Rivers & Canyons

A Multi-Activity Holiday in Central Dalmatia

Summary

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

START / FINISH - Split or Zadar.

Activity code: CRHK08

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

Duration: 8 Days

This fun-packed holiday is a "Best of Dalmatia" multi-activity week and will take you along the Croatian coast and into the country's beautiful national parks (Krka & Paklenica). 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.

This activity holiday is a well-balanced mixture of activities. It includes rafting on the Cetina River, kayaking down the Zrmanja River, hiking in the Paklenica National Park and cycling in the Krka River National Park. Whilst hiking and cycling you will pass through the most beautiful scenery, including fabulous karst formations; as will kayaking down the rapids of exotic river canyons and rafting through jungle-like forests. This great Croatia active holiday is based in a small picturesque town of Skradin, a unique town on the very edge of the Krka River National Park. The town is famous for its turbulent past and is one of the oldest Croatian towns, with a written history since the time of the Illyrians but received its name during the Roman rule – Scardona. After the Roman Scardona had been ruined and robbed to the very foundations, the Croats rebuilt the town and named it Skradin. Skradin is an attractive town with an authentic stone-built centre. In the immediate vicinity there are numerous attractive places such as the Skradinski and Roski waterfalls, the small island of Visovac with its Franciscan monastery and in the greater Central Dalmatia region many long beaches and pine forests.

Departure Dates

  • Alternate saturdays in May, June, September; weekly in July & August.

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, rafting, swimming, cycling and sightseeing. Previous kayaking experience is recommended, but not required.

Minimum age: 8 years. Discounts for 8 to 12 years (one child only if accompanied by parent in same room; two children can have own room).

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: The 3* hotel Skradinski Buk is located in Skradin, only 300 meters away from the coast. Skradin is the official river entrance to the Krka River National Park. It is perfectly situated for exploring nearby sites of interest in Sibenik-Knin County. You will be accommodated in completely renovated and refurbished rooms, equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, telephone and bathroom.

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.

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Prices from £782 per person

  • Single supplement (from): £ 156 per person

What does your Activity Holiday include ?

  • 7 nights accommodation on HB
  • 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
  • 5 days organized activities
  • National Parks entrance fees
  • Local taxes and river permits
  • Arrival transfer from Zadar / Split
  • Departure transfer to Zadar / Split
  • Skilled, experienced English speaking guide & full assistance
  • Ground transportation

Highlights

Itinerary

Arrival to Croatia, transfer to Skradin and your accommodation for the week - the Skradinski Buk Hotel. Skradin is a small, picturesque town named after the world famous waterfall on the river Krka. Once the capital of Roman Liburnia, its surroundings are places of unique natural beauty. The breathtaking view over the town from the highway bridge was nominated for the prestigious Golden Flower of Europe (best sightseeing point on European highways). There will be a get-together dinner and presentation of the program after which you are free to enjoy an evening walk around the town.

Meals: Dinner

Transport: Split approx. 1 hour 30 mins or Zadar approx. 45 min

Recommended places to stay

The sea kayaking day starts from Zablaće, a little village close to Sibenik. After a short introduction it is time to start your expedition to the island of Zlarin, which is only 2kms from the mainland. After paddling along the coast of the island, you reach Zlarin Twon, a perfect place for a picnic break and some swimming. Finish your day by paddling along the beautiful Sibenik coastline, from where there is a view of its remarkable fortress. After a beautiful day of kayaking on the Adriatic Sea you can make an optional detour to visit the town of Sibenik for some sightseeing. An ancient town with lively Mediterranean spirit and its breathtaking cathedral.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (lunch - own arrangements)

Activity: Sea kayaking - 4 -5 hours

Today, take your bikes from Skradin to the 44m high Skradinski Buk waterfall and visit one of Croatia’s most popular national parks, the Krka River National Park. The fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls make it a beautiful area for swimming. This is the famous place where the world's second hydroelectric power plant was built, just three days after the first one at Niagara Falls. After a swimming break continue cycling through the park to arrive at the shores of Lake Visovac, where a boat will take you to the Visovac islet for a visit to a Franciscan monastery and their small museum. On the way back to Skradin there is a magnificent ride downhill with a scenic view of Lake Prokljan. There is hardly a better way to get around the park than cycling - this cycle route will lead you through Croatian history all the while enjoying the landscape of forests, lakes and hills.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (lunch - own arrangements)

Activity: Cycling, 4-5 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate (van support if needed!)

A fantastic day exploring the canyons on the Zrmanja and Krupa rivers. Early in the morning drive towards a little village called Kaštel Žegarski and start your expedition down the magnificent wild-west-like canyons. The watercraft may be a raft, canoe or sit-on-top kayak depending upon the river conditions. Push off for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and green waters of these Croatian rivers, considered two of the most beautiful in Europe. Waterfalls and easy rapids, hidden swimming pools, steep sided canyons & much more.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (lunch - own arrangements)

Activity: Kayaking or rafting, Class II-III rapids, 4-5 hours

Transport: approx. 45 min each way

On your optional day you can be as active or as lazy as you wish. You can take one of the organized and guided tours and go hiking, climbing, canyoning and sightseeing or just go to the beach. You can also go to nearby Sibenik and discover its bustling restaurant scene. Perhaps you just want to stay in Skradin, take a slow lunch or do some souvenir shopping.

*Please note that the optional trip will incur an additional charge of approx. € 50 per person, payable on the spot, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on minimum of 4 participants!

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (lunch - own arrangements)

The expedition today leads you to Paklenica National Park, the most famous trekking and rock climbing national park in Croatia. The park, which consists of two limestone canyons, is situated on the slopes of Velebit Mountain, Croatia’s longest mountain. Although the park looks very rocky at the beginning, you will soon enjoy walking through the lush beech and black pine forests. Having adapted to the environment, the residents mostly engaged in nomad stock herding, hence the presence of mountain shepherd huts. The fact that many people stayed in summertime is also reflected in the ruins of numerous sacral buildings: churches, chapels, altars and holy mounds; secluded paths will take you to these places.

In the afternoon head to the ancient city of Zadar; stroll down the cobbled streets to the Venetian towers, Roman ruins and mediaeval churches. Finish your day in Zadar with the visit to its contemporary attractions, the famous Sea Organ (underwater pipes that create sound from the waves) and the Greeting to the Sun.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (lunch - own arrangements)

Transport: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes

Activity: Hiking, 3-4 hours; Sightseeing, Zadar 2 hours

Another day, another beautiful Croatian river; today begins with a drive south to explore the Cetina River. Rafting down the Cetina is easy enough for families and absolute beginners and it is the best way to see the often forgotten parts of Croatia - floating by the lush forest, caves and under the waterfalls is great fun. The trip ends at Radman Mills, a national restaurant in a beautiful setting of old mills once powered by the waters of the Cetina River.

After an optional lunch continue to Split or Trogir (depending upon group preference). In Split you are free to walk its popular palm tree promenade and visit the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 4th century, or in Trogir, another UNESCO site, which is an old town with fairy-tale streets and stone houses of incredible architecture, filled with works of art, warm ambience and relaxed vibe.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (lunch - own arrangements)

Transport: 1 hour 30 mins

Activity: Rafting, class II-III, 3 hours

Depart from Skradin for the airport and flight home. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit - especially those you won’t find in tourist guide books.

Meals: Breakfast

Transport: Split 1 hour 30 mins or Zadar 45 mins

Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
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  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
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