Croatia Multisport and Dubrovnik Extension

Croatia Multisport and Dubrovnik Extension Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia by late afternoon and transfer on your own to our hotel. Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a lively and colorful city and is reasonably manageable on foot. Our hotel is well located for exploring the city's main attractions. This evening we will meet in the hotel lobby and get to know our guides and fellow travelers over a welcome drink. The guides will provide a brief orientation to discuss the upcoming itinerary. All meals on your own.

• Day 2

  We drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Croatia's premiere inland destination. Today we explore the park's spectacular karst landscape - a sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with cascading falls and travertine pools. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the trail. This evening we retire to the tiny village of Korana located in a picture-postcard riverside setting near Plitvice Park. Weather permitting our village hosts prepare a riverside barbeque. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4-6 miles; Terrain: easy, well marked paths.

• Day 3

  Today is all about exploring the lovely pastoral Croatian countryside by bicycle. We cycle roads that are nearly traffic free in the area of Plitvice Lakes National Park. We cycle through traditional villages and the unspoiled woods and landscapes of the area in or around the park. Along the way, we stop for a tasty lunch in a local village. Relax this evening in Korana Village while enjoying a traditional supper. All meals included.
  
  Biking: 4 hours; Terrain: rolling hills.

• Day 4

  After saying goodbye to our village hosts we continue south to the "Wild West" narrow canyons of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers. We visit the medieval Krupa Monastery en route. Built in 1317 by monks from Bosnia, it is the oldest orthodox monastery in Croatia. Once at the river and after a short instructional introduction to paddling (watercraft may be raft or sit-upon kayaks depending upon the river conditions), we push off for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and green waters of these Croatian rivers, considered two of the most beautiful in Europe. Waterfalls and easy rapids, hidden swimming pools, steep sided canyons and, very likely, no one else on the river but our group – it doesn't get better than this! We overnight in the coastal city of Novigrad which has retained its Mediterranean architecture. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking or rafting: Class I/II rapids, 3-4hours.

• Day 5

  Less than an hour's drive from Novigrad is Paklenica National Park, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite hiking destination for the locals. Lying on the southeast slopes of the Velebit Mountains near the coast and cut by two awe-inspiring gorges, Mala Paklenica and Velika, Paklenica's scenery is one of the most pristine in the whole Mediterranean. The lofty peaks making up this range offer huge views of both coastal and mountain scenery. There are several wonderful hikes through beech and black pine forests to choose from depending upon weather and other factors. One possibility is the trail leading to Borisov Dom, a high mountain hut popular with alpinists. We return to Novigrad for the evening. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
  
  Hiking: 8 miles; elevation gain 1,000'- 2,000', optional 2,800'.

• Day 6

  Croatia has more than 3,500 miles of stunning coastline dotted with 1,700 islands of all descriptions. Our morning begins with a short ride on a local wooden boat to the small island of Vrgada where we enjoy a day of kayaking. This lovely island has no cars, no hotels and has one of the finest sandy beaches you'll ever dig your toes into. Paddling comfortable sit-upon kayaks we explore the bays and the beaches while having ample time to swim in the clear azure waters, bask in the sun and savor a beach picnic. This evening we transfer to the town of Skradin, located near the Krka River and at the entrance to the Krka National Park. Inhabited by Croatians since the 9th century, Skradin is a romantic Mediterranean town with narrow paved streets and a picture-perfect marina. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
  
  Kayaking: 3 hours.

• Day 7

  A last day of exploring takes us to Krka National Park with its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We explore the park's extensive waterways and complex history dating back to late 10th century and the first Croatian kings. We have the option to visit Skradinski buk waterfall, the place where the second hydro plant in the world was built, just a few years after the one on Niagara Falls. In the afternoon we drive to Trogir and spend the remainder of the day exploring in the old town. We gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our amazing adventure. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3-6 miles; Well marked paths.

• Day 8

  This morning we have an early rising and light breakfast before transferring to the international airport at Split for return flights home. Or, choose to continue your time in Croatia by joining us for our five-day Dubrovnik Hiking & Kayaking extension. Breakfast included.
  
  Explore even more. See the Dubrovnik Hiking & Kayaking trip extension.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available. Single accommodations may not be available at the village stay.

All accommodations and meals as noted in itinerary; skilled bi-lingual guides; private transport throughout; park entrance fees; all activity gear as necessary including sea kayaks, rafts / river kayaks, and bikes; island ferry.

International airfare to/from Croatia; airport transfers; 3 dinners; cost of passport; alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s).

This trip is rated Moderate [3] and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and enjoys active days. Paddling on Day 4 (Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers) is typically an easy paddle requiring no prior experience however, you should be comfortable in water and able to swim. This is also true of the sea kayaking on Day 6 when you will be paddling in fairly protected waters along the island coastline. Although the hiking is not particularly long or strenuous, prior hiking experience is recommended. The hiking distances range from 5-8 miles over uneven terrain and in Paklenica Park there may be significant elevation gain as well. Several days have van transfers of 2+ hours.

Croatia's Adriatic coast is blessed with a Mediterranean climate. The summers are typically warm and sunny with average daytime temperatures around 80°F and nighttime temperatures falling to around 60°F. From May to June and September to October temperatures are usually a bit cooler but still comfortable for hiking, paddling, and swimming. Rain is always a possibility in Croatia so it is essential to bring adequate rain wear and a warm jacket in case of inclement weather.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

We have scheduled our departures to avoid mid-summer heat while still traveling during periods that typically offer abundant sunshine. Weather in Croatia in May, June and September is mostly warm and sunny, with average daytime temperatures around 80°F and nighttime temperatures around 60°F.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet from rain, water, or sweat, it will drain your body heat. Bring quick-drying synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure hiking boots are broken in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• Laundry facilities are not readily available during this trip. We suggest hand washing quick-drying clothing items in your hotel room. Bringing individual detergent packets and a travel clothes-line is useful.
• When visiting some churches in Croatia, it is necessary to reasonably cover your arms and legs. Beachwear and tank tops are not appropriate attire; shorts should be of mid-thigh length or longer.
• Required gear for paddling and cycling is provided.
• If joining the Dubrovnik extension, there are no special or additional clothing needs