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Map of Croatia: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Croatia

Enjoy trekking, biking and kayaking on this week-long active Croatia adventure

Croatia is home to some of the most beautiful national parks, waterfalls and mountains in Europe. Many of its most stunning natural features can be found in and around Paklenica National Park. Get your heart pumping as you hike, bike and kayak amongst some of the country’s most gorgeous surrounds. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy fresh, local cuisine, see the sights and enjoy some down time in this beautiful country on the Adriatic Sea.

Start
Zadar, Croatia
Finish
Starigrad Paklenica, Croatia
Destination
Croatia
Style
Original
Theme
Multi-Active Adventures
Code
ZMXC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Get into the heart of Paklenica National Park on foot and by bike, a place where the mountains meet the sea, where stunning deep gorges, lush forests, and lost villages wait to be explored

  • Sea kayak out on the silken blue waters of the Adriatic, dramatic mountains the backdrop while following the coast to the delightful fishing hamlet of Vinjerac

  • Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park, marvelling at luminous lakes and waterfalls that seem to have been sketched by an artist

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is an active trip packed with activities such as cycling, kayaking and trekking. To fully enjoy it, you'll need to be in a good state of health and fitness. To participate in the water-based experiences, you'll need to be a confident swimmer.

  • Because the itinerary is packed with lots of exciting activities this trip involves some early starts and long days.

  • Starigrad Paklenica, the base for this trip from day 2, is located approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Split, and 50 kilometres north of Zadar. Arrival transfers to the starting location in Zadar are available for purchase from the airports of both cities.

  • You will be staying in local apartments in Starigrad Paklenica, all of which have private facilities.

Kayaking in Croatia
Two girls walking over sun salutation, Zadar, Croatia

Itinerary
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Arrive in Zadar. Ease into things with a welcome meeting, where you’ll get acquainted with the rest of the group. The evening is spent at your leisure exploring the streets of Zadar. Perhaps head out with your group for dinner at a traditional restaurant and sample local favourites such as 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 according to 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.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
A private transfer can be booked for any time of the day from both Split and Zadar Airports (at an extra cost). Meet your leader and group at a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight – check with reception to confirm the time and place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). There are no activities planned before the meeting, so if you arrive early there are plenty of things to keep you busy.

For centuries, Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. An important coastal town, the musical steps of the ‘Sea Organ’ on Zadar's waterfront is both fascinating to hear and express the city’s important relationship with the sea. In the morning, trace marble streets through the Old Town and discover Roman ruins in amongst medieval churches on an orientation walk with your leader. After lunch, take a local bus to Starigrad Paklenica, a small town in a 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 metres in height. The evening is spent at your leisure exploring the streets of Starigrad (literally 'Old Town'), one of the oldest towns in Europe, built on the historic Roman settlement of Argyruntum. Relax harbourside tonight before all your activity this week.
Accommodation
  • Local apartment (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
For your time in Starigrad Paklenica you will be staying in local apartments with private facilities.

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 and reveal some of the most magnificent views of the park. Have your camera at the ready to capture the lush surroundings, which are a result of the pure spring water that flows through the area, blossoming the trees and meadows. When you arrive at a mountain lodge there’ll be time for a traditional lunch (optional). After lunch, why not try the homemade brandy of the region. Alternatively, try some of the 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 Starigrad accommodation.
Accommodation
  • Local apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided Hike in Paklenica National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total walking time today is approximately 6-9 hours, with an altitude difference of around 850 metres.

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, thousands of plant species, 79 of which are endemic to the area. Cycle along dry stone walls through picturesque villages, characterized by traditional stone architecture, and pass many cultural and historical sites, with the Adriatic Sea never far away. The afternoon is free for you to either continue exploring the area by bike, or relax in the beautiful surroundings.
Accommodation
  • Local apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mountain Biking in or around Paklenica National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The cycling route chosen will depend on the group's ability – there are three routes that can either be tackled individually, or they can be combined. They run from about 15 to approximately 40 kilometres in length and the activity will take 3-4 hours. Helmets are provided.

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-kilometre/9-mile 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. Seasonality and water levels in the river will determine whether rafting or canoeing can be offered. Your leader will be able to assist you with booking this activity. Otherwise, return to Paklenica National Park for some more hiking and biking, head to Zadar or simply relax on a beach.
Accommodation
  • Local apartment (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Nadin Village Wine Tasting and Lunch - Price from - HRK150
  • Half Day Bike Hire in Starigrad - EUR13
  • Bluesun Hotel Wellness & Spa - HRK130
  • Manita Cave - HRK30
  • Rafting or Canoeing on Zrmanja River - EUR45
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today take a trip to the stunning World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park (approximately 1.5 hours). It's 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. The waters tumble from a high, tree-lined ridge down through the valley and skirt dense forests of beech, spruce and pine. Return to Starigrad in the afternoon. In the evening, perhaps come together for a traditional Croatian dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Local apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This is a place where the mountains meet the sea, and today you’ll hit the beach and then keep on going for a sea kayak 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 spectacular backdrop as you glide along the blue satin water and tour the coastline. There will be plenty of opportunity to stop along the way, for a lunch break, to swim and simply to soak in the stunning surrounds. Continue until you reach your final destination, 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 when we meet up for an included traditional Croatian dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Local apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sea Kayaking Excursion on Paklenica Bay
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's kayaking activity takes around 4 hours. As you will be out on the water with no shade please make sure you don't forget your hat, sunglasses and plenty of sun protection.

After breakfast it’s time to bid a fond farewell to this active Croatia adventure. If you would like to stay longer in Starigrad Paklenica we are happy to book you additional accommodation (subject to availability). A departure transfer is not included but can be booked at an additional cost to both Split Airport or Zadar Airport.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Bicycle, Kayak, On foot

Accommodation

Hostel (1 night), Local apartments (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Guided Hike in Paklenica National Park
  • Mountain Biking in or around Paklenica National Park
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
  • Sea Kayaking Excursion on Paklenica Bay

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Croatia: Hike, Bike & Kayak trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Starigrad Paklenica, the base for this trip from day 2, is located approximately 150 kilometers north-west of Split, and 50 kilometers north of Zadar. Arrival transfers to the starting location in Zadar are available for purchase from the airports of both cities.
2. This multi-activity trip requires a good level of fitness and health.
3. You will be staying in local apartments in Starigrad Paklenica, all of which have private facilities.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveler of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- Day 1 - Zadar
Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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