Private Plitvice Lakes Tour from Split — Lower & Upper Lakes
About This Tour
Experience Croatia's #1 natural wonder at your own pace on this private full-day tour from Split. Plitvice Lakes National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and one of the oldest national parks in southeastern Europe — covers nearly 30,000 hectares of ancient forest, 16 terraced turquoise lakes, and waterfalls connected by thousands of years of travertine formation. Your licensed guide picks you up from your hotel and drives you through the Croatian interior to this unique Dinaric karst landscape. Choose between the Lower Lakes route (limestone canyon, electric boat ride, panoramic train) or the full Lower and Upper Lakes circuit for a longer, more immersive experience. Walk wooden boardwalks suspended over crystal-clear water, discover species that predate human arrival, and see the park's largest waterfalls from viewpoints the group tours rush past. At €580 per group (up to 8 people), a private tour means no fixed schedule, no crowds, and a guide who adapts entirely to your interests and pace.
Tour Highlights
- Choose Lower Lakes or full Lower + Upper Lakes circuit
- 16 turquoise lakes & cascading waterfalls — UNESCO since 1979
- Electric boat ride across the lake + panoramic train
- Private licensed guide — fully flexible pace & itinerary
- Hotel pickup & drop-off in a private A/C vehicle
- €580/group (up to 8) — €73/person for a family of 8
What's Included
Included
- Private A/C vehicle
- Private licensed local guide
- Fuel surcharge
- All fees and taxes
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
Not Included
- Plitvice Lakes entrance fee (paid in cash on arrival — see FAQ)
- Food & drinks
- Tips
What to Bring
- Cash for park entrance fee (€21–€35 depending on season)
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip — boardwalks can be wet and slippery
- Rain jacket — Plitvice has its own microclimate, rain is common even on sunny coast days
- Packed lunch or snacks — park food options are limited and expensive
- Camera — the turquoise lakes are surreal, especially in morning light
- Water bottle — refill stations available at natural springs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Lower and Upper Lakes at Plitvice?
The Lower Lakes are set in a deep limestone canyon with dramatic waterfalls (including the 78m Veliki Slap), an electric boat ride, and a panoramic train. The Upper Lakes are set in a wider valley with smaller, gentler cascades, more forest, and fewer crowds. The Lower Lakes circuit takes about 2–3 hours; adding the Upper Lakes extends to 4–6 hours. Your guide helps you choose based on your fitness and interest.
Is the Plitvice entrance fee included in the private tour?
No — the national park entrance fee is not included and must be paid in cash (euros) on arrival. Summer (June–Sept): Adults €35, Students €24, Children 7–18 €13, under 7 free. Spring/autumn (April, May, Oct): Adults €21, Students €13, Children 7–18 €5. Your guide will inform you of the exact price.
Why choose a private Plitvice tour over the group tour?
The private tour (€580/group) includes hotel pickup, a dedicated vehicle, a personal guide, and complete flexibility — stop for photos, spend longer at your favorite spots, or add a lunch break whenever you want. The group tour (€65/person) follows a fixed schedule by bus. For families or groups of 4+, the private tour is actually better value per person.
Can you swim in Plitvice Lakes?
No — swimming is strictly prohibited in Plitvice Lakes to protect the fragile travertine ecosystem. The lakes are for walking, photography, and boat rides only. If you want to swim in a national park, consider our Krka Waterfalls tour instead.
How long is the drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
Plitvice is approximately 3–3.5 hours from Split by car, passing through the beautiful Croatian interior. Your private guide provides commentary during the drive. The total tour is 12 hours including driving, giving you 4–6 hours at the park depending on which circuit you choose.
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