With its landscapes, history and coastline, Croatia continues to grow in popularity.
This week-long tour, organised with our partners at the adventure holiday specialists, Explore, is located on an island just off Trogir, on the Dalmatian coast.
Enjoy the thrills of white water rafting, try out sea kayaking and take the challenge of canyoning through caves and waterfalls. There is also time to discover Croatia’s historic sites or relax, making this the ideal trip for all the family.
Tour Highlights
Island of Ciovo with a charming, family-run hotel
Scramble and clamber over Cetina Gorge
Whitewater rafting down Cetina River and three rapids
Optional visits to the towns of Split, Trogir and Omis
Discover the beautiful bay of the Dalmatian Coast
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Split, transfer to Ciovo Island. The hotel will be your base and is ideally situated on the coast for exploring the scenery around the island and to enjoy the Croatian lifestyle. Facilities include a swimming pool, bars and your first evening begins with a traditional Croatian home-cooked meal.
Day 2: Scenic walking through rural Dalmatia. Your first full day opens with a tour of Croatia's idyllic rural landscape. Head to the monastery Gospa od Prizidnice, constructed by hermits in the 16th century and situated in beautiful natural surroundings on stone cliffs beside the sea. This is the perfect introduction to a place that retains a sense of being less developed than many other regions of Europe.
After walking back to the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
Day 3: Whitewater rafting. One of the best ways to appreciate the Cetina River is from the water itself, and today we splash through the rapids along part of its rugged course, taking in the rich vistas of lush vegetation, glorious lakes, mysterious caves and towering cliffs on the river's path. Your guides are very experienced in the currents of the river and are used to dealing with family groups, ensuring a happy experience for all.
All equipment and instruction will be provided, with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets supplied - a change of clothes for the post-rafting journey back to our hotel is recommended. The rapids themselves are classed as grade 2-3, which makes them easy to medium in terms of difficulty, so try your best and thrive on the adrenalin rush.
Day 4: Free day. Optional climbing excursion or visit to Omis. Once an impregnable pirate stronghold, Omis enjoyed the reputation as one of the most feared pirate haunts in the region, plundering the ships of Naples and Venice, as well as harassing Crusaders en route to the Holy Land.
Visit the old city, which retains much of its historical romance.
Day 5: Canyoning excursion in Cetina Gorge. Transferring to Zadvarje this morning, returning to the Cetina River to witness the gorge, including the spectacular 60-metre high Gubavica Waterfall. High cliffs, plunging waterfalls, crystal clear pools and underground tunnels await our intrepid explorers.
Canyoning involves a guided walk, scramble and clamber over rocks, past waterfalls and pools and paddle down a river gorge. The route is suitable for all ages and full instruction and equipment will be provided (helmet, full wetsuit, life jacket). Anyone suffering a fear of heights can opt out. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 6: Free day. Optional trip to Split and Trogir. You could join your tour leader to the ancient town of Split. Walk through the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace to visit its ancient cellars, Roman temples, cathedral and the famous Golden Gate. Then take a bus to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 300BC.
Day 7: Sea Kayaking excursion - River Pantana and Trogir.
Today we head to the Pantana Old Watermill near the town of Trogir. The route takes us kayaking along the River Pantana, through reed canals and on to the sand lagoon. From there we move to Trogir, where the old town is encircled by the sea. Make a full circuit of the island with great views of the town from the kayak.
On the way back to Pantana, there is the chance for a swimming break at the beach. Full instruction and lifejackets will be provided and guides will accompany us during the day ensuring that even first-time paddlers enjoy the kayaking. Then it is back to the hotel for our final opportunity to sample delicious home cooked Croatian fare.
Day 8: Split. Transfer to Split Airport for the flight home.
Prices
Prices for this 7-night trip start at £1,189 for adults and £1,089 for children, for departures in Summer 2017.
Price includes free airport transfers and the services of a tour leader.