Novigrad village has managed to preserve its authentic traditional architecture, untouched by modern tourism. It is scattered along the coastline beneath the well preserved 13th century fortress – Fotica. Croatian – Hungarian queen Elizabeth was imprisoned and died inside its walls in 1387. The morning fishermen market in Novigrad and quiet village atmosphere are perfect for guests who want to get away from big crowds, yet feel good in a friendly atmosphere. It is absolutely not a typical tourist hotel resort. Accommodation is provided in a newly renovated apart-hotel "Castrum Novum" situated on the beach, at the quiet end of the village. All apartments are air conditioned, with shower/toilet, telephone/Internet line, fully equipped kitchen and satellite TV. Its pleasant cafe and restaurant terrace gives memorable views of the sunset over the bay and the peaks of Mount Velebit. Wellness, fitness and sauna are available free of charge for the guests of this activity program. The hotel also provides a billiard room/game room for our group meetings and planning of our next day's destination. Tour 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 Departure dates 2013.: - May 26 - June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - July 7, 14, 21, 28 - August 4, 11, 18, 25 - September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Prices 2013. 8-day Apartments - Double rooms High season 760 eur Intermediate season 690 eur Low season 590 eur Children 8-14 years, 10% reduction High season 684 eur Intermediate season 621 eur Low season 531 eur Single use, 20% supplement High season 912 eur Intermediate season 828 eur Low season 708 eur 5-day Apartments - Double rooms High season 590 eur Intermediate season 550 eur Low season 490 eur Children 8-14 years, 10% reduction High season 531 eur Intermediate season 495 eur Low season 441 eur Single use, 20% supplement High season 708 eur Intermediate season 660 eur Low season 588 eur Notes: Prices include: 
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Also see tour packages in: Europe Croatia Outdoor: Water Drifter Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting Hiking & Trekking |
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