Adriatic Odyssey

-Paddle into history-

Arba-Jadera-Scardona

16 days

Over 1100 islands and 1700km of coastline make this Dalmatian playground perfect for paddling. Our trip along the section of the Dalmatian coast offers a smorgasbord of dramatic scenery and historical and cultural experiences. We’ll explore ruins and forts from Illyrian and Roman times, small fishing villages and three different national parks and two nature park as well. We paddle through a labyrinth of island jewels in Kornati National Park, hike in Paklenica National Park, paddle the deep canyon of the Zrmanja River and visit the spectacular waterfalls of Krka National Park. Designed for people with some paddling experience, we paddle over 200 km from Rab to Skradin. This is a voyage of exploration and our longest kayak trip. We have built in occasional access to electricity, laundry and intermittent van and boat support to bring in fresh food. Overnight campsites include remote beaches, private islands and the occasional public campground. The clear warm waters of the Adriatic combined with the spectacular landscape of Northern Croatia makes this an adventure not to be missed!

Annotations,prices & departure dates

Itinerary

Day 1 – Transfer to our accommodation in Rab. Trip briefing is held at 6.00pm followed by a welcome dinner. We will give out dry-bags to pack for the kayaking. Extra luggage will be brought to Skradin at the end of the trip. Hotel accommodation tonight. A tour of the old city of Rab will be adjusted to everyone’s arrival time.

Day 2 – Excursion to the highest point on the island of Rab with views of the entire Kvarner. Then it is time to get paddling! There will be a kayak briefing before we set off to visit the Medova Caves. We keep a look out for Griffin Vultures as we paddle to the red sand bay of Mag, surrounded by limestone craters. We camp on a small beach with grilled fish for dinner.

Day 3 – Paddle to Zavratnica fjord (nature park), snorkel near a sunken war ship. After lunch we continue paddling to the Bay of Svetojanj on Pag Island and explore remains of fortifications dating from the 6th century. Beach camping.

Day 4 – Paddle to Bay of Ziglien to meet our van for a short transfer past the site of the old town of Pag to the Bay of Bosana where we continue paddling to the “new” renaissance city of Pag. The old city sunk into the sea after an earthquake in the 4th century and the new Pag was established in the year 1443. We paddle through the centuries old canals of the salt-works and on to the Bay of Slana(salty).Beach camp surrounded by high rocks.

Day 5 – We pass through the Paska Vrata paddling along cliffs and long dry walls, explore caves and bays and immerse ourselves in the Northern Dalmatian landscapes before arriving at the Bay of Santish. Beach camping.

Day 6 – We continue along the rugged landscape past the Pag Bridge, visiting the Cape of Fortica. After lunch we’ll pass through the Gulf of Lujbac and hidden sandy beaches of the Bay of Noble Men. History comes to life as we pass remains of templar fortifications from the Middle Ages and arrive in the town of Nin (1BC) Campground. Restaurant meal and electricity. Our support van meets us this evening.

Day 7 – We leave our kayaks behind for a day of walking and cave exploring in Paklencia National Park. We visit the stunning Modric Caves and after lunch walk through the deep canyons cut through Karstic limestone. Campground, electricity.

Day 8 – After breakfast we transfer to the Zrmanja river. This beautiful jewel cuts through a 200 m. deep canyon and offers some delightful paddling. Aided by the current we use 2 person sit on top kayaks ideally suited to manoeuvre the many twists and turns along the river. Travertine barriers create stunning waterfalls and the lush surrounds provide a lovely contrast to the stark landscapes seen during our sea kayak trip. As the river flattens out we have the option to continue paddling to the mouth. After transferring to our camp at Bibinje we’ll explore the historical city of Zadar and have a restaurant meal. Electricity.

Day 9 – After breakfast we say goodbye to those who only have time for the 9-day trip and then jump back in our sea kayaks. With the backdrop of the Velebit massif behind us we head towards the 100 islands that make up Kornati National Park. We cross several straits, skip between numerous islands and islets, explore hidden bays and stop for the night on the private island of Trimuli.

Day 10 – An early start for one of our longer paddling days as we paddle from Trimuli to Levrnaka. We’ll pass the roman ruins of villae rusticae in Mala Proversa, arrive to a prepared restaurant lunch and then visit the salt lake, Lake Mir(peace), in Telascica National Park. As we cruise through the islands we pass 170 metre high cliffs, explore the caves of Garmenjak and refresh with a few swims throughout the day. Private dinner and camp on Levrnaka. Electricity.

Day 11 – After breakfast we’ll stretch our legs with a walk to the highest peak of the Kornati Islands (237 m). After lunch we paddle past the cliffs of Mali and Veli Rasip, stopping at several historical sites on our way to Ravni Zakan and camp. Restaurant meal.

Day 12 – We continue through the southern Kornati Islands stopping for regular swims before reaching the Bay of Muna on Sibenski Island. Dinner is in a family owned restaurant. Electricity.

Day 13 – Slowly we make our way back towards the mainland paddling past the islands of Kakan, Kaprjie, Zmajan(dragon) and Obonjan. We head for Zlarin, once harvested for its coral. Private dinner. Campground.

Day 14 – Longest paddling day so an early start. Paddle to the historic town on Sibenik and have lunch in the old city. Carry on past the Sibenik bridge and Skradin Bridge up the channel of St Ante and the fortification of St Nikola from the 15th century. We enter the River Krka canyon and finish our sea kayak paddling at Skradin. We overnight in the Skradinski Buk hotel.

Day 15 – After breakfast we visit the Krka National Park and spectacular waterfalls of Skradinski Buk. This karstic phenomenon is unique and the travertine barriers form hundreds of cascades and waterfalls. Our last day of swimming and a chance to reflect on this diverse Croatian adventure. Farewell dinner. Hotel Skradinski Buk.

Day 16 – After breakfast a group transfer to Zadar is provided.

Annotations,Prices and Departures

Prices:

16-day trip:1600 € / 2350 USD

9-day trip:1300 € / 1910 USD

Discounts >>>

The price includes: expert guide(BCU 4 stars),insurance against injuries, sea kayak Prijon Excursion(double) or Touryak(single),paddle, lifejacket,sprayskirt,dry bag, tent,sleeping bag,Thermarest pad,group transfer from the Zadar airport to Rab, group transfer from Skradin to Zadar airport,all entry tickets ,sojourn tax ,gear transfer from Rab to Skradin,twin share accommodation hotels 3 nights, camping 12 nights, all meals and land transfers.

Price does not include: beverages including water and all additional orders in restaurant.Any flights and airport taxes,Items of a personal nature such as postage and laundry.

Minimum: 4 people - - - Maximum 10 people

Accommodation and Camping

Rab and Skradin: We will have simple twin-share bed and breakfast hotel accommodation for 3 nights.

Camping: We supply two-person tents and communal camping equipment. Sleeping mats are provided but you can bring your own thermarest if you wish. You should bring your own sleeping bag and ensure it is compact to conserve space..

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