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This land and water based adventure includes trekking dramatic mountains, rafting down a magnificent river carved into the landscape, and sea kayaking on the azure blue waters of the Zadar Archipelago.

This school adventure begins on the magnificent Mreznica River, a beautifully clear river which stretches 64 kilometres long and is known for staggering scenery and rich ecology. Two glorious days are spent on the river, with pupils given full instructions to learn basic paddle skills and water safety. 

You will then move onto the mountains and a two day trek through Croatia’s Velebit Mountainsm taking you through a UNESCO protected biosphere, cut by gorges and lofty peaks. The scenery splits from mountain to coastal, and pupils will learn about the diverse flora and fauna found around Velebit.  Wild mamals such as bears, lynx and wild boar can be spotted, along with the magnificent white-headed vulture, with a 2.6 metre wingspan.

After navigating through the mountains, you will move onto the stunning Dalmatian Coast to discover the coastline by sea kayak and camp overnight on the beach . On the water, explore the different islands which make up the Zadar archipelago, where it is possible to see some fantastic marine life, including pods of dolphins alongside different types of fish and sea plants.

Typical itinerary

  1. Day 1: Fly to Zagreb, transfer to Mrezinca River

    After arriving in Zagreb, transfer to your basecamp, situated 70 kilometres from Zagreb, by the Mreznica River. The Mreznica is considered one of Croatia's cleanest rivers, with plenty of great places for swimming, canoeing, kayaking and rafting.  Clear green water, unspoiled woods and magical landscapes make this one of Croatia’s most desirable continental retreats. After preparing the camp, there should be time for a walk alongside the river and enjoy a swim under one of the 93 waterfalls.

  2. Day 2: River rafting or canoeing

    After breakfast, drive upstream to the starting point of your river adventure. After a short introduction to paddling, you push off for a day of refreshing fun on the clear, emerald waters of the Mreznica River. Depending on the water level, the group will use rafts, two-person sit-on kayaks or open canoes which are easy and safe to navigate.  The Mreznica area has a considerable biological diversity and variety of habitats, and is home to many endangered and protected plant and animal species. At the end of this river section you will set up camp and spend the evening by the river.

  3. Day 3: Mrezinca River

    Today you continue the descent down the Mreznica, on another section of the river, perfecting your paddle skills with a day filled with activities on the water.

  4. Day 4: Velebit Mountains: Trek Day 1

    Today you drive to Starigrad, a town at the doorstep of the Velebit Mountains, the largest mountain chain in Croatia. Your two day trek starts in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Paklenica National Park, which lies on the southeast slopes of the Velebit Mountains, near the coast. Cut by two awe-inspiring gorges, Mala Paklenica and Velika, Paklenica's scenery is one of the most untouched in the Mediterranean. You will hike to Planinarski Dom Paklenica, a mountain hut popular among mountaineers.

  5. Day 5: Velebit Mountains: Trek Day 2

    Yosu continue hiking in the Velebit Mountains and exploring the geomorphological phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and pristine nature. The great diversity and the presence of endemic, rare and protected plant species make Velebit a very valuable floristic area, not just in Croatia, but in Europe and the world. The white-headed vulture, with a wingspan up to 2.6 metres, resides in this area, as well as numerous insects (the most fascinating are the mountain butterflies), mammals, bears, wild boars, wildcats, lynx and many more. 

  6. Day 6: Transfer to Zadar

    After descending from the mountains to complete the trek, you will transfer to the coastal town of Zadar, the main city in Northern Dalmatia with over 76,000 inhabitants. Zadar is most famous for its old town, set on a peninsula. The town has numerous Roman ruins and Ventian architecture to discover. After checking into the hotel, take a guided tour of the old town, before ending at one of Zadar’s beaches with time to relax.

  7. Day 7: Sea kayaking & beach camp

    After breakfast, today's sea kayaking activity starts with a full safety briefing and basic paddle training skills. After the land training, you will take to the water to discover the Zadar Archipelgo. The archipelago is made up of numerous islands, boasting beautiful bays and lush scenery. Keep a look out for friendly pods of dolphins, different types of fish and sea plants. There will be an opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and learn about how the archipelago has been shaped over centurie. In the evening set up camp on a beach close to Zadar for a farewell dinner and campfire.

  8. Day 8: Transfer to Zagreb, fly back to the UK

    After breakfast, depart by road for Zagreb airport, returning to the UK in the early evening. 

Key info

This suggested itinerary is based on personal recommendation and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
  • Destination: Croatia
  • When to go: May to Jul
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Trip type: Adventure
  • Itinerary highlights:
    • River rafting on Mrzcenica River
    • Mountain trekking
    • Sea kayaking on Dalmatian coast
    • Beach camp
  • Activities:
    • City tour
    • Kayaking
    • Rafting
    • Snorkelling
    • Trekking
  • Accommodation: Hotel, camping & mountain hut
  • Ideal for: Ages 14 to 15
  • Travellers will need:
    • Good level of fitness
    • Appreciation of the outdoor environment

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Locations

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Zadar

View of Zadar coastline with deep blue Dalmatian sea

Located on Croatia’s Dalmation Coast, the intriguing city of Zadar is famous for its Old Town and numerous Roman and Venetian ruins, and makes a great addition to any overseas school adventure. Find out more about Zadar