Guided · 8 days · Zagreb to Dubrovnik
Kayak, hike, walk and cycle your way down Croatia in one week, from the Mrežnica canyon to the islands off Dubrovnik.
Trip at a glance
Overview
This Croatia multisport tour travels the length of the country, from Zagreb in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, with a different activity almost every day. You paddle a river canyon, walk among the lakes of Plitvice, hike into the Paklenica canyon, cycle to the waterfalls of the Krka and kayak along the islands near Dubrovnik. In between you see Zadar, Trogir, Split and Ston.
Few countries pack so much into such a small space: high mountains rising straight from the sea, clear rivers and waterfalls, more than a thousand islands, and towns with over two thousand years of history. Your English-speaking guide drives the group, leads the activities and takes you to quiet villages and local places as well as the famous sights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 · Zagreb
Your guide collects you at Zagreb airport and takes you to your hotel in the capital. In the evening the group meets over a welcome drink to get acquainted and go through the week ahead.
Zagreb is easy to enjoy on foot, with museums, cafés and a lively bar scene. If you can, come a day or two early to see more of it. We are happy to help with an extra night or tips for your stay.
Day 2 · Mrežnica River
The first active day takes you south of Zagreb to the upper Mrežnica, where the river cuts a green canyon through continental Croatia. You paddle it in stable two-person inflatable kayaks that are simple to steer, even if you have never kayaked before. There are stops along the way, and the bold can jump from the small waterfalls into the pools below. When the water is high, the group switches to rafts.
After the paddle you drive on to a village near Plitvice Lakes for a quiet evening in the Croatian countryside.
Day 3 · Plitvice Lakes National Park
The park gate is only a few minutes from your guesthouse. Plitvice is Croatia’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where sixteen turquoise lakes step down through waterfalls and travertine pools, framed by beech and pine forest full of wildlife. Your walk follows the shores and passes close to the falls, and some paths climb to lookouts where the whole chain of lakes comes into view.
In the afternoon you drive to the coast, to a small town below the Velebit mountain, where the mountains drop straight into the sea.
Day 4 · Paklenica National Park
Paklenica protects two canyons on the seaward side of Velebit, Mala (small) and Velika (big) Paklenica. You hike up Velika Paklenica, between high limestone walls, to one of the mountain huts inside the canyon. The same rock draws climbers from around the world, so if you would rather climb than hike, you can book a climbing session for the day at an extra cost.
The evening is free in Zadar, a coastal city of Roman and Venetian remains, medieval churches, cafés and restaurants.
Day 5 · Krka National Park
Skradinski Buk is the most famous sight on the Krka: seven travertine falls with a total drop of 242 m. You reach it on an easy bike ride from the small town of Skradin, following the riverbank. If you prefer not to cycle, you can take the park boat instead.
At the falls you leave the bikes and continue on foot, including a visit to the ethno village. Its restored water mills still grind wheat, and you can see how cloth was washed and pounded, how fabric was woven and how horses were shod. After the ride back to Skradin, the van takes you to the Roški waterfall for lunch at a family-run mill, with local cheese, prosciutto for those who eat meat, vegetables from their garden and wine. You can also ride an e-bike from Skradin to Roški and back, or add a boat trip to Visovac island and its Franciscan monastery, both at an extra cost.
The day ends in Trogir, a medieval town whose old center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the evening free for its narrow streets, terraces and market.
Day 6 · Split and Ston
A short drive brings you to Split and Diocletian’s Palace, the Roman emperor’s residence from the 4th century that still forms the heart of the city. After free time there, you head south along the coast to the Pelješac peninsula.
In Ston you walk a section of the stone walls that once guarded the town and its salt pans. The bay is known for its oysters and mussels, and you can add a boat trip to an oyster farm with a tasting and lunch. Pelješac is also one of Croatia’s best-known wine regions, so the local reds are worth a try. In the evening you reach the Dubrovnik area and settle into a village guesthouse for two nights.
Day 7 · Elafiti Islands
Koločep, Lopud and Šipan are the three inhabited islands of the Elafiti archipelago, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. Your sea kayaking day is based on Koločep, or on another of the islands if the weather calls for it. You paddle along the shore beneath the cliffs, in some of the clearest water of the Adriatic, so bring a swimsuit. Pine-scented paths, stone houses and small gardens make the island villages worth a wander.
In the evening you visit Dubrovnik to walk the Stradun, see the city walls and enjoy the old town after dark.
Day 8 · Dubrovnik
After breakfast you are driven to Dubrovnik airport, the bus station or your next hotel. Dubrovnik rewards a few extra days: walk the city walls, take the boat to Lokrum island, ride the cable car up Mount Srđ or make a day trip to Montenegro. We can help you plan it.
Note on itinerary: The program can change because of weather, water levels, the group’s wishes and abilities or other exceptional situations. Safety and comfort come first.
Route
| Day | Where | Activity | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Zagreb | – | 30 min |
| 2 | Mrežnica River canyon | Kayaking, 3 h | 1 h 45 min + 1 h |
| 3 | Plitvice Lakes National Park | Walking, 5–6 h | 10 min + 2 h |
| 4 | Paklenica National Park and Zadar | Hiking, 4 h | 10 min |
| 5 | Krka National Park and Trogir | Cycling, 4 h | 1 h 30 min |
| 6 | Split, Ston walls, Dubrovnik area | Walking, 45 min | 4 h |
| 7 | Elafiti Islands and Dubrovnik | Sea kayaking, 3–4 h | 20 min each way |
| 8 | Departure from Dubrovnik | – | – |
Inclusions
Prices and dates
Every price has 2 options: the standard price when you pay by card and a discounted price when you pay by bank transfer or Wise.
| Group size | October to May | June to September |
|---|---|---|
| 1 guest | €7,235card€6,990bank / Wise | €7,442card€7,190bank / Wise |
| 2 guests | €3,923card€3,790bank / Wise | €4,130card€3,990bank / Wise |
| 3 guests | €2,888card€2,790bank / Wise | €3,095card€2,990bank / Wise |
| 4 guests | €2,577card€2,490bank / Wise | €2,784card€2,690bank / Wise |
| 5 guests | €2,267card€2,190bank / Wise | €2,474card€2,390bank / Wise |
| 6 guests | €2,060card€1,990bank / Wise | €2,370card€2,290bank / Wise |
| 7 guests | €1,956card€1,890bank / Wise | €2,163card€2,090bank / Wise |
| 8 guests | €1,853card€1,790bank / Wise | €2,060card€1,990bank / Wise |
| Single room supplement | €290card€280bank / Wise | €362card€350bank / Wise |
| Upgrade to 4-star accommodation | €217card€210bank / Wise | €290card€280bank / Wise |
Every Saturday, April to October.
Other dates on request. In winter the tour can run with a changed program.
See the free dates, pick one and book. Prefer to talk first? Use the message form below.
If you cancel, we charge a share of the tour price, depending on when we receive your cancellation:
| When you cancel | We charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 days before the tour | 30% of the price |
| 29 to 15 days before | 50% of the price |
| 14 to 8 days before | 75% of the price |
| 7 to 0 days before, or no-show | 100% of the price |
Credit card or bank fees are deducted from any refund: the fee charged when you pay and the fee charged when we refund.
Good to know
Private en-suite rooms in 3-star hotels and guesthouses. Families and groups of friends can ask for a whole private house or apartment, and an upgrade to 4-star accommodation is possible for €217 per person from October to May and €290 per person from June to September when you pay by card, or €210 and €280 when you pay by bank transfer or Wise.
Seven breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners are included, and your guide suggests restaurants and shops for the rest. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available with advance notice.
Between three and six active hours a day. No experience is needed for the kayaking or cycling, and the longest day on foot is Plitvice Lakes at 5 to 6 hours.
Stay on in Dubrovnik for the city walls, Lokrum island, the Mount Srđ cable car or a day trip to Montenegro. We can arrange it for you.
Photos
FAQs
The tour starts in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. Your guide picks you up at Zagreb airport on day 1, and on day 8 you are driven to Dubrovnik airport, the bus station or your next hotel.
River kayaking on the Mrežnica, walking at Plitvice Lakes, hiking in Paklenica, cycling at Krka, a walk on the Ston walls and sea kayaking in the Elafiti Islands. All activities, boats, bikes and equipment are included in the price.
No. The river kayaks are stable two-person inflatables, the sea kayaking is guided, and the Krka ride is an easy route along the river. Anyone who prefers not to cycle can take the park boat to the waterfall instead.
Every trip is private for your own group. We price each group size from 1 to 8 guests, and the price per person drops as the group grows. For 9 or more guests, contact us for a quote.
The price includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, with water and 1 non-alcoholic drink per person at each included lunch and dinner. Your guide recommends restaurants and shops for the other meals. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if you tell us in advance.
In private en-suite rooms in 3-star hotels and guesthouses: one night in Zagreb, one near Plitvice Lakes, two in the Starigrad area, one in Trogir and two in a village near Dubrovnik. Families and friends can ask for a private house or apartment, and an upgrade to 4-star accommodation is possible for €217 per person from October to May and €290 per person from June to September when you pay by card, or €210 and €280 when you pay by bank transfer or Wise.
Yes, children from 8 years old can join with a parent or legal guardian. Ask us for the child rate. One child at the child rate shares the room with the parents, and two or more children can have their own room.
Yes. You pay the single room supplement for your own room. On some dates you may be able to share a room with another solo traveler, so ask us.
Departures run every Saturday from April to October, and other dates are possible on request. In winter the tour can run with a changed program.
Yes. The guide may change the program because of weather, water levels, the group’s wishes and abilities or other exceptional situations. Safety and comfort always come first.
Get in touch
Ask us anything about this trip, or tell us your preferred dates and group size.
Each trip is rated from 1 to 5. The rating mainly reflects the hours of walking per day and the terrain.
Croatia Multisport Adventure
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Croatia Multisport Adventure
8 days / 7 nights · private guided tour
Sample route · Day 4
Sample route. Distances and profiles can be adapted to your wishes, and you can always jump into the support vehicle if you don’t feel like biking anymore.
Elevation profile
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