Jewels of Croatia: Forests, Rivers, and Islands

The Trip

Discover Croatia -- Europe’s undiscovered adventure travel destination! Croatia has pristine nature, history, art, and tradition in a friendly atmosphere and pleasant climate. This multi-sport adventure offers activities galore! Sea kayaking, canoeing, rafting, bicycling, sailing, hiking, snorkeling…and more. Visit incredible places -- coastal rivers flanked by green banks and travertine canyons, lush forests and mountains, inland river banks -- that are full of flowers, birds, and curious little mammals waiting to be discovered.

Visit historic towns: Zagreb, the historic capital city, and Dubrovnik, which traces its roots to the 7th century; and the Croatian city of Trogir, a city with 2,300 years of tradition, which has been protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Experience warm Croatian hospitality during an overnight stay in a small village hidden away in a valley by the river in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Relax on our sailing catamarans as gentle winds take you among the captivating Croatian islands, with their peaceful and picturesque beaches, caves, cliffs, and blue sea. It’s hard to imagine a better setting for outdoor activities: sailing, kayaking, hiking, biking. Explore the Pelješac Peninsula, one of the most successful and famous wine-making regions in Croatia. Sail to the Elaphite Islands archipelago -- some of Croatia's most beautiful green islands, covered by forests with lots of sunshine and sandy beaches.

The diversity of landscapes makes Croatia a magnificent place for all hiking, walking, and biking enthusiasts. Experience the unspoiled countryside while rafting or kayaking down Croatian rivers. Conquer the most beautiful peaks and explore the fascinating mountain ranges, canyons, forests, and countryside paths. Hauntingly rugged beauty awaits -- don't miss it. This is one of our most popular trips and it will fill up quickly so please make your reservation early.

Please keep in mind that this itinerary may be altered due to inclement weather, trails closed for repair, or any reason that may affect the safety of the group. All times and distances in this itinerary are approximate.

Day 1: Zagreb -- meeting and trip orientation

We meet at our hotel in Zagreb’s historical district. After our orientation meeting and welcome dinner, you can spend the evening enjoying Zagreb's beautiful architecture, the old town, ancient monuments, and nightlife.

Day 2: Zagreb tour and Samobor hike -- walking (3 hours, 2.5 miles)

After breakfast we enjoy a guided walking tour of Zagreb -- from the city’s historic past to its vibrant present. Our exact route will be determined by our local guide, but may include landmarks such as Zagreb's cathedral, Kamenita vrata (Stone gate), the colorful farmers’ market, the renowned church of St. Marko, the Croatian parliament, the shortest furnicular in the world, the Lower Town with its famous monument of Ban Jelačić, and Manduševac fountain.

Following our Zagreb walking tour we drive 28 km to Samobor, a classic rural town of pastel houses and church-lined square, and have lunch at Livadic restaurant or similar, with kremsnita pastry dessert included. We then begin a steep 2-km walk through flower-filled woods to a medieval castle. Upon our return we travel about 40 km to Zvecaj village. The accommodation is a friendly, family-run hotel on the bank of the Mrežnica River. The restaurant overlooks an old mill close to a small waterfall and serves freshly caught fish, as well as home-grown vegetables.

Day 3: Mreznica River -- kayaking (4 hours, 4 miles, class 1-2 water)

Our adventure today takes us to the clear emerald water, unspoiled woods, and magical landscapes of the Mrežnica River. This is one of Croatia's finest and clearest rivers, ideal for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. This is a typical ‘karst’ river with numerous travertine waterfalls interspersed with calm water. Today’s outing is a relaxing day on the water with lots of swimming, jumping off waterfalls, and enjoying our natural surroundings. If time permits we'll enjoy a short hike in the hills surrounding the village. 

Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park -- hiking (8.2 miles, 500 feet of elevation gain, moderate)

After breakfast we will head to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been called the most remarkable meeting of water and rock to be found anywhere in the world. The series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls, numerous caves, and forest of beech and pine trees make for an unforgettable hike. After a full day of exploring this Croatian national treasure, we'll enjoy a traditional meal and retire for the night to our simple, clean, and comfortable rooms in this idyllic setting in Korana.

Korana is a small village hidden away in a valley by the river in Plitvice Lakes National Park. When you arrive in the village you may think you’ve stepped into a postcard. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple, clean, and comfortable rooms in an idyllic setting. A crystalline river runs around and under the houses. Water wheels turn. Flowers bloom on the riverbanks. Gardens prosper in neat yards. The peaceful atmosphere is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. Note on accommodations: In Korana village, two rooms may share one bathroom. Not all rooms will be the same size, but all are comfortable.

Day 5: Korana Village -- cycling (4 hours, 20 miles, moderately strenuous)

Today we’ll enjoy a bike ride for an up close and personal view of the village and countryside. We ride through idyllic village scenery until we reach Barac Caves. There we get off our bikes and explore the natural phenomena.

A short cycle away is our lunch spot, located in the garden of the local hosts. Afterward, we return to our homestay in Korana Village.

Day 6: Zrmanja River -- kayaking or rafting (3-5 hours, 8 miles, class 2-3 water)

Today we complete an expedition down the canyons of the Zrmanja and Krupa rivers in Velebit nature park. Perfectly clear and green waters, rapids and waterfalls, hidden swimming pools, and steep-sided canyons will steal your heart and make this excursion an unforgettable experience. Canoeing or kayaking experience would make the trip more enjoyable, and you must be able to swim. We use open canoes or sit-on-top kayaks; however, whitewater rafts will be used if the rivers are running high.

Day 7: Krka National Park -- hiking (5-6 miles, rolling terrain, minimal elevation gain)

Named after the Krka River, the park covers an area of just over 142 square kilometers and includes two-thirds of the river itself. The top attractions of the park are its magnificent waterfalls, including the famous Skradinski Buk Falls, which are one of Croatia's most famous sights. There's also a wide variety of both flora and fauna in the park: over 800 species of plant life, different amphibian and reptile creatures, 200 species of birds, and 18 species of bats. Swimming is encouraged.

Day 8: Paklenica National Park -- hiking (9.7 miles, 1,800 feet of elevation gain)

This morning we travel to Paklenica National Park -- a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite hiking and climbing destination in this part of Europe. Lying on the southeast slopes of Velebit Mountain near the coast and cut by two awe-inspiring gorges, Paklenica's scenery is one of the most pristine in the whole Mediterranean. The lofty peaks that make up this range offer huge views of both coastal and mountain scenery.

Day 9: The stone beauty

Today we explore Trogir, a city with 2,300 years of tradition that has been protected by UNESCO. With its concentration of palaces, churches, towers, and a fortress on a small island, Trogir certainly deserves its nickname "the stone beauty." This will be a relaxing day where we'll walk along quaint, narrow streets and explore the popular street market, the historic waterfront, and more.

Day 10: Island hopping -- cycling, kayaking, and hiking (bike ride: 1 hour, 6 miles, moderate; hike: 20 minutes each way, ½ - ¾ mile, moderate climb)

Today we'll be busy island hopping and exploring. Activities may include cycling, kayaking, and hiking. We will also visit Lopud and Šipan, two of Croatia's most beautiful green islands, covered by forests with lots of sunshine and sandy beaches, free of traffic. If we’re lucky, we’ll be escorted by friendly dolphins that are often seen in the area. Enjoy a bike ride to Sudurad or you can stay at S. Luka to paddleboard or swim. Overnight on a catamaran.

Day 11: Peljesak Peninsula -- cycling and sailing

The peninsula in southern Croatia is 70 km long and is connected with the Croatian mainland at Ston. Scattered across the foothills, the hamlets and villages of southern Peljesac evoke an ancient past. On the hills above the sea, the vineyards bake in the Mediterranean sun -- grapes growing plump with juice that will make fine wines from the premier wine growing region in Croatia. After arriving at Broc, bike ride to Ston, then to Hodilje or Church of Nativity of Mary. Overnight on the catamaran. Late afternoon kayaking from S. Luka, if there is time available.

Day 12: Elaphiti Islands -- sailing

Today we sail through the islands on our way to Dubrovnik. The islands are forested and hilly and the little villages retain the relaxed slowness of traditional Adriatic life. There are 13 islands on this archipelago situated northwest of Dubrovnik. As we sail, we'll look for opportunities to swim and kayak. This afternoon we'll disembark from our catamarans and overnight in Zaton Bay. 

Day 13: Dubrovnik -- the pearl of the Adriatic

Travel back in time to the era of "Game of Thrones" in the ancient city of Dubrovnik. We will spend the entire day walking the white limestone streets among its baroque buildings. The day includes a guided tour of the city center and then plenty of free time for your own exploration, shopping, dining, and enjoyment. The day concludes with a special farewell dinner and celebration. Overnight: Zaton Bay.

Day 14: Departure day

Airport shuttles will be scheduled at three different times to accommodate your departing flights.

Getting There

Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until your trip application has been approved by the trip leader.

The trip begins in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. Many airlines service both airports. There are no airport transfers included in Zagreb, but numerous taxis are available to take you to our hotel, which is located in the center of the city. There is one airport transfer included in Dubrovnik; this transfer is scheduled to leave shortly after breakfast on the last day of the trip. Closer to the trip dates, the trip leader will send specific instructions to approved participants for arrival and departure details.

Accommodations and Food

From our welcome dinner in Zagreb to our final breakfast in Dubrovnik, all meals are included with the exception of two lunches. The two lunches that are not included are in the large cities of Zagreb and Dubrovnik, where there is a large selection of interesting and wonderful restaurants. In these cities the trip leader will give each of us local currency to pay for the meal. We will not be eating as a group so you can explore and have lunch at a restaurant of your own choosing. Excluded from all meals are alcoholic beverages. Also excluded are extra snacks and any meals not taken with the group. Vegetarians can be accommodated on this trip. Please contact the leader if you have other dietary restrictions. 

The drinking water in Croatia is excellent. Please bring water bottles or a water bladder that can hold two liters of water -- these can be filled at the hotels. If you request water in a restaurant you will likely be served bottled water, which is often very expensive and comes in environmentally unfriendly plastic bottles.

Our accommodations will be at comfortable small hotels, guest houses, lodges, and onboard a sailing yacht. All rooms are double occupancy. We will sleep in two-person rooms with hot showers and friendly Croatian service. Participants travelling alone will be assigned a same-sex roommate. Accommodations on the yacht are small and compact as they are on any sailing vessel. We will have adequate berthing (no more than two to a cabin) and shower and toilet facilities. Our experienced captain and crew will oversee all sailing operations and prepare our breakfasts onboard. Depending on the size and make-up of our group, berths on the yacht will be on a first come, first served basis and some of us may stay ashore. Those who do not have a berth on the yacht will still enjoy all the other sailing activities, but will stay in a comfortable hotel on shore.

You must arrange your own transfer from the airport in Zagreb to the hotel; taking a taxi is the easiest. After that, all travel during the trip as part of our itinerary is included in the trip cost. Transfer to the airport in Dubrovnik will be provided on the last day of the trip. If you elect not to use the airport transfer provided on the last day, you should plan on obtaining your own transportation to the airport. 

Trip Difficulty

This is an active, physically demanding trip that provides you with a very personal, up-close travel experience. You will be walking, paddling a kayak, pedaling a bike, helping with the sailboat, or simply climbing stairs with your luggage to the second or third floor at a small locally owned lodge. The outing requires intermediate level skills and recent experience hiking and bicycling, and average swimming abilities. Please note that your experience in these sports must be recent -- within 6 months prior.

Hikes will be easy to moderately strenuous. The longest hike is 9 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The trails are generally in good condition, but one has very steep grades up or down, and the trail has a mixture of soil, rocks, and roots making the surface uneven. The pace will generally be leisurely to moderate. Anyone in good physical condition who enjoys hiking in the mountains will enjoy the trip. Pre-conditioning by hiking similar distances on similar terrain is a prerequisite for acceptance on the trip.

Hybrid and/or mountain bikes will be used as we’ll travel over dirt/gravel tracks and paved roads. You must be comfortable shifting through all gears, have good braking skills, excellent balance, and understand effective pedaling techniques. The longest bike ride is about 19 miles. Although a van will be available to pick up cyclists who become tired, those who are physically prepared with proper strength and stamina will be rewarded with a great outdoor experience. Pre-conditioning by riding similar distances on similar terrain is recommended and might be a pre-requisite for acceptance on your trip. Contact the leader for more details.

The kayaking and rafting activities do not require previous experience; however, it would be helpful for those with no kayaking experience to get a basic kayaking course before the trip. You must have above-average swimming skills and be comfortable floating, with the aid of a flotation device, for 10 minutes or more.

A regular program of muscle strengthening, stretching and swimming at a gym started well before the outing is very highly recommended. Preconditioning by riding on a bike, hiking, and swimming will help you get the most from the trip. 

Equipment and Clothing

Lightweight hiking boots with good ankle support or low-top hiking shoes with heavy soles are the preferred footwear for hiking, since some trails are rocky, "rooty," and occasionally steep. Hiking sticks are recommended for the rougher patches.

Croatia has two climates. The interior (Zagreb) temperatures in May will range from the low 50s to low 70s. The coast has a typically Mediterranean climate that is five to 10 degrees warmer. Rain is possible at any time, so good-quality rain gear (rain coat and rain pants) is recommended. Rain gear will also often be used when rafting and sailing.

Bicycles, bike helmets, kayaks, canoes, rafts, paddles, life jackets, and snorkel gear are provided. We will carry day packs with extra clothes, water, and lunch, along with cameras and minor first aid supplies. Water shoes or sandals with ankle straps are recommended for kayaking and all water activities. You should provide your own personal first-aid kit for minor needs, which includes such items as Band-Aids, moleskin, insect repellent, sunscreen, etc. The trip leader will also carry a more complete first-aid kit for emergency use.

Upon approval for the trip, the leader will provide a more comprehensive equipment list to all participants.

References

Many books explore Croatia and can also provide useful information on history, wildlife, geology, history, and the Croatian people:

• Curtis, Benjamin, A Traveller’s History of Croatia. Interlink Travel Guides. 2020.
• Dragicevich, Peter and Anthony Ham, Lonely Planet Croatia (Country Travel Guide). 2019.
• Kurapovna, Marcia, Shadows on the Mountain: The Allies, the Resistance, and the Rivalries that Doomed WWII Yugoslavia. 2009.
• National Geographic Adventure Map. Croatia. 2019
• Tanner, Marcus, Croatia: A Nation Forged in War (Third Edition). 2010.
• Evenden, Karen, A Taste of Croatia. 2007.
• Silber, Laura and Allan Little, Yugoslavia: Death of a Nation. 1997.

Conservation

Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources, both locally and globally. This trip seeks to enable you to understanding shared environmental concerns at home and in Croatia.

The environmental quality of the Croatia is better than that of many other European Union (EU) nations, basically because it has a low level of industrial development. The Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction (MEPPPC) and the Croatian Environment Agency (AZO) are the leading environmental agencies of the country. Industrial pollution is the major cause of environmental problems in Croatia, as it is in the rest of Eastern Europe.

Croatia protects 6.7 percent of its total land area in parks and other reserves -- a higher percentage than any of the country’s eastern European neighbors, yet much lower than many western European countries. Forests make up 32.6 percent of the country’s land area. Croatia’s forests show a very high level of preservation, which is rare compared to forests of other European states. A major threat is industrial air pollution from the cities that causes acid rain, which is damaging the forests.

Croatia is party to treaties concerning air pollution, biodiversity, climate change, hazardous wastes, marine dumping, and wetlands. As we hike/cycle/kayak through these magnificent landscapes, we will view Croatia’s balancing act between "progress" and "conservation" at close quarters.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.