Family Croatian Active Adventure

Over View

Enjoy a week of activity on the Dalmatian coast as we experience the thrills of whitewater rafting, sea kayaking and take the challenge of canyoning through caves and waterfalls. There is also ample time to discover neighbouring Trogir’s collection of cobble stoned squares and medieval architecture, not to mention its fine restaurants and bars, making this an ideal family holiday to Croatia.

Cetina Gorge – Scramble and clamber over rocks as you canyon down the river

The Dalmatian Coast – Discover the beautiful bay and picturesque inlets while sea-kayaking along the coast

Whitewater rafting – Raft the Cetina River through an impressive gorge with grade three rapids

Itinerary

Day 1 Join trip in Ciovo Island, Split

Arrive in Split and transfer to Ciovo Island, situated just off Trogir.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting. Dinner is included on this first night at the hotel. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Split at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Split International Airport (airport code SPU), which is between 15 and 30 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic conditions. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to use the hotel swimming pool or head to Trogir’s medieval old town which is dotted with numerous restaurants and sights, the old town is just 4km away. Alternatively head to Okrung beach on the opposite side of Ciovo island.

Day 2 Scenic walking through rural Dalmatia

Our first full day in this beautiful region sees us exploring something of Croatia’s idyllic rural landscape. Beginning our walk from our accommodation, we head to the monastery Gospa od Prizidnice. The monastery which includes a convent and small church enriched with ships was constructed in the 16th century by hermits and is situated in beautiful natural surroundings on stone cliffs beside the sea. The route provides the perfect introduction to a part of the world that still retains a sense of being less developed than many other regions of Europe. After walking back to our hotel, we can enjoy the remainder of the afternoon relaxing by the pool.

Day 3 Whitewater rafting on the Cetina River

One of the best ways to appreciate the Cetina River and its impressive gorge is from the water, and today we splash and crash through the rapids along part of its rugged course, taking in the rich vistas of lush vegetation, glorious lakes, mysterious caves and towering cliffs as we follow the river’s path. The river’s source lies somewhere deep within the depths of the Dinara and Gnjat Mountains, where a series of wells feed into the river at the northern town of Vrlilka, continuing down a course some 100km in length towards the Adriatic, making it the longest river in Dalmatia. Our guides are very experienced in the currents of the river and are used to dealing with family groups, ensuring a happy experience for all.

All equipment and instruction will be provided, with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets supplied – a change of clothes for the post-rafting journey back to our hotel is recommended and remember to wear shoes that you do not mind getting wet. The rapids themselves are classed as grade 2-3, which makes them easy to medium in terms of difficulty, allowing you plenty of chance to take in the stunning scenery as you flow past, yet enjoying the adrenalin rush of this exciting sport.

Day 4 Free day with optionals; half-day climbing excursion or visit to Krka national park

Today has been left free for you to enjoy as you wish. You may like to try a half-day climbing excursion in the surrounding mountains with a local guide near Omis. Alternatively a visit to nearby Omis town should prove to be an interesting diversion or Krka National Park. The park is an unaltered area of exceptional natural beauty. Although the main purpose of the park is primarily to serve science, culture, education there are also a number of visitor attractions including the Krka River and its seven waterfalls. There are also walkways through the park and over its lakes which gives a unique perspective to the visit plus some areas of the park are connected via boats which can be used by visitors.

Day 5 Canyoning excursion in Cetina Gorge

Transferring to Zadvarje this morning we return again to the Cetina River for an exciting canyoning excursion in the gorge, which will include the spectacular 60 metre high Gubavica Waterfall. High cliffs, plunging waterfalls, crystal clear pools and underground tunnels all await our intrepid explorers for what is a unique way to explore the gorge and to discover more of a region that has been thousands of years in the making.

Canyoning involves a guided walk, scramble and clamber over rocks, past waterfalls and pools and paddling down a river gorge. The route is not suitable for children aged under 8 years old. Full instruction and equipment will be provided (helmet, full wetsuit, life jacket). Anyone suffering a fear of heights may wish to opt out of this excursion due to the entry point into the gorge and the cliff jumps into rock pools, as will children aged under 8. This afternoon has been left free to relax by the pool after what is bound to be an exciting morning out.

Day 6 Free Day; optional trip to Split and Trogir

A further free day allows for more personal exploration, or sheer lazy indulgence. You might like to join your local guide on an optional visit to the ancient and captivating town of Split which is situated on a peninsula and surrounded by historical towns and settlements. We take a walk through the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace to visit its ancient cellars, Roman temples (today Christian ones), cathedral and the famous Golden Gate.

We would then continue with a bus ride towards Trogir which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Without doubt, the town is one of the most picturesque settings along this part of the coast. With a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC, Trogir is a delightful collection of cobble stoned squares and medieval architecture, whilst its Romanesque cathedral is considered to be one of the most exquisite in the entire Adriatic. Spanning some three centuries, it boasts a superb entranceway in its west portal, carved in the 13th century by the master mason Radovan. The town also boasts Venetian Gothic mansions, an impressive clock tower and a comprehensive collection of church artwork displayed in the 13th century Church of St John.

What makes Trogir such a delight to wander around though are its meandering alleyways, filled with cafes and restaurants and its elegant riverfront promenade, which leads up to the Kamerlengo Fortress, a 15th century edifice with imposing battlements and a huge octagonal tower. You may like to visit one of the town’s many excellent eating establishments before returning to our hotel for the evening.

Day 7 Sea Kayaking excursion along the River Pantana and around Trogir

Today we head to the Pantana Old Watermill near the town of Trogir for a morning of sea kayaking adventure. The route takes us along the River Pantana, through the reed canals and on to the sand lagoon which feeds into the sea. We continue our journey travelling in the direction of Trogir with the old town being completely surrounded by the sea. We make a full circle around the island with great views of the town from the kayak. On the way back to Pantana, there is the chance for a swimming break at the beach.

Full instruction and lifejackets will be provided and guides will accompany us during the day ensuring that even first-time paddlers enjoy the kayaking. Then it is back to the hotel for our final opportunity to sample the delicious home cooked Croatian fare that has been such a part of the whole experience.

Day 8 Trip ends on Ciovo Island

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel on Ciovo Island.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Split Airport at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Split International Airport (airport code SPU), which is between 15 and 30 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic conditions.