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5-8 DAYS CANOEING ON THE RIVERS AND LAKES OF CROATIA

ITINERARY FOR THE "CLEAR RIVERS" PROGRAM

ITINERARY FOR THE "PLITVICE LAKES" PROGRAM

Day 1 - Saturday: Arrival in Zvecaj village A guide will be waiting for you at Zagreb or Rijeka airport, bus or train station. If previously arranged, the pickup may be at Karlovac or Zvecaj bus or train station. You will be transferred to your accommodation situated 70 km from Zagreb in Zvecaj village, by the Mreznica River. After settling into your room, you can have a drink on the terrace overlooking the Mreznica and its waterfalls, walk by the river, go for a swim or just relax. Meet the other members of the group over dinner and discuss the upcoming itinerary with your guide. Meals: dinner

Day 1- Saturday: Arrival to Korana Village Leaving Zagreb or Zadar 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 travellers. Meals: dinner; Van ride: 2 hours one way

Day 2 - Rafting on the Dobra River After breakfast we will head out to Lesce village where our trip on the Dobra River begins. The Dobra is the second largest river in the Gorski Kotar region. It offers good rafting conditions all year round because of its dams and reservoirs. The river has a long tradition of conducting commercial rafting trips, which date back almost two decades. Paddling all together as a crew, we will pass through a breathtaking landscape filled with green forests, meadows and hills. The rapids are not difficult and we’ll easily conquer them in our 6-10 person rafts. The trip ends in Jarcepolje village. Time permitting, we will cross an ancient bridge over the Dobra and visit a 15th century fortress town, Novigrad na Dobri. Both the bridge and the fortress are state-protected cultural heritage monuments of great historical value. Return to Zvecaj in the afternoon and relax until dinner. (Please note that if the water level is not appropriate, we will transfer the excursion to another nearby river.). Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Rafting: class II-III, easy/moderate, 2.5 hours; Drive: 20 min one way

Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park We start our day walking / hiking 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: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Walking / hiking: 4-6 miles; Terrain: easy, well marked paths.

Day 3 -  Canoeing / Kayaking on the Mreznica River The day of canoeing / kayaking on the Mreznica starts in front of the hotel. We use two-person sit-on-top kayaks which are easy and safe to navigate. After a short introduction to paddling, we push off upstream for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and emerald waters of this river with numerous waterfalls. Due to its biological diversity and variety of habitats, the Mreznica area should soon be categorized as a Croatian Nature Park. It is home to many endangered and protected plant and animal species that you may get a chance to observe. These include 4 species of birds from the "red list“ of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature - the Golden Eagle, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, the Western Capercaillie and the Great White Egret. The day will be filled with swimming, jumping off the waterfalls and enjoying beautiful nature. After a light picnic, we'll paddle back to the hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Canoeing / kayaking: class I-II, easy/moderate, 3-4 hours

Day 3: Expedition along the Mreznica River Embark on a canoeing / kayaking expedition down the emerald Mreznica River. The route meanders through a spectacular landscape of lush forests and open meadows. The Mreznica is a typical ‘karst’ river with numerous travertine waterfalls interspersed with calm, clear pools that provide plenty of opportunities to cool off with a swim. Due to its biological diversity and variety of habitats, the Mreznica area should soon be categorized as a Croatian Nature Park. It is home to many endangered and protected plant and animal species that you may get a chance to observe. These include 4 species of birds from the "red list“ of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature - the Golden Eagle, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, the Western Capercaillie and the Great White Egret. Please note that in case of high water levels we use rafts. After a light picnic on the bank, we finish our river journey.  Later in the day, we will explore the numerous streams and mills of Rastoke village on foot. We end the day in Korana village. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Van ride: 1h30 hours one way; Canoeing / kayaking or rafting: class I-II, 3-4 hours.

Day 4 - Walking / Hiking in Plitvice Lakes National Park Early in the morning we start our ride through lovely countryside roads towards Plitvice Lakes, the first Croatian National Park. Once at Plitvice, we have the day to explore it on foot. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular geological and hydro-geological karst phenomenon, a sequence of sixteen 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. The richness of flora and fauna attracts visitors and scientists from all over the world. UNESCO has declared it with all rights as a World Natural Heritage site. We’ll pass through the National Park following narrow paths, crossing over wooden bridges and even taking a boat ride on Lake Kozjak. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Walking / hiking: 4 hours; Terrain: easy, well marked paths; Drive: 1h45 one way 

Day 4: Cycling / biking in Plitvice Lakes area Today is all about exploring the lovely pastoral Croatian countryside by bike. We cycle on roads that are nearly traffic free through forests, between hills and across green fields. To rest, we’ll have a picnic lunch and time to relax in a local park. In the afternoon we bike back to Korana Village in time to enjoy a traditional Croatian evening meal. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Cycling / biking: 4 hours; Terrain: rolling hills. 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 to the village if they are tired.

Day 5 - Optional trip day For those who chose a 5-day trip, this is the end of your holiday. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time.
The rest of the group continues the trip. Today you can be as active or as lazy as you wish. You can relax by the river, swim, play beach volleyball or even take another optional bike tour on your own. Sea kayaking to Rovinj in Istria will be proposed, as well as several optional walking / hiking or sightseeing trips, in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own). (Please note that the optional trip will incur an additional charge of approx 50€ per head, payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a min. of 4 participants.)

Day 5 - Optional trip day On the fifth day of your holiday you can be as active or as lazy as you want. You can relax by the river, swim or even take another optional cycling / biking tour on your own in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. A white water rafting trip on the Una River in Bosnia or on the Dobra River in Croatia will be proposed, as well as several walking / hiking, sightseeing or beach trips, in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer. Meals: breakfast and dinner (lunch on your own); Van ride: max 2 hours one way. (Please note that the optional trip will incur an additional charge of approx 50€ per head, payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a min. of 4 participants.) 

Day 6 - Cycling / Biking in the Mreznica area A well-paced bike tour through villages and along country roads is a great way to experience Croatia much more closely than from a vehicle. There are many trails in the Mreznica area well-adapted for cycling / biking tours. We'll start from the hotel and meander past numerous small family farms and homesteads. There are great places to take breaks along the road and look out over the valleys and fields. You will be able to go for a swim in the river and enjoy a picnic lunch on the bank. For those who still want to explore the area after the tour, they can bike to other places of interests on their own, with previous directions given by the guide. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Cycling / biking: 3 hours; Terrain: easy/moderate, rolling hills

Day 6 - Velebit area walking / hiking and Adriatic coast visit Today we go south and spend the day walking / hiking in the Velebit Nature and National Parks area. You will enjoy the spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and the four-hour hike in pristine, unspoiled nature will leave you feeling healthy and refreshed, and there will be time for a swim in the warm Adriatic before returning to Korana Village for dinner. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Van ride: 2 hours one way; walking/hiking: moderate, 4 hours

Day 7 -  Canoeing / Kayaking on upper gorge section of the Mreznica Back on the water this morning in upper Mreznica canyon. Our route takes us from the hotel to Primislje village, where we'll start our expedition upstream. We travel through a gorge so narrow and deep that the sun enters for only a few hours each day, around noon, creating spectacular light effects. Passing by cliffs of carved white rocks, lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls, we will arrive at a strong freshwater spring. We continue our journey to the second highest waterfall on the Mreznica (8m), a magical place ideal for swimming and a picnic. After a break, we head downstream and finish the adventure back where we left our vehicles. Ride back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Canoeing / kayaking: class II-III, moderate, 4 - 5 hours; Drive: 40 min one way

Day 7 - Upper Mreznica canyon We are back on the water this morning in upper Mreznica canyon. We start our expedition upstream, traveling through a gorge so narrow and deep that the sun enters for only a few hours each day, around noon, creating spectacular light effects. Bypassing cliffs of carved white rocks, lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls, we will arrive at a strong freshwater spring. We continue our journey to the second highest waterfall on the Mreznica (8m), a magical place ideal for swimming and a picnic. After a break, we head downstream and finish the adventure back where we left our vehicles. Tonight, weather permitting; our hosts prepare a riverside barbecue. Meals: breakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Van ride: 1 hour one way; Canoeing / kayaking or rafting: class II-III, 3-4 hours.

Day 8 -Departure day by both programs, departure 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: breakfast

Note on the itinerary, valid for both programs:

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. 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. The trip provider reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Departure dates are every Saturday starting from May 26th, ending with Sept 29th. Other dates are subject to an individual arrangement.

Rooms:

The accommodation is a friendly, family-run, 3* hotel on the bank of Mreznica River, approximately one hour drive from Zagreb and Rijeka airports. The restaurant overlooks an old mill close to a small waterfall and serves freshly caught fish, as well as home-grown vegetables. Barbecues are also a speciality of the house. All rooms are equipped with en suite bathrooms, TV, mini bar, telephone and have Internet access. Zeleni kut hotel offers rooms from 1 to 4 beds.

Meals: Authentic, healthy and natural, containing local meals, barbecues, fresh fish and home-grown vegetables. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know upon inquiry, to confirm the possibilities.

Departure dates are every Saturday starting from June 2nd, ending with Sept 29th. Other dates are subject to an individual arrangement.

Rooms:

Accommodation is provided 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. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes for an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area.

The houses in Korana Village have 2 and 3 bed rooms, with 2 rooms sharing bathroom. No 1-bed rooms are available

Meals: The 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 upon inquiry, to confirm the possibilities.

VALID FOR BOTH PROGRAMS:
Maximum number of participants: 16 per group. Larger groups on request.
Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent. Children discount of 10% is valid for children 8-14 years of age if accompanied by an adult. 1 child enjoying discount shares parents’ room, 2 or more children can have their own room.

More information and reservations on: info(at)val-tours.hr

tel: +385-23-386479 fax: +385-23-386478

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