Do you dream of paddling a sea kayak with an overnight stay in a tent on the beach in the Dalmatian archipelago and hiking in the beautiful Croatian national parks? Then this trip is for you! You have a rental car so you can decide the pace of the trip and there is also time set aside for relaxation and immersion in the country’s historic cities.
During this fast-paced journey, you will have the opportunity to explore Croatia’s most beautiful national parks on foot, paddle sea kayaks along rocky islands surrounded by the azure Adriatic Sea and soak up the history of Croatia’s cities. The journey begins in the Croatian capital Zagreb, where you have a first night and then pick up your rental car to drive to the impressive Plitvice National Park. See the many waterfalls and beautiful lakes as you hike the trails and trails in the lush landscape. Continue to the mountainous Paklenica National Park which offers more than 150 km of hiking trails. See more about Croatia on best-medical-schools.
The next stop is the historic and beautiful coastal town of Šibenik where you can enjoy total relaxation at the Amadria Park Hotel Jure before driving on to Split. On the way to Split you can hike up to the top of Mount Mosor, which offers a magical view of Split and the Dalmatian archipelago. In Split, return your rental car and have time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls and narrow alleys. Then end the trip with an awesome 2-day kayak adventure in the Dalmatian archipelago where you can snorkel and swim in the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea before spending the night in tents on one of the islands. After a last night back in Split, you then fly home to Scandinavia, filled with adventure and incredible memories of Croatia!
We have chosen different types of accommodation that suit the surroundings you are in; hostel with own room and toilet / bath, B&B, apartment and resort. The trip can of course be tailored exactly to your needs so the standard of accommodation can be upgraded and the itinerary can be changed so you get more time in the places that interest you. You have a rental car for most of the trip and there is plenty of freedom in the program and ideas for excursions and sights you can stop at.
Day 1: By flight from Denmark to Zagreb
Today begins your fast-paced travel adventure to the fantastic Croatia. You fly to the Croatian capital Zagreb, where you arrive in the middle of the day. Pick up your rental car and drive to your hostel which is centrally located in the city. In the afternoon, you will meet your English-speaking local guide for a tour of the capital’s narrow streets and beautiful parks. You will hear stories about the city’s history and what it is like to live in today’s Zagreb – based on the guide’s own experiences and experiences, which gives you a unique insight into the city. After the tour, you can explore the lively café life and the large range of restaurants on your own.
Day 2: By car to Plitvice National Park (134 km)
We recommend that you set course from Zagreb to Plitvice National Park in the morning, so you have as much time as possible to walk in the beautiful nature of the national park. It takes about two hours to drive from Zagreb and along the way it is possible to stop at local farm shops or supermarkets to buy snacks and drinks for the day’s hiking trip. Note that credit cards can be used in most places, but we recommend that you withdraw some of the local currency “kuna” so that you always have cash on you. Plitvice National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be explored on foot along footpaths and paths through the spectacular landscape of turquoise lakes and waterfalls. There are walking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. One thing is for sure – the beauty of the national park will overwhelm you with impressions! You can not swim in the waterfalls and lakes here but it is possible in the Krka National Park which you can visit later in your trip. Late afternoon you head to your B&B which is just outside the park. We can recommend that those who wish drive to the restaurant Lička Kuća in the evening, where the best local specialties are served.
Day 3: By car to Starigrad Paklenica (130 km)
If you did not get enough of the beautiful waterfalls and lakes of Plitvice National Park yesterday, it is time today to continue exploring the national park as it is only a short drive to the next stop, the coastal town of Starigrad Paklenica. Here awaits another of Croatia’s beautiful national parks, Paklenica. You will be based in Starigrad Paklenica where you have a small apartment with kitchen. On the way there you can choose to take a small detour to Krupa River where you can trek in the beautiful gorge and visit the village Kaštel Žegarski.
Day 4: Trekking in Paklenica National Park
Today you have plenty of opportunities to explore the more than 150 km of marked hiking trails in Paklenica National Park, which is only a few kilometers from Starigrad Paklenica. The routes take you through a breathtaking mountain landscape between dramatic rock formations and deep canyons overlooking the Adriatic Sea. You can also try some of the more than 400 climbing routes of varying difficulty, cycling or horse riding in the national park.
Day 5: By car to Šibenik via Tulove Grede and Krka National Park (166 km)
Today, a wonderful drive to Šibenik awaits with a stop at the impressive rock formations Tulove Grede and not least Krka National Park. Both stops offer fantastic hiking and in Krka National Park you can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear lakes and beautiful waterfalls. In the late afternoon you will then arrive at the historic coastal town of Šibenik, where it is time to relax at the Amadria Park Hotel Jure. Here you have two nights and can enjoy the view of the sea with a good book or take a swim in the pool.
Day 6: Relaxation in Šibenik
You have all day free to either just relax at the resort or explore Šibenik, the oldest city on the Adriatic with a population of about 35,000. The old town offers charming cobbled streets, 24 churches and the medieval fortresses of St. Michaels and St. Nikolaus which was used as a background for several scenes from the series “Game of Thrones”. ( F )
Day 7: By car to Split via Mt. Mosor (78 km)
Split is the next destination on your Croatia adventure. On the way you can stop at Sitno Gornje and walk up about 300 meters to the top of the mountain Mosor. The view from the top at an altitude of 868 meters is fantastic and you will be able to see both Split and the islands in the Dalmatian archipelago. In Split, you return your rental car and then have the rest of the day on your own to explore Split’s old town center. Here is the giant palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian from around the year 300. The palace ruins, which are on a UNESCO World Heritage List, are scattered over the old town – it’s like walking around a large museum with a fruit and vegetable market, a fish market and cozy little shops. Just outside the palace is the promenade Riva with its cozy restaurants and cafes.F )
Day 8: Kayak adventure to Drvenik Veli and Drvenik Mali
Your 2-day kayak adventure in the Dalmatian archipelago begins with you meeting your guide who will be on the whole trip. After an introduction you go to the village of Vinisce which is the starting point. Here you get a detailed route introduction and information about equipment, sea kayaking and safety at sea. You pack your luggage for the next two days in so-called drybags and leave the rest at your hostel in Split. So you are ready to embark on an adventure in the Dalmatian Bay. From the sheltered bay of the coastal town of Vinices, you paddle across the canal to the island of Drvenik Veli (large Drvenik) and the village of the same name. This old fishing village still lives at the slow pace that one can imagine they had 100 years ago. Hidden from mass tourism, this island with only 150 inhabitants is a perfect first destination on the kayak trip. From here you continue to Drvenik Mali (little Drvenik), a small island that is an important part of the Trogir archipelago and has a unique charm with its sandy beaches and the small fishing village of Borak. Here you camp at a campsite. Together with the guide, you prepare the dinner that is enjoyed under the open starry sky. Tired after a day at sea, you crawl to a berth in your tent. (L , M ) Route: Vinisce – Drvenik Veli – Drvenik Mali Length: 15 km
Day 9: Kayak adventure from Drvenik Mali via Drvenik Veli back to Split
After a night in a tent and a good breakfast, you pack up the camp together and continue the journey towards the enchanting beach Vela Rina with fantastic white sand and perfect, crystal clear sea. This is a great place for a refreshing swim or a snorkeling trip. Paddle back to the island of Drvenik Veli and visit some of the lovely, small beaches where it is possible to jump into the water from the cliffs, snorkel or just relax in the sun. When you reach the south side of the island you come to the famous “Blue Lagoon” or Krknjaši, where you can take a break. Krknjaši is one of the most popular natural bays on the Adriatic. The combination of crystal clear sea and sand gives the lagoon a fantastic turquoise color. From here you will again cross the canal back to Vinisce and then drive back to Split, where you can enjoy the rest of the evening on your own. (F , L ) Route: Drvenik Mali – Drvenik Veli – Vinisce Length: 22 km
Day 10: Return trip
With lots of fantastic travel memories and experiences in your luggage, you can take a bus or taxi to Split Airport today when it’s time to go home. You fly back to Scandinavia with return the same day, the times depend on the airline.
Overnight stays
One night at the Hostel Bureau in Zagreb
One night at the Etno Garden B&B at Plitvice NP
Two nights in an apartment in Starigrad Paklenica
Two nights at the Amadria Park Hotel Jure in Šibenik
One night at 101 Dalmatinac Hostel in Split
One night in a tent on the island of Ciovo
One night at 101 Dalmatinac Hostel in Split
