area for future generations. Stick to the designated paths and follow all park regulations during your stay.
If you're interested in exploring the lake area, there are eight circular routes available for you to choose from. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter experience and want to learn more about forest ecosystems, there are four hiking trails to select. You can obtain brochures on hiking trails and a tourism map from the park information centers.
The walking trails within the park are relatively narrow and traverse uneven terrain, including wooden bridges along the lake shores. To ensure visitor safety and preserve the unique landscape, it is strictly forbidden to stray from the marked walking trails. Due to the terrain's characteristics, we recommend wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, and protecting yourself from the sun or rain as necessary.
Please note that the existing trails in the lake area are not fully accessible for individuals with disabilities (including those in wheelchairs or using motorized vehicles) and it is advised not to use children's trolleys. For further information and instructions, please contact our staff at the park information center.
All visitors must possess a valid park entrance ticket at all times, which grants access to the lake zone and hiking trails.
There are garbage bins available throughout the park, and visitors are kindly requested to avoid littering along the trails.
Weather conditions in the park can be highly variable, leading to trail closures or limited vehicle entry. We recommend checking the weather in advance through our website, the park information centers, or by contacting our Marketing and Sales Department.
Rocks can be extremely slippery when wet, so exercise caution while walking, especially in the Šupljara cave.
Be extra careful when walking on trails that pass along steep slopes or above canyons.
Dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times, including on boats and trains.
Easy Day Tour Booking
Our tours are available and guaranteed throughout the year, ensuring you can enjoy them at any time. The basic price covers private ground transportation with waiting included. This includes a specific vehicle of your choice, a skilled driver, fuel, tolls, and taxes.
Please note that travelers must have a valid ticket for the National Park, and entry to the park is only permitted at the designated time stated on your ticket. It is essential to book your entrance ticket in advance, and we can assist with making the reservation for an additional cost based on the current pricing.
If you'd like to enhance your experience, you have the option to book a traditional meal in advance, which incurs an additional cost. Similarly, hiring an official guide is also available as an extra service, which requires advance booking and incurs an additional cost.
Please keep in mind that gratuity for the driver is not included in the price, so it is appreciated to provide a tip separately.
Additionally, each stop along the way is considered as a one-hour limo service and will incur an additional charge.
Know Before You Go
When making a reservation, it is necessary to immediately pay a deposit of 100% of the agreed-upon amount.
Cancellation of the reservation up to 30 days prior to the start of service execution will not incur any charges and will be fully refunded.
Cancellation of the reservation between 7 and 30 days prior to the start of service execution will incur a 30% charge of the reservation amount.
Cancellation of the reservation within 7 days prior to the planned start of service execution will incur a 100% charge of the total amount.
Here you can check all our terms and conditions.
Explore Destinations
Landscapes shaped by nature endure for thousands of years. Sculpted so thoroughly - inch by inch, moment by moment - the results are always incredibly special. Some particular places are simply breath-taking examples of these living landscapes; seemingly eternal locations, yet slowly changing. Exploring these beautiful, never-ending environments will forever delight us – and we invite you on a journey through one of these locations.
Pleistocene is the beginning of our voyage into the natural wonders of the Plitvice Lakes. Nature’s thousand-year toil results in a sight that refreshes each body and soul. This place seems unreal, fresh off the pages of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel, with thousands of waterfalls and cascades, beautiful lakes, and vivid blues and greens everywhere you look. A couple of mythical creatures and an elf or two would not seem so out of place here! But this place really exists; it's not a movie set. It is a landscape showing off the perfection of Nature’s work and enchanting us with its beauty, as it has done for many others for hundreds of years.
The Plitvice Lakes themselves are buried deep within a local legend, which weaves a story about their creation. The story says that long ago, settlers in the region longed for fresh drinking water after the Black River dried up. With no other sources of water, the villagers turned to the Black Queen for help. In answer to their pleas and prayers, she summoned heavy rainclouds. The rain fell for so long that lakes were formed, filled, and then overflowed into each other – creating thousands of cascades of fresh water for the thirsty villagers. This water has never stopped flowing, and so the lakes still exist today. Even the name of the first large lake harks back to the legends - it is called "Prošćansko" – meaning "begged for in prayers".
Sixteen lakes have been officially named in this region, however, there seems to be many more – the larger lakes are connected to numerous smaller ones by the famous cascading waterfalls, blurring the boundaries between the bodies of water. Today we know that these magnificent lakes were created by rivers flowing over and into areas of soluble bedrock, which is a typical feature of the Karst terrain. Fungous hills, known as tufa barriers, become the borders and outlines of the lakes. These natural barriers are the result of calcium carbonate and various environmental factors such as temperature, moss and algae, water, microorganisms, bacteria, flora, and fauna.
The water in the Plitvice Lakes is heavy with calcium carbonate, and the barriers between these lakes are constantly growing and shrinking. The lakes are divided into Upper and Lower lakes. The Upper lakes are: Prošćansko, Ciginovac, Okrug, Batinovac, Veliko, Malo, Vir, Galovac, Milino, Gradinsko, Veliki Burget, and Kozjak. The Lower lakes are: Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and Novaković Brod. It is interesting to notice that the Upper lakes are naturally carved out from dolomite, whereas the Lower lakes are from limestone. The deepest lake in this area is Lake Kozjak. 400 years ago, there were two lakes on this site separated by a slow-growing tufa barrier. Due to rising water levels in the two lakes, the water flooded over the barrier, merging the two together to form what is now also the largest lake in the National Park. Lake Kozjak’s name also stems from an old legend in which a herd of goats was unfortunately chased into the water by wolves, where they all drowned.
Today, an electric boat provides daily transfers for visitors between the Upper and Lower lakes. Many believe that the Upper lakes are more visually attractive as the indented shorelines are characterized by hundreds of small details. The Lower lakes are found within a canyon, filled by steep waterfalls from towering rocks. Visits to the Lower Lakes are often dynamic and very interactive: the path takes you so close to the falls that it is impossible to guarantee staying dry! From here, you can also climb up the steep narrow paths to the top of the canyon – revealing a magnificent viewpoint that shows off the National Park in all its wonder. It is clear to see that everything here is part of an eternal and overwhelmingly impressive display of Nature’s power.
This wonderful landscape is becoming more and more popular with international visitors – word is getting out that a visit to beautiful Croatia is made all the more enjoyable with a trip to this elegant forest pearl. Nature lovers are often drawn to the Plitvice Lakes because of the cascades and the stunning variety of colors. This color palette is often named as the most famous feature of the lakes. Depending on the angle of sunlight and the number of microorganisms and minerals present in the water, the color varies from a deep turquoise green to a heavenly and tranquil blue. But you’ll find that this forest paradise gets right underneath your skin and will haunt you long after your visit, awakening the need to come back, stay longer, and discover more of what is hidden away here. From sunrise to sunset, with every rainfall and each dusting of snow, this magical place takes on a different character with every passing hour.
Nature’s attitude and rhythm change, adjust, and modify, creating "once in a lifetime" moments every single day. The immense and rich Lika forest surrounding the Plitvice lakes surrounds and protects the scene. Often unnoticed by the passing visitor, a multitude of changes ever builds this eternal landscape and writes its never-ending story – the erosion of a small tufa barrier, fresh autumn leaves catching in the waterfalls, new icicles forming and melting - it all impacts on the tale. Although witnessing the millennial changes would be impossible within our human lifespans, we surely have time enough for at least one visit to this fairy-tale place and experience the quiet peace within its boundaries.
In the spring, we enjoy the revival of the landscape; the soundtrack of this rebirth is the loud gurgling of freshly melted snow and the twitter of birds and their chicks. Fresh colors and smells add to the true bliss of spring in this lively and protected realm. During the hot summer days, the park is a refreshing and pleasant oasis, complete with cool, revitalizing winds and breathtaking sunsets. The autumn brings with it a new set of paints – coloring everything from gentle yellows to crimson reds.
Visitors cannot help but be enticed to catch a falling leaf – to be a part of simply enjoying the beautiful symphony of sights, sounds, and scents in a landscape slowly preparing for winter. And finally, winter blankets everything with a layer of fresh, crisp snow and ice. Although part of the park is closed for safety reasons, a new white landscape is waiting to be explored. Partially frozen waterfalls and vast spaces covered with snow form idyllic winter postcards just there to be savored and remembered forever. The Plitvice Lakes enchant all who visit, no matter the season.
The lakes and surrounding forests have also worked their charm on UNESCO, which has counted the region as a Natural Heritage site since 1979. The first and largest National Park in Croatia, spanning two Croatian counties - Lika-Senj and Karlovac, is now rightly recognized worldwide for its impressive geological specialties. Alongside its idyllic waterfalls, beautiful lakes, and continuous water flow, the Plitvice Lakes offer visitors much more in unexplored natural diversity. Water covers just 1% of the total area of the National Park, although this is what has brought the region fame. A rich diversity of landscapes is all on show within the park – caves and mountains, viewpoints and deep abysses, forest glades and Karst fields, and beautiful flora and fauna.
The carving of the rivers through this Karst terrain has formed an underground realm of impressive pits, grottos, and caves – a real paradise for curious speleologists. There are 30 caves within the protected area of the park. Two of these are open for visitors - Golubnjača and Šupljara (located above Lake Kaluđerovac). Other famous caves are "Mračna špilja" (in English - The Dark Cave), Vila Jezerkinje, and the Golubnjača on Homoljačko polje. If you are seeking an underground adventure, you can also visit the Barač caves - located just 10 km away from the National Park. Three named caves wait to be explored - the Great and the Small or the Upper and Lower (depending on your favorite combination!) and the Third. The name Barač is rather uncharacteristic for the Plitvice Lakes region.
According to folklore, a man called Barač successfully defended this region from invading Ottomans and earned fame and this long-lasting legacy. There are many other legends embedded in this landscape, which are patiently guarded by the older generations and passed down over time. These mysterious human tales add to the charm and identity of this beautiful region. The National Park is a protected home for over 1,400 plant species growing quietly and undisturbed. Among these are some particularly special endemic plants: livadni procjepak (Chouardia litardiere), krški kukurjek (Helleborus multifidus), hrvatski karanfil (Dianthus Croaticus), šupaljka (Corydalis solida). A very special orchid with an unusual name – gospina papučica (Cypripedium calceolus) translates to "lady's-slipper" orchid - grows in peace here. This extremely rare and endangered plant is one of the most beautiful orchids in Europe. There are three varieties of carnivorous plants growing within the park too. Their luring attraction is noticeably different and unique – to both their prey and eagle-eyed visitors.
The rich natural wealth of the Plitvice Lakes region is showcased through the abundance of forest resources, nourished by the underground systems of rivers and streams. The ever-changing landscape of the National Park and the continuous flow of natural water create a suitable habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. While visiting the National Park through the conventional day sightseeing route allows you to see the waterfalls up close, it may not be enough to fully acquaint yourself with all the forest dwellers in this vast region. However, there are some local creatures that you wouldn't want to get too close to... Brown bears (Ursus arctos), grey wolves (Canis lupus), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx), nose-horned vipers (Vipera ammodytes), and common European vipers (Vipera berus) all call this place home! These animals are protected within the National Park, and it is our responsibility to keep a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
The National Park has also named and protected 321 butterfly species, 168 bird species, and 22 bat species. Members of this impressive flying fleet, along with the park's land and water residents, are rarely spotted by visitors, but they also benefit from UNESCO protection. The lakes contribute to the yearly International Bat Night by hosting an event to raise awareness for the preservation and protection of these beautiful flying mammals. Another resident of the Plitvice Lakes region holds a special place in every Croatian heart – the kuna zlatica - the European Pine Marten (Martes martes). This small, fast-moving animal was once hunted for its thick and shiny fur, which was used as a form of payment in the Balkans. The Pine Marten is now protected by the state, guaranteeing a long future for this playful forest animal. But in memory of its vital role in the Croatian economy, the Croatian currency today is called the "Kuna". The local Lika Pramenka sheep (Lička Pramenka) have adapted well to the extreme living conditions of the region, particularly the harsh snowy winters. Feeding on rich and fertile vegetation, these livestock provide exceptionally delicious meat and milk. Lambs from these flocks are a local delicacy and are traditionally prepared under a domed iron lid called a 'peka'.
We welcome visitors to dine here and try this hearty dish! Yet within the National Park, there is one particularly special area - one of the last untouched forests in Europe – Čorkova uvala, a virgin forest. Čorkova uvala is protected as a separate ecosystem that has formed without any human influence, making it a unique habitat for many plant and animal species. The Plitvice Lakes have appealed to many throughout history because of their extraordinary beauty, including some powerful leaders who chose to spend their time here.
The most famous villa near the Plitvice Lakes belonged to the Yugoslavian Marshal Josip Broz Tito and was built with stone from the mountain of Medvednica. After its construction, the villa was used as a residence for hunters and included a cinema, a billiard room, and a bowling alley. Today, the villa is no longer in use, but plans for reconstruction and repurposing are underway for the site. Although these plans have not been finalized, the villa will play a major role in enriching the cultural heritage of the National Park. Undoubtedly, this region is full of natural grace and beauty, unique and complex ecological features, impressive history, and intriguing tales.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park will always impress nature lovers and reveal many unexpected and unforgettable adventures to its curious visitors. Guests cannot help but smile widely when they first see the deep canyons, high cliffs, and magnificent waterfalls framed by the lush forest landscape. To witness and be part of this magic, to create vivid memories of unity with nature, and to show respect to this magnificent region are all reasons to visit this beautiful site. But perhaps the greatest reason of all is to become a small part in shaping the never-ending story of the Plitvice Lakes and carry the memories formed here in your heart and mind forever.
CORPORATE
PERMANSIO TOURS – Permansio d.o.o. za usluge i turistička agencija
Selčinka 15, Sesvete 10360, Zagreb, Hrvatska
OIB: 71585541782
MB: 02973936
MBS: 080828198
Registarsko tijelo: Trgovački sud u Zagrebu
If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us using any of the provided contact methods. We are here to assist you!
Tripadvisor review Oct 2018.
We just got back from the trip to the Plitvice Lakes, a tour offered by Permansio Tours. It includes a stop at Rastoke, full lunch and tickets to the park, so you can skip standing in line to buy, you get the pre-purchased tickets and go in. There are a few company’s that offer the same trip or very similar, but here’s why I think Permansio is the best.
As mentioned, the owner of the company was our driver today, and he is a great guide! Very knowledgeable and friendly. We actually feel like we made a new friend here today. If you are into learning more of the culture and history of the area, and going to the Plitvice National Park, we highly recommend this company.
They pick up and drop off at your hotel. The relationship with this company and the restaurant is very good, and we felt like we were treated like family.
The customers who book with Permansio are their top priority.
We had a great time and we would use this company for any and all tours when we come back to Zagreb and surrounding area.
Tom G. USA
Civitatis review Sep 2019.
Excursión excelente. Cumplió totalmente nuestras expectativas. Contratamos la comida y fue estupenda, en un moderno restaurante llamado Plitvice. Comida tradicional con un toque de modernidad. La guia Gordana excepcional. En todo momento pendiente de nosotros. Muy buena profesional y muy simpatica y entrañable.guide of Permansio Deluxe Getaways.
Beatriz , Toledo, Spain
Tripadvisor review Aug 2018
Damir Biondic' was our guide to the Plitvice Lakes.
He is a great guy and an excellent guide. Highly Recommeded
Johannes Richter
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