Hiking, kayaking and cycling in the Zrmanja canyon
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Croatia
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AgeFrom 12 - 85 years
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CO₂-Emissions38.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
In a few words
The Zrmanja Canyon – Hiking, Kayaking and Cycling is a 6-day immersive adventure that highlights the raw beauty, rich history, and unspoiled landscapes of the Dalmatian hinterland. Designed for active travelers, this tour combines canyon hiking, river paddling, and scenic cycling for an unforgettable journey.
You'll explore hidden valleys, follow ancient trails, and visit centuries-old sites like Krupa Monastery , all surrounded by dramatic cliffs and emerald waters. The Zrmanja and Krupa rivers will guide you through tranquil channels, playful rapids, and breathtaking viewpoints before opening onto the sea at Novigrad .
Between activities, enjoy the local cuisine, charming rural villages, and warm hospitality of the region. It's the perfect getaway for anyone seeking adventure, nature, and authentic Croatian culture—far from the usual tourist trails.
The highlights
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Explore the Zrmanja River region by kayak, on foot and by electric bike (e-bike)
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An adventure powered primarily by leg strength.
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Discover the iconic and legendary sites of the region
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 215 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Majority river class : Class 3 - fast and some obstacles
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 20 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 370 m
- Average daily descent: 370 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
The Raftrek team members are passionate about everything they do and experts in a multitude of fields. We are united by our love of nature, travel, and our respect for the environment. Follow the Raftrek Adventure Travel team off the beaten path and let yourself be surprised by the unexpected.
The Raftrek team cultivates a rich mix of backgrounds and interests: from longtime whitewater paddlers, rafting instructors, hikers and trekkers, climbers, cyclists, ski and snowboard enthusiasts, to art and history buffs, organizational perfectionists, and gourmets.
Excellent interpersonal skills, responsible planning, rigorous preparation and execution of activities, as well as our patience and talent for sharing local knowledge, are what make us the best in our field.
Program
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Day 1 - Arrival
- Transportation Minibus - 17h - 75km
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
- 5:00 PM – Pick-up at Zadar bus station / 5:30 PM – Pick-up at Zadar airport
- Transfer from Zadar airport, port or bus station
- Settling into the camp and meeting your guides
- Welcome dinner and briefing on the week ahead
Day 1 -
Day 2 – Hike in the Krupa Canyon
- Transportation Minibus - 10h - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 215 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
- Short drive to the start of the canyon trail
- Visit to Kuda Bridge and Deveterci Waterfalls ("the Nine")
- Swimming and picnic lunch break
- Continue the hike to the viewpoint at the confluence of the Krupa and Zrmanja rivers.
- Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay at the campsite
Day 2 -
Day 3 – Packrafting on the Zrmanja River
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Majority river class Class 3 - fast and some obstacles
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
- Breakfast at the camp
- Equipment preparation and safety briefing at the rafting base
- Paddle downriver through calm sections and fun rapids
- Free time for swimming and relaxation in Muškovci
- Dinner at a local family restaurant and overnight stay at the camp
Day 3 -
Day 4 – Kayaking: from the canyon to the sea
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
- Safety briefing and preparation for the day
- Paddling down the Zrmanja canyon to the Novigrad sea
- Arrival at the village of Meka Draga
- Dinner and overnight stay at the camp
Day 4 -
Day 5 – Electric bike to Krupa Monastery
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 370 m
- Negative elevation 370 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
- Morning safety briefing and start of the cycling route
- Crossing through rural villages and passing by natural springs
- Guided tour of the Krupa Orthodox monastery
- Picnic lunch and swim at a hidden local spot
- Cycle back to Kaštel Žegarski for a farewell dinner and overnight at the camp
Day 5 -
Day 6 – Departure
- Transportation Minibus - 12h - 75km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
- Breakfast at the camp
- Return transfer to Zadar airport, port or bus station
- End of the journey
Day 6
Note
This itinerary is subject to change depending on the group's abilities and preferences, weather conditions, water levels, special events, etc. Raftrek's guides and expedition leaders will do everything possible to ensure the best experience for their clients without ever compromising their safety.
This may involve modifying the initial itinerary to avoid any discomfort or risk related to exceptional circumstances. Raftrek reserves the right to modify the itinerary without prior notice. On the second day, rafts will be used instead of packrafts in case of high water levels.
Accommodation
Camping Zrmanja Mićanovi Dvori is located in the Zadar hinterland, near the small town of Obrovac and the beautiful Zrmanja River. You will be accommodated in single or double tents, set up on a lovely meadow in the shade of the trees. Showers and toilets are available, as well as outdoor showers.
Access
We can arrange your pick-up at Zadar's main bus station at 5:00 PM , or at Zadar Airport at 5:30 PM .
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation: 5 nights camping (tent, pillow and sleeping mat included)
- Meals: 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners (can be accommodated for specific dietary requirements upon prior request)
- Activities: 4 days of organized activities (hiking, packrafting, kayaking, electric biking)
- Equipment: Use of all equipment necessary for the organized activities
- Supervision: Experienced guide and full support throughout the stay
- Transportation: Private transport included for all journeys (pick-up and drop-off at the airport, port or Zadar's main bus station)
- Fees and Insurance: Local taxes, park access fees, and insurance included
The price does not include
- Flights to and from Croatia
- Lunches , snacks and drinks
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Personal expenses and optional tips for your guide
Options
- Sleeping bag rental : CHF10.06 / person
- Transfer to a location outside the Zadar area : On request
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Packrafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry bags, wetsuits and rain jackets (in case of cool weather) for the day of packrafting
- Sea kayaks, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, wetsuits and rain jackets (in case of cool weather) for the sea kayaking day trip
- Trek electric bikes (e-bikes) and helmets for the day of cycling
- Tents, sleeping mats and pillows
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first aid kit (including your usual medications)
- Small backpack
- Waterproof bag (if desired)
- Camera, memory cards and spare batteries
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight and easy-to-wash clothing for travel and everyday wear
- Swimsuit
- Bath towel
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Lightweight trousers and long sleeves for evenings (just in case)
- Lightweight rain jacket (waterproof and breathable)
- Water shoes or other sports shoes that you don't mind getting wet
- Lightweight hiking shoes or athletic shoes suitable for walking
The Matej team
Raftrek Travel is an adventure travel company founded in 2011. and based in Croatia. We specialize in river adventures, as well as hiking, sailing, cycling, trekking, and sea kayaking. We are experts in one-day trips and multiday tours. Away from the thongs of mass tourism, we'll challenge you to discover and learn, recognizing that yearning for adventure, and that spirit of teamwork. That's what drives us to pursue the remote corners of our amazing country. On foot, with a paddle, or by any other activity that immerses us in the scenery around us.
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