Tour Itinerary: Day 1:Arrival and transfer to Zvecaj Zvecaj is a small village by the Mreznica River, not far from the highway connecting the Croatian capital city of Zagreb with the harbour of Rijeka. We will meet you at the airport, railway station or in the harbour and take you there unless you are driving yourself. Zeleni kut ("The Green Corner") is a well known restaurant and a small family owned hotel overlooking the green Mreznica River and its waterfall. It was built above an old mill which now supplies electric power. The hotel serves traditional Croatian specialties using fresh water fish from its own fishing ponds, home made cheese, ham and sausages as well as fresh vegetables and fruit from local farms. In the evening we will meet on the terrace overlooking the river for a welcome drink, dinner and brief orientation, where we will have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our guides and fellow travelers. Accomodation: Hotel in the Mreznica River area; Van ride: 1h from Zagreb airport, 1.5 h from Rijeka airport; Meals: D Day 2: Walking in Risnjak National Park The Risnjak mountain range is named after a rare animal that inhabits its woods – the lynx. It is located in Gorski Kotar, the most mountainous and heavily forested region of the country, about 15 km inland from the Adriatic Sea. The pristine park covers an area of 63,5 km2. It includes both the Risnjak and Snježnik ranges and the source area of the Kupa river. We start our hike from Crni lug. The Leska educational trail will lead us towards our goal – Big Risnjak, the highest point of the mountain range. Schlosser’s mountain hut, situated 100m below the peak, is probably one of the most beautiful mountain huts in Croatia. After resting and enjoying the amazing view over the sea, other peaks of Gorski Kotar and even the Alps, we will descend slowly back to Crni Lug and complete the educational trail. Another easier hiking option is in the Kupa River Valley, which is beyond doubt one of the most beautiful places in Gorski Kotar. The Kupa River forms a natural border between Croatia and Slovenia. It springs from a karstic well at the Park's lowest point, forming a turquoise pond some 200 m long and 30 m wide. This natural phenomenon is one of the deepest and strongest sources in Croatia, which remains a mystery for scientists. The Kupa flows through a picturesque valley, also known as the mysterious valley of butterflies - more than 500 species of butterflies inhabit the area! After hiking we will return back to our hotel for dinner in the late afternoon. Accomodation: Hotel in Mreznica River area; Van ride: 1-1.5h each way; Walking:3-5 h; Terrain: easy (Kupa valley) or moderate (Big Risnjak), well marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own) Day 3: Walking in North Velebit National Park After breakfast, we’ll drive to Croatia's youngest national park - North Velebit National Park. The area was designated a national park due to its richness of karst phenomena, outstanding biodiversity and exquisitely beautiful nature on a relatively small area. The Park is crisscrossed with numerous mountaineering trails. The most famous is the Premužić trail, named after its constructor who built it in the late 1933. The path runs through the most beautiful and the most interesting parts of the park. From the numerous peaks in the surroundings you can have a magnificent view on the Adriatic Sea, its islands and the continental side of the mountain chain. Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes National Park is provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley by the Korana River. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes the village an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area – Korana Village has no pubs, restaurants, shops, schools, not even a church – it’s just a village as small and wonderful as it can be, an ideal setting for a fairy tale. Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Van ride: 2 h each way; Walking: 4 – 5 h; Terrain: easy/moderate, well marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own) Day 4: Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park Today we visit the most beautiful and stunning national park of Croatia - Plitvice Lakes National Park. We start our day walking along the wooden paths and bridges in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pure and untouched nature. Panoramic boat and train rides will take us back to the start. Later in the afternoon we return to our accomodation in the village just in time to enjoy a quick swim before dinner. Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Van ride: 15 min each way; Walking: easy, 4-5 h; Terrain: easy, well marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own) Day 5: Walking in Bosnia For those who chose a 5-day trip, this is the end of your holiday. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time (transfers to Zagreb or Rijeka airport are included in the price). The rest of the group continues the trip. Today we will visit Bosnia, a neighbouring country separated from Croatia by a natural border – the Una River. The Una will steal your heart with its beauty, green clear water and a landscape of dense forests. There are several sections to choose from, and our guides will select the one that is best adapted to group wishes. There will be time for famous Turkish coffee break in Bihac – the economic and cultural center of this part of Bosnia. Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Plitvice Lakes National Parks; Van ride: 1 h each way; Walking: 2-3 h; Terrain: easy, well marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own) Day 6: Paklenica National Park Walking After saying goodbye to our village hosts we continue south to Paklenica National Park, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite hiking and climbing destination. Time permitting, we will stop by the narrow Wild West-like canyons of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers and visit the medieval Krupa Monastery which is the oldest orthodox monastery in Croatia. Paklenica National Park covers the area of torrent flows of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the south slopes of Mount Velebit and the broader surrounding area. This relatively small area offers exceptional diversity of geomorphologic phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature. Having adapted to the geographic and climatic environment, the locals mostly engage in nomadic stock herding, which can be seen by their mountain shepherd residences. Hiking is the only way to really get to know Paklenica National Park. There are several wonderful hikes through beech and black pine forests to choose from. The most popular is the trail leading to Borisov Dom, a mountain hut popular among mountaineers. After descending all the way to the sea we drive to Skradin for the evening. Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Van ride: 2h+1h; Walking: 4-5 h; Terrain: moderate, well marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own) Day 7: Krka River National Park Walking The last day of the journey takes us to Krka River National Park with its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We explore the park's extensive waterways and complex history dating back to late 10th century and first Croatian kings. One of the options is a visit to Skradinski Buk waterfall, the place where the second hydro plant in the world was built, just a few years after the one on Niagara Falls. A boat will take us to Visovac island and and its Franciscan monastery. After walking, we return to the hotel and enjoy a late afternoon in the old town before the final evening dinner and a celebration of an amazing adventure. Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Walking: easy, 3 h; Terrain: easy, well marked paths; Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own) Day 8: Departure Depart from Skradin to 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: Zadar 45 min, Split 1 h, Zagreb 3.5 h, Rijeka 3.5 h 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. Our 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. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice. 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 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 6 - August 23, 2013 Intermediate season - June 8 - July 5, August 24 - September 13, 2013 Low season - April 20 - June 7, September 14 - October 19, 2013 DEPARTURE DATES 2013. MAY 25 JUN 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 JUL 6, 13, 20, 27 AUG 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 SEP 7, 14, 21, 28 Member discount: Notes: Prices include: 
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