Canoeing and Rafting on the Rivers and Lakes of Croatia

The land of breathtaking waterfalls awaits you!

The highlights of this multi-activity adventure package include canoeing, hiking and biking in the area around Plitvice Lakes National Park, an area of breathtaking views and stunning scenery. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, plays host to 16 lakes, numerous waterfalls fed by both the Black and White Rivers, and seemingly endless forests. The itinerary will also take you on a journey down the Mreznica, Zrmanja and Krupa rivers by kayak and raft on Una River, along the border between Croatia and Bosnia. Join us in this small Mediterranean country that's big on adventure. With delicious Croatian fare and intimate lodgings it's easy to see why both Lonely Planet and National Geographic have called Croatia a "must do" destination.

The combination of activity, scenery and cultural immersion makes this journey a unique and unforgettable experience. Hiking and river kayaking are included in program as everyday activities and are suitable for all ages. The rivers are friendly – they have pleasant temperatures in summer and they are not dangerous or physically demanding.

Trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Our daily program is a combination of kayaking, walking, swimming, sightseeing and exploring. You can expect to paddle about 10 miles a day (four hours), but our schedule is very weather dependent. Previous kayaking experience is recommended, but not required. There’s mostly the option of jumping in the support van if you’re tired.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1- Arrival in 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 travelers.
Meals: dinner; Van ride: 2 hours 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: 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. 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: Cycling / biking to Barac caves
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. Cycling / biking through traditional villages, we reach Barac Caves, where we stop for a guided underground tour of some fascinating karst formations. According to local legend, a man named Barac fought heroically and defeated a raging Turkish giant near these caves, which were thereafter named in his honor. After visiting the caves, 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.

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 base on a min. of 4 participants.)

Day 6 - Zrmanja River Canoeing / Kayaking and visit the Adriatic coast
We head south for canoeing / kayaking down the magnificent Wild West-like canyons of the Zrmanja River. After a short introduction to paddling, we push off for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and green waters of this Croatian river, considered one 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 much better than this! After the river trip we will stop in Novigrad Bay for a swim in the Adriatic Sea and relax on the beach before returning to Korana Village for a traditional supper.
Meals: brakfast and dinner (picnic lunch on your own); Van ride: 2 hours one way; Canoeing / kayaking or rafting: class II-III, 3-4 hours.

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
Depart Korana village 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; Van drive: 2 hours one way

Note on Itinerary:
This itinerary is 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. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation is provided by the families of Korana Village/ B&B style, 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. Please note that the houses in Korana Village have 2 and 3 bed rooms, with 2 rooms sharing bathroom. No 1-bed rooms are available. Single use rooms are available upon request, only as double rooms/single use, with 20% surcharge. Sharing a room with another person of the same sex is possible.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Accommodation type:
7-day half board package in a double room:
July 7 – August 24 740,00
June 9-July 6, August 25-Sept 14 670,00
May 26-June 8, Sept 15-Oct 5 560,00

7-day half board package in a single room
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

Children discount (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.

+385 23 386479