Cycling Croatian National Parks
Small country for a great holiday
Cycling Croatian National Parks
Short itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Zvecaj Village
Day 2: Risnjak National Park and Kupa River Valley cycling
Day 3: North Velebit National Park cycling
Day 4: Walking Plitvice Lakes National Park
Day 5: Countryside and Barac Caves cycling
Day 6: Paklenica National Park hiking
Day 7: Krka River National Park cycling
Day 8: Departure
Arrival to Zvecaj
'The Green Corner' (Zeleni kut) is a well-known restaurant and a small family-owned hotel overlooking the green Mreznica River and its waterfall. Each room has its own bathroom, most of them a sunny balcony as well. It was built above an old mill which now supplies electric power. The hotel serves traditional Croatian specialties using freshwater fish from its own fishing ponds, homemade cheese, ham, and sausages as well as local farm grow vegetables and fruit.
The group usually gets together around mid-day, which will give us enough time to choose and test the bicycles on a short tour of the villages, forests and rivers of the area.
Accommodation: Hotel in the Mreznica River area; Van ride: 1h from Zagreb airport, 1.5 h from Rijeka airport; Meals: D
Risnjak National Park and Kupa River Valley cycling
Accommodation: Hotel in Mreznica River area; Van ride: 1-1.5h each way; Cycling: easy/moderate, 3-4 hours/around 50 km; Meals: B
North Velebit National Park cycling
Accommodation in the park is provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley by the Korana River. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes the village an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area – Korana Village has no pubs, restaurants, shops, schools, not even a church – it’s just a village as small and wonderful as it can be, an ideal setting for a fairy tale.
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Van ride: 2 h each way; Cycling: easy/moderate, 3-5 hours, 43-63 km; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Walking Plitvice Lakes National Park
We start our day walking along the wooden paths and bridges in and around Plitvice Lakes, Croatia's premier national park. 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. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pure, untouched nature. A panoramic boat and train ride will take us back to the start.
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Van ride 10 min each way; Walking: easy well-marked paths, 4-6 km; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Countryside and Barac Caves cycling
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Cycling: easy/moderate: 2 - 3 hours, 30 km; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Paklenica National Park hiking
Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Van ride: 2h+1h; Hiking: easy/moderate, 4 hours; Meals: B
Krka cycling
Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Cycling: easy/moderate, 3 hours/ 30-40 km; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Departure
Meals: B; Van ride: Zadar 45 min, Split 1 h, Zagreb 3.5 h
Note on the itinerary:
This itinerary and the duration of the activities are 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 the following units: in the Zeleni Kut hotel on the bank of the Mreznica River (days 1 & 2) by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley surrounding both sides of the river in Plitvice Lakes National Park (days 3, 4 & 5) and in Skradinski Buk hotel in Skradin (days 6, 7 & 8).
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.
Price
- All prices are per person in EUR
- Minimum age: 12 years if accompanied by parent(s)
- Children discount does not apply
- 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 | 840,00 € | 760,00 € | 670,00 € |
| child | 756,00 € | 684,00 € | 603,00 € |
| single | 1008,00 € | 912,00 € | 804,00 € |
**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 Season: June 29 – August 23
Intermediate: June 8-June 28, August 24-Sept 13
Low Season: May 18-June 7, Sept 14-Sept 27
What’s included
- 7 night accommodation
- meals as noted in itinerary (7xB=breakfast and 5xD=dinner)
- use of bicycles
- 6 days organized activities
- national parks entrance fees
- local taxes and river permits
- Saturday transfer from Zagreb or Rijeka airport (arrival)*
- Saturday transfer to Zagreb, Split or Zadar airport (departure)*
- skilled English speaking guide and assistance
- ground transportation
- insurance
* Arrival and departure transfers: several group transfers between the airport and destination depending on arrival/departure time. Arrivals after 6 pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 euros per transfer.
Not included
- international airfare to/from Croatia
- items of a personal nature and gratuities to your guide(s)
- beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in itinerary
Other trips in the region
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
