What you get in this adventure: A certified local guide takes care of you for the entirety of the trip Expert daily guides show you the ins-and-outs at each stop A professional & licensed skipper on river Mrežnica One night in a hotel Zagreb Two nights in local guest houses in Plitvice lakes area One night in Crni Lug homestay Two nights in tourist apartments in Rovinj All breakfasts, 4 lunches (including one brunch) Cheese tasting Truffle hunting and tasting Oyster tasting Kayaking and rafting equipment Transportation during the tour All entrance fees and tickets during the tour Agency support Maps What’s not included: International flights Transportation to and from the airport Meals not specified under “what’s included” Bike rentals Personal equipment Trip insurance Everything not specified under “what’s included” Accommodation : During your stay in Zagreb, you will stay in a hotel in the city center. You will share double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. In Plitvice and Crni Lug, you will stay in local guesthouses and sleep in double bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Each house has a local host, a kitchen, and a common area. The guest houses provide mostly queen-sized beds with few twin beds. In Rovinj, you will stay in tourist apartments close to the sea. Meals : All breakfasts during the trip are included and consist of traditional Croatian breakfast foods (bread, cold cuts, coffee/tea, etc.). Lunch is included on days 2-5. The gourmet highlight of the trip is lunch on Day 5 when you’ll get a chance to try several dishes with Istrian truffles and oyster tasting on Day 6 which delighted even Anthony Bourdain. The rest of the lunches and dinners are not included. Your guides will give you recommendations for the best local restaurants and bistros for the rest of the meals. Snacks and beverages are not included. Bring a water bottle and fill it up anytime! In case of special dietary needs, please contact us and we can make arrangements.

How fit do I need to be?

This tour is for beginner to intermediate hikers and bikers with good fitness and riding abilities. You need to be able to hike for several hours per day, carrying a light daypack. Each day you will hike and bike for between four and six hours. The mountainous karst terrain can be challenging and the weather unforgiving. On occasion, you might have to do some scrambling but there are always easier ways of getting around the difficult parts of the trail! That said, if you are looking for adventure and up to the task, you’ll be rewarded immensely.

What equipment do i need to bring?

Prior to the start of the route, the guide together with each traveler will review the material to ensure that everything necessary is available. Here’s a general list of the equipment you need to bring: Personal hiking gear Pack large enough to carry all the items listed Backpack for daily tours, climbs and hikes Wind and waterproof jacket with hood A warm pullover or fleece jacket A pair of long pants and a pair of shorts T-shirts for warmer days Spare clothes for layering and free time Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Hiking boots or shoes Bathing suit for kayaking and beaches Synthetic T-shirt with UV protection for kayaking and hiking Water sandals Beach towel and sandals or flipflops Sunhat Hiking poles — optional (but recommended) Headlamp Pocket knife Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Bike shorts and gloves optional (but recommended) Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What can I expect from hiking and touring with a guide?

Hiring a local guide means getting a chance to see all the usual tourist spots as well as the hidden gems in the area. As a local, your guide can share interesting facts about the localities, take you to less crowded places, and give you the best authentic experience possible!

What about bad weather?

Croatia is home to mostly steady weather, but you should be prepared with the right gear nonetheless. It’s pretty mild and sunny this time of year, but the same white cloud shielding you from sunbeams can easily turn into a stormcloud within minutes. Rest assured, your guide will know the correct course of action if the weather throws a curveball!

Group sizes and pricing

You will be joining a group that usually consists of 4-7 people. Pricing is per person. The group gets confirmed at the moment that at least 4 people pay the 30% deposit. At that time, the group will be informed that the trip has been confirmed, and therefore that you can start booking your flights to Croatia. If you are an individual traveler, you can join the group. The guide will be adding travelers until the minimum group size to confirm the trip can be guaranteed. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room. However, if you want to stay solo or if there is an odd pair of travelers, you can have your own room for an additional fee. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. Min. age requirement: Everybody over the age of 18 is welcome on this hiking adventure. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

What happens when i book?

Once you book, either by paying in full or by a deposit, you’ll be connected to your guide, Kristijan. You’ll be able to talk with him about the details of this trip. Your 30% deposit will be fully refundable until 2 months prior to the trip. All deposits are refundable at a later date if the trip is not yet confirmed. The trip date will be confirmed when the minimum group size (4) is reached, at least 3 months before the tour. If the group minimum size is not reached, the guide can cancel the trip the latest 2 months before the trip departure. Please note that the likelihood of trip not happening is very low. As stated above, once the trip is confirmed by the guide, and you paid the 30% deposit, the cancellation policy stated below applies, and deposits are no longer refundable. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid the latest 2 months before the trip.

Deposit and cancellation policy

Secure one of the set dates for this year with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid the latest 3 months (90 days) prior to the departure. Secure your spot for the following season with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure! Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t suit you by the end of the year. Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount. The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. In case you need to cancel the trip, the following cancellation costs would be incurred: 90% of the price of the trip is refundable before the group is guaranteed 70% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 59 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed 50% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 30-59 days before departure 25% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 16-29 days before departure 0% of the price of the trip if it is canceled 15 days before departure. In the event that the minimum number of people to confirm the trip is not reached, your guide can cancel the departure at most 2 months before the start of the trip. Please note the trips are expected to reach the minimum number of people soon, and the likelihood of trip not happening is very low.

Do I need trip insurance?

We highly recommended that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. As we’ve recently seen, travel plans can be abruptly halted, so it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance that covers canceled flights, natural disasters, and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. For peace of mind, we suggest you consider both options of insurance. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Zagreb, most people fly into Franjo Tuđman Airport in Zagreb. There are two options of reaching your accommodation in Zagreb from the airport, by public transport or taxi: There is a shuttle bus service run by Croatia Airlines offering simple transfers to the city’s bus station. The service runs every 30 min, on the hour and half past. The price of a single transfer currently stands at 30 HRK per person. Standard taxis are readily available outside of the airport. You can arrange private transportation by the guide for an additional fee with prior notice. Other options include flying into Venice, Italy, or Beograd, Serbia, both 4 hours away from Zagreb. If you opt for a bus ride to Zagreb, there are two easy ways to reach the hotel from the main station, by tram and by taxi. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, most likely at the Jagerhorn Hotel .

Covid measures in Croatia

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Croatia, please refer to Croatia’s official COVID-19 travel guidelines . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Tour the Plitvice Lakes and the Hidden Gems of Croatia

Croatia is a country shaped by the awesome power of water. Nowhere is this more evident than in its crown jewel—the UNESCO heritage site of the Plitvice Lakes. Beyond its cascading waterfalls, the rugged mountains and idyllic river valleys spread all the way to the Adriatic Sea.

Get ready for a week of hiking, biking, and kayaking through this wonderland of scenic trails, towering peaks, and rich cultural heritage. From the Plitvice National Park—a lush oasis more vivid then any photograph—set off into the wild realm of the Dinaric Alps, then explore the historical heart of the Istria region.

Mountain biking in the picturesque countryside of Istria.

Kayaking the Mreznica river in Croatia is a mesmerizing experience.

Croatia—a land overflowing with beauty

Whether it’s paddling on the rapids of Mrežnica, trekking the trails of Risnjak, or biking through the forests of Istria, adventuring in Croatia is bound to amaze you. Nowhere else in Europe can you encounter such contrasting scenery in the span of a few hours.

Embark on a sight-packed, adrenaline-charged tour of the country’s most beautiful regions, as well as a flavorful gastro-journey through history and culture. A feast for the body and soul awaits!

EXQUISITE NATURE
FASCINATING WILDLIFE
HIKE, BIKE & KAYAK
ISTRIAN CHARM
GASTRO-JOURNEY

Biking along an old narrow rail through Istria

Map showing Croatia's location in Europe

This is a map of our multisport tour of Northern Croatia.

Experience Croatia in the best way possible

Outdoor activities in Croatia combine peaceful environments with rip-roaring fun. As you explore these stunning natural and cultural sites, you’ll make lasting memories and gain valuable insight into local history.

The options are endless, and this week-long journey through Croatia will leave you wanting for more.

OVER 311 MILES / 500 KM
MULTISPORT TOUR
BOARDWALKS & DIRTROADS
KAYAKING & RAFTING

A person in a kayak/raft on river Mrežnica, going down a small waterfall

Plitvice Lakes—Croatia’s wonder of the world

Immerse yourself in vivid landscapes

Located in the very heart of Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes are the country’s most enchanting national park.

The trails and boardwalks suspended over its turquoise waters will introduce you to an idyllic landscape beyond belief—an everchanging system of 16 crystalline lakes punctuated by cascades, culminating in the 78-meter Great Fall.

A designated trail in Plitvice Lakes, dividing a tuquoise lake in half.

Plitvice Lakes is a breathtaking complex of 16 turquoise lakes that end with a 78-meter tall waterfall.

Rugged nature of Lika

Green mountainous oasis

Witness the coexistence of man and nature on a striking hike through the Lika and Gorski Kotar regions. The highlands of Croatia are an unspoiled mountainous haven littered with spectacular lookouts and wondrous national parks.

One of them, the rugged Mount Risnjak, rises to a modest 5013 feet (1528m), but its real charm lies in its vast meadows and sprawling forests, as well as the numerous critters that inhabit them.

These landscapes are reservoirs of surprising biodiversity—bears, wolves, otters, and lynx call it home. Venture inside to observe the wildlife and enjoy magnificent views stretching to the Adriatic coast.

Gorski Kotar amazes with its mountaineous karst terrain.

In Croatia, you can find bears mostly in Gorski Kotar.

Explore Terra Magica

Road trip through magical landscapes

The heart-shaped peninsula of Istria stashes cultural and gastronomic riches, connecting the crystal clear sea with picturesque medieval towns perched on top of the hills.

The narrow, winding 37-mile (59 km) Parenzana Trail will take you on a biking trip through stone-paved streets of hill towns, over picturesque viaducts, and to serene woods which hold the area’s famous truffles.

As you ride back to the romantic coastal fishing towns and kayak under the pink and orange hues of sunset, you will understand why Istria is called Terra Magica—Land of Magic.

An aerial view of Motovun, a picturesque Medieval village in Istria.

Kayaking on the Adriatic Sea among the orange sunset hues.

Activate your senses

During this week-long adventure, you’ll tour the magnificent karst phenomena of Gorski Kotar, explore the waterways of Lika, kayak along the coast of Rovinj, visit coves and pirate caves of the Lim Channel, and ride on the scenic Parenzana Trail. Let these hidden gems take you on an unforgettable journey through the splendor of Croatia.

Mrežnica cascades and waterfalls perfect for rafting

An areal view of Željava airbase with an abandoned plane left from WWII

Panoramic view on old town Rovinj from harbor. Istria peninsula, Croatia

Cascading Mrežnica

The serene beauty and pristine waters of Mrežnica are best enjoyed from a raft. As you navigate the numerous tufa cascades and sparkling waterfalls, you’ll witness the rich flora and fauna that adorns the lush banks of this 40 miles (64 km) long river. And if you ever get tired, replenish your energy with a sip of the clean, chilly spring water.

Željava Air Base

Explore the eerie underground tunnels left over from the Cold War, then witness a fascinating relic of the past—the abandoned Douglas C-47 plane, a perennial favorite among adventurous tourists looking for a good photo-op.

Lim Channel

Although many people call it a fjord, this 35-kilometer-long channel is actually a submerged karst canyon. It boasts show-stopping views and is home to many saltwater delicacies that are staples of local seafood menus.

Fortress of Motovun

This medieval town is probably the most eye-catching destination of inland Istria. Set on a hill 886 feet (270m) above sea level, it boasts pastoral views of the hills and vineyards surrounding it. If you’re lucky, you might even look down at the clouds from this high-perched village with a rich tradition of fine dining.

City of Rovinj

With its romantic charm of a fishing town and a beautiful sea promenade, Rovinj has been stealing hearts for years. Explore streets full of artisanal shops, cafes, and olive trees that will take you to the Saint Euphemia church at the top of the hill. Still, the best way to experience Rovinj in all its glory is by enjoying the panorama from a kayak as you paddle towards the coast!

Pula Arena

Pula is the largest city on the Istrian peninsula and an important cultural hub since ancient Roman times. Constructed 2,000 years ago, the Pula Arena is a wondrous amphitheater is one of the biggest of its kind currently standing.

Witness the wonders of Croatia

Your guide

Kristijan Grubišić (AKA Gruba) is a proud member of the Velebit Mountaineering Society and co-founder of the Nomadi Agency. He spends most of his time on rocks, rivers, sailboats, and bikes—both in Croatia and around the globe. He has traveled the world on a budget, climbed the Himalayas, hitchhiked from Iran to Croatia, explored Siberia, the Sahara, and the bush of Australia. Still, his biggest love remains none other than Velebit.