Rivers by the Sea
Croatia active trip, a journey through time
This eight day Croatia active trip is one of the best adventure holidays there is with it’s unique blend of fun, adventure and sightseeing. An day to day itinerary brings you a new activity and a new and exciting scenery. Therefore you will enjoy sea kayaking, cycling, trekking, rafting, and river kayaking. As a result you will visit 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 this Active Trip will be the little town of Skradin. It is 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.
Short itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to destination – Skradin
Day 2: Sea kayaking Zlarin Island
Day 3: Cycling Krka National Park (Skradinski Buk and Visovac Island)
Day 4: Kayaking the Zrmanja River
Day 5: Optional trip day
Day 6: Trekking NP Paklenica
Day 7: Rafting the Cetina River
Day 8: Departure
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 trip.
Highlights of Croatia Active Trip
rivers: Krka, Zrmanja, Krupa, Cetina | national parks: Krka, and Paklenica | town of Skradin | Zlarin island |
Arrival to the Destination – Skradin
Meals: D. Van transfer from airport – Split 1.5 hour, Zadar 45 min
Sea kayaking- Island Zlarin, optional visit to Šibenik
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.
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
River Kayaking – Zrmanja and Krupa
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.
Optional trip day
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)
Trekking – Paklenica National Park, Visit Zadar
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.
Rafting - Cetina River, Visit Split or Trogir
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.
Departure
Meals: B. Van drive from airport: Split 1:30 min, or 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
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.
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
| high | intermediate | low | |
|---|---|---|---|
| double | 890,00 € | 810,00 € | 720,00 € |
| child | 801,00 € | 729,00 € | 648,00 € |
| single | 1068,00 € | 972,00 € | 864,00 € |
**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 June 27 – August 21
Inter. June 6 – 26; August 22 – September 11
Low May 16 – June 5; September 12 – 26
What’s included
- 7 nights in a 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
- alcoholic beverages and lunches or picnics 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
Other trips in the region
