The Plitvice National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which 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 and Zrmanja rivers by kayak and to the Adriatic coast, with an option to raft on either the Dobra River or Una River, along the border between Croatia and Bosnia. Join us in this small Mediterranean country that's big on adventure and 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.

Whats Included:

• 7 Nights accommodation in double rooms (2 rooms sharing 1 bathroom)
• Half board (meals as per itinerary)
• 5 Days of organised activities
• Free use of bicycles, kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets, helmets
• Free use of neoprene shorts and booties in case of cold weather
• Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance fee
• Transfers from/to Zagreb and Zadar airport, bus or train station
• Ground transportation
• Skilled bi-lingual guide and assistance
• Local taxes

We can offer 4 Nights package from €460 pp : short Plitvice Lakes NP Activity Holiday based on 4 Nights.

Maximum number of participants: 16 guests per group. Larger groups on request.
Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by an adult

Optional trips on Day 5 are not included in the price, however can be booked and paid on arrival.

Your Itinerary:

Day 1 - Saturday. Arrival to destination - Korana village
Leaving Zagreb or Zadar airport behind, we make our way to the tiny village of Korana, located in a picture-postcard riverside setting at the doorstep of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here we have the unique opportunity to spend a week with local residents who offer simple, clean and comfortable rooms in their homes. After settling into your accommodations, 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 itinerary and get to know our fellow travelers.
Meals: D; Van drive: 2 hours

Day 2. Visit Plitvice Lakes NP
We start our day 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 and 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: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Hiking: 4-6 miles; Terrain: easy, well marked paths
 
Day 3. Expedition along the Mrežnica River
Embark on a kayaking expedition down the emerald Mreznica River. The journey 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. After a light picnic on the bank we finish our river journey.  Later in the day, we explore the numerous streams and mills of Rastoke village on foot. We end the day in Korana village.
 Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); Van drive: 1h30 one way; Kayaking or rafting: Class I/II rapids, 3-4 hours
 
Day 4. Cycling in the countryside. Barac caves visit.
Today is all about exploring the lovely pastoral Croatian countryside by bike. We cycle roads that are nearly traffic free through forests, between hills and across green fields. Cycling through traditional villages, we come to Barac Caves, where we stop for a guided underground tour of the caves' fascinating karsts formations. According to the oral tradition of the local people, 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: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Cycling: 4 hours; Terrain: rolling hills
(Please note that cycling the entire route may be too difficult for small children, but a support van can pick them up at any time).

Day 5. Optional trip day

Today you can be as active or as lazy as you wish. You can relax by the river, swim or even take another optional cycling / biking tour on your own in and around Plitvice lakes National Parks. A white water rafting trip on Una River in Bosnia or on the Dobra River 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: B and D (lunch on your own); Van drive: max 2 hours one way

Day 6. Canoe safari on Zrmanja River in Velebit Nature Park and Adriatic coast visit
We head south for canoeing down the magnificent wild-west-like canyons of Zrmanja River. After a short instructional introduction to paddling (watercraft may be raft, canoe or sit-on-top kayak depending upon the river conditions), 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 better than this! After the river trip we will stop in Novigrad Bay for a swim in the Adriatic Sea and relaxing on the beach before getting back to Korana Village for a traditional supper.  Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); Van drive: 2 hours one way; Kayaking or rafting: Class I/II rapids, 3-4 h
 
Day 7. Kayaking in Mrežnica River canyon
Back on the water this morning in the upper Mreznica canyon, the most beautiful part of the river.  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. Bypassing cliffs of carved white rocks, lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls, we will arrive at a strong freshwater spring and admire the second highest waterfall on the Mreznica (8m), a magical place ideal for swimming and a picnic. Tonight, weather permitting, our hosts prepare a riverside barbeque.  Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Van drive: 1 hour one way; Kayaking or rafting: Class II/III, 3-4 hours
  
Day 8. Departure day
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: B; Van drive: 2 hours one way
 
Notes 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.

Here are a few suggestions on what you should pack for this trip:

Required gear for paddling and cycling is provided.

• Swimwear
• Sun hat with brim
• T-shirts (at least 1 synthetic)
• Hiking shorts (synthetic)
• Few lightweight, casual clothing
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Lightweight hiking shoes and water shoes for kayaking
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock and lip balm
• Personal first aid kit
• Small back pack
• Camera (waterproof)