This family activity holiday is based in Novigrad, a small fishing village situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The Mediterranean climate along the coast is perfect for a glorious summer holiday with an average of 2600 sunshine hours per year, compared to the UK average of fewer than 1400.
The region offers an array of spectacular national parks, rivers, and beaches to enjoy during your activities. Our flexible activity format allows you to decide how many activities you would like to take part in, with hiking, biking, rafting, canoeing, and sea kayaking all on the agenda. You will be making the most of some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. All members of the family are sure to have their favourite places and activities after your adventurous week here.
This part of Croatia has so much to offer – as part of this holiday, you will enjoy some of the nearby towns as well as the history and culture of this region, seeing monasteries, churches and Roman ruins.
The people of this small village are exceedingly welcoming and friendly which is sure to add further to the experience. Please note that our Novigrad base is located 90 minutes north of Split and should not be confused with the town of Novigrad in Istria, which is much further north.
Upon arrival in Croatia, you will be greeted at the airport before being transferred to your hotel in the small fishing village of Novigrad. The village lies between the cities of Split and Pula and is filled with stone houses and local charm.
You will then be given time to check into the hotel, before an introductory dinner with your guide and the chance to meet fellow group members. The hotel sits close to the Novigrad Sea, enjoying wonderful views across the water and surrounding region which you will be exploring throughout the upcoming week. We highly recommend finding a spot on the hotel’s terrace the first evening to hopefully enjoy one of the most spectacular sunset spots we have found anywhere!
Included Meals: DinnerYour first morning in Croatia will begin with a chance to enjoy the beautiful waters which surround you.
Your sea kayaking tuition takes place on the beach in front of the hotel, and you will be given full instructions before heading out onto the water in two-person kayaks. Crossing Novigrad Bay and heading out towards the Zrmanja River Canyon is a great introduction to the breathtaking scenery that this region offers and is something which is always an enjoyable experience for families. The brackish water here attracts abundant wildlife so be sure to keep watch for turtles, fish and seabirds on the way. On your return, you can enjoy lunch at the hotel or head out to explore the historical charm of Novigrad (payable locally). You will be out on the water for around 4 hours in total as part of this activity.
After some time to relax you will be driven the 40 minutes to Zadar to explore the city and hopefully enjoy one of the wonderful sunsets that can often be experienced here. The city offers an interesting mix of cultures and eras with Roman ruins and medieval churches mixed in with modern shops and cosmopolitan cafés.
Included Meals: BreakfastAfter breakfast at the hotel, your guide will transfer you to the Krka River National Park where you will be exploring the countryside via a cycling exploration day. Fully equipped with your bikes and helmets, you will follow a route that showcases a landscape of forests, hills and monuments before your first stop at Skradinski Buk waterfall. At 44 metres high this is an impressive sight to see and the group can enjoy a dip in the water and take some great family snapshots.
The bike journey will then continue to the shores of Visovac Lake where you will take a boat to Visovac Island for an historical visit to a Franciscan monastery. After a chance for your family to enjoy some sightseeing and learn more about the long history of this region, you will head back to shore. The route will then continue back to Skradin, taking in incredible panoramic views of the town and Prokljan Lake.
Lunch is not included today, however, you will be taken to a local shop where you can purchase food and drink for your picnic. The cycling route covers approximately 22 miles, with two climbs reaching 180-190m in altitude. Don’t worry though, as the cycling is split up into manageable chunks with plenty of time for rest and play in between. There is also a support vehicle, should you need a helping hand along the way.
Included Meals: Breakfast, DinnerToday’s main activity is hiking in Paklenica National Park, which is famed for its beautifully scenic routes – many parts of which are off-limits to vehicles. For an additional cost (payable locally, approximately €40), you can also book an exciting optional climbing school, with an instructor to show you how to tie important knots, operate safety equipment, and scale an easy route. Paklenica is famed as a climbing destination, so this is not something to miss!
Climbing will take place in the morning, and families who do not wish to take part in the climbing can either cheer the climbers on or take part in a hike to a mountain stream for some swimming. Everyone will then trek to a mountain meeting point before finishing the rest of the hiking route together.
Exploring on foot is a great way for your family to appreciate the natural scenery of the region and your guide will lead the way on one of the park’s most scenic trails. As you follow the route through, the guide will discuss the local wildlife and plant life with you. The park is home to a wide range of rare flowers as well as falcons, eagles, deer and foxes.
The hike will take approximately three to four hours and there will be plenty of stops for photographs, water breaks, and the chance to take in your wonderful surroundings. You will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant within the park today.
Included Meals: Breakfast, LunchToday is a really fun action-packed day, you will leave the hotel straight after breakfast to transfer south towards the town of Omiš, the starting point for today’s adventure on the Cetina River which is approximately two hours from the hotel. The rafting here is sure to make the journey worth it and is the best in this area, with grade two and three rapids to enjoy. Clear water, jungle-like forests, caves and waterfalls add to the adventure, making this thrilling rafting trip an unforgettable experience. The mixture of adrenaline and relaxation makes it a popular excursion with families and each member is sure to have their favourite section! Lunch is included during the activity today.
At the welcome meeting, the whole group will be given a choice between two options this afternoon. The first option is to spend the afternoon in Split and enjoy some free time exploring the shops, bars and restaurants along with some of the city's famous historic sites such as the ruins of Diocletian's Palace or the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St. Domnius (for the very energetic it is also often possible to climb the bell tower for beautiful views across the city!).
The other option is to enjoy the beaches and sights of Omiš. This small Dalmatian port town was known for its fearsome pirates who ruled here centuries ago and there some impressive stone fortresses and churches to see which offer an insight into this interesting past. As part of this option following on from the rafting, if you feel the need for even more adrenaline, then you can arrange a zip line adventure over the Cetina River (bookable and payable locally).
Please note that the rafting activity may take place in the afternoon instead, in which case you will visit either Split or Omiš in the morning.
Included Meals: Breakfast, LunchToday has been left free for your family to be as active or as lazy as you wish. You can relax on the beach, swim, play beach games or even enjoy further activities. Several organised and guided tours of the region can be arranged (bookable and payable locally).
Included Meals: BreakfastYour final day in Croatia begins with a canoe safari down the magnificent, wild-west-like canyon of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers.
After a short introduction to paddling, you will set off for an afternoon of refreshing fun on the clear, warm and emerald waters of these Croatian rivers, considered two of the most beautiful in Europe. The afternoon will involve paddling down easy rapids, searching for hidden swimming pools and enjoying steep-sided canyons. It is unlikely that there will be anyone else on the water except your group, so this is sure to be an exceptional activity. A picnic lunch is included today.
Relax this evening in peaceful Novigrad, while enjoying a traditional supper on the beautiful terrace, reflecting on the week with your fellow travellers.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerIt’s time to say goodbye to this magnificent part of the world and head back to the airport to catch your return flight home. We are able to offer some excellent extensions should you not wish to leave this wonderful country just yet. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Included Meals: Breakfast
The accommodation here in Novigrad is a small, family-owned hotel with an idyllic location and welcoming family feel. Located just above a beach, it has a wonderful waterside terrace where you can sunbathe during the day and relax in the evening with your family and the rest of the group.
Apartments
There are 27 apartments in total made up of one or two-bed options.
These all consist of a bedroom with either a double or twin beds, living room, small kitchen and bathroom and all are fully air-conditioned. There is also a sofa bed in the lounge area and some of the larger apartments have extra beds in the lounge area too.
All apartments are equipped with en-suite shower rooms, telephone and satellite TV. It is possible to upgrade to a two bedroom apartment. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quote and to confirm availability.
Thank you for your interest in this Activities Abroad family experience.
We have found that this holiday is better tailored exactly to your requirements, so please email our Travel Experts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us on 01670 789 991 to discuss the various options available to you.
Our Travel Experts have been to all the destinations we feature and love to share their experiences and insight. We want to match you with your perfect trip, so if you have any questions please get in touch; we will be happy to talk through the destinations and itineraries with you.
Thank you for looking at our Adriatic Activity Week trip to Croatia. It is already fully booked for next summer. Please, view our similar trips here or contact one of our sales team on 01670 789 991.
Activities: select as many or as few activities as you wish from the schedule. The price per person depends on the number of activities chosen.
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
Minimum 8 people (depending on departure date). Maximum 42 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only
Whitewater rafting was really superb with a great guide and camaraderie amongst the group. River Kayaking and swimming in the freshwater pool was also a highlight. Lunch on the hike in the mountains was superb and again the freshwater swimming here was very enjoyable.
The pre-booking advice was invaluable making sure that children's ages and mix worked. This really made the holiday.
We really enjoyed the canoe safari and the white water rafting. The restaurant at the top of the mountain on the hike was very good too. The hosts, Tino and Vana were top class, everything ran really smoothly, they were well organised and attentive and always went that extra mile to make our experience enjoyable.
The activities were brilliant and the local guides Tino and Vana were amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for them! They arranged so many extra things - wine tasting, extra activities, babysitting all of which added to our fantastic holiday experience. Our group were also a great bunch of people, all very like-minded and it was a pleasure to spend the week with them. Lots of credit should go to…
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your local suppliers, they really are amazing. All the activities were great and we enjoyed the wide variety of experiences. I really enjoyed the hiking day and fab lunch in the mountains. Probably the canoe trip on the last day was our favourite - we escaped the crowds, had a lovely locally-sourced lunch and saw beautiful water falls and had such fun on the rapids. The guides were great at pacing things with swim stops and breaks whilst somehow managing to keep to some vague timetable!
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All the activities in their own way were excellent - challenging, enjoyable and well briefed by the excellent guides Borna and Vana. We enjoyed them all because they were in different locations and had their own individual challenges. The contrast for me was about right considering the range of ages of the children in the group. The guides Borna and Vana made great suggestions of places to eat and…
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improvised superbly when challenges were given to them.
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Awesome holiday, absolutely fantastic! I think the canyoning was the best day - it was tough and challenging - a really demanding day. Fantastic! It was just great; I honestly, honestly don't think it could be improved. 8 fabulous kids, 8 fun-loving adults and 2 awesome guides make for a fantastic holiday!
The guide Ivan was excellent - really friendly, knowledgeable and well organised. We enjoyed the canoe safari - loved the hidden waterfall and pool to swim in.
Loved all the activities, especially rafting, canyoning, sea and river kayaking and the trek.
I would like to make special mention of our excellent guides, Ivan and Sarah. Being part of a group of kids seems to put a very positive peer pressure on children and young adults – my fifteen-year-old son who hates heights was canyoning, first up the rock climbing, and even managed the 2100 metres of zip wires! I just sat there, gobsmacked, and quietly a very proud dad, seeing a new side of…
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him? My youngest daughter (just 10) wanted to try the canyoning too and her big brother helped. Unfortunately, with a little push in the back from her big brother to get her off the rock, she got out of alignment and entered the water face first. She was distraught and in some pain from the impact. One of our guides, Sarah, immediately helped her calm down and got her back to shore. We returned to our kayaks, ready to head back to the hotel. But my daughter was sad and somewhat embarrassed about what had happened to her. She quietly said to our guide, Ivan, that she would like another go. With no hesitation, Ivan swam with her back out to the rocks, and together they climbed, paused, held hands, and jumped together – fortunately with a very clean water entry. Followed by a great high-five and cheers from the other families! Although this was the first of our trips of the week, it turned out to have summed up Ivan – he always made the time and effort to make the day special and Sarah took the care to ensure that all was well. Ivan was patient and never got flustered.
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Each member of the family had a different favourite including climbing, hiking, zip wiring (optional) and river kayaking - it was wonderful being on the river and being in/out of the water! Dragonflies and turtles made it even better. We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and thought that the national parks in Croatia were beautiful. We were impressed with the service from Activities Abroad and…
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would definitely book through the company again.
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Canyoning was so exhilarating, great fun and amazing views that you could only get from being in the canyon. During the river kayaking, I really struggled to keep the kayak straight and my son really wasn't any help!! It may have been the least enjoyable activity, but I still enjoyed the majority of the day, especially the swimming and jumping off rocks and through waterfalls. The home grown/made…
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picnic was superb. We had an amazing holiday, one of the best. We will certainly be going again.
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Fantastic holiday - kids had a blast and it felt so much longer than a week. Guides were excellent.
Activity rep/guides, Mima and Lovro, were superb. We've done four activity holidays and these were by far and away the best we've had. Very well organised, flexible to changes if possible, very safety conscious, but a lightness of touch in dealing with a large mixed group of differing abilities.
Your reps were fantastic and we all had an excellent holiday. We had a great time and would recommend and use you again.
The holiday was very well organised, helpful guides. As a family we completed challenges we did not think where possible!!! The activities were awesome. The staff at Novigrad where friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend (this trip). Most enjoyable: White-water rafting - great team spirit between all the families and a little bit of rivalry between boats!
The admin staff in the UK were very helpful and well informed. The hotel/apartments were really beautiful with fabulous views. We had a really great holiday, lots and lots of fun, and made some good friends. I think my sons enjoyed jumping into water from boats and high rocks the most!!
As outdoor folk already familiar with kayaking, canoeing, caving and climbing we were impressed with the safety attitude and ethos of the guides. The equipment provided and tuition was all of good quality.
Created by families for families
Experience real adventures enjoyed safely
Family friendly destinations and accommodation
Maximising your precious family time
Family time, not screen time
Family memories to treasure
For toddlers, young children, teenagers & adults alike
Enjoy the company of like-minded families
Family owned and run
Proudly Independent
Personal, hands-on service
Fair and sustainable work ethos
We research the holidays so you don’t have to
ATOL and ABTA Financial protection available
Customers rate us 4.8/5 Stars
Award-Winning: Best Travel Company for Adventure Holidays 2023
Activities Abroad, Suite B, 168 Brinkburn Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2AR
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This is one of my favourite parts of the world and an ideal destination for a summer holiday. Croatia has so much to offer adventurous families and the range of activities here makes perfect use of the stunning natural attractions and many of the national parks in the area with cycling, hiking, canoeing and more. Relaxing on the waterside terrace with your family in the evening is a great way to round off an active day here.
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