Croatia: Hike, Bike & Kayak

This is an active trip packed with activities such as cycling, kayaking and trekking. To fully enjoy it, you'll need to be in a good state of health and fitness. To participate in the water-based experiences, you'll need to be a confident swimmer.

Because the itinerary is packed with lots of exciting activities this trip involves some early starts and long days.

Starigrad Paklenica, the base for this trip from Day 2, is located approximately 150 km north-west of Split, and 50 km north of Zadar. Arrival transfers to the starting location in Zadar are available for purchase from the airports of both cities.

You’ll be staying in local apartments in Starigrad Paklenica, all of which have private facilities.

1. Starigrad Paklenica, the base for this trip from day 2, is located approximately 150 kilometers north-west of Split, and 50 kilometers north of Zadar. Arrival transfers to the starting location in Zadar are available for purchase from the airports of both cities.
2. This multi-activity trip requires a good level of fitness and health.
3. You will be staying in local apartments in Starigrad Paklenica, all of which have private facilities.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveler of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- Day 1 - Zadar
Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).

If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you., TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT
It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light., TOP TIPS
Most people buy packed lunches; you might find a sealable plastic box useful for storing it in your daypack. Although not essential, gloves for cycling make it more comfortable - especially if you grip hard.

You’re in for an active trip! Whilst previous experience isn’t essential for getting involved, a decent level of fitness will help you get the most out of this tour. An ability to cycle is essential for the mountain biking activity. If you’re already a regular exerciser, you’re probably good to go. If you’re not, it might be an idea to add it into your routine in the weeks leading up to your departure. Anything cardio related (swimming, running, cycling, etc.) would definitely help you to enjoy this action-packed adventure to the max.

Boutique Hostel Forum, Siroka Ulica 20, Zadar, CROATIA, Phone: +385 23250705

Boutique Hostel Forum is situated in the core of the Zadar’s historical peninsula, just a stone’s throw away from the Roman Forum and all the other landmarks, many of which can be seen from the window of the rooms. At this modern hostel you will stay in a private room equipped with an ensuite. We do not use the dormitory-style rooms.

Alternate Joining Point

At Zadar Airport (airport code ZAD) taxis are readily available. If you decide to take a taxi, be sure to pay no more than 25 Euro

Argyruntum Apartments, Paklenička 15, Starigrad Paklenica, CROATIA, Phone: +385 959108206

The Argyruntum Apartments are a family run business, located a few minutes walk from the beach and the entrance to Paklenica National Park. The property has a garden for guests to enjoy and free wifi. Breakfast will be arranged and served in a nearby local restaurant. For more information please see argyruntum.com.

Alternate Finish Point

If you are making your own way to Zadar Airport (ZAD) your leader will be able to help organise a transfer for you. Alternatively local buses are travelling along the coast and can be stopped when they pass through Starigrad Paklenica. Buses take between 30 minutes and 1 hour. In Zadar you can change to connecting buses to the airport, Split or further afield. Additionally, we are able to pre-arrange a departure transfer for you to either Zadar or Split at an additional charge at the time of booking. Please ask your booking agent if you would like to add this service and provide your flight details.

If you have pre-booked a departure transfer to Zadar Airport (ZAD) or Split Airport (SPU) please reconfirm this with your tour leader. You will be collected at your apartment 2.5 hours (for Zadar) or 4 hours (for Split) before your flight departure time. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +38 59 126 157 99.

Breakfasts included: 7

Lunches included: 

Dinners included: 1

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

BREAKFASTS
There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

SUMMER
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C/104°F), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

SHOULDER SEASON
In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher altitudes. If you travel at the start or towards the end of the European season please pack accordingly with warm and/or waterproof clothes (preferably layers). The advantage of travelling during this time is that there are less tourists around.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above.

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below:

Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin share basis.

CHECK-IN TIME
On your arrival day rooms should be ready for you at 2pm.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES
Your accommodation is in local apartments and all the rooms have their own bathrooms , but do not have air-conditioning.

ARRIVAL TRANSFER
Arrival transfers to the starting location in Zadar are available for purchase from the airports of both Split and Zadar Airports.

DEPARTURE TRANSFER
Starigrad Paklenica, the base for this trip from day 2, is located approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Split, and 50 kilometres north of Zadar. A departure transfer is not included in the trip price, but can be booked at an additional cost.