Croatia: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure starts in Zadar with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe start exploring the streets of Zadar at your own pace. After the meeting, maybe head out with your group for dinner at a traditional restaurant and sample some local favourites like lamb in red wine, njoki (gnocchi) with Dalmatian ham or fresh fish. Don't forget to try the famous liqueur, Maraskino, made from locally grown maraschino cherries from a centuries' old secret recipe. This unique drink was a favourite at European imperial and royal courts and has been produced in Zadar since 1821.

For centuries, Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia and this morning, you’ll discover its rich cultural heritage at every turn. Trace the marble streets through the Old Town, past the Roman ruins and medieval churches on a leader-led orientation walk. After lunch, take a local bus to Stari Grad Paklenica – a small town in the harbour that sits at the foot of the World Heritage-listed Velebit Nature Park. This is your gateway to the Paklenica National Park – two canyons divide this mountainous region filled with gorges and cliffs that reach up to 400 m in height. Tonight, you’re free to explore the streets of Stari Grad (Old Town) – one of the oldest towns in Europe, built on the historic Roman settlement of Argyruntum. (B)

After breakfast, it’s time to set off on the first active day of the trip. Paklenica National Park is home to incredible rock formations, stunning natural scenery and one of the most visited climbing sites in Europe. Get acquainted with the area on a hike through the Velebit Mountain Range in Paklenica National Park. Your hike will take you by the right edge of the Velika Paklenica Canyon to reveal some of the most magnificent views of the park. The lush surroundings are a result of the pure spring water that flows through the area, blossoming the trees and meadows. Head to a mountain lodge for an optional traditional lunch. After, why not try this region’s homemade brandy or some of the local herbal tea, made from the region’s famous Velebit herbs. Back on the track, you’ll drop by a 17th century village, Sklopina, which consists of houses built into the cracks in the rock. The return path leads you to the very bottom of the Velika Paklenica Canyon along the creek, where you can freshen up before returning to the comfort of your Stari Grad accommodation. (B)

It’s time to head back and explore the mountain paths in or around Paklenica National Park – except this time it’s on two wheels. The grassy hills and rugged mountain trails of the park make for a great spot to get some mountain biking practice in. Cycle around the countryside and enjoy this breath-taking part of Croatia. The trail travels through the characteristic rocky landscape of Dalmatia, dominated by the view of the slopes of the serrated Velebit mountain peaks and beech and black pine forest. Ride through untouched nature and diverse flora and fauna, including thousands of plant species – 79 of which are endemic to the area. Cycle along dry-stone walls through villages characterised by traditional stone architecture. The afternoon is free for you to either continue exploring the area by bike or to relax in the beautiful surroundings. (B)

Enjoy a free day to get active however you choose. Those in search of a thrill can go on an exciting canoe safari or a whitewater rafting adventure, taking you from Kastel Zegarski on a 14 km (9 mi) journey, past magnificent waterfalls and stunning karst scenery of narrow valleys and steep-sided canyons to Obrovac. During rafting season, the rapids will be grade 2 or potentially even grade 3. The first part of the trip is easy, allowing you to get a feel for your craft and enjoy the surroundings, and then it will gradually get more downhill, with an increase in waterfalls and rapids. If you don’t feel like rafting, you can return to Paklenica National Park for some more hiking and biking or simply relax on the beach. (B)

Today, take a trip to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This is one of the oldest national parks in south-eastern Europe and the largest in Croatia. A misty Eden of endless waterfalls and spectral blue lakes, you could spend days wandering the serene landscape. The waters tumble from a high, tree-lined ridge down through the valley and skirt dense forests of beech, spruce and pine. If you’re a bit of a photographer, you definitely want your camera today! Later, return to Stari Grad. In the evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner. (B)

Today, you’ll hit the beach for a sea kayaking adventure in Paklenica Bay. Strike out on the clear blue sea through the Velebit Channel and spend some time on the water. The Velebit mountains will serve as your backdrop as you glide along the blue satin water and tour the coastline. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way, for a lunch break, to swim and to soak in the stunning surroundings. Your final destination is the nearby fishing village of Vinjerac, known for its neat row of pastel-coloured houses fronting the harbour. The rest of the day is free until the evening, where you’ll meet up with your group again for a traditional Croatian dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay in Croatia, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. (B)