Croatia - Plitvice Lakes Adventure
I was once watching a TV programme which showed the magnificent Plitvice lakes and I thought they were breathtaking. I watched it the whole way through to the credits to see the programme location. Alas, they didn’t mention it in the credits but many years later I saw a picture in a travel magazine and was thrilled to find this hidden gem in Croatia. This is an outstanding family activity holiday in one of my favourite countries in the world.
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:7 nights
- Key Facts: Saturday departure
- Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Transfers: group airport and activity transfers (private airport transfers may incur a supplement)
- Accommodation: 7 nights in standard double/twin rooms at the Hotel Zeleni Kut
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
- The following activities are included in the holiday: Mreznica packrafting, Plitvice National Park exploration hike, Cycling around Bosiljevo, Zrmanja River kayaking or packrafting, Mreznica canyon kayaking (order of activities is subject to change)
- All equipment, tuition and supervision from fully qualified instructors
- Free use of paddleboards for the duration of your stay
- National Park entrance fees
- The services of our local representatives or guides
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing sixteen lakes and numerous waterfalls which are fed by the Black and White Rivers. Located roughly halfway between the cities of Zagreb and Zadar, it is one of Europe’s most spectacular national parks, showcasing a natural landscape that is beautifully unique and sure to be popular with your family. The park covers approximately 300 square kilometres and is also home to a rich variety of wildlife including deer, boars and rare bird species.
The surrounding region is covered by lush green forests, which, combined with the rivers, provide an exceptional playground for your family adventure week. The activities included in this holiday really make the most of the spectacular landscapes which are found throughout this part of Croatia and you'll enjoy hiking and biking in stunning scenery, kayaking through dramatic canyons and packrafting across turquoise waters. There will also be free time for you to relax and explore this wonderful region independently.
Based at the Hotel Zeleni Kut which has a lovely, welcoming feel and friendly staff, this is the perfect trip for families looking for a fun-filled adventure with remarkable scenic beauty.
Photos: Aleksandar Gospic, Ivan Coric and Croatian National Tourist Board, Raftrek
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival, Transfers and Welcome
You will arrive at the airport and be transferred to the town of Zvecaj, which is to be your base for the coming week. Your transfers will be grouped to the closest available departure time.
After settling into your hotel room, there will be a get together with the guide to discuss the week ahead and dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. Dinner will be a set 3-course meal (drinks are not included).
Included Meals: Dinner -
Day 2 Mreznica packrafting
Today you will start your expedition on the lower Mreznica river. Packrafts are inflatable boats that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are suitable for individuals and some can fit 2 adults and a child. They are very lightweight and stable which makes them really popular with our families.
After a full safety briefing and introduction on a relatively flat and easy section of the river, you will soon appreciate the beauty of this wonderful area. The group will paddle together taking regular breaks to swim and relax as you work your way downstream. You will be on the river for around 4 to 5 hours in total in grade one to two rapids. After the rafting adventure, the group can take some time to relax or make use of the stand-up paddleboards available to hire or play beach volleyball at the hotel's court.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 3 Plitvice Lakes Hike
The region’s most famous attraction is always a huge highlight for our guests. After a 90 minute transfer to the start point, you will be guided on a hike through the Plitvice National Park, exploring the walkways and bridges. It is hard to describe the beauty of these lakes – the blues and greens seem so intense and, with 90 waterfalls, there are spectacular sights to be seen. You’ll explore the park and have the chance to get up close to some of the local flora and fauna.
A boat tour and a short train ride will take you back to the starting point of your walk. The hike will cover around four to six miles depending on the group’s abilities and the local conditions. Lunch is not included today, however, you will be shown local places where you can eat in Grabovac, as well as the local mini-market.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 4 Cycling to Bosiljevo Castle
It would be a real shame not to get out and explore the region further and the best way to do this is by bike. You will cycle on very quiet routes through forests, between hills, and across the Croatian countryside. You will get to see some traditional villages and learn about the culture of the region as you head towards Bosiljevo Castle, a 15th-century castle situated in a landscape shaped by karst relief.
You will be out cycling for approximately 4-5 hours today, including breaks.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 5 Free Day
Today is free for you to be as active or relaxed as you like; there are many options to choose from. You could go hiking, horse riding, rafting, zip-lining or sightseeing. All activities can be arranged and paid for locally.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 6 Zrmanja River Canoe Safari
You are back on the water for your penultimate activity. Today you will enjoy a canoe trip through the Zrmanja and Krupa Canyons on an activity lasting between four to five hours. Following full tuition, you will set off on this grade two to three river for a fabulous canoe safari.
You’ll see waterfalls, negotiate some easy rapids and come across hidden pools. The beauty is that you are unlikely to see any other group on the river so this stunning place could well be all yours.
Depending on the water levels you may travel by raft or kayak today.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 7 Mreznica Canyon Kayaking
Today you will start your expedition in the Upper Mreznica Canyon. Here you will find a gorge so narrow and deep that the sunlight only reaches it for a few hours a day, creating spectacular shadows. You will travel downstream in kayaks passing waterfalls and lush vegetation before stopping at a freshwater spring.
Your trip will continue to a secret spot with a view of a very dramatic waterfall which provides the ideal spot for swimming. After a break, you will return to the vehicles and drive back to the hotel via the village of Rastoke. Lunch is not included today, so you can either bring along your own packed lunch, or you may choose to eat in one of the restaurants in Rastoke.
You will be rafting for approximately three hours today, including breaks.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 8 Departure
As hard as it is to wave goodbye to the people and places of the Plitvice region, sadly today is the end of the holiday and you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flights home. We can arrange for you to extend your holiday if you would like – please contact one of our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Hotel Zeleni Kut
Nights: 1-7
Hotel Zeleni Kut is situated on the bank of the Mrežnica River in a lovely peaceful area of Zvečaj. The hotel is a perfect base for your activity week. The small hotel is comprised of just 14 hotel rooms and has a variety of fantastic facilities and amenities to keep the family entertained.
Our holiday is based in clean and comfortable hotel rooms.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationHotel facilities
- The hotel has its own restaurant offering a la carte meals, serving a variety of local specialities for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- The hotel has a private beach which is very popular with guests during their downtime from activities.
- There is also a children’s play area which is popular with the hotels younger guests.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and main building
DOUBLE OR TWIN ROOMS: the resort has 14 hotel rooms which are around 22 m². They are a good base for your adventures during the week. Each room is comfortably arranged, featuring an en-suite toilet with shower, as well as a TV, air conditioning, hairdryer and minibar. Each room can fit 2 people, however, an extra bed can be added if required.
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Minimum numbers: this holiday typically requires a minimum of four participants to operate. If there are fewer than 4 people booked, which is very unlikely, we will do all that we can to operate the holiday as planned. If this is not possible then you will be informed nine weeks prior to your departure date and all available options will be discussed with you.
Prices based on:
2 adults (13+) sharing a twin/double room OR 1 adult sharing with 1 child OR 2 children (8-12) sharing a double/twin room.
Dates
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 8 people (depending on departure date). Maximum 42 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
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Croatia - Plitvice Lakes Adventure 17 August 2019 by The Carby Family
Andro and Valentino our guides were the absolute best. They were knowledgable, interactive and fun. The kids loved them and so did all the adults.
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Plitvice Lakes Adventure 03 August 2019 by The Hutson Family
Great location and amazing views, and Valentino had great knowledge of the rivers and area so very educational as well, as well as amazing picnics.
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We loved Croatia and the activities 18 August 2018 by The Brown Family
We loved Croatia and the activities. We saw more of the country in the time we were there due to having a guide than we would have seen otherwise which was fantastic. The activities being in a variety of different locations was great. We all had different favourites between kayaking, stand up paddling and bike ride.
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Great holiday - highly recommended 04 August 2018 by The Rogers Family
Valentino, our Guide, was excellent - great company and highly knowledgeable. The Mrezinca Canyon Kayaking was amazing, stunning scenery and incredibly wild and beautiful. The Canoe safari on the River Zrmanja is long & quite challenging but great fun. Great holiday - highly recommended for active kids & young people. All the children successfully faced and overcame their fears - so…
Read more satisfying watching them grow more confident each day.
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What a brilliant holiday 04 August 2018 by The Fogerty Family
We are a family of four and have just returned from the Plitvice Lakes holiday. The area is stunningly beautiful; we felt like we had landed on another planet. The great thing about the activities was the fact they involved the whole family some who are less active than others. Our guide was fantastic and encouraged us to get out of our comfort zones. I never thought I would have the…
Read more courage to jump from a waterfall into a pool or canoe down rapids and large drops. It was great fun and the end of the week we all really felt like we had achieved something. The great advantage of having a guide is that the guide knows where the best places are, best views, best places to swim, etc.
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All of it was memorable 21 July 2018 by Irena French
Seeing Plitvice national park for the first time and kayaking down Zrvenice River which was beautiful. All of it was memorable having said that!
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WOW, what a fabulous holiday!! 12 August 2017 by The Keeling Family
Loved it all. Probably my favourite day was kayaking up the Zrmanja River and the picnic spot, well, I will never forget it - paradise on earth!! Petar, our amazing guide, even brought a tablecloth!! I would do any one of the activities again - loved them all!! An exceptional itinerary. Plitvice Lakes is stunning. The Hotel staff were absolutely brilliant - very friendly and helpful. Our guides…
Read more were fabulous. They could not have been more helpful or offer greater hospitality. Customer safety, care and fun are absolutely paramount to them, and wow do they work hard for our enjoyment.
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We are already thinking ahead to next year! 29 July 2017 by The Irons Family
Our guide Petar was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and patient with the group, particularly the kids. He went out of his way to show us different places and took us to Zavratnica on our day off. Paddle boarding was the surprise hit for us all. It was great fun as it was new to us all and we kept falling in! We are already thinking ahead to next year!
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A brilliant time 08 July 2017 by Cathy Gardener, Michael & Chad Rewsterne
We had a brilliant time and have been recommending you to all my friends. A particular mention to our guide Marko who made sure we were always well looked after.
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Excellent fun for all the family 02 July 2016 by The Clifford Family
We had an excellent time on this holiday. Our guide Peter, allowed all of us to have fun by tailoring the activities to our families needs. Peter's passion and knowledge of his country and its history and geology were exceptional! Some of the highlights of our holiday included jumping off the 8m cliff whilst kayaking and the amazing views of the sea whilst hiking in the North Velebit National Park…
Read more during our spare day. We had a great time and will look to holiday with Activities Abroad in the future.
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Our guide was excellent... 14 August 2015 by Dawn Elvin
Our guide was excellent - very flexible and accommodating to our needs. He gauged the capabilities of the group well to ensure we had a great experience without exhausting ourselves or pushing the limits! The entire holiday was superb - well balanced to give a range of activities throughout the week. The Lakes were spectacular, the day paddle boarding was a great introduction to get used to being…
Read more on the water and a bonus to be able to do this straight from the hotel, the cycling trip to the mill with fabulous lunch and the thrill of the kayaking trips.
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Indescribably beautiful 11 August 2014 by Stephen Lee
The Plitvice lakes are indescribably beautiful and no photo can possibly do them credit. Yes, there were lots of people but nothing could detract from the utter beauty, colour and magic of the place.The lakes apart, my favourite day was on Zrmanja River where we felt we were the only people there on the azure blue water with the kingfishers. There is excitement with the falls and rapids but…
Read more nothing frightening or dangerous. The frightening and, to me dangerous, day was the trip down Mreznica river. The children age 14 and 16 just loved this day. Leaping off 9m drops into the water and bombing over 3m waterfalls in the kayaks was their idea of heaven. There was one 8yr old boy who just couldn't keep the massive grin off his face especially when he managed the 9m jump.The water rafting down River Una was utterly beautiful especially at the beginning. Unfortunately there was a storm in the offing so we didn't manage the swimming or jumping from a bridge but it was still a marvellous day.The cycling day was in torrential rain which made it very memorable. Barac caves were good but what we really enjoyed was home-made lunch provided by a family under an awning to keep the rain off. The lemonade was gorgeous and we drank gallons, lovely.I must now add a word for the guides. Our main guide, Slaven, who we had throughout, was marvellous. He was easy company, got us everywhere at the best possible times and very safety conscious. I trusted him when he was about to tip me over what felt like a 30m waterfall (was only 3m) which is quite amazing! The other guides we had, both in Bosnia (River Una) and Croatia were friendly, approachable and fun. I couldn't fault anyone.One word of warning to vegetarians. This is a meat loving nation so though vegetarians are catered fo, the imagination is lacking!I would recommend this holiday to anyone.
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