Croatia Adventure Travel 4

Multi activity experience of Krka River National Park and northern Dalmatia 
8 days/7 nights Huck Finn Adventure Travel program 2009

Skradin is a unique town hidden in the Krka River estuary, 80 kilometers from the Split airport, just on the edge of the National Park. The small picturesque town, rich in history, has a couple of family-run hotels, restaurants, pubs and wineries, a beach and marina. It is off the main tourist path and remains a friendly town rather than a fast-pace resort.

Our program is a well balanced mixture of activity, nature and culture. Your days will be filled with hiking up the waterfalls and across narrow streams, touring lakes in a canoe, kayaking around  islands and through rapids of exotic river canyons, rafting through jungle-like forests and exploring caves. Afternoons and evenings will be spent in relaxing ambience of Zadar and Sibenik, with time to see the Roman emperor Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the art treasures of Trogir Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Kayaking, rafting, bicycling and sea kayaking are pleasant ways to travel through pristine and remote areas. They are suitable for all ages and even absolute beginners, as few people find them too physically demanding. The sea, lakes and rivers are safe and friendly, with pleasant temperatures in the summer.

Day 2 - Sun: We will spend the day touring the Krka River National Park. A short boat ride will take us up the river to the magnificent 44-meters high Skradinski Buk waterfalls. We will continue by motor boat to the island of Visovac to visit the Franciscan (Catholic) monastery. We will continue by foot exploring Roski waterfall with its numerous mills, streams and cascades. There will be time for lunch and a swim. Those who prefer less walking can continue by boat to visit St. Archangel (Orthodox) monastery in the upper canyon of the river. Both the upper canyon and the lake are abundant with wildlife, with more than 200 different species of birds .

Day 3 - Mon: We will kayak on the Krka River and Prokljan Lake towards Zaton. There will be time to enjoy the beach and practice kayak skills in preparation for the more challenging rivers that you will explore in the next few days. The water here is brackish (mixed fresh and saltwater) which is the reason for abundant life under the surface. The eel which dwells here is a favorite gourmet specialty, but we are more likely to spot turtles, fish and, certainly birds along the way.

Day 4 – Tue:  Today we will explore the Zrmanja and Krupa rivers by kayaking down easy rapids in a magnificent canyon and perhaps swimming under wonderful waterfalls. If the water level is high (usually in spring and autumn) we will use rafts because the rapids are often too challenging for beginning kayakers. After the river trip and a picnic  we will walk through the walled town of Zadar, enjoy a drink on a promenade while listening to the sounds of the world famous sea organ.

Day 5 - Wed: We venture to romantic Vrgada Island for sea kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. This island at the doorstep of Kornati Islands National Park has no cars or hotels. It has, however, many cats, lovely coves and the most beautiful beach in the area. Fishing and farming have always been, and still are, its way of life. In the evening we will visit Sibenik, an ancient town with lively Mediterranean nightlife.

Day 6 - Thu:  Today we head south to the Cetina River for a rafting trip that will thrill you with clear water, jungle-like forests, caves and waterfalls rather then big rapids. The river is grade 3 – easy enough for families and absolute beginners. The trip ends at Radman Mills, a national restaurant in a beautiful setting of old mills once powered by the waters of the Cetina River. After lunch we continue to Split to walk its popular palm tree promenade and visit the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace, built in the 4th century. Time permitting we will also visit Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage site – an old town with fairy-tale streets and stone houses of incredible architecture, filled with works of art and warm ambience.

Day 7 - Fri:  Enjoy a day to relax on a beach. Optional excursions are possible: take bike trip around the park, a boat trip to Kornati Islands National Park, or souvenir shopping in nearby Sibenik. We will have our farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 - Sat: Depart for the airport and your flight onward or home.