Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia by late afternoon and transfer on your own to our hotel. Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a lively and colorful city and is reasonably manageable on foot. Our hotel is well located for exploring the city's main attractions. This evening we will meet in the hotel lobby and get to know our guides and fellow travelers over a welcome drink. The guides will provide a brief orientation to discuss the upcoming itinerary. All meals on your own.

Day 2

We drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Croatia's premiere inland destination. Today we explore the park's spectacular karst landscape - a sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with cascading falls and travertine pools. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the trail. This evening we retire to the tiny village of Korana located in a picture-postcard riverside setting near Plitvice Park. Weather permitting our village hosts prepare a riverside barbeque. All meals included.

Hiking: 4-6 miles; Terrain: easy, well marked paths.

Day 3

Today is all about exploring the lovely pastoral Croatian countryside by bicycle. We cycle roads that are nearly traffic free in the area of Plitvice Lakes National Park. We cycle through traditional villages and the unspoiled woods and landscapes of the area in or around the park. Along the way, we stop for a tasty lunch in a local village. Relax this evening in Korana Village while enjoying a traditional supper. All meals included.

Biking: 4 hours; Terrain: rolling hills.

Day 4

After saying goodbye to our village hosts we continue south to the "Wild West" narrow canyons of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers. We visit the medieval Krupa Monastery en route. Built in 1317 by monks from Bosnia, it is the oldest orthodox monastery in Croatia. Once at the river and after a short instructional introduction to paddling (watercraft may be raft or sit-upon kayaks depending upon the river conditions), we 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 and, very likely, no one else on the river but our group – it doesn't get better than this! We overnight in the coastal city of Novigrad which has retained its Mediterranean architecture. All meals included.

Kayaking or rafting: Class I/II rapids, 3-4hours.

Day 5

Less than an hour's drive from Novigrad is Paklenica National Park, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite hiking destination for the locals. Lying on the southeast slopes of the Velebit Mountains near the coast and cut by two awe-inspiring gorges, Mala Paklenica and Velika, Paklenica's scenery is one of the most pristine in the whole Mediterranean. The lofty peaks making up this range offer huge views of both coastal and mountain scenery. There are several wonderful hikes through beech and black pine forests to choose from depending upon weather and other factors. One possibility is the trail leading to Borisov Dom, a high mountain hut popular with alpinists. We return to Novigrad for the evening. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.

Hiking: 8 miles; elevation gain 1,000'- 2,000', optional 2,800'.

Day 6

Croatia has more than 3,500 miles of stunning coastline dotted with 1,700 islands of all descriptions. Our morning begins with a short ride on a local wooden boat to the small island of Vrgada where we enjoy a day of kayaking. This lovely island has no cars, no hotels and has one of the finest sandy beaches you'll ever dig your toes into. Paddling comfortable sit-upon kayaks we explore the bays and the beaches while having ample time to swim in the clear azure waters, bask in the sun and savor a beach picnic. This evening we transfer to the town of Skradin, located near the Krka River and at the entrance to the Krka National Park. Inhabited by Croatians since the 9th century, Skradin is a romantic Mediterranean town with narrow paved streets and a picture-perfect marina. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.

Kayaking: 3 hours.

Day 7

A last day of exploring takes us to Krka National Park with its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We explore the park's extensive waterways and complex history dating back to late 10th century and the first Croatian kings. We have the option to visit Skradinski buk waterfall, the place where the second hydro plant in the world was built, just a few years after the one on Niagara Falls. In the afternoon we drive to Trogir and spend the remainder of the day exploring in the old town. We gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our amazing adventure. All meals included.

Hiking: 3-6 miles; Well marked paths.

Day 8

This morning we have an early rising and light breakfast before transferring to the international airport at Split for return flights home. Or, choose to continue your time in Croatia by joining us for our five-day Dubrovnik Hiking & Kayaking extension. Breakfast included.

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