River Deep Mountain High

This trip is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure. You will be surrounded by national parks and nature, reserves and historical towns.

Where the mountains and rivers meet the sea…

Novigrad is a small fishermen village situated on the coast of Adriatic Sea deep in Novigrad Bay. The village has managed to preserve its authentic traditional architecture, untouched by modern tourism. It is scattered along the coastline under well preserved 13th century fortress Fortica. Inside its walls Croatian – Hungarian queen Elizabeth was imprisoned and died in 1387. The Novigrad Bay area is surrounded by national parks and nature reserves: Kornati Islands, Krka River, Paklenica Canyon, Plitvice Lakes, Velebit Mountain, Telascica Bay, Vrana Lake. The morning fishermen’s market and quiet village atmosphere are perfect for guests who want to get away from big summer crowds yet feel good in friendly atmosphere. It is absolutely not a typical tourist-hotel resort.

70€ discount off the regular price for departure 25th June, 6th Aug and 13th Aug.

+38516521666

Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1: Arrival to destination - Novigrad village

Our trip begins today in Novigrad, small fishermen village. Novigrad is a lively and colorful coastal town and is manageable on foot. Our hotel is well located for exploring and enjoying the magnificent view of the bay and mountain peaks of the Nature Park Velebit. After settling into your accommodation, we will meet in the hotel lobby for an informal welcome drink and evening snack. We will have the chance to discuss the upcoming itinerary and get to know our guides and fellow travelers.
Meals: D; Van drive from airport: Split 1:30 min or Zadar 30 min.

DAY 2: Sea kayaking to Vinjerac passing under Maslenica Bridge

This day is all about exploring hidden places of Novigrad Bay in our sea kayak. After sea kayaking instructions on the beach just in front our hotel we head out towards Maslenica Bridge. It was built over Novska idrilo - the narrow channel which connects Velebit channel and Novigrad Sea. Total length of the bridge is 300m. Once we reach the Maslenica Bridge, representable red construction that was destroyed during the war in Croatia, but rebuilt in early 2006, we challenge ourselves to find the most beautiful little town of Vinjerac. It is one of the most interesting places of the middle Adriatic Sea. Its position is not only attractive but also curious for those who want to spend their holiday in the oasis of peace and quiet, far away from the town noise and contamination. Unforgettable picture of the small place surrounded with the crystal clear Adriatic Sea on which surface the mountain Velebit is reflected. The small town Vinjerac – is well known for its “Konoba Pece” great refreshment in the region that had long been forgotten on the gastronomic map of Croatia. “Pece” goes a step further, and with its uniqueness competes for one of the top 10 “Konoba” type restaurant destinations on the Adriatic Coast.
Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); kayaking: 3-4hours, moderate.

DAY 3: Cycling day in National Park Krka River and visit to Šibenik town

Today we will take our bikes in Skradin and start to explore the countryside surrounding National Park Krka River. We will bike to the shores of Visovac Lake where the boat will take us to Visovac Island and Franciscan monastery. After sightseeing the monastery and museum the boat will take us back to the shore to continue our biking tour towards one of the most famous wineries in Croatia, but also known in South California, USA. The winery “Bibich” is the product of a long history of regional wine making, multiple cultures and dreams. Its proprietor is aware of what he and his home have to offer to the world. We will meet the warm and friendly family and stop for a short wine tasting. Continuing back to Skradin we have a magnificent ride downhill with a scenic view over the Adriatic Sea. On our drive back to Novigrad we stop in Šibenik town for another inspirational sightseeing. An ancient town with lively Mediterranean spirit and its breathtaking cathedral make it an unavoidable destination.
Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); cycling: 3-4 h, moderate - van support if needed.

DAY 4: Kayaking Zrmanja River - magnificent wild-west-like canyon

We head out for canoeing down the magnificent wild-west-like canyon of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers. After a short instructional introduction to paddling (watercraft may be raft, canoe or sit-on-top kayaks depending upon the river conditions), we push off for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and emerald waters of these Croatian rivers, considered two of the most beautiful in Europe. From the geologic aspect Zrmanja is also very interesting. The basin of Zrmanja is according to geologic researches built mostly of limestone and dolomite. 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! Relax this evening in peaceful Novigrad while enjoying a traditional supper on the most beautiful terrace.
Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); Van drive: 30 min; kayaking or rafting: Class I/II rapids, 3-4 h.

DAY 5: Hiking in Paklenica National Park

If there was ever a morning for you to get up early, this is that morning. Our small expedition leads us into National Park Paklenica, the most famous hiking and rock climbing national park in Croatia. It covers the area of torrent flows of Velika and Mala Paklenica, and their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the south slopes of Velebit and the broader surrounding area. The relatively small area has an abundance of exceptional diversity of geomorphologic phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature. Having adapted to the geographic and climatic environment, the residents mostly engaged in nomad stock herding, which is confirmed by mountain shepherd residences. The fact that many people stayed in mountain residences in summertime is reflected in the ruins of numerous sacral buildings: churches, chapels, altars, holy hills and measures. The name Paklenica probably derives from black pine sap called “paklina”, which the locals used in traditional medicine, for wound treatment, for light and for coating of wooden boats. Hiking is the only way to really get to know Paklenica. Finishing our fabulous day in the Paklenica Park we continue our journey to visit Zadar, beautiful old town on the Adriatic coast. In the past several years Zadar town has become an outdoor exhibition, attracting people from all demographic structures. It is really worth seeing and experiencing it.
Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Van drive: 45 min; hiking: 3-4 hours; Sightseeing Zadar: 2h.

DAY 6: Sea kayaking expedition into Zrmanja River canyon

We start our day just in front of the hotel and take a trip into the Zrmanja River canyon. 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 birds along the way. After kayaking upstream on calm water like oil, swimming and jumping off cliffs we make an optional lunch or coffee stop in Obrovac, the only town in the canyon some 11 km from the mouth of the river. Picturesque valley of the Zrmanja River, rich gastronomic offer, fishing opportunities and long history, make Obrovac town more suitable for tourism every day. Above the town there are ruins of a fortified city. During “Operation Storm”, the entire population of Obrovac fled before the Croatian Army entered the town. When the Croatian military forces entered the town on the first day of the operation, they found a ghost town. In 2008, Obrovac unveiled a restored Riviera, which was the biggest financial investment in the city since Croatian independence.
Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); kayaking: 4-6hours, moderate.

DAY 7: Free day – list of optional trips

On your final day you can be as active or as lazy as you wish. You can relax by the sea, swim, play beach volleyball or even take another optional bike tour on your own. Several optional hiking, sightseeing or beach trips will be proposed in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer.
Meals: B and D (lunch on your own); Van drive: max 2 hours.

DAY 8: Departure day

Depart Novigrad 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

Note on Itinerary:
This 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.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation is provided in a newly renovated 3* apart-hotel “Castrum Novum” situated right on the beach, at the quiet end of the village. All apartments are air conditioned, with shower/toilet, telephone/Internet line, fully equipped kitchen and satellite TV. It’s pleasant cafe and restaurant terrace gives memorable views of the sunset over the bay and Velebit Mountain peaks.

The wellness, fitness and sauna center is open, charge free for the guests of this activity program. Hotel also provides a billiard room/game room for our group meetings and planning of our next day destination.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Raftrek Travel Prices 2012
Halfboard as noted
July 7 – August 24 € 740,00
June 9 - July 6, August 25 - Sept 14 € 670,00
May 26 - June8, Sept 15 - Oct 5 € 560,00

Children 8-14 years 10% reduction
July 7 – August 24 € 665,00
June 9 - July 6, August 25 - Sept 14 € 603,00
May 26 - June 8, Sept 15 - Oct 5 € 504,00

Single rooms, 20% supplement
July 7 – August 24 € 888,00
June 9 - July 6, August 25 - Sept 14 € 804,00
May 26 - June 8, Sept 15 - Oct 5 € 672,00

+38516521666