ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Arrival to destination – Novigrad village

Our trip begins today in Novigrad, a small fisherman’s village. Novigrad is a lively and colourful costal town and is manageable on foot. Our hotel is well located for exploring and enjoying the magnificent view of the bay and mountain peaks of the Velebit Nature Park. After settling into your accommodation, we will meet in the hotel lobby for a get-together dinner and a presentation of the program.

Van drive from airport: Split 2 hours or Zadar 30 min 

DAY 2 – Sea kayaking under Maslenica Bridge

 This day is all about exploring hidden places of Novigrad Bay in our sea kayaks. After sea kayaking instructions on the beach just in front of our hotel, we head out towards Maslenica Bridge. It was built over Novsko ždrilo – the narrow channel which connects Velebit channel and the Novigrad Sea. Total length of the bridge is 300 m. Once we reach the Maslenica Bridge, representable red construction that was destroyed during the war in Croatia but rebuilt in early 2006, we challenge ourselves to find the most beautiful little beach to make our lunch break.

Kayaking: 4 hours, moderate 

DAY 3 – Hiking day in the Paklenica National Park and Zadar town sightseeing

If there ever was a morning worth getting up early, this is that morning. Our small expedition leads us into Paklenica National Park, the most famous hiking and rock-climbing national park in Croatia. It covers the area of torrent flows of Velika and Mala Paklenica, and their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the southern slopes of Velebit and the broader surrounding area. This relatively small area has an abundance of exceptional diversity of geomorphologic phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes, and intact nature. Having adapted to the geographic and climatic environment, the residents mostly engaged in nomad stock herding, which is confirmed by mountain shepherd residences. The fact that many people stayed in mountain residences in summertime is reflected in the ruins of numerous sacral buildings: churches, chapels, altars, holy hills, and measures. The name Paklenica probably derives from black pine sap called “paklina”, which the locals used in traditional medicine, for wound treatment, for light and for coating of wooden boats. Hiking is the only way to really get to know Paklenica. We return to Novigrad for dinner.

Van drive: 1 hour; hiking: 4-6 hours; moderate 

DAY 4 – Kayaking Zrmanja River – magnificent wild-west-like canyon

We head out for kayaking down the magnificent wild-west-like canyon of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers. After a short introduction to paddling (it will be kayaking or a rafting tour depending on a water level at the time of the travel), we push off for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and emerald waters of these Croatian rivers, considered two of the most beautiful in Europe. From the geologic aspect, Zrmanja is also very interesting. The basin of Zrmanja is, according to geologic research, built mostly of limestone and dolomite. Waterfalls and easy rapids, hidden swimming pools, steep-sided canyons – it doesn’t get better than this! Relax this evening in peaceful Novigrad while enjoying a traditional supper.

Van drive: 30 min; kayaking or rafting: Class I/II rapids, 3-4 hours

DAY 5 – Optional trip day

 On your optional day you can be as active or as lazy as you wish. You can relax by the river, swim, play beach volleyball or even take another optional bike tour on your own. Several organized and guided tours of hiking, canyoning, climbing, sightseeing or beach trips will be proposed in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer. (Please note that the optional trip will incur an additional charge of approx. 70€ per head, payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a min. of 4 participants.)

DAY 6 – Trekking Krupa River

Through millenniums Zrmanja and Krupa rivers in the Velebit Mountain Nature Park have carved a spectacular canyon and built magnificent waterfalls. These are two of the most beautiful rivers in Europe with green banks and perfectly clear water. We start our day with a van drive to a little village called Golubic where very few people live nowadays. One of Croatia’s prettiest rivers is probably exactly the tiny Krupa. Located just under the steep slopes of Velebit, this beautiful river stretches from the lovely spring all the way through a deep canyon where it meets Zrmanja – another beautiful karst river. Arriving to Golubic village, we visit a local sheep and goat farm. After tasting local cheese and drinks, we take a short walk down the hill to Kudin most – or The Bridge of Kuda – one of the nicest places in the hinterland of Zadar. Actually, the place is called Deveterci for the 9 small cascades that make the place so magical. Kudin Bridge was built at the turn of the 18th to 19th century. Legend says that a young guy called Kuda wanted to be closer to his loved one that lived on the other side of the river so he built a bridge from 12 arches out of travertine blocks and just as many pillars. The last two arches are now damaged but Kudin Bridge still stands despite time and high water level in winter. After the hike, we will stop and visit the Orthodox monastery on the Krupa river bank. You will experience only the sound of river and birds. Magical! 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 worth seeing and experiencing.

Hiking: 3-4 hours, moderate  

DAY 7 – Sea kayaking expedition into Zrmanja River canyon

We start our day just in front of the hotel and take a trip into the Zrmanja River canyon. The water here is brackish (mixed fresh and saltwater) which is the reason for abundant life under the surface. The eel, which dwells here, is a favourite gourmet specialty, but we are more likely to spot turtles, fish and birds along the way. After kayaking upstream on calm water like oil, swimming and jumping off cliffs, we make an optional lunch break. In the evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner on the most beautiful terrace.

Kayaking: 4-6 hours, moderate 

DAY 8 – Departure day

Depart Novigrad for the airport and flight home. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit – especially those you won’t find in tourist guidebooks.

Van drive: Split 2 hours, Zadar 30 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.

TRIP NOTES

What’s included

• 7 nights in an apartment with en-suite bathroom and kitchenette
• meals as noted in the itinerary (7xB=breakfast and 6xD=dinner)
• use of kayaks, bicycles, 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
• insurance

Not included

• international airfare to/from Croatia
• beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in the itinerary (6th-night dinner on your own)
• 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

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.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in a newly renovated 3* apart-hotel Castrum Novum situated right on the beach, at the quiet end of the village. All apartments are air conditioned, with shower/toilet, telephone/Internet line, fully equipped kitchen and satellite TV. Its pleasant cafe and restaurant terrace give memorable views of the sunset over the bay and Velebit Mountain peaks.  Wellness, fitness and sauna centre is free of charge for guests of this activity program.

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