INFORMATION

Hike, paddle, and bike Zrmanja Canyon with us on these 6 days/5 night magnificent tour. We took the very best activities in the Zadar hinterland and packed them up for you to explore the less touristy places in Croatia. Enjoy a different view of Dalmatia, experience the local history by visiting the 7-century-old monastery, and talk to the local folks about the ways of life. Add some activities and you’ve got a perfect holiday! We’ll travel through the Zrmanja canyon by using the best means nature has granted us – our legs, rivers, sea, and a small contribution by humans – wheels.

As the region thrives with many rivers and streams, firstly we’ll enjoy trekking in the canyon of the Krupa River. The pearl of the Velebit mountain is protected by the Nature Park, but going through narrow “goat” paths, over the rocks and small meadows will pay off once we reach the Kuda’s bridge and Deveterci (Niners). This rocky bridge was built in the 19th century by a young man named Kuda who wanted to reach his love across the river – so he built a bridge with his bare hands. Or, at least, that’s what the legend tells us. Right before the bridge, we will experience Deveterci or Niners in English – 9 cascade waterfalls and rapids that splash towards the green oasis after the Kuda’s bridge.

Out of Zrmanja Canyon, and back by the road

On the next phase of our adventure, paddle down the rapids of the Zrmanja River, enjoy small riverbank camps, and don’t forget about the local food. We will make sure that you try all homemade specialities and locally grown vegetables and fruits. Paddle through the last part of the Zrmanja Canyon and find yourself in the Novigrad Sea. Finish the water part of the tour at the small village in Novigrad Bay before heading back to camp.

To finish the tour, we’ll cycle from the first base at Kaštel Žegarski to the Krupa Orthodox Monastery. After learning about history, it’s time to wrap up our adventure with swimming and relaxing at the nearby swimming point at the river. We will cycle back to the base, and spend our last day together with a farewell dinner. On the departure day, we will drive you to Zadar, where we’ll part with great memories.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Arrival to destination, Kastel Zegarski

We will pick you up at the airport, harbour, or main bus station in Zadar – or you are free to arrive by yourself at our base at Kaštel Žegarski. The trip begins with the gathering of the group and the first dinner where the guide will give you all the necessary information for the trip ahead. Your overnight is at a campsite, where you can enjoy a quiet night before the adventure really begins.

Accommodation: camp; Meals: D, Transfer: 1 hour

DAY 2 – Trekking at the Krupa canyon 

Your adventure starts in the morning with a short drive to the path to the canyon of the Krupa river, visiting Kuda’s bridge and beautiful Niners (9 waterfalls and rapids). We will have a short break here for swimming and enjoying the scenery, as well as to dig in your self-brought picnic lunch. We continue down the canyon to the conjunction of the Krupa and Zrmanja rivers for a breathtaking views. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. After a day well spent, we return to the camp for an overnight.

Accommodation: campsite; Meals: B, D; Trekking: app. 5 hours

 

DAY 3 – Packrafting Zrmanja river

Wake up at the serene, family run camp and enjoy a locally grown, homemade breakfast. After a short drive to the rafting base, prepare your equipment for the day. Enjoy the calm and pristine nature this beautiful nature park has to offer before reaching the second half of the river where the real adventure awaits! Your guide will give you a short safety briefing, and off we go. Enjoy perfecting your paddling skills on multiple rapids and an occasional waterfall. Upon finishing up at Muskovci village, you’ll have some free time to relax on the beach, enjoy swimming under the waterfalls or just go for some drinks before dinner. Dinner will be served in a local family-run restaurant, and your overnight is again at the calm camp.

Accommodation: Camp; Meals: B, D, Packrafting: app. 4 hours

 

DAY 4 – Kayaking into the sea

We’ll have an early start today, as we need to reach the small town of Obrovac before embarking on the river again. You’ll have a chance to pick up your necessities at the store before the safety talk and starting on the next part of our adventure. From this small town, we paddle through the canyon into the mouth of the river to the sea. The water here is more like the sea than it is to the river, as the wildlife is a little bit different. Enjoy the rock formations in the canyon but be prepared to be left in awe upon reaching the sea and leaving the canyon. You’ll see the open space on one side, and the strong Velebit mountain overhead us from the other side. We will finish up our water part of the adventure at the small village of Meka Draga.

Accommodation: Camp; Meals: B, D; Transfer: 20 min one way, Kayaking: app. 5 hours 

DAY 5 – E-Cycling to the Krupa Orthodox Monastery and relaxing on the river

Before starting the road part of our tour, the guide will again give you a short safety briefing. Then you’ll cycle through the Zadar hinterland, through small villages and less populated places, stopping at the local springs to get some rest and fresh water. Our first destination is Krupa Orthodox Monastery.  The local pastor will show us around, with a short intro into the local history and heritage. After the Monastery tour, we ride down to the secret swimming point, known only to locals. We will enjoy picnic lunch and relay there. We finish our route at our Zrmanja base in Kaštel Žegarski, and enjoy a local dinner in the evening. Share your memories with your travel-mates and your guide and doze off with a million star view.

Accommodation: Camp; Meals: B, D; E-Cycling: app 4 hours 

DAY 6 – Departure

Our final morning has arrived, and after breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes and depart toward Zadar. 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. For those finishing up their holidays, we’ll transfer you to the Zadar airport, harbour, or main bus station.

Meals: D; Transfer: Zadar – app. 1 hour

 

 

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

Add ons:

  • sleeping bag 11€ for 5 nights
  • additional transfers (outside Zadar region) – calculated on request

 

What’s included:

  • 5 nights in the campsite (tent, pillow and sleeping mat included)
  • 5 x dinner, 5 x breakfast (special dietary requests can be met, please let us know in advance)
  • 4 days of organized activities
  • Use of equipment necessary for organized activities
  • Skilled guide and assistance
  • Private transportation throughout (pickup and drop off at Zadar airport, port, or main bus station)
  • Local taxes and fees
  • Insurance

 

Not included:

  • International airfare to/from Croatia
  • Beverages and lunches or picnics
  • Sleeping bag and a pillow
  • Items of personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s)

 

Gear list:

  • Lightweight easily washable items for travel and daily wear
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sun hat with brim and sunglasses
  • Thin trousers and long sleeve for the evenings (just in case)
  • Lightweight rain jacket (waterproof and breathable)
  • Water shoes or other sport shoes that you don’t mind getting wet
  • Light hiking shoes or similar sport shoes suitable for hiking
  • Sleeping bag
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Sun block and lip balm
  • Personal first aid kit (including any medications you use)
  • Small backpack
  • Dry bag (if wanted)
  • Camera, film/memory cards and spare batteries

 

Group size:

4 to 16 people per group.

Minimum numbers apply.

Larger groups are on request.

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.

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  850€
960 €