Best of Croatia Multi-sport Week Dubrovnik to Zagreb 7nts (Saturdays; on request)

Activity Level: 5
Comfort: 4
Departs From: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik, Split, Krka, Plitvice, Zagreb
Duration: 8 days
Availability: SATURDAYS, May - September
CLICK FOR PRICING / DEPARTURES

Activity Level: 5
Comfort: 4
Departs From: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik, Split, Krka, Plitvice, Zagreb
Duration: 8 days
Availability: SATURDAYS, May - September
CLICK FOR PRICING / DEPARTURES

Highlights

See Croatia’s highlights over an 8-day period while keeping you active through various daily excursions.
Visit some of the most beautiful parts of our country as we start from Dubrovnik and slowly travel north towards Split and Zagreb.
Sea kayak between the Elaphiti, Croatia’s most spectacular sea kayaking archipelago.
Raft, kayak and canoe on three different rivers: Cetina, Zrmanja and Trebizat.
Cycle in Krka River National Park and finally hike in the exquisite Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Visit Mostar in Bosnia

Book now (obligation free) pay later

8 days from Dubrovnik, Sipan (Elaphiti Islands), Mostar Visit, Cetina River, Split, Krka National Park, Korana Village, Plitvice Lakes and to Zagreb

This trip will show you Croatia’s highlights over an 8-day period while keeping you active through various daily excursions. You will visit some of the most beautiful parts of our country as we start from Dubrovnik and slowly travel north towards Split and Zagreb. Sea-kayaking, canoeing, rafting and cycling will keep you busy while you see all the gorgeous natural beauty of Croatia

Itinerary

8 days from Dubrovnik, Sipan (Elaphiti Islands), Mostar Visit, Cetina River, Split, Krka National Park, Korana Village, Plitvice Lakes and to Zagreb

Open age tour from 12yrs and up (maximum 16 people), but recommended only for those who are extremely fit as this is a very challenging week! Double/twin rooms available. Solo rooms available with a solo supplement.

Similar tour: http://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/278/national-parks-guided-walking-tour-7nts/
Similar tour: http://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/274/clear-rivers-multi-activity-adventure-guided-tour/
Similar tour: http://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/277/land-of-waterfalls-multi-sports-tour-7nts/
Similar tour: http://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/279/river-kayaking-discovery-adventure-tour-7nts/
Similar tour: http://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/276/dubrovnik-islands-multi-sports-tour-7nts/
Similar tour: http://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/280/river-to-sea-canoeing-guided-camping-tour-4nts/
Similar tour: http://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/281/dubrovnik-islands-guided-walking-tour-7nts/

ITINERARY:

Day 1 Arrival in Dubrovnik (D)
Arrive in Dubrovnik and transfer to Sipanska Luka, a village at the far end of Sipan Island with beautiful sunsets is a charming and romantic fishing village in a bay surrounded with palm trees. Its beauty makes it a favorite mooring place of sailing yachts. Sipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and its landscape, castles, chapels and monasteries are ideally explored by bikes or on foot. After settling into your accommodation, we will meet for dinner and brief orientation, where we will have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our fellow travelers. Sipan will be our base for the first two nights of the holiday. Note: Arrivals are recommended by 3 pm. Transfers for arrivals by 6 pm are included, but you may miss group dinner and orientation. Arrivals after 6 pm may be subject to surcharge for transfers or overnight on land. If you wish to spend more time in Dubrovnik, we recommend that you plan your arrival one day earlier.

Accommodation: Sipan island guesthouse; Meals: D; Drive: 30 min 1 h ferry

Day 2 Sea Kayaking Elaphiti Islands (B,L)
The Elaphiti Islands are one of the best Croatian archipelagos for sea kayaking. Each island is small and easy to kayak around, but has an interesting and indented coastline, offering numerous coves and beaches. We paddle out of Luka Sipanska this morning and head west towards Jakljan, Tajan and Olipa islands. All three are uninhabited and their beaches can only be accessed from a small boat or kayak, resulting in a number of secluded beaches and a rich, undisturbed underwater world. There will be plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling before returning to Luka Sipanska for yet another spectacular sunset.

Accommodation: Sipan Island guesthouse; Meals: B, L; Sea Kayaking: 3-4 h, easy/moderate.

Day 3 Mostar Visit and Canoeing on the Trebizat River (B,D)
We have an early start today as we take the first boat back to mainland and head out to Mostar, the cultural and economic center of Herzegovina. The town is over five centuries old and situated between high mountains divided by the Neretva River. Without question the highlight of Mostar is the Old Bridge (Stari Most), which was originally built in 1566 while this area was a part of the Ottoman Empire. Destroyed during the war in 1993 but rebuilt in 2004 in its original form, the Old Bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon we will drive to Ljubuski and enjoy a trip on narrow Trebizat River surrounded by lush forests teeming with birds and the stunningly beautiful karst landscape formed by the river over thousands of years. Our tonight’s accommodation is a nice and friendly family-run hotel by the river serving traditional meals and local specialties.

Accommodation: Ljubuski hotel; Meals: B, D; Canoeing: 1 h, class I-II, easy; Drive: 1 h ferry, 2 h to Mostar, 45 min to the Trebizat.

Day 4 Rafting on the Cetina River and Split Sightseeing (B,D)
We drive north towards a small village near Omis, where our adventure on the Cetina River begins. Clear green water, jungle-like forests, caves and waterfalls will thrill you and make this rafting trip an unforgettable experience. The Cetina is easy enough for families and absolute beginners. After the rafting trip we continue towards Split and Skradin. In Split you are free to take a walk on its popular palm tree promenade and visit the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 4th century. Later in the afternoon we continue towards Krka River NP for the evening.

Accommodation: Krka River NP area hotel 3

; Meals: B, D; Rafting: 3 h, class II-III, easy/moderate; Drive: 1h30 to the Cetina, 45 min to Split, 1h to Skradin.

Day 5 Cycling in Krka National Park (B,L)
Today we will cycle around the Krka River National Park famous for its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We will start with our bikes from the hotel and continue by local roads to the viewpoint over the Visovac Lake. In the middle of the lake is the Visovac Island with the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac, dating from 15th century. Today we will enjoy an excellent traditional Dalmatian prosciutto lunch. After cycling, we return to the hotel and enjoy a late afternoon and dinner in Skradin on your own.

Accommodation:Krka River NP area hotel 3

; Meals: B, L; Cycling: 3-4 h, easy/moderate.

Day 6 Zrmanja River Kayaking (B,D)
This kayaking trip is an expedition down the magnificent Wild West-like canyons of the Zrmanja River 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. No previous kayaking experience is needed if you can swim. We use open canoes or sit-on-top kayaks for 2 persons with optional child seat. Rafting boats are used during high water season (usually before May and after September, but the water level can vary a lot in spring and in autumn). After an amazing day on the river, we will return to our vans and drive to rustic Korana village where we will spend last two nights.

Accommodation: Korana village homestay (two rooms may share one bathroom); Meals: B, D; Kayaking: 4 h, class II-III, easy/moderate; Drive: 1h10 to the Zrmanja River, 2h to Korana village.

Day 7 Plitvice Lakes National Park Hiking (B,D)
We start our day walking 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 makes 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 sunbathing by the clear river right in front of your house.

Accommodation: Korana village homestay (two rooms may share one bathroom); Meals: B, D; Hiking: 4-5 h, easy, well marked paths; Drive: 10 minutes each way.

Day 8 Departure from Zagreb (B)
Transfer to Zagreb airport for your flight home. Please note it takes 2 hours to reach Zagreb, so your flight should depart no earlier than 10 am. Earlier departures can be accommodated. There might be several group transfers between the destination and airport depending on flight departure time. If you wish to spend some time in Zagreb, our guide(s) will be happy to transfer you to your accommodation in the city.

Meals: B. Drive: 2 h.

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Our 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. Operator reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

This itinerary includes a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Please check whether you need a visa. If you need a Croatian or Schengen visa, you will require a double/multiple entry visa.

Inclusions

INCLUDED:
• 7 nights accommodation (in Korana village two rooms may share one bathroom)
• half-board (7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners)
• use of equipment for activities
• 6 days of organized activities
• local taxes and permits
• National Parks entrance fees
• ground transportation (private transport throughout)
• transfers from Dubrovnik airport, harbor or bus station
• transfer to Zagreb airport, bus or train station
• English speaking tour leader and assistance

Exclusions

NOT INCLUDED:
• items of a personal nature and gratuities to your guide(s)
• drinks with meals
• anything not listed
• insurance

Restrictions

Minimum age: 12 years if accompanied by parent(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our specific FAQ pages here:

Before You Go - General Croatia Info (general info for all travellers)

Before Your Cruise - General Cruise Info (for all small ship Croatia cruises)

Before Your Island Hopping Tour - General Info (packages combining hotels, ferries and transfers)

Before Your Private Charter - General Yacht and Gulet Charter Info (private charters)

Click here to see how the booking process works: https://www.discovercroatia.com.au/booking-process-how-to-book/

How far in advance do I need to book?

Cruises: For our weekly small ship cruises with guaranteed departures we suggest you book as soon as your plans are in motion. All cruises are extremely popular especially during peak season, which is June, July, August, September and these dates can be booked out up to a year in advance, especially September. One-way cruises are particularly sought-after and tend to sell out first, so please speak to us first to ensure your cruise choice is available before booking any flight arrangements.

Escorted Tours: Escorted Group Tours with guaranteed departures are also best booked as early as possible to ensure your place on the tour, as spaces are limited to a set number of passengers. Once the tour is full that departure is closed for new bookings.

Island Hopping, Self-Drive, Self-Guided Cycling/Hiking and Independent or Private Tours: Independent tours are available most days of the week at any time of year, so if you're booking late these are a great option. They can also start or finish on any day of the week, so can be a great alternative to the cruises (that mostly depart only on Saturdays). You can check out our Island Hopper Tours and our active tours for some examples. If you can't find what you are looking for please make an enquiry on any of our tours and let us know what you need. We love creating custom tours with our clients.

What do the different ship categories mean?

Please see our Ship Descriptions page here, for all the information on Ship Categories, Deck and Cabin Descriptions.

What is half-board? What meals are included?

Half-board (HB): This means that 2 meals a day are usually provided, mostly it will be breakfast and lunch on cruises, and breakfast and dinner on escorted tours. Each cruise or tour will have meals listed on the daily itinerary, so that you will know exactly which meals are included. Some lunches or dinners are swapped occasionally, so that you may enjoy a wonderful gourmet experience with your fellow travellers, such as a Captain's Dinner on a cruise, or a wine-tasting and lunch on an escorted tour. For the remainder of your meals you will be able to dine anywhere you choose and you will be responsible for the cost of those meals. Your Cruise or Tour Director will be happy to recommend a good value and trusted eatery nearby at every location, or you can explore on your own.

Bed and Breakfast (BB): This means that only breakfast is included in your holiday. Most of our Independent Tours include breakfast only, so that you are not beholden to going back to your hotel for lunch or dinner as you are going to be exploring on your own. We think that flexibility with lunch and dinner gives you the best option for exploring Croatia and experiencing the local culture and cuisine.

Full-board (FB) is occasionally offered on cruises as an optional extra, but we do not recommend you take the full-board option unless you are really sure about it. A lot of the joy of the cruise and tour experiences is to dine in local restaurants, 'konobas' (traditional pubs) and bars, so that you can meet the people who live and work there. Why come all the way to Croatia only to eat on-board for every meal? There are so many fabulous (and even some famous!) eateries. Get out there and taste them!

What type of transport is used on the Island Hopper Tours? Local ferries and vehicle transfers

Local ferries: Local ferries are used between the mainland and the islands where possible. Most of these ferries are fast ferries (high speed catamarans). Our Island Hopper Tours include all ferry tickets, as well as delivery of the ferry tickets to your hotel, when we come to pick you up to take you to the ferry port. In some towns, where some hotels are in the pedestrian zone close to the ferry port (like Hvar), then you will be met at the ferry and directed to your hotel, with luggage assistance if required. If your hotel is outside the pedestrian zone you will be met at the ferry and taken to your transfer vehicle, with luggage assistance if required.

Transfers: Most Island Hoppers have private airport transfers included, and private transfers to/from the ferry ports on the islands. Some transfers will be shared transfers if there are others going to the exact same hotel at the same time and it is a short distance.

How fit do I need to be for my holiday?

Relaxation/cultural cruises and tours: On-board your cruise ship, you will need to be able to negotiate gangways and stairs and be able to step from ship to ship as the cruise ships are moored next to each other sideways and sometimes you need to step across to the next ship. You will be walking mostly on the cobblestone streets through the iconic cities and towns of the region. The excursions are best-suited to those who are capable of walking on uneven surfaces as many old cities and towns have limited totally flat surfaces that can accommodate wheelchairs or walking-frames. Please contact us to ask about your specific circumstances, as we are happy to help plan for your needs as best we can. Assistance will be provided on cruise ships to help you navigate getting on and off, but there are a few limitations. Please ask.

Cycling tours: Although almost completely flat this cycle tour is graded easy to moderate as the daily distance ranges between approximately 15-50 km. You will be biking mostly on the dedicated cycle paths alongside canals, rivers and through the iconic cities and towns of the region. This tour is well-suited to those who have never taken a cycling holiday before as it is flat and predominantly traffic-free and you also have the option of skipping the cycling and relaxing on board.

What happens if I can't attend an excursion?

It is possible to relax at your hotel, on the tour bus or on the boat at any time.

What happens if I can't cycle or hike a stage on an active holiday?

For cycling cruises: If you don't want to cycle it is possible to relax on the boat as it moves to the next port of call.

For cycling and hiking tours: If you don't want to (or can't due to illness or injury) cycle, hike or walk a stage, then we will make arrangements to have you transferred to the next stop on your itinerary so that you can continue with your holiday. Prices for transfers vary widely, so pricing will be provided on an 'as needed' basis only.

What equipment do I need?

Relaxation/excursion cruises and tours: You will need comfortable walking shoes, clothes for relaxing, your swimming costume, and a sunhat. Most cruises are fairly relaxed and casual clothing is fine for all meals, though you may want to take one nice outfit depending on where you wish to dine onshore.

Cycling cruises and tours: You will need comfortable sports shoes, comfortable clothes for cycling, waterproof jacket and trousers, a helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.

If you have any questions, just give us a call or email:

Call us or WhatsApp: +612-9212-1507
Email us: [email protected]