30 May 2025
My friend and I took the day trip from Split to Plitvice Lakes and I cannot recommend it enough! Our guide, Ivana, was incredible! She taught us about the park and some Croatian history while giving us time to explore and took pictures for everyone at one of the waterfalls. The park is large but Ivana made sure we got to see all the best parts, taking us through reverse from how most people were walking so that we skipped waiting in an hour+ line for the boat and spent more time sightseeing. The drive from Split was a little over 3 hours one way with a bathroom/ food stop on the way. The bus was comfortable and the views were beautiful the whole drive.
Definitely bring an umbrella/ raincoat, water, food and good walking shoes because it is a lot of walking on sometimes-slippery surfaces.
Ivana kept the whole group updated about plans and meeting points through a WhatsApp group during the tour. She thoughtfully sent us a wonderful list of restaurant, gelato, and bar recommendations with Croatian specialties to try at the end of the day! We enjoyed dinner and drinks at places she recommended, which were delicious and away from the more touristy, overpriced areas of Split.
Even though it's a long day, Plitvice Lakes was one of the most amazing places I've ever been and so worth it!