Zagreb to the Adriatic Walking Tour

Hiking holiday in Croatian Nature and National Parks - explore the most impressive mountain peaks!

This adventure is all about exploring five mountain ranges and conquering the most beautiful peaks of North Croatia. Hauntingly rugged beauty awaits, as our itinerary leads us from Zagreb, the capital city, all the way to the Adriatic coast. We will spend the days enjoying charming hikes through Croatian Nature and National Parks and admiring stunning views over the countryside.

Zagreb is not only known for its cultural beauties, but also for the lovely nature that surrounds it, including Medvednica and Zumberak Nature Parks. Gorski Kotar and Lika, the most mountainous and heavily forested region of the country, encompasses some amazing attractions like Risnjak National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our spirits will be refreshed by the fragrant sea air and gentle climate of the Adriatic Coast while hiking the Ucka Nature Park and visiting Opatija, the oldest Croatian tourist resort. The combination of activity, scenery and cultural immersion makes this journey a unique and unforgettable experience.

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Itinerary / Highlights

HIGHLIGHTS: hikes through Croatian Nature and National Parks from Zagreb to the Adriatic coast, the most beautiful mountain peaks, traditional Croatian cuisine.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Sat: Our trip begins today in Samobor, a colorful picturesque town at the doorstep of Croatia's capital city. Arrive in Zagreb (or Rijeka) by late afternoon and transfer to the hotel in Samobor for the evening. Samobor is one of the favorite spots for inhabitants of Zagreb. It is well known for the beautiful nature that surrounds it and many restaurants and inns which offer local culinary specialities. Samobor is situated at a breathtaking entrance to a romantic valley, surrounded by mountains (Samobor, Zumberak, Plesivica, Japetic) that shelter this Baroque town. We will meet in the hotel lobby for a welcome drink and brief orientation where you will have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know your guides and fellow travelers.

Day 2 Sun: Meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and head out to Mount Medvednica embracing Croatia’s capital city. Medvednica is a unique example of an almost fully preserved natural environment just outside a large city. The mountain is covered by dense forests of beech, oak, and chestnut. It has a great history dating from prehistoric times when first human settlements appeared and is a favorite destination of the citizens of Zagreb and their guests. We’ll visit the top of the mountain, including the ski resort famous for the Snow Queen Trophy slalom race, held as part of the Alpine skiing World Cup. Spend the evening enjoying Zagreb's beautiful architecture, the old town, ancient monuments, and nightlife.

Day 3 Mon: Samobor Highlands certainly deserve the “title” of a Nature Park for its natural beauty and tradition. It is a hilly territory situated southwest of Zagreb, with an elevation range from 180 to 1,178 meters. It is an exclusively rural area, there is not a single town in the Nature Park. Having today’s long hike in mind, we put smiles on our faces and head out into the wild.
After the hiking day we retire in our new accommodation in the Mreznica River area. The Mreznica is one of Croatia's cleanest rivers, with plenty of great places to swim and relax under the waterfalls. The water temperature in summer can reach 27 degrees Celsius.

Day 4 Tue: Early in the morning we start our ride through lovely countryside roads towards Plitvice Lakes, the first Croatian National Park. We start our day hiking / walking along the wooden paths and bridges in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pure and untouched nature. A panoramic boat and train rides will take us back to the start. Later in the afternoon we return to the accomodation in the Mreznica River area.

Day 5 Wed: The Risnjak mountain range is named after a rare animal that inhabits its woods – the lynx. It is located in Gorski Kotar, the most mountainous and heavily forested region of the country, about 15 km inland from the Adriatic Sea. The pristine park covers an area of 63,5 km2. It includes both the Risnjak and Snježnik ranges and the source area of the Kupa river. The diversity of the flora and fauna is respected and admired by scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. We start our hike from Crni lug, the seat of the Park’s management. The Leska educational trail will lead us towards our goal – Big Risnjak, the highest point of the mountain range. Schlosser’s mountain hut, situated 100m below the peak, is probably one of the most beautiful mountain huts in Croatia. After resting and enjoying the amazing view over the sea, other peaks of Gorski Kotar and even the Alps, we will descend slowly back to Crni Lug and complete the educational trail. Our hotel is situated near the entrance to Risnjak National Park.

Day 6 Thu: If there was ever a morning worth getting up early, this is the one. We start our journey with a drive to Lovran, a charming little coastal town at the bottom of Ucka, the highest mountain of the Istrian Peninsula. Ucka Nature Park reveals a great variety of regional features within a relatively small area. This is where the Mediterranean and continental climates meet, resulting in a unique spectrum of flora and fauna. Thus, this is the only place on Earth where you can enjoy taking pictures of steno-endemic Ucka's Bellflower (Campanula tomassiniana). It is also one of the very last European sites where you will be rewarded by the impressive silhouettes of the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) or the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Hiking trails from Lovranska Draga will lead us to the highest peak Vojak (5.45 miles). This is a sightseeing point that offers you a breathtaking panoramic view of the Croatia’s northern coast and islands, the mountains of Gorski Kotar, the Italian Alps and Dolomites and the whole of the Istrian Peninsula. The way back takes us across “Little Ucka” towards our starting point. Later in the afternoon we will visit Opatija.This elegant tourist destination is the oldest resort on the Adriatic coast, and is a land of contrasts: sea and mountains, green parks and blue sea, old buildings and modern comforts, fun entertainment venues and quiet destinations for excursions.

Day 7 Fri: A day spent at leisure in Delnice, or as an alternative, taking an optional trip of hiking, walking or swimming in the surrounding area.

Day 8 Sat: Depart from Delnice for the airport and flight home.

This itinerary is subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Huck Finn Guides and Trip Leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional situations. Huck Finn reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Day 1, 2: Hotel in Samobor (Zagreb)

Day 3, 4: Hotel in Mreznica River area

Day 5, 6, 7: Hotel in Risnjak National Park area

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

May 26, Jun 2, Sept 15, Sept 22, Sept 29: 560 Euro
Jun 9, Jun 16, Jun 23, Jun 30, Jul 7, Aug 27, Sept 3, Sept 10: 670 Euro
Jul 14, Jul 21, Jul 28, Aug 4, Aug 11, Aug 18: 740 Euro

Other dates on request.

Child reduction (8-14 years): 10%
Single room supplement: 20%

+385 1 618 33 33