Multi Activity Holiday

Kayaking, hiking, cycling & swimming in national parks, rivers & islands

Summary

Rivers and Canyons – kayaking, hiking, cycling, canoeing, rafting and swimming in Croatia's national parks and Adriatic islands.

START - Dubrovnik / FINISH - Zagreb.

Activity code: CRHK02

Difficulty: Activity level: moderate (average level of fitness).

Duration: 8 days

This fun-packed holiday is a "Best of Croatia" multi-activity week and will take you along the Croatian coast and into the country's beautiful continental region with its stunning national Parks. You will explore some unique areas on foot, by bicycle, from a kayak and from a raft. Our guides will seize every opportunity to steer you away from the busy everyday life ensuring a truly memorable experience which you will cherish for many years to come.

For example, Kolocep Island sea kayaking offers you a unique way to explore this beautiful island, its shores and caves. Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site, plays host to 16 lakes, numerous waterfalls fed by both the Black and White Rivers, as well as seemingly endless forests which make for unique and unforgettable experiences. During this trip you will be accommodated in 3* hotels with fully equipped ensuite rooms and in private guesthouses in Zaton Bay and Korana Village, experiencing true local hospitality.

Departure Dates

  • Any date between May 8th and October 2nd
  • Preferably Saturday start day

Essential Information

Activity level: Trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. The daily program is a combination of kayaking, walking, swimming, sightseeing and exploring. You can expect to paddle about 10 miles a day (four hours), but our schedule is very weather dependent. Previous kayaking experience is recommended, but not required.

Minimum age: 12 years - only if accompanied by parent(s).

Meals: The meals tend to be fairly heavy on the meats, breads and pastries, pastas and dumplings. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know as soon as possible. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated but we recommend that you bring along with you some of your favourite protein snacks.

Weather: The summers are typically warm and sunny. From May to October temperatures are comfortable for hiking, paddling, and swimming. Rain is always a possibility in Croatia so it is essential to bring adequate rain wear and a jacket in case of inclement weather.

Group size: Min 4 – Max 16 per group; larger groups are on request.

Accommodation: Private homestay in Korana Village (Plitvice); guest house on Sipan island; small hotel in Ljubuski; Hotel Skradinski Buk in Skradin (Krka).

Arrivals on Day 1: recommended by 3pm (arrivals after 6pm will be liable to surcharge for additional transfers and overnight accommodation on mainland). Please check your flight due to the boat transfer!

NB. This itinerary can be subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Our guides and tour leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for you 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.

This itinerary includes a visit to Bosnia & Herzegovina, please ensure you have the correct/sufficient visa requirements on your travel documents.

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Prices from £1398 per person

  • Single supplement (from): £ 281 per person

What does your Activity Holiday include ?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Use of all equipment including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, helmets, etc.
  • Neoprene shorts and booties or sandals in case of cold weather
  • 6 days organized activities
  • National Parks entrance fees
  • Local taxes and river permits
  • Arrival transfer from Dubrovnik Airport
  • Departure transfer to Zagreb Airport
  • Skilled, experienced English speaking guide and full assistance
  • Ground transportation throughout (including ferries)

Highlights

Itinerary

Arrival in Dubrovnik, transfer to Sipanska Luka a village on the far side of Sipan Island. Sipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and its landscape, castles, chapels and monasteries are ideally explored by bicycle or on foot. After settling into your accommodation it will be time to meet for dinner and a brief orientation, where you'll have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know your fellow travellers (if applicable).

Accommodation: Sipan island guesthouse.

Meals: Dinner.

Transport: approx. 45 minutes from Dubrovnik Airport to port plus 1 hour ferry.

The Elaphiti Islands are one of the best Croatian archipelagos for sea kayaking. Each island is small and easy to kayak around and with an indented coastline, offers numerous coves and beaches. Paddle out of Luka Sipanska and head west towards Jakljan, Tajan and Olipa islands; all three are uninhabited and their beaches can only be accessed from a small boat or kayak, resulting in a number of secluded beaches and a rich, undisturbed underwater world. There will be plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling before returning to Luka Sipanska.

Accommodation: Sipan Island guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Activity: Sea Kayaking - 3-4 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy / Moderate.

An early start today as you'll take the first boat back to mainland and head on to Mostar, the cultural and economic centre of Herzegovina. The town is over five centuries old and situated between high mountains divided by the Neretva River. Without question the highlight of Mostar is the Old Bridge (Stari Most), which was originally built in 1566 while this area was a part of the Ottoman Empire. Destroyed during the war in 1993 but rebuilt in 2004 in its original form, the Old Bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon a short drive to Ljubuski and enjoy a trip on the narrow Trebizat River surrounded by lush forests teeming with birds and the stunningly beautiful karst landscape formed by the river over thousands of years.

Accommodation: friendly, family-run hotel in Ljubuski.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Activity: Canoeing - class I-II

Difficulty Level: Easy

Transport: approx. 1 hour ferry, 2 hours drive to Mostar plus approx. 45 min to Trebizat.

After breakfast drive north to a small village near Omis, where your adventure on the Cetina River begins. Clear green water, jungle-like forests, caves and waterfalls will thrill you and make this rafting trip an unforgettable experience. The Cetina is easy enough for families and absolute beginners. Afterwards, a short drive to Split where you are free to take a walk on its popular palm tree promenade and visit the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later in the afternoon continue towards Skradin for the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Skradinski Buk

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Activity: Rafting - class II-III, 2-3 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy / Moderate

Transport: approx. 90 mins to the Cetina valley; approx. 45 min to Split plus approx. 1 hour to Skradin

Today we will cycle around the Krka National Park which is famous for its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. The morning begins by cycling directly from the hotel and continues on local roads to a viewpoint over the Visovac Lake. In the middle of the lake is the Visovac Island with the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac, dating from the 15th century. Today, you will enjoy an excellent traditional Dalmatian prosciutto lunch. After some more cycling return to the hotel and enjoy a late afternoon and dinner in Skradin at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Skradinski Buk

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Activity: Cycling - 3-4 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy / Moderate

Recommended places to stay

Skradinski Buk Hotel

This kayaking trip is an expedition down the magnificent Wild West-like canyons of the Zrmanja River in the Velebit Nature Park. Perfectly clear and green waters, rapids and waterfalls, hidden swimming pools and steep-sided canyons will steal your heart and make this excursion an unforgettable experience. No previous kayaking experience is needed if you can swim. There are both open canoes or sit-on-top kayaks for 2 persons with optional child seat. Rafting boats are used during high water season (usually before May and after September, but the water level can vary a lot in spring and in autumn). After an amazing day on the river return to your transport and drive to Korana Village, located in the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Accommodation: Homestay in Korana village

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Activity: Kayaking - class II-III, 4 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy / Moderate

Transport: approx. 1hour 10mins to the Zrmanja River plus approx. 2hours to Korana village

Start your day walking along the wooden paths and bridges in and around Plitvice Lakes; its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves makes it Croatia's premier UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife, a perfect place to enjoy an included picnic lunch. A panoramic boat and train ride will take you back to the start. Later in the afternoon return to Korana Village just in time to enjoy a swim in the clear river right in front of your house.

Accommodation: homestay in Korana village

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Activity: Hiking approx. 4-5 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy, well-marked paths

Transport: approx. 10 minutes each way

Transfer to Zagreb airport for your flight home. There might be several group transfers between the
destination and airport depending on flight departure time.

Meals: Breakfast

Transport: approx. 2 hours

Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
  • With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Travel Knowledge

  • We have all travelled extensively and will be happy to share our experiences.
  • Personally-chosen hotels, riads, guest houses & apartments in places we know and love.
  • Individual sightseeing recommendations and route planning.
  • Add excursions, activities and food & wine experiences (one of our passions).

Trusted Service

  • ATOL cover for flight inclusive holidays.
  • One of us at Rediscover the World is very likely to have visited the hotels and travelled along the routes on your itinerary.
  • Dynamic, comprehensive travel app with all your documents, maps and much more.
  • Full financial protection for your holiday (TTA).