Croatia: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Croatia: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Croatia: Hike, Bike & Kayak
8 Days Starting in Zadar and ending in Starigrad Paklenica
Visiting: Zadar, Starigrad Paklenica, Paklenica National Park Hiking, Paklenica National Park Mountain Biking, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Paklenica Bay Sea Kayaking
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZMXC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Croatia is home to some of the most beautiful national parks, waterfalls and mountains in Europe. Many of its most stunning natural features can be found in and around Paklenica National Park, so this is the perfect spot for an eight-day active adventure. Get your heart pumping as you hike, bike and kayak among some of the country’s most gorgeous surrounds, including Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Velebit Mountain Range. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy fresh, local cuisine, see the sights and enjoy some down time along the sparking Adriatic Sea.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Zadar
Location: Zadar
Accommodation: Hostel
Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure starts in Zadar with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe start exploring the streets of Zadar at your own pace. After the meeting, maybe head out with your group for dinner at a traditional restaurant and sample some local favourites like lamb in red wine, njoki (gnocchi) with Dalmatian ham or fresh fish. Don't forget to try the famous liqueur, Maraskino, made from locally grown maraschino cherries from a centuries' old secret recipe. This unique drink was a favourite at European imperial and royal courts and has been produced in Zadar since 1821.
Day 2: Starigrad Paklenica
Location: Starigrad Paklenica
Meals Included: breaksfast
For centuries, Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia and this morning, you’ll discover its rich cultural heritage at every turn. Trace the marble streets through the Old Town, past the Roman ruins and medieval churches on a leader-led orientation walk. After lunch, take a local bus to Stari Grad Paklenica – a small town in the harbour that sits at the foot of the World Heritage-listed Velebit Nature Park. This is your gateway to the Paklenica National Park – two canyons divide this mountainous region filled with gorges and cliffs that reach up to 400 m in height. Tonight, you’re free to explore the streets of Stari Grad (Old Town) – one of the oldest towns in Europe, built on the historic Roman settlement of Argyruntum.
Day 3: Paklenica National Park Hiking
Location: Paklenica National Park Hiking
Accommodation: Local apartment
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, it’s time to set off on the first active day of the trip. Paklenica National Park is home to incredible rock formations, stunning natural scenery and one of the most visited climbing sites in Europe. Get acquainted with the area on a hike through the Velebit Mountain Range in Paklenica National Park. Your hike will take you by the right edge of the Velika Paklenica Canyon to reveal some of the most magnificent views of the park. The lush surroundings are a result of the pure spring water that flows through the area, blossoming the trees and meadows. Head to a mountain lodge for an optional traditional lunch. After, why not try this region’s homemade brandy or some of the local herbal tea, made from the region’s famous Velebit herbs. Back on the track, you’ll drop by a 17th century village, Sklopina, which consists of houses built into the cracks in the rock. The return path leads you to the very bottom of the Velika Paklenica Canyon along the creek, where you can freshen up before returning to the comfort of your Stari Grad accommodation.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Paklenica National Park Mountain Biking
Location: Paklenica National Park Mountain Biking
Accommodation: Local apartment
Meals Included: breaksfast
It’s time to head back and explore the mountain paths in or around Paklenica National Park – except this time it’s on two wheels. The grassy hills and rugged mountain trails of the park make for a great spot to get some mountain biking practice in. Cycle around the countryside and enjoy this breath-taking part of Croatia. The trail travels through the characteristic rocky landscape of Dalmatia, dominated by the view of the slopes of the serrated Velebit mountain peaks and beech and black pine forest. Ride through untouched nature and diverse flora and fauna, including thousands of plant species – 79 of which are endemic to the area. Cycle along dry-stone walls through villages characterised by traditional stone architecture. The afternoon is free for you to either continue exploring the area by bike or to relax in the beautiful surroundings.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Starigrad Paklenica
Location: Starigrad Paklenica
Accommodation: Local apartment
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy a free day to get active however you choose. Those in search of a thrill can go on an exciting canoe safari or a whitewater rafting adventure, taking you from Kastel Zegarski on a 14 km (9 mi) journey, past magnificent waterfalls and stunning karst scenery of narrow valleys and steep-sided canyons to Obrovac. During rafting season, the rapids will be grade 2 or potentially even grade 3. The first part of the trip is easy, allowing you to get a feel for your craft and enjoy the surroundings, and then it will gradually get more downhill, with an increase in waterfalls and rapids. If you don’t feel like rafting, you can return to Paklenica National Park for some more hiking and biking or simply relax on the beach.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation: Local apartment
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, take a trip to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This is one of the oldest national parks in south-eastern Europe and the largest in Croatia. A misty Eden of endless waterfalls and spectral blue lakes, you could spend days wandering the serene landscape. The waters tumble from a high, tree-lined ridge down through the valley and skirt dense forests of beech, spruce and pine. If you’re a bit of a photographer, you definitely want your camera today! Later, return to Stari Grad. In the evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Paklenica Bay Sea Kayaking
Location: Paklenica Bay Sea Kayaking
Accommodation: Local apartment
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Today, you’ll hit the beach for a sea kayaking adventure in Paklenica Bay. Strike out on the clear blue sea through the Velebit Channel and spend some time on the water. The Velebit mountains will serve as your backdrop as you glide along the blue satin water and tour the coastline. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way, for a lunch break, to swim and to soak in the stunning surroundings. Your final destination is the nearby fishing village of Vinjerac, known for its neat row of pastel-coloured houses fronting the harbour. The rest of the day is free until the evening, where you’ll meet up with your group again for a traditional Croatian dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Starigrad Paklenica
Location: Starigrad Paklenica
Meals Included: breaksfast
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay in Croatia, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Sea Kayaking Excursion on Paklenica Bay
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Guided Hike in Paklenica National Park
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Mountain Biking in or around Paklenica National Park
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Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 dinners
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Accommodation
Hostel (1 night), Guesthouse (6 nights)
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Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Bicycle, Kayak, On foot
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin share basis.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- On your arrival day rooms should be ready for you at 2pm.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation is in local apartments and all the rooms have their own bathrooms , but do not have air-conditioning.
Included Activities
- Guided Hike in Paklenica National Park
- Mountain Biking in or around Paklenica National Park
- Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
- Sea Kayaking Excursion on Paklenica Bay
Transport
- ARRIVAL TRANSFER
- Arrival transfers to the starting location in Zadar are available for purchase from the airports of both Split and Zadar Airports.
- DEPARTURE TRANSFER
- Starigrad Paklenica, the base for this trip from day 2, is located approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Split, and 50 kilometres north of Zadar. A departure transfer is not included in the trip price, but can be booked at an additional cost.
Important Information
- 1. Starigrad Paklenica, the base for this trip from day 2, is located approximately 150 kilometers north-west of Split, and 50 kilometers north of Zadar. Arrival transfers to the starting location in Zadar are available for purchase from the airports of both cities.
- 2. This multi-activity trip requires a good level of fitness and health.
- 3. You will be staying in local apartments in Starigrad Paklenica, all of which have private facilities.
- 4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveler of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- - Day 1 - Zadar
- Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
Check out our Q&As
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Is this trip right for you
This is an active trip packed with activities such as cycling, kayaking and trekking. To fully enjoy it, you'll need to be in a good state of health and fitness. To participate in the water-based experiences, you'll need to be a confident swimmer.
Because the itinerary is packed with lots of exciting activities this trip involves some early starts and long days.
Starigrad Paklenica, the base for this trip from Day 2, is located approximately 150 km north-west of Split, and 50 km north of Zadar. Arrival transfers to the starting location in Zadar are available for purchase from the airports of both cities.
You’ll be staying in local apartments in Starigrad Paklenica, all of which have private facilities.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions