Clear Rivers, Hidden Canyons
Starigrad Paklenica Activity Holiday Croatia
The daily program on our activity holiday Croatia is a combination of kayaking, walking, swimming, sightseeing and exploring hidden canyons. Through hidden canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica, two mountain streams have been flowing for thousands of years. They flow towards the sea and form a fertile plain at its base. Together with a peaceful shore, the plain creates the site of Starigrad town. Gently laid out along twenty kilometers of seacoast at the foot of the magnificent Velebit Mountain. Therefore the Paklenica Riviera joins the mountain and the sea. The Mediterranean with an upland climate, tradition with modernity.
Clear rivers joining the sea
Starigrad is located in the far northwestern part of Dalmatia, as a part of the Zadar oriented region. As the center of the Paklenica Riviera, Starigrad is a small but lively tourist town. With somewhat more than one thousand inhabitants. Here the locals exchanged their traditional way of life in the foothills of the Velebit for life alongside the sea some half a century ago. Starigrad is not merely a pleasant seaside resort. It is also a traditional gathering place for hikers and climbers, adventurers and scientists. Therefore all nature lovers who come to enjoy the beauties of Paklenica and the Velebit mountain. If you prefer one of our different activity holiday Croatia please follow the link for more offers.
Short itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to destination – Starigrad Paklenica
Day 2: Trekking Krupa River Canyon
Day 3: Kayaking the upper part of Mrežnica Canyon
Day 4: Trekking in NP Paklenica + optional rock climbing
Day 5: Sea Kayaking to Vinjerac, afternoon visit to Zadar
Day 6: Free day – optional
Day 7: Zrmanja Canoe Safari
Day 8: Departure
Arrival to destination – Starigrad-Paklenica
Meals: D; Van drive from airport: Split 2,30 hours or Zadar 45 min
Trekking Krupa River Canyon
Meals: B, L and D; hiking: 3h, moderate
Kayaking the upper part of Mrežnica River Canyon, OPTIONAL visit to NP Plitvice Lakes
On our way back to Starigrad we can visit Plitvice Lakes, Croatia's premier National Park for a short walk. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. (Please note that the optional visit to NP Plitvice will incur an additional charge, payable on site)
Meals: B (picnic lunch on your own, dinner on your own); Van drive: 2.30h one way; kayaking: Class III rapids, 3h.
Trekking NP Paklenica, OPTIONAL rock climbing course
For those looking for more excitement, we will have a chance to test our persistence and hardworking personalities by joining an optional short rock climbing school. When we arrive to our climbing spot you’ll dress up in climbing gear and your instructor will set an easy route for you to try to climb it. You’ll learn how to tie useful knots and how to use safety gear. The instructor will be watching you and protecting you from potential risks. (Please note that the optional rock climbing course will incur an additional charge, payable on site)
Meals: B and D (optional lunch at Ramica Dvori mountain hut); hiking: 4-6 hours; moderate
Sea Kayaking to Vinjerac, afternoon visit to Zadar
Finishing our fabulous day we continue our journey to visit Zadar, a beautiful old town on the Adriatic coast. In the past several years, Zadar town has become an outdoor exhibition, attracting people from all demographic structures. It is really worth seeing and experiencing. We will get to experience Zadar´s most beautiful sunset and have time for dinner. We return to the hotel for overnight.
Meals: B (lunch on your own, optional dinner in Zadar); kayaking: 4hours, moderate. Van drive to Zadar 1h
Free day – optional
Meals: B and D (lunch on your own)
Zrmanja Canoe Safari
Meals: B and D (optional picnic-lunch); Van drive: 50 min; kayaking or rafting: Class I/II rapids, 4-5 h
Departure day
Meals: B; Van drive: Split 2,30 hours, Zadar 45 min
Note on Itinerary:
This itinerary is subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Raftrek Guides and Trip Leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients 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. Raftrek reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.
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*** Read more
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Hotel Vicko situated near the beach, in the quiet part of the town. Hotel Vicko has 58 beds in single and double rooms with a view of the sea or the park. Classic rooms are equipped with a shower and toilette, air conditioning, phone, satellite TV and a safe. Maritime rooms are equipped with all the basics but also have a balcony with a sea view. Hotel guests have a 24-hour-guarded parking lot, an exchange office and a beach with chairs, sunshades and a shower available.
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 Dubrovnik 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.
Prices
- All prices are per person in EUR
- Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s)
- Children discount is valid for children 8-12 years of age if accompanied by an adult
* 1 child enjoying discount shares parents’ room, 2 or more children can have their own room - Single use rooms are available upon request, with 20% surcharge. Sharing a room with another person of the same sex is possible
**NOTE: The prices are fixed in euros. This conversion is for comparison purposes only. The exact price in dollars or pounds is calculated on the day of booking according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank.
Departure seasons
High Season: June 29 – August 23
Intermediate: June 8-June 28, August 24-Sept 13
Low Season: May 19-June 7, Sept 14-Sept 27
What’s included
- 7 nights in 3* Hotel Vicko
- meals as noted in the itinerary (7xB=breakfast, 1xlunch, and 5xD=dinner)
- use of kayaks, paddles, life jackets, helmets
- 5 days organized activities
- neoprene shorts and booties or sandals in case of cold weather
- park entrance fees
- Saturday transfers from/to Split and Zadar airport, bus or train station
- skilled guide and assistance
- ground transportation (private transport throughout)
- local taxes
Not included
- international airfare to/from Croatia
- beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in the itinerary (3rd and 5th-night dinners on your own)
- items of personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s)
- optional trip on day 6, but it can be booked and paid on spot
CANCELATION MADE BY RAFTREK
In the unlikely case of extreme weather conditions, Raftrek Adventure Travel will reschedule the activity for a day or two prior or after the date booked, if possible. If the rescheduling is not possible, the payments will be refunded in full. Read more – Terms & conditions.
Staff & Experts
Raftrek Guides and Trip Leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients 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.
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.
Questions – Feel free to call us at 0038516521666, if you still have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help you. For further information on FAQ please visit our website www.raftrek.com
