10-Day Croatia Adventure: Kayaking, Hiking, Gliding and More

Welcome to Istria, where your private transfer will meet you upon arrival at the airport and transfer you to Rovinj, a port city that sits on a picturesque peninsula capturing a romantic Mediterranean ambiance. The cobblestone streets are lined with old architecture that dates as far back as the early 18th century. From the top of the bell tower, you can enjoy a captivating view of the town, the sea, and nearby islands. In the evening, your Croatian gastronomy adventure will start with a mouthwatering welcome dinner in a local restaurant serving fresh, locally grown ingredients and Istrian wine.

Istria offers off-the-beaten-path biking routes across vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop towns, revealing why the serene landscape is a beloved biking destination. Your tour will start in Buje, also known as the “Town of the Artist.” You will set off to Grožnjan with its narrow, cobblestone streets before arriving at Parenzana. Through tunnels and bridges, your tour will come to Livade and reach the other side of the Mirna River at Motovun, an ancient Istrian acropolis city perched on the top of a soaring hill. You can celebrate the surrounding landscape of beautiful forest during a flavorful and exclusive truffle lunch.

This morning you will drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, located halfway between Split and Zagreb. The 16 lakes interconnected with about 90 spectacular waterfalls and framed by lush greenery might be one of the most beautiful places in the world. You can take the delightful walk along beautiful wooden footbridges and pathways to find crystalline lakes and majestic waterfalls that may help relieve you of any restlessness. The tranquility of the turquoise water, misty waterfalls, and bountiful green shades are Mother Nature’s finest wellness treatment, surrounded by beech and spruce forest hosting deers, bears, wolves, and rare bird species.

Today you will enjoy a thrilling zip line experience in Lika that will take you approximately 80 meters above the ground. The beloved destination will have your heart pounding from exhilaration coupled with the serene beauty of witnessing the landscape from high in the canopy. No words can express the joy and excitement as you travel nearly two kilometers rushing at up to 120 kilometers per hour, accentuated by the magnificent scenery of Lika below. It may energize and relax you while providing a unique sense of freedom that makes you feel like a bird.

After breakfast, you will drive to Split and begin your city tour, which will reveal some of the most iconic places of the ancient town and its fabled history with glimpses into contemporary life. In the heart of Split lies Diocletian’s Palace. Although it was built in Roman times, it is still a place where people live, do business, and relax with the narrow streets filled with unsurpassable charm. At Marjan, you can find the beautiful peninsula opening to spectacular views over the islands among the dense shade of cypress and yellow flowers.

Rafting on the River Cetina is among the most popular adventure activities in Dalmatia. Rafting is the best way to experience the majestic clean water and luscious nature. The wilderness thunders with waterfalls and hides stunning caves in the jungle-like vegetation. Rafting on the exciting river is a lovely experience down class II and III rapids combining an adrenaline rush with a pleasant and safe environment. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy fashion and style in Split. You can pair it with some wines or delicious cakes in the heart of the city.

Today you will enjoy an excursion to Krka National Park to find the lush green foliage, tranquil lakes, powerful waterfalls, and soulful cultural sites. There is something almost meditative about the freshness and serenity around the mouth of the Krka River and the breathtaking waterfalls, stunning canyon, and crystalline lakes. The biking tour will meander around Croatian heritage sites, blended with surreally beautiful forests and dreamlike monuments. You can reach Visovac Island by boat to experience the Idyllic landscape with a picturesque church. At Skradinski Buk, you can witness the 20 different waterfalls spanning nearly a half-mile long.

This morning you will set off to Dubrovnik for the Renaissance harmony and medieval mystic. The Old City represents the Pearl of the Adriatic with imaginative legends inhabiting a magical  ambiance shared on your walking tour by an expert guide. He will guide you to see Old Town, Stradun, the famous main street of Dubrovnik, historic Rector’s Palace, and dreamlike City Walls for views overlooking the Adriatic Sea, islands, and smoothly sailing yachts. In the evening, you can revel in the city’s impressive image from a kayak, softly gliding through the calm and sleepy sea at sunset.

The Elafiti Islands were the Dubrovnik aristocracy’s favorite place of leisure. When you arrive at the islands, you will find evidence of people who knew how to fully enjoy life. You can follow their footsteps across Elafiti for a unique introduction to the most sophisticated Mediterranean ambiance found in the aromatic myrtle, laurel, thyme, and rosemary filling the air. Tall cypress and thick pine trees will overtake the islands providing natural shade and perfect pockets in which you can relax between the swims in the crystalline azure sea.

You have wandered the cobblestone lanes and medieval walls of the city to discover the reasons why Dubrovnik is such an exceptional destination. Before breakfast, you could once more bask in the views over the water or spend time wandering the old fortifications at your leisure. Your private transfer will meet you at the hotel when you are ready and escort you to the airport for your flight home, bringing an end to your active and adventurous Croatia tour.