Zadar: Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour

Planning a day trip from Zadar that combines stunning natural scenery, delicious local food, and a touch of history? This tour offers it all — and at a very reasonable price. With a solid 4.7-star rating from nearly 500 reviews, it’s clear that most travelers find this experience both enjoyable and worth the value.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love the chance to see the spectacular Krka Waterfalls, especially the Skradinski Buk, famed for its series of cascading falls and lush surroundings. Second, the wine tasting at a local winery offers a genuine taste of Dalmatian craftsmanship, paired with cheeses and olive oils.

One thing to consider is the entry fee for Krka National Park, which isn’t included in the price of the tour and must be paid in cash — a small extra step. This trip suits those who want a well-rounded day with a good mix of outdoor beauty, cultural sights, and local flavors, ideal for travelers who enjoy a bit of everything without the hassle of planning each detail.

This experience made our article of The 11 Most Popular Food Tours In Zadar.

Key Points

• Stunning Waterfalls: Skradinski Buk and the waterfalls of Krka National Park offer incredible photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy Croatia’s lush surroundings.
• Authentic Food & Wine: Tasting local wines, cheeses, and olive oils at a family-run winery provides a flavorful glimpse into Dalmatian cuisine.
• Flexible Exploration: You can choose a guided tour or explore independently, giving you control over your experience.
• Convenient Transportation: An air-conditioned bus and boat ride make traveling comfortable and scenic.
• Ample Free Time: Time in Skradin allows for a relaxed stroll, swimming, or just soaking in the scenery.
• Expert Guides & Local Tips: Highly praised guides enrich the trip with knowledge and helpful suggestions, enhancing the overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting early from Zadar’s city center, the tour kicks off with a comfortable ride into the countryside. The small group size, often just a handful of travelers, means you’re not lost in a crowd — something many reviews highlight as a big plus. Your guide quickly sets the tone, offering insights into Croatian history, local culture, and the day’s itinerary.

Journey to Krka National Park

The drive itself is pleasant, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the region from your guide. Once at the park’s entrance, you’ll have a choice: join a 45-minute guided walk with your guide or explore more independently for about 2 hours. This flexibility is key, especially if you want to focus on photography, relax, or take a swim in the designated swimming area in Skradin.

Visiting Skradinski Buk & Waterfalls

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the Skradinski Buk waterfall, which hosts a series of seven waterfalls and a lush surrounding landscape. The sheer power of the falls and the diversity of flora and fauna make for impressive scenery. Several reviews point out that visiting early in the morning helps beat the crowds and captures the waterfalls in full splendor. One guest mentions, “The waterfalls were very beautiful and we got to see them in their full splendor,” highlighting how accessible and photogenic this spot is.

While swimming inside the park is no longer permitted, you’ll have the chance to dip in the Krka River at Skradin’s beach — a welcome refresh after walking around. The atmosphere here is relaxed, and many travelers appreciate the opportunity to unwind amid nature.

Boat Ride & Skradin

A memorable part of the trip is the boat ride down the Krka River canyon, which offers scenic views and a peaceful way to connect with the landscape. The boat ride is smooth and scenic, earning praise from travelers who enjoy the relaxing pace. Once in Skradin, you’re free to explore, grab a coffee, or visit the Skradin Oldtimer Museum. Several reviews describe Skradin as a charming, unspoiled town offering a glimpse of small-town Croatian life.

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Wine & Food Tasting at Sladic Winery

After leaving the national park, the tour moves on to a local winery. Here, a knowledgeable sommelier introduces you to Dalmatian wines, with four tastings included — a highlight for many. The wines range from crisp whites to rich reds and a sweet dessert wine, often described as “fantastic” and “so tasty” in reviews.

Along With wine, you’ll sample Dalmatian cheeses and high-quality olive oils. Travelers frequently comment on the authenticity and quality of these tastings, adding a gourmet touch to the day.

Exploring Zadar’s Old Town

Back in Zadar, there’s an optional guided walking tour of the Old Town at 6:00 PM, which many find a perfect way to end their day. The Old Town is full of medieval churches, charming squares, and Roman ruins. The guided tour provides useful context and tips, making it an even richer experience.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. For instance, “Tonka was an excellent guide, full of knowledge,” or “Paula was super friendly and knew her stuff.” The guides help make the experience seamless, providing historical insights and practical tips.

Several travelers mention the well-organized logistics — from timely pickups to smooth boat rides — which allows plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The small group sizes and personalized attention also receive high marks, making the tour feel more intimate.

The value for money is also frequently highlighted. At $53, including multiple tastings, boat rides, transfer, and optional city tour, it’s considered a good deal. The only extra cost is the park entry fee, which varies seasonally and must be paid in cash.

Practical Details

The tour departs from a central meeting point in Zadar at Ul. Alesandra Paravije 5, with check-in 15 minutes early. The trip lasts around a full day, starting early in the morning to maximize your time at Krka and Skradin. Transportation is by air-conditioned bus, and the boat ride down the Krka River adds a scenic element.

In terms of costs, the park entry fee is separate and payable in cash. Prices fluctuate depending on the season, with higher fees during summer months (30 euros for adults during June–September) and lower fees in the shoulder seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring their student cards for discounts.

The optional Zadar Old Town walking tour in the evening requires no reservation and is a simple way to deepen your understanding of the city’s history and architecture.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour offers a great balance of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and culinary delights. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see key natural sights without doing a full multi-day hike, and who also enjoy sampling local wines and cheeses. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make it suitable for curious, independent-minded visitors.

It works well for those who value flexibility, as you can explore some sites on your own, and for those seeking a full, satisfying day out of the city. If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded experience, this trip packs a lot into one day.

The Sum Up

If you’re visiting Zadar and want to get a true taste of Dalmatia’s natural beauty and local flavors, this tour offers an excellent combination of both. The chance to see the dramatic waterfalls of Krka, enjoy authentic wine and cheese tastings, and stroll through Zadar’s historic streets provides a diverse and fulfilling experience.

The high praise for guides and scenic boat rides makes it clear that the tour is well-organized and memorable. It’s a great pick for travel lovers who appreciate value, authenticity, and smooth logistics over overly commercialized experiences.

While the extra park entry fee and the seasonal variations might require some planning, most travelers find the overall experience to be a highlight of their Croatian trip. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff, this trip has a lot to offer — and it’s likely to leave you with some wonderful memories and great photos.

FAQ

Is the park entry fee included in the tour price?
No, the entrance tickets to Krka National Park are paid separately in cash on the day of the tour. The fee varies seasonally and for different age groups.

Can I swim inside Krka National Park?
Swimming inside the park has not been allowed since 2020. However, you can swim at a beach in Skradin where the Krka River meets the sea.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour begins early in the morning and lasts approximately a full day, including transfers, sightseeing, tastings, and free time.

What’s included in the cost?
The tour includes transportation, a guided experience, four wine tastings, cheese and olive oil samples, entry to the winery, and optional city tour. Park entry is extra.

How large are the groups?
Many reviews highlight small group sizes, often just a handful of travelers, which contributes to a more relaxed and personal experience.

Do I need to reserve the Old Town walking tour separately?
No, the Zadar Old Town walking tour at 6:00 PM is available without reservation and can be joined on any day.

What should I bring?
Cash for the park entry fee, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear if you want to swim in Skradin, and perhaps a camera to capture the waterfalls.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, many reviews mention families, and the relaxed pace is suitable for children, especially the opportunity to swim and explore Skradin.

In short, this tour from Zadar provides a well-rounded glimpse of Croatia’s natural splendor, vibrant local flavors, and historical charm — all without feeling rushed or overly commercialized. Whether you’re into waterfalls, wines, or walking through medieval streets, you’ll likely find this day trip to be a highlight of your Croatian travels.

You can check availability for your dates here: