Rivers by the Sea
Skradin, Krka River National Park
Huck Finn 8 days/7 nights trip
This holiday is a well balanced mixture of activity, nature and culture. It is based in Skradin, a unique town on the very edge of Krka River National Park. Your days will be filled with cycling / biking and walking / hiking up waterfalls and across narrow streams, sea kayaking in the area where the Krka River enters the Adriatic Sea, canoeing / kayaking through rapids of exotic river canyons and white water rafting through jungle-like forests and exploring caves. Afternoons and evenings will be spent in the relaxing ambience of Zadar and Sibenik old towns, Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace in Split and Trogir art treasures – both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Canoeing / kayaking, white water rafting, sea kayaking, cycling / biking and walking / hiking are pleasant ways of travel through pristine and remote areas. They are suitable for all ages and even absolute beginners. The sea, lakes and rivers are safe and friendly – water temperatures are pleasant in summer – and are not dangerous or physically demanding.
Skradin has a couple of family-run hotels, restaurants, pubs and wineries, a beach and a marina - all with friendly atmosphere. It is definitely not a typical tourist-hotel resort. The 3* hotel "Skradinski Buk" is located in Skradin, only 300 meters away from the coast. Skradin is the official boat entrance to Krka River National Park. It is perfectly situated to explore nearby national parks and other sites of interest in Šibenik-Knin County. You will be accomodated in completely renovated and refurbished rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, telephone, bathroom and balcony. You can enjoy the relaxing Dalmatian atmosphere and specialities – seafood and wine - on the hotel terrace.
Short Itinerary :
Day 1: Arrival at destination - Skradin
Day 2: Kayaking Lake Prokljan and walking in Krka River National Park
Day 3: Cycling the National Park to Visovac island
Day 4: Canoeing on the Zrmanja River, optional visit to Šibenik
Day 5: Optional trip day (Canyoning, Climbing, Scuba diving, Kornati)
Day 6: Hiking day in Paklenica NP, Zadar visit
Day 7: Rafting on the Cetina River, visit Split or Trogir UNESCO site
Day 8: Departure
Similar trips: Clear Rivers Country, River Deep, Mountain High
2012 Prices and Departure dates
Rivers by the Sea - Skradin, Krka River National Park- Departure dates 2012 |
MAY |
- |
- |
- |
- |
26 |
JUN |
2 |
9 |
16 |
23 |
30 |
JUL |
- |
7 |
14 |
21 |
28 |
AUG |
- |
4 |
11 |
18 |
25 |
SEP |
1 |
8 |
15 |
22 |
29 |
Other dates on request
Rivers by the Sea - Skradin, Krka River National Park - Prices 2012 |
| |
8-day |
5-day |
| Apartments - Double rooms |
EUR |
USD |
GBP |
EUR |
USD |
GBP |
| High season |
740 |
940 |
594 |
590 |
749 |
474 |
| Intermediate season |
670 |
851 |
538 |
550 |
698 |
442 |
| Low season |
560 |
711 |
450 |
490 |
622 |
393 |
| Children 8-14 years, 10% reduction |
| High season |
665 |
844 |
534 |
531 |
674 |
426 |
| Intermediate season |
603 |
766 |
484 |
495 |
628 |
397 |
| Low season |
504 |
640 |
405 |
441 |
560 |
354 |
| Single use, 20% supplement |
| High season |
888 |
1127 |
713 |
708 |
899 |
568 |
| Intermediate season |
804 |
1021 |
645 |
660 |
838 |
530 |
| Low season |
672 |
853 |
539 |
588 |
747 |
472 |
Currency converter
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 double/twin rooms
- 2 meals per day (from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8)
- use of bikes, rafts, kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets, helmets
- 5 days organized activities
- Park entrance fees
- local taxes and river permits
- Saturday transfers from/to Zadar or Split airport, harbour, bus or train station
- parking (for participants arriving by car)
- skilled English speaking guide and assistance
- ground transportation (shuttle van throughout)
- 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
- optional trip on day 5
- 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 at destination – Skradin town
We will transfer you to Skradin upon your arrival in Croatia and accommodate you in the Skradinski Buk hotel. Skradin is a small picturesque town named after the world famous waterfall on the Krka River. It is the oldest Croatian settlement with the status of a town. It was once the capital of the Roman Liburnia and the most important war harbour of Croatia and Bosnia in the 14th century. Apart from a great history, Skradin and its surroundings are places of unique natural beauties. We will meet in the hotel lobby for a get-together dinner and presentation of the program. You are free to enjoy an evening walk around the town and its pubs. Find out which is your favorite Croatian wine, beer or gelato.
Meals: D; Van ride from airport: Split 1:30 min or Zadar 1 hour.
Day 2 - Sun: Kayaking Lake Prokljan and walk in Krka River National Park
The day of kayaking on the Krka River and Lake Prokljan starts on the beach in Skradin. We use two-person sit-in-side kayaks which are easy and safe to navigate. After a short introduction to paddling, we start our expedition. We will paddle across Lake Prokljan to the beach in Bilice. The water here is brackish – mixed fresh and saltwater, resulting in abundant life under the surface.
Eels and mussels are a favorite gourmet specialty that can be found in local restaurants. We will go for an afternoon walk from Skradin to the 44-meter high Skradinski Buk waterfall in Krka River National Park. The fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls make it a beautiful swimming area. This is the famous place where the second hydro plant in the world was built, just three days after the first hydroelectric power plant on the Niagara Falls. After walking, sightseeing and taking breathtaking pictures we will make a swimming and picnic break under the great Skradinski Buk waterfall.
Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Kayaking: 3-4 h; Hiking: 3-6 miles; Terrain: easy
Day 3 - Mon: Cycling day in Krka River National Park and visiting Visovac Island
Today we will take our bikes in Skradin and start to explore the countryside surrounding Krka River National Park. We will bike towards one of the most famous wineries in Croatia, also known in Southern California, USA. The “Bibich” winery is the product of a long history of regional wine making, multiple cultures and dreams. Its proprietor is aware of what he and his home have to offer the world. We will meet the warm and friendly family and stop for a short wine tasting. Continuing our biking tour, we reach the shores of Lake Visovac, where the boat will take us to Visovac Island and Franciscan monastery. After a visit to the monastery and museum, the boat will bring us back to the shore where we’ll have a beach break for our picnic lunch. Continuing back to Skradin, we have a magnificent ride downhill with a scenic view over Lake Prokljan. Evening will be spent on the beautiful hotel terrace enjoying dinner.
Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); cycling: 3-4 h, moderate - van support if needed
Day 4 - Tue: Canoeing on the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers and optional visit to Šibenik town
Early in the morning we drive towards the small village of Kastel Zegarski and start our expedition down the magnificent Wild West-like canyons of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers. The watercraft may be raft, canoe or sit-on-top kayak depending on the river conditions. 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 and steep sided canyons - it doesn't get better than this! Returning to Skradin we can make an optional detour to visit Šibenik town for another inspirational sightseeing. An ancient town with lively Mediterranean spirit and its breathtaking cathedral make it a must-see destination.
Meals: B and D (picnic on your own); Van ride: 45 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 holiday. 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 in Skradin, swim or even take another optional bike tour on your own. Several organized walking/hiking, canyoning, climbing, sightseeing tours or beach trips will be proposed in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer.
(Please note that the optional trip will incur an additional charge of approximately 50€ per person, payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is base on a minimum of 4 participants.)
Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)
Day 6 - Thu: Hiking day in 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: Rafting on the Cetina River and visit Split town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
We drive south towards a little 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. The trip ends at Radman Mills, a national restaurant in a beautiful setting of old mills once powered by the waters of the Cetina River. After an optional lunch, we continue to Split for 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 AD. Or we will visit Trogir - another UNESCO site, an old town with fairy-tale streets and stone houses of incredible architecture, filled with works of art and warm ambience. (Group depending decision)
Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Van ride: 1h30; rafting: class II-III, 3 hours;
Day 8 - Sat: Departure day
Depart from Skradin 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 the ones you won't find in tourist guide books.
Meals: B
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
I just wanted to email you to say thanks for a great trip in August.
We were on the 3rd-10th August trip with Hana, and it was such a great experience- truly the best holiday I have ever had! I also loved kayaking- such a great way to see the hidden spots- I hope to have the chance to discover more places in this way!
Please also pass my thanks onto Hana, as she made it all so much fun! Best of luck for the future, and thanks again!
Alison Eastman
What a fantastic, well run and personal organisation. Look no further than Huck Finn if you seek an adventure holiday in Croatia. They are more flexible than any other company we contacted for our trip and by far the most friendly and polite.
The guides were all superb and could answer any question about the culture or surrounding areas which ensured an excellent balance of professional expertise and comfort. Robbie, Ivan and Ilija were all such fun and the real glue of the group. Their company was sorely missed once we left Skradin. I shall recommend the organisation to all and sundry and was delighted by the good value of the trip. All in all, a brilliant adventure! Thanks to wonderful Branka for all her help and patience too.
L., London, United Kingdom