Active Croatia Adventure

Day 1

Our local staff will welcome you at the Zagreb airport and transfer you to our hotel, situated in the city center. The drive from the airport to the hotel is about 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions. The city of Zagreb, capital of Croatia, illustrates both the continental and Mediterranean spirit of the nation. Zagreb is the cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative center of the Republic of Croatia, and is home to the Croatian Parliament, Government and President. Over the centuries, the city was inhabited by people coming from all over Europe; and, in recent years, by people coming from different parts of Croatia, ensuring a rich cultural life. This afternoon (about 3pm) we meet with our local guide in the hotel for a welcome drink and introductions. We’ll head out for a walking tour of historical Zagreb to learn about its importance in the past, but also learn about Croatians’ traditions and modern life, see some sights and head back to our hotel before we enjoy our welcome dinner. Overnight Zagreb. (D)

Day 2

After breakfast, we drive less than an hour to the small town of Samobor where we will enjoy a 5 mile hike. Zumberak and Samobor Highlands National Park stretches over the hilly southern slopes of the Zumberak Mountains. It is a popular destination for hikers, climbers and nature enthusiasts. After the hike, we stop in the small town of Samobor – a real hidden gem of Baroque architecture. Samobor is a picturesque town with a preserved old town heritage, and attractive surroundings, situated on the eastern slopes of Samoborsko Gorje, at the entrance to the romantic valley of the Gradna stream. The medieval town has about 15,000 residents and is surrounded by a broad ring of mountains. We’ll lunch and stop for a coffee or tea on the main square while we also enjoy the famous local desert “kremsnite”- known for having a puff pastry top and predominantly custard cream filling. Yum! Returning to Zagreb, we’ll have some leisure time to explore Zagreb at your own pace or just relax at the hotel. Dinner on own tonight at one of the local recommended restaurants. Overnight Zagreb. (B,L)

Day 3

After breakfast we check out of our Zagreb hotel and we head for Plitvice National Park. Our transfer to Plitvice NP is about a 2.5 hour drive, depending on the traffic, of course. Upon arrival, we’ll hike between 4 – 5 miles, passing along the lakeshores and making our way by magnificent waterfalls. Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. The process of tufa (limestone) formation, which resulted in the formation of natural barriers, led to the creation of this collection of lakes, recognized by UNESCO. The park is primarily covered in forest vegetation, with smaller areas that are grasslands. The most beautiful part of the park – the lakes – covers just under 1% of the park area. The lake system is comprised of 16 named and several smaller unnamed lakes, cascading one into the next. Due to the geological substrate and specific hydrogeological conditions, the lake system has been divided into Upper and Lower lakes. We’ll enjoy lunch at the local restaurant then this (later) afternoon, we meet with our driver to depart for Paklenica National Park.  We have about 1.5 hours drive where we will check into our guesthouse for two nights. We’ll enjoy dinner on our own with an evening at leisure. Overnight Paklenica. (B,L)

Day 4

After breakfast, we’ll visit one of the most popular National Parks loved by hikers and climbers alike. The Paklenica National Park abounds in hiking trails offering unique landscapes and unusual beauty. Our approximately 6 – 7 mile hike boasts a vast valley with stunning views of the Velebit Mountain range. We’ll hike up to a mountain hut, along creeks, see an abandoned watermill, and view a most impressive gorge. After a bit more of an ascent we come to Anić a luka plateau. Looking to the east you’ll catch a sight of Anića kuk. Our hike continues along a mostly shadowed path and brings us to a very pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the top view of Paklenica woods. After refreshments and lunch, we have a short decent following the same route back to our van and to our guesthouse. We’ll get cleaned up and have dinner at the guesthouse. Overnight Paklenica. (B,L,D)

Day 5

After breakfast, we drive south approximately two hours to the Cetina river and an amazing river rafting adventure. The Cetina River enters the sea in the city of Omiš, just south of Split. Over thousands of years, the river carved the deepest canyon in its region. From its source, Cetina descends from an elevation of 385 meters (1,263 ft) above sea level to the Adriatic Sea. This rafting is ideal for all ages, calm enough with some fun splashes to enjoy for the more experienced paddlers. After our safety instruction we’re off for about 3 hours of rafting. Great photos to be had, so bring your phone splash case! After this exciting activity, we’ll change into dry clothes and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the river.  About 40 minutes drive time and we arrive in Split! Split, the 1700-year-old city, and one of the most beautiful UNESCO pearls, is simply stunning in its beauty. We’ll check into our hotel for two nights, and cap off our day with a traditional meal at a local tavern. Overnight Split. (B,L,D)

Day 6

After breakfast, we’ll have a 2 hour guided city tour of Split. Visiting this Mediterranean jewel, it is impossible not to learn about its historical significance. So we’ll have a local city guide with us to explore. When visiting Split, it is impossible not to visit the heart of the city – Diocletian’s palace.  This UNESCO-protected structure has been a home to people from the 3rd century BC until today. A visit to the palace will provide insight into ancient history and all the important sites within the palace. We can explore the Peristil, and the Piazza to name but a few cultural stops. After the city tour (late morning) we have the day at leisure to explore at our own pace. Split also has its wild side, which enchants many visitors daily. The Marjan Park forest, which proudly guards the city, is also called the city’s lungs. The entire Marjan peninsula is dotted with tiny churches many centuries old, large black pine trees, Mediterranean plants and herbs, and the most beautiful beaches! We’ll meet back up to share stories over a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Overnight Split. (B,D)

Day 7

After breakfast, we depart Split on a ferry to Hvar Island. This is about a one hour journey. The city of Hvar is often described as a true fairy-tale city with its architecture, beautiful nature and mild climate. It is a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, and rich cultural and historical heritage. Hvar gained glory and power during the middle ages as an important port within the Venetian naval empire. Today, it is the center of the island’s tourism and one of the favorite destinations on the Dalmatian Riviera. Upon arrival to Hvar town, we will drop off the luggage at the hotel and take a 10-minute walk from our hotel to our sea kayaking activity. We use double sit-on-top kayaks and you will have dry bags to store what you need. We’ll board our sea kayaks and paddle to Pakleni Islands.  We explore the myriad of the Pakleni Islands by kayak, some offering pine trees that provide shade to numerous idyllic coves. We’ll stop on the beach, enjoying our time swimming and relaxing, or grab a mask and snorkel and explore on your own. We’ll get a tasty local lunch before paddling back to Hvar. Upon our return, we check in to our hotel for two nights in Old Town Hvar, and enjoy some leisure time before we meet for dinner. Overnight Hvar. (B,L,D)

Day 8

After breakfast, we’ll get to know a different side of Hvar on a bike tour in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site, a remarkably well-preserved testament to the Ancient Greek period. Explore small villages in the inner part of the island. We start our tour with an easy ride through a long promenade aside the deep protected bay. We’ll learn the history back some 2400 years when ancient Greeks sailed into the harbor and stayed. The land was fertile and produced food for the settlers, who brought vines and olive tree seeds with them from Paros. After the Greeks, came the Romans and they built impressive residences, adding to the beauty of the countryside. We will pass through several beautiful traditional villages in the interior of the island. Our guides will decide on the route depending on the group and fitness level.  During our ride, we will stop for lunch and visit the charming town of Jelsa for a sensory journey through the world of chocolate. We’ll enjoy an exclusive tasting in a family-run chocolate boutique. We’ll learn about chocolate history and how to taste chocolate like an expert (who knew?!). We will also get introduced to authentic Mediterranean tastes through various fruits and herbs such as sage, lavender, carob, figs, and many more that provide unique flavors to the chocolates. Oh, and we’ll have a wine tasting too! We leave our bikes and transfer back in a van to Hvar. Dinner tonight is on our own, evening at leisure. Overnight Hvar. (B,L)

DAY 9

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and travel approximately 3.5 hours on a passenger ferry to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a city of exceptional beauty, called the Pearl of the Adriatic. Upon arrival at Dubrovnik port, we’ll meet our driver and transfer to our hotel to drop off luggage since it’s too early to check into our rooms. We’ll have lunch, and this afternoon we’ll stretch our legs with a 2 hour guided city tour of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik used to be the seat of the Republic and we’ll learn why it is no more. The majestic city walls, the Minceta, Lovrijenac, and Revelin fortresses, Onofrio’s fountain, St. Vlaho’s Church, and
Stradun, the main street, and Old Town too – wow! After the city tour you’ll have some time for last minute shopping for enjoy swimming in the crystal Adriatic sea and sunbathing at one of the beaches.  We’ll enjoy our Farewell Dinner, hearts and tummies full, as we recount our Active Croatia adventure together.  Overnight Dubrovnik. (B,L,D)

DAY 10

Enjoy breakfast and check out from the hotel with a prearranged group shuttle to the Dubrovnik Airport, or choose to extend your stay on your own. (B)

• 9 days/9 nights fully guided tour with English speaking Trip Leader and a Canyon Calling Rep
• All land and sea transport as outlined in this itinerary
• Hotel accommodations, double occupancy
• Most meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 10 (see itinerary)
• All activities and excursions as outlined in this itinerary
• All activity guides gratuities
• All entrance fees and permits

• Round-trip transportation to/from Croatia (into Zagreb, out of Dubrovnik)
• Alcoholic beverages (except for 1 wine tasting) a few meals, and items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to the local Trip Leader at the end of the tour