Compare Croatia: Hike, Bike & Kayak by Intrepid Travel vs Old Dalmatia Private Guided Tour from Split by Tourboks

Day 1 Zadar

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure starts in Zadar with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe start exploring the streets of Zadar at your own pace. After the meeting, maybe head out with your group for dinner at a traditional restaurant and sample some local favourites like lamb in red wine, njoki (gnocchi) with Dalmatian ham or fresh fish. Don't forget to try the famous liqueur, Maraskino, made from locally grown maraschino cherries from a centuries' old secret recipe. This unique drink was a favourite at European imperial and royal courts and has been produced in Zadar since 1821.

Day 2 Starigrad Paklenica

For centuries, Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia and this morning, you’ll discover its rich cultural heritage at every turn. Trace the marble streets through the Old Town, past the Roman ruins and medieval churches on a leader-led orientation walk. After lunch, take a local bus to Stari Grad Paklenica – a small town in the harbour that sits at the foot of the World Heritage-listed Velebit Nature Park. This is your gateway to the Paklenica National Park – two canyons divide this mountainous region filled with gorges and cliffs that reach up to 400 m in height. Tonight, you’re free to explore the streets of Stari Grad (Old Town) – one of the oldest towns in Europe, built on the historic Roman settlement of Argyruntum.

Day 3 Paklenica National Park Hiking

After breakfast, it’s time to set off on the first active day of the trip. Paklenica National Park is home to incredible rock formations, stunning natural scenery and one of the most visited climbing sites in Europe. Get acquainted with the area on a hike through the Velebit Mountain Range in Paklenica National Park. Your hike will take you by the right edge of the Velika Paklenica Canyon to reveal some of the most magnificent views of the park. The lush surroundings are a result of the pure spring water that flows through the area, blossoming the trees and meadows. Head to a mountain lodge for an optional traditional lunch. After, why not try this region’s homemade brandy or some of the local herbal tea, made from the region’s famous Velebit herbs. Back on the track, you’ll drop by a 17th century village, Sklopina, which consists of houses built into the cracks in the rock. The return path leads you to the very bottom of the Velika Paklenica Canyon along the creek, where you can freshen up before returning to the comfort of your Stari Grad accommodation.

Day 4 Paklenica National Park Mountain Biking

It’s time to head back and explore the mountain paths in or around Paklenica National Park – except this time it’s on two wheels. The grassy hills and rugged mountain trails of the park make for a great spot to get some mountain biking practice in. Cycle around the countryside and enjoy this breath-taking part of Croatia. The trail travels through the characteristic rocky landscape of Dalmatia, dominated by the view of the slopes of the serrated Velebit mountain peaks and beech and black pine forest. Ride through untouched nature and diverse flora and fauna, including thousands of plant species – 79 of which are endemic to the area. Cycle along dry-stone walls through villages characterised by traditional stone architecture. The afternoon is free for you to either continue exploring the area by bike or to relax in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 5 Starigrad Paklenica

Enjoy a free day to get active however you choose. Those in search of a thrill can go on an exciting canoe safari or a whitewater rafting adventure, taking you from Kastel Zegarski on a 14 km (9 mi) journey, past magnificent waterfalls and stunning karst scenery of narrow valleys and steep-sided canyons to Obrovac. During rafting season, the rapids will be grade 2 or potentially even grade 3. The first part of the trip is easy, allowing you to get a feel for your craft and enjoy the surroundings, and then it will gradually get more downhill, with an increase in waterfalls and rapids. If you don’t feel like rafting, you can return to Paklenica National Park for some more hiking and biking or simply relax on the beach.

Day 6 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Today, take a trip to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This is one of the oldest national parks in south-eastern Europe and the largest in Croatia. A misty Eden of endless waterfalls and spectral blue lakes, you could spend days wandering the serene landscape. The waters tumble from a high, tree-lined ridge down through the valley and skirt dense forests of beech, spruce and pine. If you’re a bit of a photographer, you definitely want your camera today! Later, return to Stari Grad. In the evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner.

Day 7 Paklenica Bay Sea Kayaking

Today, you’ll hit the beach for a sea kayaking adventure in Paklenica Bay. Strike out on the clear blue sea through the Velebit Channel and spend some time on the water. The Velebit mountains will serve as your backdrop as you glide along the blue satin water and tour the coastline. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way, for a lunch break, to swim and to soak in the stunning surroundings. Your final destination is the nearby fishing village of Vinjerac, known for its neat row of pastel-coloured houses fronting the harbour. The rest of the day is free until the evening, where you’ll meet up with your group again for a traditional Croatian dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8 Starigrad Paklenica

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay in Croatia, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

DAY 1:ARRIVE SPLIT



Independent arrival in Split. In afternoon hour guided walking tour of Split. In 295 AD the Roman emperor Diocletian started building his palace and finished 10 years later. He spared no expense, importing marble from Italy and Greece, and columns and sphinxes from Egypt. A military fortress, imperial residence and fortified town, today the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most imposing Roman ruins in the western world. The transformation of the palace into the town began in the 7th Century when the inhabitants of nearby Salona took refuge in the palace during the invasions of the Avars and Slavs. Far from being a museum, the 220 buildings within the palace walls are home to about 3,000 people. With just the right balance of tradition and modernity, Split is the quintessential coastal town for exploring on foot and observing Dalmatian life as it’s really lived. The rest of the day and evening on your own are for you to enjoy the dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls. Overnight in Split.



Meals:not included



Accommodation:Hotel 3/4*, Split



Visit:Split



Transportation:not included



DAY 2:TROGIR AND KRKA WATERFALLS NATIONAL PARK



After breakfast 45 minutes drive to national park Krka, the most beautiful karstic river in Croatia, occupies the area between Knin and Skradin; deep canyons are carved in limestone plateaus; among many waterfalls, the most famous are Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap; between these two wonderful waterfalls is located Visovac Lake and the Franciscan monastery, which is located at the point where river enter the lake.



Our next stop is at Trogir, which has changed little over the years. The town occupies the whole of a tiny island connected to the mainland today by a causeway. The profusion of Romanesque and Renaissance architectural styles within its 15th-century walls, as well as the magnificent cathedral at the town centre, inspired UNESCO to name Trogir a World Heritage site. We visit the Venetian Cathedral of St. Lovro, built from the 13th to 15th Centuries and considered to be one of the finest architectural works in Croatia. Evenin you can spend exploring Split. Overnight in Split.



Meals:breakfast



Accommodation: Hotel 3/4*, Split



Visit:Trogir and Krka waterfalls national park



Transportation:private car/minivan/minibus



DAY 3:ISLAND OF HVAR



This morning you will embark a public ferry boat to the island of Hvar (optional supplement for a private motor boat transfer). The island of Hvar is a unique fusion of the luxurious Mediterranean nature and the remarkable cultural and historical heritage. The name of the island derives from the Greek word PHAROS, meaning the lighthouse. Since Hvar lies in the heart of all the main sea routes since the ancient times, many different cultures left their traces to the present day. A Greek colony in the 4th century BC, Hvar gained its glory and power during the Middle Ages being an important port within the Venetian naval empire. Upon arrival to the port of Stari Grad, your guide will take you for a brief sightseeing tour. Stari Grad was the the former Greek colony of PHAROS and the first settlement of the island. A thousand years of history have left many traces in the urban structure of the Town. The Town Walls of Pharos, built by the Greeks the 4th century BC, the Roman mosaics, the early Christian church of St. John, the mediaeval streets and above all Tvrdalj - the Renaissance fortified castle are all the signposts through a millennium long life of the town. A stroll through the town centre, its narrow streets and small squares will bring you the whisperings of the foregone times. Then, through the beautiful landscape of vineyards, olive-groves and lavender fields you will come to Jelsa, a small town with a long winemaking tradition. Throughout the centuries of rich and turbulent history, people on Hvar cultivated their vineyards with great skill and care, blessed with the lushness of Mediterranean. Today you will enjoy a private wine tasting at the Tomić family winery in Jelsa. Following the tradition of their ancestors, Tomić family has dedicated their life to producing high quality



wines and promoting wine culture. They believe that Hvar, with its authentic varieties, exceptionally favorable climate and location of vineyards, can preserve the long tradition of winemaking, enriching it continually with new products. After some time for lunch, you will continue to the town of Hvar and a private tour with your guide. New meets the Old in the perfect harmony of the town of Hvar. Your guide will take you for a stroll through the inexhaustible treasury of the cultural heritage of Hvar. You will visit the largest square in Dalmatia, the town loggia and the Gothic and Renaissance palaces, one of the oldest theaters in Europe, the mighty Arsenal, the glorious Cathedral of St. Stephan, as well as the impressive Franciscan Monastery, that today houses a collection of lace, anuscripts and books. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight in the heart of the old town of Hvar.



Accommodation: Hotel 3/4*, Hvar



Meals:breakfast, visit wine cellar with tasting and snack



Visit:Hvar, Jelsa



Transportation:private car/minivan/minibus, total driving time 90 minutes ferry 120 minutes, Ferry from Split to Hvar included







DAY 4HVAR – STON – DUBROVNIK



After brakfast you will take public ferry which connects Island Hvar with mainland. On your way to Dubrovnik, you will stop in Ston – small town known as the paradise for seafood lovers. Famous Ston oysters are known as the best aphrodisiac from the Roman period. Ston was also an important military fort of the Ragusan Republic, which was well protected by massive city walls and used Pelješac to build another line of defense. At Pelješac's narrowest point, just before it joins the mainland, a wall was build from Ston to Mali Ston. With over 5 km of length; the medieval walls from the 14th century are the biggest city walls in Europe. The wall meant to protect the precious salt pans that contributed to Dubrovnik's wealth, which are still being in use today. Upon arrival to Dubrovnik, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure. You will enjoy the Bellevue Hotel – the splendid location, stunning views and chic ambiance



Accommodation: Hotel 3/4*, Dubrovnik



Meals:breakfast



Visit:Ston



Transportation: private car/minivan/minibus, from Hvar to Dubrovnik,total driving time 4 hours, ferry 35 minutes







DAY 5:Dubrovnik city tour and free time



City walls were built between the 13th and 16th centuries and still intact today, these powerful walls are the finest in the world. The entire Old Town is contained within a curtain of stone over 2km long and up to 25m high. All motor vehicles are banned from the centre. We begin our walking tour at the Pile Gate, which dates from 1537. Originally, the drawbridge at the gate's entrance was lifted every evening, the gate was closed and the key handed to the prince. The Franciscan Monastery & Museum houses the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, which has been in business since 1391. The pharmacy may have been the first pharmacy in Europe open to the general public. We see the old harbour, the St Laurence Fortress and the 16th Century Sponza Palace which was originally a customs house, then a minting house, a State treasury and a bank. Now it houses the State Archives, which contain a priceless collection of manuscripts dating back nearly a thousand years. The Rector's Palace is an elegant 15th-century building erected on the site of an old fort in order to house the rector, Dubrovnik's ruler. After lunch you are free to enjoy Dubrovnik’s old city and its Adriatic beaches at your leisure for the rest of the day and evening. Overnigh in Dubrovnik.



Included:



Meals:breakfast



Accommodation: Hotel 3/4*, Dubrovnik



Visit:Dubrovnik



Transportation:not included







DAY 6:DEPARTURE



After breakfast independent departure.



Meals:breakfast



Accommodation: not included



Visit:not included



Transportation:not included