Rivers by the sea – 8 days kayaking, trekking, cycling adventure

Croatia active trip, a journey through time

This eight day Croatia Active Trip is one of the best adventure holidays there is.  A unique blend of fun, adventure and sightseeing. Every day brings you a new activity and a new and exciting scenery. Thus you will enjoy sea kayaking, cycling, trekking, rafting, and river kayaking. As a result you will visit to two national parks: Krka and Paklenica; four rivers: Krka, Krupa, Zrmanja, and Cetina; one island: Zlarin; one river island: Visovac; and one mountain: Velebit.

It doesn’t get better than this active holiday!

Your base for the Croatia Active Trip will be the little town of Skradin. Located at the very edge of Krka National Park. Skradin is a perfect starting point for outdoor holidays. But, this town will also charm you with its labyrinth of narrow streets and its rich history.

Visit to Skradin is not completed without taking a walk to the medieval fortress that sits above the town and boasts one of the most beautiful views in the Adriatic. Today it is an attractive tourist destination with an authentic stone town core. It’s location is in Central Dalmatia. Within a region known for its long beaches and pine woods.

By the way, did you know Bill Gates said Skradin is his ideal place for summer holiday? He must be onto something.

After a great week or the shorter 5 day version on the Croatia Active trip, you might consider extending your stay. Check out our other trips below, which you can add pre or post your main Croatia Active trip.

Day 1 – Arrival to destination – Skradin town

Your base for the Croatia Active Trip will be the town of Skradin.In the evening we will meet in the hotel lobby for a get-together dinner and presentation of the program.

Meals: D. Van transfer from airport – Split 1.5 hour, Zadar 45 min 

Day 2 – Sea kayaking Zlarin Island, optional visit to Sibenik

Today is a sea kayaking day. After a short introduction to paddling, we start our expedition. Island Zlarin is situated just 2 km (1.24 mi) off the mainland. After paddling along its coast, we will stop in the island village, for lunch and a swimming break. Zlarin fun fact: the only electric cars are allowed on the island.

We round up the day with paddling along the coast of Šibenik bay. We will pass by an impressive fortress and enjoy the view on the medieval town of Šibenik. Before our return to Skradin we can make an optional detour to visit Šibenik and its world famous 16th century cathedral.

Meals: B and D (lunch on your own). Kayaking: 4-5 h. Van transfer: 30 min. 

Day 3 – Cycling – Krka National Park, Visit Visovac Island

Today we cycle through Krka National Park. Our first stop is the 44 m (144 ft) high Skradinski Buk waterfall on the Krka River. Small waterfalls that surround it make this a beautiful swimming area. After a swimming break, we continue cycling through the park. We will arrive on the shores of Lake Visovac. A boat takes us to the Visovac islet for a visit to a Franciscan monastery and their small museum.

Afterward, we return to the shore where you will have another swimming break. Finally, on our way back to Skradin we have a magnificent ride downhill with a scenic view of the Lake Prokljan.

Meals: B and D (lunch on your own). Cycling: 4-5 h, moderate. Van support if needed 

Day 4 – River Kayaking – Zrmanja and Krupa

We spend the entire day exploring canyons of the Zrmanja and Krupa rivers. Depending on the water levels your watercraft may be a raft, a canoe or a sit-on-top kayak. You will go down the waterfalls and easy rapids, to hidden swimming pools and through steep-sided canyons.

The Zrmanja and Krupa are considered two of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. You will truly enjoy swimming and jumping into their clear, green waters. It doesn’t get better than this!

Meals: B and D (lunch on your own). Kayaking or rafting: Class II-III rapids, 4-5 h. Van drive: 45 min. 

Day 5 – Optional trip day

Today 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, sightseeing or just go to the beach.
You can also stay in Skradin, take a slow lunch or do souvenir shopping. Besides that, you can go to nearby Šibenik and discover its bustling restaurant scene.
Please note: the optional trip will incur an additional charge of approx. 50 € per person, payable on site, and all trips depend on weather conditions. The price is based on a min. of 4 participants.

Meals: B and D (lunch on your own) 

Day 6 – Trekking – Paklenica National Park, Visit Zadar

If there ever was a morning worth getting up early, this is the one. Today we visit Paklenica National Park. Second oldest national park in Croatia is a famous trekking and rock climbing destination.

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 and intact forests. Secluded paths will take you to the shepherd huts, small churches and abandoned villages.

In the afternoon we head to the ancient city of Zadar. Stroll down the cobbled streets to the Venetian towers, Roman ruins and medieval churches. Finish your day in Zadar with the visit to its contemporary attraction: world famous Sea Organs are an art installation with underwater pipes that create sound with each wave.

Meals: B and D (lunch on your own). Hiking: 3-4 h; Sightseeing Zadar: 2 h. Van drive: 1:15 min. 

Day 7 -Rafting – Cetina River, Visit Split or Trogir

Another day, another beautiful Croatian river. Today we 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. Rafting by the lush forest, caves and under the waterfalls is also very, very fun. The trip ends at the Radmanove Mlinice restaurant, situated in the old mills, right on the banks of the Cetina River.

After an optional lunch, we continue to Split or Trogir (depending on group wishes). Both Split and Trogir are on the UNESCO heritage list but offer a completely different experience. Split is the second largest, and possibly the coolest, Croatian city. It is a bustling city, with the beautiful seafront promenade. Trogir, on the other hand, will charm you with its relaxed vibe.

Meals: B and D (lunch on your own). Rafting: class II-III, 3 h. Van drive: 1:30 min. 

Day 8 – Departure day

The last day of Croatia Active Trip for some guests means going to the airport and taking the flight back home, while others continue their Croatian vacations. If you are flying home, we will arrange your transfer to the airport. However, if you are staying, our guides will be happy to give you recommendations. Ask them about other places you want to visit and the things you want to do. They will give you great tips that aren’t listed in your guidebook.

Meals: B. Van drive from airport: Split 1:30 min, or Zadar 45 min 

Seasons & prices 2024

	High	Intermediate	Low
Double	890,00€	810,00€	720,00€
Child	801,00€	729,00€	648,00€
Single	1068,00€	972,00€	864,00€

High Season: June 27 – August 21
Intermediate: June 6 – 26; August 22 – September 11
Low Season: May 16 – June 5; September 12 – 26

The prices are set in euros. The exact price in other currencies is calculated on the day of booking according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank.
All prices are per person.

Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s).
Children discount is valid for children 8-12 years.

What is included

• 7 nights in double/twin room
• meals as noted in the itinerary (7xB=breakfast and 7xD=dinner)
• use of kayaks, bicycles, paddles, life jackets, helmets
• 5 days of organized activities
• neoprene shorts and booties or sandals in case of cold weather
• NP entrance fees
• Saturday transfers from/to Split and Zadar airport, bus or train station
• skilled bi-lingual guide and assistance
• ground transportation (private transport throughout)
• local taxes
• insurance

Not included

• international airfare to/from Croatia;
• beverages and meals as noted in itinerary
• items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s).
• optional trip on day 5, but it can be booked and paid on spot.

Cancellation terms

If the Client should cancel or abort the travel, all Client’s cancellations must be in writing – by e-mail or fax. The written cancellation date shall be the basis for the compensation of cancellation costs which shall be collected by the Agency as per conditions set forth below (percentage of total arrangement price):

• 30 or more days prior to arrival: 10%
• 29-22 days prior to arrival: 25%
• 21-15 days prior to arrival: 40%
• 14-8 days prior to arrival: 80%
• 7-0 days prior to arrival or no show: 90%
  Failing to make appearance and travel without prior cancellation shall entitle the Agency to withhold 100% of the payment made regardless of the reason or reasons for the cancellation.

Group size

Min 4 – max 16 people per group; larger groups are on request. Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. In case the minimum number of participants is not met but the guest/s still want to do the trip, the price increases by a percentage depending on the final number of participants.

Skill level

Moderate

Accommodation

The 3* hotel Skradinski Buk is located in Skradin, only 300 meters away from the coast. Skradin is the official boat 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.

Air Travel

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate. Early arrivals / Extended stay notes – we include two transfers with each trip. These are usually the transfers on the first and the last day of the trip. In case you are arriving a few days earlier or extending your stay in Croatia after your trip with us, we can provide additional airport transfers.

Meals

Meals tend to be fairly heavy on the meats and sausages, 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 favorite protein snacks.

We kindly ask you to fill out the reservation form with requested details to get an offer with a booking option.