Walking Croatia's Coast & Canyons

After breakfast 1,5 hour drive to Stoarigrad-Paklenica. Our luggage we wil store in the hotel and take a 1hour transfer to the high grassy plateau of Veliki Rujno. At a height of 900m, lies the small church of Our Lady of Rujno built in the past for local inhabitants who lived from cattle breeding, and spent most of the year in mountain hamlets taking their cattle out to graze. Over time, the church became too small and in 1930, due to the dedication of a local priest and enthusiastic mountaineer Don Ante Adžija, a new church was built using masonry from the old church. An annual procession held in August, sees hundreds of pilgrims make their way up the mountain to the chapel for mass. From here we start a hike to the Ramići where e overnight in a simple rural house in the hamlet of Ramici. Despite the lack of facilities and dormitory rooms, we are guaranteed a warm welcome and delicious home cooked dinner.

Remarks: clients will store their luggage at the hotel or in the vehicle and will carry just a backpack with toiletries and some spare clothes. Bed linen will be provided at the mountain hut.

Accommodation: Homestay (mountain hut) Ramića dvori – accommodation in dormitory style room with common shower/WC. 1 room with 8 beds, 1 room, with 7 beds, 1 shower with hot water, 2 WC’s, 1 room with 5 beds with shower/WC.

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Ascent:  +258 m

Descent: -585m

Distance: 5,7 km, 3-4 hours walk

Inhabited since prehistoric times, the dramatic landscape of the Paklenica National Park gained national park status in 1949, due to its unique natural features and magnificent forests. A dramatic mountain range that appears to fall directly into the sea, we'll spend the next two days on high trails, which offer spectacular views across to the lunar landscape of the islands of Rab, Pag and the Kornati National Park. We start our walk through the canyon of Velika Paklenica, surrounded by huge walls and the remains of old water mills. These ancient buildings, built in the 19th century and still in use up until the 1960s, are well preserved cultural monuments and maintained by the national park authorities. We return to the coastal town of Starigrad-Paklenica. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy a walk beside the sea or just relax with a drink in one of the many pavement cafes or local bars.

Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse 3* in Starigrad-Paklenica or similar in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch

Ascent: +235 m

Descent: -703 m

Distance: 8,5 km, 4-5 hours

After breakfast we take a short transfer (45mins) to the pretty area of the Krupa River and canyon. Situated under the steep slopes of Velebit Mountain, this picturesque river stretches from a small spring through the deep Krupa Canyon until it reaches the River Zrmanja. A rich karst area, this whole landscape hides underground caverns and caves, and is dotted with tiny hamlets. We start in the village of Golubic, we walk to the bridge of Kudin built at the turn of the 18th century. Legend has it that a local boy wanted to be closer to his young love and built the bridge

from 12 arches. Despite high waters and many years, almost all the bridge is still standing. From Krupa we drive (1hr) to the picturesque town of Zadar. After arriving at the group hotel and freshening up, the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to wander the streets of Zadar. Feeling more like a large village than Croatia's 5th biggest town, Zadar is a vibrant, warm place enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The city walls, mostly built under Venetian rule, are home to four old city gates - the Gate of St Rok, the Chain Gate, the recently renovated Land Gate and the Port Gate, the latter two both sporting winged lions, the symbol of the Venetian Empire. Zadar has two

wonderful and quirky attractions designed by local artist Nikola Basic. Firstly the Sun Salutation, a 22m wide circle filled with 300 multi layered glass plates that collect solar energy all day, transforming it into a light show from sunset to sunrise. Attracting locals and tourists, each evening people take a stroll to see this unusual spectacle. This ingenious piece of art generates enough energy to power the front lighting system of the entire harbor! Nikola Basic's second masterpiece is the Sea Organ, a unique system of pipes set into steps which creates whistles and sighs from the movement of the water. It's a great place to sit and enjoy the "music" which changes with the passing of ferries and boats. St Donatus' Church and the Franciscan Monastery

are both beautiful pieces of architecture. Dating from the 9th century, St Donatus' is an unusual circular Byzantine church and only one of a handful of buildings that survived the Mongol invasion of the 13th century. The Franciscan Monastery houses a Gothic church from 1280 and a small treasury. If you prefer to sit and watch the world go by, then People's Square is the place to go. This pretty little square is traditionally the center of town and there is a constant buzz to the place from the many popular pavement cafes

Accommodation: Hotel 3* in Zadar in double/twin rooms with en suite facilities

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch

Ascent:  +200 m

Descent: -200 m

Distances: 4 km, 2-3 hours walk

After breakfast, we leave Zadar for a short transfer (1hr) to the beautiful Krka National Park. Created by the Krka River, and described as the most picturesque river in Croatia, this stunningly beautiful national park can only be described as a limestone phenomenon. We start off by exploring the park on foot after that we are taking boat for short ride and on the end walking to the Roski Slap. In the afternoon we drive to Split, Croatia's second largest city and known as Spalato in Italian. This atmospheric city, located on the Dalmatian Coast, is an exciting mixture of modern buildings, UNESCO palaces, old city walls, a beautiful promenade (the Riva) and a spectacular mountainous backdrop. More of a living museum, the UNESCO heart of Split or the Diocletian’s Palace, is one of the most imposing Roman ruins in Europe and is more of a place to wander rather than plan a rigid visit! A melting pot of cafes and restaurants, alongside a military fortress, winding back streets, an imperial residence and fortified town, the Diocletian’s Palace is hardly a palace but a living museum! Along with the Cathedral, town museum and cosmopolitan promenade, Split is a beautiful town with a breathtaking backdrop and sweeping sea views. After regrouping in the evening, you’ll head out for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel 3* hotel in Split in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, farewell dinner in local restaurant

Ascent:+316 m

Descent:-258 m

Distance: 12 km, 4-5 hours

Trip in Croatia ends after breakfast

MEALS: breakfast