River Deep Mountain High
Novigrad sea and rivers holiday

2012 Prices and Departure dates

Other dates on request

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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 7 - August 24, 2012
Intermediate season - June 9 - July 6, 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 apartment with en suite bathroom and kitchenette
• Meals as noted in itinerary (B=breakfast and D=dinner)
• Use of bicycles, kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets, helmets
• 5 days organized activities
• Neoprene shorts and booties or sandals in case of cold weather
• Park entrance fees
• Saturday transfers from Split and Zadar airport, bus or train station
• skilled English speaking guide and assistance
• Ground transportation (private transport throughout)
• Local taxes

Not Included:

• International airfare to/from Croatia;
• Alcoholic beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in itinerary
• Items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s).
• Optional trip on day 5, but it can be booked and paid on spot.

Optional trips on Day 5 are NOT included in price and can be booked and paid on spot – the additional charge of approx 50€ per person is payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a min. of 4 participants.

- 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: Zeleni kut hotel offers rooms from 1 to 4 beds.

Single use rooms are available upon request, with 20% surcharge. Sharing a room with another person is possible.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Sat: Arrival in Novigrad

Our trip begins today in Novigrad, small fisherman's village. Novigrad is a lively and colorful coastal town and is manageable on foot. Our hotel is well located for exploring and enjoying the magnificent view of the bay and mountain peaks of the Velebit Nature Park. After settling into your accommodation, we will meet in the hotel lobby for an informal welcome drink and evening snack. We will have the chance to discuss the upcoming itinerary and get to know our guides and fellow travelers.

Meals: D; Van ride from airport: Split 1:30 min or Zadar 30 min

Day 2 - Sun: Sea kayaking to Vinjerac, passing under the Maslenica Bridge

This day is all about exploring hidden places of Novigrad Bay in our sea kayaks. After sea kayaking instructions on the beach right in front our hotel, we will head towards Maslenica Bridge, a representable red construction 300 m long that was destroyed during the war in Croatia, but rebuilt in early 2006. Once we reach the bridge, we proceed to search for the beautiful little town of Vinjerac. Vinjerac is one of the most interesting places of the central Adriatic. Its position is attractive and curious for anyone who wants to spend a holiday in the oasis of peace and silence, far away from the noise and pollution. It is surrounded by crystal clear sea with a reflection of Velebit Mountain on the surface. “Konoba Pece” in Vinjerac is a well known restaurant competing for one of the top 10 “Konoba” type restaurant destinations in Croatia.

Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); kayaking: 3-4 hours, moderate.

Day 3 - Mon: Walking / hiking Northern Velebit NP, optional visit to Zavratnica

This walking / hiking adventure is intended for those who want to experience a different type of walking, since it includes the most famous and one of the most beautiful hiking trails - the Premužić path. Velebit is known for its unusual diversity of plant and animal life, wealth of forests, canyons, cliffs and caves that delight visitors. It is also home to one of the most famous Croatian endemic species, Degenia velebitica, a national symbol mentioned in numerous songs, stories and legends. On our way there are several points that open up a view towards the Zadar archipelago. The path is drawn so that there aren’t any big climbs, making it pleasant for walking, and passes through dense forest of old pine, fir and beech. Before driving back to Novigrad, we can visit Zavratnica, Croatia’s most beautiful cove.

Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); hiking: 3-4 h, moderate

Day 4 - Tue: Kayaking / Canoeing Zrmanja River - magnificent Wild West-like canyon

We head out for kayaking / canoeing down the magnificent Wild West-like canyon of the Zrmanja and Krupa rivers. After a short introduction to paddling (watercraft may be rafts, canoes or sit-on-top kayaks, depending on the river conditions), we push off for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and emerald 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 the peaceful Novigrad while enjoying a traditional supper on the most beautiful terrace.

Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); Van ride: 30 min; kayaking or rafting: Class I/II rapids, 3-4 h.

Day 5 - Wed: Optional trip day

For those who booked a five day trip, this is the end of your holdiay. You are welcome to book your homeward transport for any time. The rest will continue with the trip.

On your optional day you can be as active or as lazy as you wish. You can relax on the beach, swim, play beach volleyball or even take another optional bike tour on your own. Several organized and guided tours of hiking, canyoning, climbing, sightseeing or beach trips will be proposed in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer.

(Optional trips on Day 5 are NOT included in price and can be booked and paid on spot – the additional charge of approximately 50€ per person is payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a minimum of 4 participants.)

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

Day 6 - Thu: Walking / Hiking in the Paklenica National Park and Zadar town sightseeing

If there was ever a morning worth getting up early, this is the one.  Our small expedition leads us to Paklenica National Park, the most famous hiking and rock climbing national park in Croatia. It covers the area of torrent flows of Velika and Mala Paklenica, and their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the southern slopes of Mount Velebit and the broader surrounding area. The relatively small area has an abundance of exceptional geomorphologic phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature. Having adapted to the geographic and climatic environment, the residents mostly engaged in nomad stock herding, which is confirmed by mountain shepherd huts. The fact that many people stayed in mountain homes in summertime is proven by the ruins of numerous sacral buildings: churches, chapels, altars and holy hills.

Hiking is the only way to really get to know Paklenica. Finishing our fabulous day in the Paklenica Park, we continue our journey to visit Zadar, a beautiful old town on the Adriatic coast.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Van ride: 1:15 min; hiking: 3-4 hours; Sightseeing Zadar: 2h

Day 7 - Fri: Sea kayaking expedition into the Zrmanja River canyon

We start our day just in front of the hotel and take a trip into the Zrmanja River canyon. The water here is brackish (mixed fresh and saltwater), resulting in abundant life underwater The eel which dwells here is a favorite gourmet specialty, but we are more likely to spot turtles, fish and birds along the way. After kayaking upstream, swimming and jumping off cliffs, we make an optional lunch or coffee stop in Obrovac, the only town in the canyon some 11 km from the mouth of the river. The picturesque valley of the Zrmanja River, rich gastronomic offer, fishing opportunities and long history make Obrovac town more suitable for tourism every day. Above the town are ruins of a fortified city. During “Operation Storm”, the entire population of Obrovac fled before the Croatian Army entered the town. When the Croatian military forces entered the town on the first day of the operation, they found a ghost town. In 2008, Obrovac unveiled a restored Riviera, which was the biggest financial investment in the city since Croatian independence.

Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); kayaking: 4-6 hours, moderate.

Day 8 - Sat: Departure day

Depart Novigrad 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 ride: 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

Gorana Bajcetic
gorana@huck-finn.hr
Mob: +385/(0)99 314 7373
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

Reviews

Thank you soooo much!!! This is just a small note to say a very LARGE thank you! We had an absolute blast of a time in Croatia (“River Deep, Mountain High”)! Thank you so much to you and your great team! We truly appreciate your great correspondence and friendliness! We are on a plane back as soon as possible! ! !

We even thought of taking the extreme route - and start working for you as guides!! 
Thank you again!

A.H and A.P.