Croatia Inn to Inn

Deep green pine forests. Dusky olive groves. Gentle river stretches between towering limestone canyons. Europe’s most dramatic karst landscapes. And an azure ocean scattered with wild islands. The rugged islands and rivers of Croatia’s stunning Northern Dalmatian coast aren’t just “pretty” — they’re stunning. And they’re an adventurer’s dream.

This voyage encompasses them all, as you journey by kayak, on foot or by bike through layers of history, and into places of intense natural beauty. En route, you stay in intimate, charming hotels and inns. You wander through medieval stone villages, sip coffee with locals, and dine alfresco by the sea on Croatia’s wonderful cuisine and wines.

The journey begins in Split, with an exploration of Diocletian’s Palace, built by a Roman emperor at the turn of the 4th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heading to the Krka River National Park, you hike past jaw-dropping waterfalls, and have a shakedown kayaking session (and stand-up paddle boarding, if you’re keen) on the quieter reaches of the river.

You wander through the red-roofed village of Skradin, capital of Roman Liburnia in the 1st century, dramatically backed by mountains and facing the sea. From here, you paddle or cycle along the limestone-floored Krka River to picture-perfect Sibernik, built in the 11th century by Croatian kings. You explore its labyrinth of narrow, sun-warmed streets and gaze reverently up at the Cathedral of St James, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your next destination is the quiet island of Prvic: once the place where 15th century nobles summered, it’s now home to sleepy, romantic fishing villages — and not a single car. From your base in a harbour-front hotel you go on hiking, biking or paddle excursions.

Paddling back to the mainland, you transfer from the coast to an amazing boutique hotel in a restored building dating back to 1644, filled with Ottoman history (and boasting its own museum). This is your jumping off point (not literally, of course) for the dramatic canyons of Paklenica National Park. You explore them by kayak, along an emerald-green stretch of the Zrmanja River (think mini Grand Canyon) and on foot — hiking to a tucked-away mountain hut for a special surprise.

As a grand finale, you head to Zadar: you visit its Roman ruins, soak up its geometrically-perfect architecture, and watch the sun set from the harbour wall as its legendary “sea organ” serenades us with otherworldly harmonies.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

After settling into a historic hotel in Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, wander though ancient streets for a welcome dinner in an atmospheric setting.

Day 2

Avoid the crowds on an early morning walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace. Have coffee in one of its lovely squares, surrounded by ancient history. In the afternoon, head to the picturesque village of Skradin – maybe in time for some SUP!

Day 3

Get immersed in the beauty of Krka National Park, hiking around the waterfalls, having a shake down paddle on quieter stretches of the river and trying out the SUPs.

Day 4

Get your paddling arms ready for a voyage down the Krka River to 11th century Sibernik.

Day 5

After a walking tour of old Sibernik, hop back in the kayaks. Paddle through a wartime tunnel, past the massive 16th Fort of St Nicholas and end up in a sleepy island harbour, home to the guy who invented the parachute!

Day 6

Head off from your harbour side inn to explore some of the surrounding islands.

Day 7

Kick up your heels in the morning, or paddle to a nearby quaint harbour for coffee with locals. In the afternoon, paddle back to the mainland for a ride to a quiet hotel in an amazing historic setting. Before dinner have a tour of the buildings and museum with a local guide.

Day 8

Go up the creek with a paddle! After a short transfer, paddle across Novigrad Bay and into the spectacular Zrmanja River Canyon.

Day 9

A fabulous finale: hike up through the dramatic landscapes of Paklenica National Park for a very special lunch. Head to Zadar for a walking tour of the old town and its Roman ruins. Listen to the sea organ at sundown, then enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner!

Day 10

Wake up in the old city of Zadar, and say farewell to new found friends over breakfast before beginning homeward or onward journeys.

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