Highlights of Croatia Multi Activity Holiday with Cycling, Walking and Kayaking
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Enjoy a fantastic week touring Croatia by bike, on foot and by kayak. Travel from Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast to the beautiful Plitvice Lakes national park in the north of the country. There is a packed itinerary of around 3-5 hours of activities per day (see below for details), and you will also do a fair amount of sightseeing and learn a lot about the history and culture of this beautiful country. Departure dates are highlighted in green on the calendar, contact us for availability. Suitable for children 12 years and over. Starts from € 1290 per person
DURATION
7 nights
HIGHLIGHTS
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik
Arrival in Dubrovnik and ferry transfer to Sipan Island, the largest of the Elafiti Islands. Settle into your accommodation, then meet for dinner and a short briefing, where you can discuss the upcoming tour and get to know your fellow travellers. Sipan will be your base for the first two nights.
NB: Arrivals are recommended by 3 pm. please see 'getting there' tab for further details.
Accommodation: Sipan island guesthouse; Meals: D; Drive: 30 min, 1 h ferry.
Day 2: Elafiti Islands - Sea Kayaking
The Elafiti Islands are one of the best Croatian archipelagos for sea kayaking; each island is small and easy to kayak around, but has an interesting and indented coastline, with numerous coves and beaches. Paddle out of Luka Sipanska in the morning and head west towards the islands of Jakljan, Tajan and Olipa. All three are uninhabited and their beaches can only be accessed by small boat or kayak, resulting in a number of secluded beaches that offer excellent snorkelling. Return to Luka Sipanska for another spectacular sunset.
Accommodation: Sipan Island guesthouse; Meals: B, L; Sea Kayaking: 3-4 h, easy/moderate.
Day 3: Visit Mostar and Canoeing on the Trebizat River
Take the first ferry back to the mainland and head to the historic town of Mostar, in Bosnia. In the afternoon drive to Ljubuski and enjoy a paddle down the narrow Trebizat River surrounded by lush forests and beautiful karst rock formations.
Accommodation: Ljubuski hotel; Meals: B, D; Canoeing: 1 h, class I-II, easy; Drive: 1 h ferry, 2 h to Mostar, 45 min to the Trebizat river.
Day 4: Rafting on the Cetina River and sightseeing in Split
Head north for rafting on the beautiful Cetina river. Afterwards head to the lovely coastal city of Split; take a wander down the palm tree-lined promenade and visit the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 4th century. Overnight in Skradin.
Accommodation: 3*** hotel in Skradin; Meals: B, D; Rafting: class II-III, 2-3 h, easy/moderate; Van ride: 1h30 to the Cetina, 45 min to Split, 1h to Skradin
Day 5: Cycling in Krka River National Park
Explore the Krka National Park famous for its impressive karst formations and travertine waterfalls. Depart the hotel by bike and head to a viewpoint overlooking Visovac Lake, then enjoy a traditional Dalmatian prosciutto lunch. Return to the hotel, free time for rest of day.
Accommodation: 3*** hotel in Skradin; Meals: B, L; Cycling: 3-4 h, easy/moderate
Day 6: Zrmanja River kayaking
A kayaking expedition through the magnificent canyons of the Zrmanja River in Velebit Nature Park. Discover rapids and waterfalls, hidden pools and towering canyons. No previous experience necessary. In case of high water levels in early and late season rafting boats are used. After a fantastic day on the river, head to the village of Korana where you will spend the last two nights.
Accommodation: homestay in Korana; Meals: B, D; Kayaking: class II-III, 4 h, easy/moderate; Van drive: 1h10 to the Zrmanja River, 2h to Korana
Day 7: Plitvice Lakes National Park hiking
Take a walking excursion around Plitvice Lakes; a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, 90 waterfalls and numerous caves. 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 opposite your accommodation.
Accommodation: homestay in Korana; Meals: B, D; Hiking: 4-5 h, easy, well marked paths; Van ride: 10 minutes each way.
Day 8: Departure from Zagreb
Transfer to Zagreb airport for your flight home.
Meals: B. Van drive: 2 hours
Note on the itinerary:
This itinerary and the duration of all activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Our travel partner reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.
EXTRAS
Single use rooms are available upon request, with 20% surcharge. Sharing a room with another person is possible if there is someone else in the group interested in doing so.
ACCOMODATION
Nights 1 & 2: Guesthouse on Sipan Island Night 3: Hotel in Ljubuski - tba depending on availability and group size Night 4 & 5: 3 star hotel in Krka National Park - tba depending on availability and group size Nights 5 & 7: Homestay in Korana - please note that you may be sharing a bathroom as this is a homestay.
GET IN THERE
Arrival and departure transfers are included with this package as follows: Arrival airport: Dubrovnik Arrival transfers are not included, you need to make your own way to Gruz harbour to take the ferry to Sipan Island. If arriving in Croatia on the same day please make sure that your flight arrives early enough to get to the harbour in time. Feel free to contact us to check departure times. Departure airport: Zagreb Departure transfers: Please note that it takes 2 hours to reach Zagreb, so your flight should depart no earlier than 10 am, though earlier departures can be accommodated if necessary. There might be more than one transfer, depending on people's flight times. If you wish to spend some time in Zagreb, our guide(s) will be happy to transfer you to your accommodation in the city. Please let us know your flight details after booking.
LOCATION
Croatia, located on the crossroads of central and southern Europe offers the best of both; a fantastic Mediterranean coastline dotted with chic cities and ports, beautiful sandy beaches and islands with hidden coves best explored by boat or kayak; lush national parks and rugged mountains; small towns where traditional ways of life endure alongside modern innovation; and a cuisine that is a mix of Italian flair and Ottoman influence, with dished ranging from exquisite seafood to sweet baklava pastries. A country of just over 4 million inhabitants, it is the newest member of the European Union and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travellers from all over the world, though it is still possible to discover parts of the country where mass tourism has not penetrated. Thanks to its varied coastline and vast national parks, Croatia is a fantastic setting for a multi sport holiday like this one that includes kayaking, rafting, cycling, hiking and canoeing, as well as a fair amount of sightseeing. All this in just seven days!