Canoeing/kayaking, rafting, hiking and cycling in the area around Plitvice Lakes National Park
from: 620 €
Departure
Basic information
Description
The highlights of this active holiday include canoeing/kayaking, rafting, hiking and cycling in the area around Plitvice Lakes National Park while experiencing breath-taking views and stunning scenery. Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site, plays host to 16 lakes, numerous waterfalls fed by both the Black and White Rivers, as well as seemingly endless forests which make for a unique and unforgettable experience. The itinerary will also take you on a journey down the Mreznica River by kayak, rafting down the Una River in Bosnia and hiking in Velebit Nature Park. You can expect to paddle about 20 km a day, but our schedule is very weather dependent. Previous kayaking experience is recommended, but not required. The rivers are friendly – they have pleasant temperatures in summer and they are not dangerous or physically demanding.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival to destination – Plitvice Lakes area
Leaving Zagreb, Zadar or Rijeka airport behind, we make our way to the tiny village of Korana, located in a picture-perfect riverside setting near Plitvice Park. Here we have a unique opportunity to spend a week with local residents in their private guesthouses. After settling into your accommodation, we will meet in the river-side hacienda for a welcome drink and brief orientation, where we will have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our fellow travelers.
Meals: D; Van ride: 2 hours one way.
Day 2 - 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. Later in the afternoon we return to Korana village just in time to enjoy a swim in the clear river just in front of your house.
Meals: B and D (lunch on your own); walking / hiking: 4-6 miles; Terrain: easy, well-marked paths.
Day 3 - Cycling in Plitvice Lakes Area
Today is all about exploring the lovely pastoral Croatian countryside by bike. We cycle on nearly traffic free roads through forests, between hills and across green fields. We will have time for a picnic lunch and time to relax outdoors. In the afternoon we bike back to Korana Village in time to enjoy a traditional Croatian evening meal.
(Please note that cycling the entire route may be too difficult for small children, but the support van can pick them up and take them back to the village if they are tired.)
(Please note that cycling the entire route may be too difficult for small children, but the support van can pick them up and take them back to the village if they are tired.)
Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Cycling: 4 hours; Terrain: rolling hills.
Day 5 - Optional trip day
On your optional day you can be as active or as lazy as you wish. Several organized and guided tours of hiking, canyoning, climbing, sightseeing or beach trips will be proposed in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer. (Please note that the optional trip will incur an additional charge of app 50€ per head, payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a min. of 4 participants.)
Meals: B and D (lunch on your own)
Day 6 - NP North Velebit area hiking
Today we go south and spend the day hiking in the Velebit Nature and National Parks area. You will enjoy a beautiful hike in pristine, unspoiled nature that will leave you feeling healthy and refreshed, and there will probably be time for a swim in the warm Adriatic before returning to Korana Village for dinner. There are several hiking itineraries to choose from, and our guides will select the one that is best adapted to group abilities through dense forest of old pine, fir and beech. In the afternoon we return to home for dinner.
Meals: B and D (lunch on your own); Van ride: 1:30 min one way; moderate, 5 hours trekking
Day 7 - Una River Rafting
The Una River forms a natural border between Croatia and Bosnia. It will steal your heart with its beauty, green clear water and a landscape of dense forests. The Una is rich in water even in summer so rafting is possible all year round. There are several sections to choose from, and our guides will select the one that is best adapted to group abilities and current water levels.
Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Van ride: 1h one way; Rafting: class I-III, 2-3 hours.
Day 8 - Departure day
Depart for the airport and flight home. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. 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 guide books.
Meals: B; Van drive: 2 hours one way
Prices & Terms
Price list
Seasons & prices
|
Season
|
Adult | Child | Single |
| Low | 620,00€ | 558,00€ | 744,00€ |
| Mid | 710,00€ | 639,00€ | 852,00€ |
| High | 790,00€ | 711,00€ | 948,00€ |
Low season: May 21 to Jun 03 / Sep 17 to Sep 30
Mid season: Jun 04 to Jul 01 / Aug 27 to Sep 16
High season: Jul 02 to Aug 26
The prices are set in euros. The exact price in other currencies is calculated on the day of booking according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank.
All prices are per person.
Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s).
Children discount is valid for children 8-12 years.
All prices are per person.
Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s).
Children discount is valid for children 8-12 years.
What is included
- 7 nights in double/twin rooms
- meals as noted in itinerary (7xB=breakfast, 1xL=Lunch and 6xD=dinner)
- use of bicycles, kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets, helmets
- 5 days organized activities
- neoprene shorts and booties or sandals in case of cold weather
- NP entrance fees
- Saturday transfers from Zagreb, Zadar or Rijeka airport, bus or train station
- skilled guide and assistance
- ground transportation (private transport throughout)
- local taxes
- insurance
Not included
- international airfare to/from Croatia;
- beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in itinerary (3rd night dinner on your own)
- items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s).
- optional trip on day 5, but it can be booked and paid on spot.
Notes
Notes
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided by the families and owners of the private guest houses in Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley surrounding both sides of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. Rooms: please note that the houses in Korana Village have two or three bedrooms, with two rooms sharing one bathroom. No 1-bed rooms are available. Single use rooms are available upon request, only as double rooms/single use.
FAQ
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.
Transportation
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. Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
Staff & ExpertsThis 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.
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