Kayak Discovery

2012 Prices and Departure dates

Other dates on request.

Please note that a minimum number of persons for this trip is 6. In case the departure you booked doesn't have enough participants, we will offer you an alternative package or full refund.

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NOTE: The prices are fixed in euros. This conversion is for comparison purposes only.
The exact price in dollars or pounds is calculated on the day of booking according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank.

High season - July 14 - August 24, 2012
Intermediate season - June 9 - July 13, August 25 - September 14, 2012
Low season - April 21 - June 8, September 15 - October 5, 2012

All prices are per person, in EUR.

Prices include:

• 7 nights in double/twin rooms
• 2 meals per day (dinner day 1-breakfast day 8) + 1 lunch
• use of kayaks / canoes, paddles, life jackets, helmets
• use of neoprene shorts in case of cold weather (*bring your sandals or water shoes)
• 6 days organized activities
• local taxes and river permits
• Saturday transfers from/to Zagreb or Zadar airport
• skilled English speaking guide and assistance
• ground transportation
• insurance

Not Included:

• international airfare to/from Croatia
• items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s)
• beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in itinerary

- Maximum number of participants: 16 guests per group. Larger groups on request.
- Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s).
- Children discount: valid for children 8-14 years of age if accompanied by an adult. One child enjoying discount shares parents’ room; two or more children can have their own room.
- Rooms: Single use rooms are available upon request, with 20% surcharge. Sharing a room with another person is possible.

Detailed Itinerary

Day  1, 2, 3, 4 - The accommodation is a friendly, family-run hotel "Zeleni kut“ situated on the bank of the Mreznica River, approximately one hour drive from Zagreb airport. The restaurant overlooks an old mill close to a small waterfall and serves freshly caught fish, as well as home-grown vegetables. Barbecue is also a speciality of the house. All rooms are equipped with en suite bathrooms, TV, mini bar, telephone and have Internet access.

Day 5, 6, 7 - Accommodation is provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley by a river in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes for an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area.

Day 1 - Sat: Arrival to destination - Zvecaj village 

Leaving Zagreb or Zadar airport behind, we make our way to Zvecaj village, our base for the next three days. Here we have the unique opportunity to spend a few days close to the river and learn the basics of kayaking / canoeing that we will need for later excursions. After settling into your accommodation, we will meet in the riverside restaurant for a welcome drink and brief orientation where we will have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our fellow travelers.

Meals: D

Day 2 - Sun: Kayaking / canoeing instructions 

We start our day with kayaking / canoeing instructions at the river bank by our hotel. Your kayaking instructor will show and teach you all the basic steps one needs to enjoy kayaking / canoeing. You will gradually learn how to paddle correctly, how to maneuver the kayak and all the information needed before going out on the river by yourself. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pure and untouched nature. Later in the afternoon we will rewind our day and go through all that we have learned. Before dinner there will be enough time to relax and enjoy a swim in the clear emerald Mreznica River.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own).

Day 3 - Mon: Dobra Lake kayaking / canoeing

No better way to practice our new skills than on Dobra Lake - a beautiful big lake, clean and clear water surrounded with magnificent scenery. Today is all about preparing ourselves for more challenging waters in the days to come. Your kayaking / canoeing instructor will add some more things for you to practice, such as Eskimo roll and rescue procedures. Once we have done all that, we head back to our hotel ready for dinner and relaxation.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Van ride: 30 min one way; Kayaking / canoeing: Class I, 3-4 hours.

Day 4 - Tue: Mreznica River kayaking / canoeing

Embark on a kayaking / canoeing expedition down the emerald Mreznica River. The journey meanders through a spectacular landscape of lush forests and open meadows. Due to its biological diversity and variety of habitats, the Mreznica area should soon be categorized as a Croatian nature park. It is home to many threatened and protected plant and animal species that you may get the chance to observe. These include 4 species of birds from the "red list" of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature – the Golden Eagle, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, the Western Capercaillie and the Great White Egret. The day will be filled with swimming, jumping off the waterfalls and enjoying beautiful nature. After a light picnic, we'll paddle back to the hotel. Before dinner we pack our things because tomorrow we change accommodation.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Kayaking / canoeing: Class I/II, 3-4 hours.

Day 5 - Wed: Upper Mreznica Canyon kayaking / canoeing

This morning we’re back on water in the upper Mreznica canyon.  We head downstream to the second highest waterfall on the Mreznica (8m), a magical place ideal for swimming and a picnic. Continuing our journey, we travel through a gorge so narrow and deep that the sun enters for only a few hours each day, around noon, creating spectacular light effects. Passing by cliffs of carved white rocks, lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls, we will arrive at a strong freshwater spring. We finish the adventure and drive to our next destination, Korana Village. This peaceful and charming village is situated at the doorstep of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Kayaking / canoeing: class II-III, moderate, 3 - 4 hours; Drive: 1 h.

Day 6 - Thu: Zrmanja River – kayaking / canoeing in the Nature Park

We head south for kayaking / canoeing down the magnificent Wild West-like canyons of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers. After short instructions and reminder on paddling, we push off for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and green waters of these Croatian rivers, considered two of the most beautiful in Europe. Waterfalls and easy rapids, hidden swimming pools, steep sided canyons and, very likely, no one else on the river but our group – it doesn't get better than this! Relax this evening in peaceful Korana Village while enjoying a traditional Croatian supper.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Van drive: 1h30 one way; Kayaking / canoeing: Class II/III, 3-4 hours.

Day 7 - Fri: Kayaking / canoeing on Una or Korana 

The Korana River is situated in Kordun area close to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Korana canyon is most interesting in Rastoke village. This place is a magnificent confluence of Korana and Slunjcica rivers. Our already learned paddling experience will suit us perfectly on this easy/moderate technical whitewater river. 
On the other hand, the Una River is a natural border between Croatia and Bosnia. This river will steal your heart with its beauty and clear green water. Eighteen meters high Strbacki Buk Waterfall is one of the biggest in this part of Europe and our trip starts right below it. We will travel in the upper Una canyon - the most exciting and the most attractive part of the river. Depending on water levels and conditions, we will kayak on one of these fantastic rivers.

Meals: all meals included (traditional Bosnian dish for lunch); Van ride: 45min one way; Kayaking/ canoeing / rafting: Class III+, 2-3 hours.

Day 8 - Sat: Departure day 

Depart Korana village for the airport and flight home. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit - especially those you won’t find in tourist guide books.

Meals: B; Van drive: 2 hours

Note on the itinerary:

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. Huck Finn 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. Huck Finn reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Contact for booking

Zeljko Kelemen
info@huck-finn.hr
Mob. +385/(0)98 392 022
Tel. +385/(0)1 618 3333

If you are contacting us by e-mail, please include the following information in your request:

• number of persons in your party
• average age
• your preferred date(s)
• contact telephone number
• means of travel to / in Croatia
• other preferences

Gear List

This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff. In addition to your usual clothing you should consider bringing along some other items which will make your activities more enjoyable. Required gear for paddling and cycling is provided. 
Clothing:

• Few lightweight, casual, easily washable items for travel and daily wear
• Hiking shorts, synthetic
• T-shirts (at least 1 synthetic)
• Swimmwear
• Brimmed sun hat

Outerwear:

• Lightweight rain jacket, waterproof and breathable

Footwear:

• Lightweight hiking shoes
• Water shoes for kayaking/ rafting (stiff sole sandals)

Travel Accessories:

• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock and lip balm
• Personal first aid kit
• Small backpack

Optional Accessories:

• Camera (waterproof), film/memory cards and spare batteries

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