Zagreb Weekend: the vibrant city and the Plitvice Lakes




Itinerary
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend that blends urban charm and natural wonder into one magnificent trip. Our adventure kicks off in Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital, a city with a historic heart and a modern soul. We'll dive into the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), where every alleyway tells a story, admiring the majestic Cathedral. We'll get lost in the authentic, lively atmosphere of the Dolac Market, a whirlwind of colours and scents that teases the senses. The Lower Town (Donji Grad) will welcome us with wide boulevards and manicured parks, like the Lenuci Horseshoe, framing magnificent Art Nouveau buildings.
Every corner hides the true beating heart of Zagreb's social life, offering a perfect balance of history, modern art, and a buzzing nightlife.
After fully soaking up the city's vibe, we'll get ready for a breathtaking change of scenery.
A short distance away, Plitvice Lakes welcome us with a paradise of crystal-clear water, ancient forests, and hand-painted-like waterfalls. We'll wander along the park's wooden boardwalks, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The paths will guide us through 16 lakes in emerald and turquoise hues, connected by countless, gushing waterfalls.
Every turn will reveal a new perspective, a new rush of water, a new glimpse of untouched nature. It will be a visual and sensory experience that will leave us breathless, a memory we'll always cherish, and confirmation that Croatia truly offers the best of both its urban soul and its wild heart.


Welcome to Zagreb
1 night: Zagreb
The Charm of Gornji Grad: Between Stories and Legends
After our welcome meeting, we'll dive straight into the pulsating heart of the city, starting with the lively and colourful Dolac Market, where we can soak up the authentic local atmosphere. We'll then move to the historic part, admiring the famous St. Mark's Church with its iconic mosaic roof. Our route will lead us to discover two unique places: the Museum of Broken Relationships, which tells stories of ended love and connections, and an underground gallery that once served as a bunker, offering a fascinating dive into the city's lesser-known past. In the afternoon, before dinner, you'll have the chance to choose how to continue your exploration. Those who wish can climb the Lotrščak Tower for breathtaking city views, while others can get lost in the charming alleys of the local district for a relaxing drink. In the evening, we'll head to Tkalčićeva Street for our welcome dinner.

The Plitvice Lakes
1 night: Zagreb
Exploring the nature of Plitvice Lakes
On the second day, we'll hit the road in our cars, and drive through the changing scenery as we trade the bustling capital for the tranquility of karst forests and mountains. Once we reach the park, we can start to explore. We’ll pick the trail that calls to us most, winding through the park's 16 lakes, split into two sections: the Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera). We'll stroll along the iconic wooden boardwalks stretching over the crystal-clear waters, weaving between intensely emerald and turquoise pools. We'll marvel at the majesty of countless waterfalls, including the biggest and most imposing, the Veliki Slap. We can hop on the electric boats connecting the lakes or take the scenic train to make the most of our time and soak in all the different viewpoints.
Back to Zagreb
Before we leave this stunning natural area, if we still have some energy left, we could visit a site just a few kilometres from the national park. Near the park, we can take a short detour to visit the fascinating eljava Air Base, an abandoned underground air base, also known as "the bunker", and an abandoned military aircraft. It's a unique experience for history buffs and curious travellers. Afterwards, we'll meet up for the return trip to Zagreb.

Zagreb
Relax Museums and Art Nouveau
After breakfast, our last day in Zagreb kicks off with a stroll through the "Lenuci Horseshoe", a series of eight interconnected squares and parks forming a U-shape. We'll admire the grandeur of the Croatian National Theatre and the Art Pavilion, two architectural gems in Neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. It'll be a relaxing morning, surrounded by greenery and art.
Before we say goodbye, we'll decide whether to visit the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, celebrating scientific innovation, or use our free time for some last-minute shopping and souvenir hunting before parting ways after this weekend in Croatia.
What's included
Overnight stay with twin/triple/quadruple room and private bathroom
Rental car from Day 1 to Day 2
- Daily entrance to Plitvice Lakes
- Transfer boat to Plitvice Lakes
- Entrance ticket to the Museum of Broken Relationships
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
Gas/petrol, parking, toll fees
Entrace to Lotrščak Tower - approx. USD10
Entry to Nikola Tesla Museum - approx. USD10
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack :)
- All that is not mentioned in "What's included"
Additional info
This is a self-driven tour: Please let us know if you are willing to drive on this trip.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Reviews
based on 17 verified reviews
Rating breakdown
- 5 stars82%
- 4 stars12%
- 3 stars6%
- 2 stars0%
- 1 star0%
Gerardo AndreaFirst WeRoad
5August 2026
Everything
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VeronicaFirst WeRoad
5October 2026
It was my first WeRoad and I couldn't have chosen a better destination. The weekend in Zagreb was the best experience ever! Highly recommended
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Publio ValerioFirst WeRoad
5July 2026
Very beautiful trip, I had the chance to meet people with whom I bonded immediately and we got along great. The trip was very beautiful and the visit to the lakes was wonderful, suitable for those who love nature and walking. The only thing I must point out is that the Accommodation where we stayed was extremely damp, with a bad smell and with only one shower for 5 people and only one real bathroom. The Travel Coordinator was extremely helpful and easy-going, ready to meet our requests and needs.
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EmanueleFirst WeRoad
5August 2026
Apart from the airline delays that made me and my travel and adventure companion practically lose the whole day....everything else went great, including a TOP Travel Coordinator (Vito), I will DEFINITELY travel with WeRoad again
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Valentina First WeRoad
5May 2026
First WeRoad and I must say a very positive experience. The group was quite homogeneous and the Travel Coordinator was perfect. There were some organisational details that could have been more efficient. But overall I can consider myself very satisfied.
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Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
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A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.











