WHAT TO EXPECT

Hidden Gems of Croatia is a active & sustainable 7-day adventure through some of Croatia’s most beautiful and lesser-known landscapes. Designed for active travelers seeking authentic experiences, this journey combines activity, wellness, local gastronomy and cultural heritage.

From the enchanting waterfalls of Rastoke and the emerald waters of the Mrežnica River to the legendary mountain of Klek and the dramatic rock formations of Bijele Stijene, each day reveals a different side of inland Croatia. Along the way, you’ll meet local hosts, visit family-run farms, discover traditional crafts and recipes, and experience the region through its food, stories, and landscapes.

The journey combines active exploration with moments of relaxation and premium wellness experiences, including forest bathing and apitherapy. Staying in unique nature-inspired accommodation and enjoying locally sourced food throughout the trip, you’ll experience Croatia far beyond its well-known coastlines – in a way that is active, authentic, and sustainable.

 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

  • Croatia beyond the coast – Discover the hidden landscapes, traditions, and stories of Kordun and Gorski Kotar.
  • Adventure in nature – Hike, kayak, raft, cycle, and horseback ride through forests, rivers, valleys and mountains.
  • Authentic local experiences – Meet local producers, visit family farms, taste traditional products, and discover generations-old culinary traditions.
  • Legends & storytelling – Explore Ogulin through the magical world of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić and hear the legends surrounding Mount Klek.
  • Nature & wellness – Slow down with forest bathing, apitherapy, peaceful nature escapes, and time to reconnect with yourself.
  • Unique accommodation – Stay in distinctive nature-based properties surrounded by forests and rural landscapes.
  • Active & sustainable travel – Experience the destination through human-powered activities while supporting local communities and small producers.
People in kayak passing waterfall
Hidden Gems of Croatia- Kordun and Gorski Kotar

ITINERARY

Explore the hidden gems of Kordun and Gorski Kotar in detail! Here is how your adventure will look like:

Meeting Point: Zagreb or Zadar

Sample itinerary:

DAY 1 – Arrival in Rastoke

  • Arrival at Tree Elements, a unique nature retreat with luxury wooden cabins surrounded by forest
  • Dinner in the Forest – an atmospheric outdoor dinner featuring locally sourced products from family farms
  • Overnight at Tree Elements

DAY 2 – Mreznica River & Forest Bathing

  • Rafting on the Mrežnica River with swimming and a picnic by the waterfalls
  • Traditional lunch by the river
  • Guided Forest Bathing experience in the forest
  • Dinner and overnight at Tree Elements

DAY 3 – Ogulin, Fairytales & Cycling Through Dobra Valley

  • Explore Ogulin and the magical world of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić with a local guide
  • Visit Đulin Ponor, Frankopan Castle and Ivana’s House of Fairy Tales
  • Guided 22 km cycling tour through the Dobra and Vitunjčica valleys
  • Zero-waste dinner prepared with local ingredients
  • Overnight at Tree Elements

DAY 4 – Mount Klek & Apitherapy

  • Guided hike to legendary Mount Klek and discover its local myths and stories
  • Traditional lunch at a mountain hut
  • Visit OPG Salopek and experience apitherapy
  • Taste homemade local products and meet the hosts
  • Return to Tree Elements and free evening

DAY 5 – Kayaking the Mrežnica, Rastoke & Horseback Riding

  • Kayaking through the canyon of the Mrežnica River
  • Visit Rastoke and discover the traditional watermills
  • Lunch by the waterfalls
  • Guided horseback riding through the landscapes around Rakovica
  • Dinner and overnight in charming traditional villa in Janja Gora

DAY 6 – Bijele Stijene Nature Reserve & Culinary Experience

  • Hike through the Bijele Stijene Nature Reserve
  • Explore the dramatic limestone formations, including Kraljicin Prolaz and Klecice
  • Creative culinary workshop with chef Marin Rendic in Janja Gora
  • Overnight in Janja Gora

DAY 7 – Departure

  • Breakfast featuring local products
  • Free time for a final walk or relaxation in nature
  • Transfer to Zagreb or Zadar

Please note:
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.

Person kayaking in the canyon of Mreznica River
Hidden Gems of Croatia- Kordun and Gorski Kotar

TRIP NOTES

Included

✓ Accommodation: 6 nights in carefully selected nature-based accommodation, including Tree Elements and an authentic villa in Janja Gora

✓ Meals: Daily breakfasts and dinners, plus selected lunches, picnics, tastings, and local culinary experiences as described in the itinerary

✓ Guided Activities: Guided rafting, kayaking, cycling, hiking, horseback riding, forest bathing, and cultural experiences throughout the trip

✓ Local Experiences: Visits to local family farms (OPGs), traditional food tastings, storytelling, cultural heritage experiences, and a culinary workshop

✓ Equipment: Necessary equipment for the included outdoor activities

✓ Guide Expertise: Professional local guides and activity leaders throughout the adventure

✓ Transport: Private transfers and transportation during the tour

✓ Entrance Fees: Entrance fees and activity fees for the included experiences

 

Not Included

✕ International flights to/from Croatia

✕ Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

✕ Personal expenses and souvenirs

✕ Travel insurance and personal medical expenses

✕ Optional gratuities for guides and local hosts

 

What to Bring

We recommend packing the following for a fun and comfortable experience:

  • Comfortable activewear suitable for hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities
  • Hiking shoes or walking shoes
  • Swimwear and a towel
  • Water shoes or secure footwear that can get wet
  • Lightweight rain jacket and warm layers for cooler evenings
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Small backpack for day trips
  • Personal medications and essentials
  • Camera or phone for capturing memories

Group Size

Small group adventure: minimum 5, maximum 8 participants

Minimum numbers apply

Larger groups can be accommodated by request

Please note:

There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are 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.

Person with a backpack hiking on a mountain
Hidden Gems of Croatia- Kordun and Gorski Kotar

PRICES

All prices are per person in EUR.

Low: May 1 – June 12; September 7 – September 30

High: June 13 – September 6

PERIOD LOW HIGH
PRICE  1850€  2050€

 

Price on 10.09.2026.

PERIOD LOW HIGH
PRICE  1850€ 2050 €