Family Adventure Holiday In Croatia

Joining the tour in Split this afternoon, we then transfer south, following the spectacular coastline of the southern Dalmatian coast, and the tiny hamlet of Sestanovac, our base for the coming week. Ideally situated for exploring the remarkable scenery around the Cetina River and located in a lovely position for enjoying something of Croatia’s rural life; the pension is located in a rural area of Croatia, and whilst it is comfortable and has facilities such as a swimming pool, it has few unnecessary frills. This evening on arrival we will enjoy a traditional Croatian home-cooked meal, affording us the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with our surroundings and our travelling companions for the coming few days.

Overnight Simple Pension Included meals: Dinner Swimming available

Our first full day in this beautiful region sees us exploring something of Croatia’s idyllic rural landscape. Beginning our walk from our accommodation we head to the local hamlet of Litrici. Here we will visit the church, a local house and explore the hamlet to gain an insight to rural Croatian life. Later we will walk to the village of Bekavci. After walking back to our pension we can enjoy the remainder of the afternoon relaxing by the pool. Our route today provides the perfect introduction to a part of the world that still retains a sense of being less developed than many other regions of Europe.

Overnight Simple Pension Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

One of the best ways to appreciate the Cetina River and its impressive gorge is from the water, and today we splash and crash through the rapids along part of its rugged course, taking in the rich vistas of lush vegetation, glorious lakes, mysterious caves and towering cliffs as we follow the river’s path. The river’s source lies somewhere deep within the depths of the Dinara and Gnjat Mountains, where a series of wells feed into the river at the northern town of Vrlilka, continuing down a course some 100km in length towards the Adriatic, making it the longest river in Dalmatia. Our guides are very experienced in the ways of the river and are used to dealing with family groups, ensuring a happy experience for all. All equipment and instruction will be provided, with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets supplied, but you should bring a change of clothes with you for the post-rafting journey back to our pension; remember to wear shoes that you do not mind getting wet. The rapids themselves are classed as grade 2-3, which makes them easy to medium in terms of difficulty, allowing you plenty of chance to take in the stunning scenery as you flow past, yet enjoying the adrenalin rush of this exciting sport.

Overnight Simple Pension Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Today has been left free for you to enjoy as you wish. You may like to try a half-day climbing excursion in the surrounding mountains with a local guide near Omis. Alternatively a visit to nearby Omis town should prove to be an interesting diversion. Once an impregnable pirate stronghold, Omis ‘enjoyed’ the reputation as one of the most feared pirate haunts in the region, plundering the ships of Naples and Venice, as well as harassing Crusaders en route to the Holy Land. They became such a thorn in the side of merchant shipping that in 1221 the Pope himself was forced to intervene, leading an attack on the fortified town in an attempt to drive the pirates out, an attempt it has to be said, that failed. It wasn’t until the middle of the 15th century, when Dalmatia came under the auspices of Venice, that Omis was finally conquered. Today the old city still retains something of its historical past, with the remnants of its walls and two Venetian fortresses still occupying the heights above the town. The views from up here are spectacular, looking out across the town and the islands beyond.

Overnight Simple Pension Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Transferring to Zadvarje this morning we return again to the Cetina River for an exciting canyoning excursion in the gorge, which will include the spectacular 60 metre high Gubavica Waterfall. Canyoning involves a guided walk, scramble and clamber over rocks, past waterfalls and pools and paddling down a river gorge. Again our route is suitable for all ages and full instruction and equipment will be provided (helmet, full wetsuit, life jacket) for what is a unique way to explore the gorge and affords the ideal opportunity to discover more of a region that has been thousands of years in the making. High cliffs, plunging waterfalls, crystal clear pools and underground tunnels all await our intrepid explorers, with plenty of chances for getting wet and enjoying the many delights of the canyon before we return to our pension. (Please note that anyone suffering a fear of heights may wish to opt out of this excursion, due to the entry into the gorge and cliff jumps into rockpools). This afternoon has been left free to relax by the pool after what is bound to be an exciting morning out.

Overnight Simple Pension Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

A further free day allows for more personal exploration, or sheer lazy indulgence. You might like to join your Tour Leader on an optional visit to the ancient and captivating town of Trogir, without doubt one of the most picturesque settings along this part of the coast. With a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC, Trogir is a delightful collection of cobble stoned squares and medieval architecture, whilst its Romanesque cathedral is considered one of the most exquisite in the entire Adriatic. Spanning some three centuries it boasts a superb entranceway in its west portal, carved in the 13th century by the master mason Radovan. The town also boasts Venetian Gothic mansions, an impressive clock tower and a comprehensive collection of church artwork displayed in the 13th century Church of St John. What makes Trogir such a delight to wander around though are its meandering alleyways, filled with cafes and restaurants and its elegant riverfront promenade, which leads up to the Kamerlengo Fortress, a 15th century edifice with imposing battlements and a huge octagonal tower. You may like to visit one of the town’s many excellent eating establishments before returning to our pension for the evening.

Overnight Simple Pension Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Transferring by bus this morning, we head for the town of Jakirusa, from where we begin our sea-kayaking excursion along the Makarska coast. Full instruction and lifejackets will be provided and guides will accompany us during the day ensuring that even first-time paddlers enjoy the kayaking. Brela is a charming mix of the traditional and the modern, giving it an altogether ‘riviera’ feel amidst a subtropical swathe of rich vegetation. Following a coastline of isolated bays and white beaches we gently paddle towards Vrulja, sandwiched between a spectacular landscape that offers the turquoise waters of the Adriatic on one side and the towering mountain escarpments of central Dalmatia on the other. With plenty of opportunities to stop and swim en route this presents the perfect end to our Croatian adventure. Then it is back to the pension for our final opportunity to sample the delicious home cooked Croatian fare that has been such a part of the whole experience.

Overnight Simple Pension Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner Swimming available

The group will transfer back to Split this morning, where our tour will end.

Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available