GRAND BALKAN RIVER TOUR

Grand Balkan River Tour

This holiday was designed for all those who are in love with rivers and beautiful nature. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the most beautiful rivers of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro through rafting, kayaking and canyoning while discovering local villages, towns, culture and gastronomy. Walks in famous Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica National Parks will add variety to the itinerary. We will sleep in camps by the river and charming local guesthouses. You will be lead by experienced river guides and get to know the Balkans from a whole different angle.

Minimum kayaking or rafting experience is recommended (even paddling on flat water) but you don’t have to be a whitewater paddler to be able to participate in the tour. If you are an experienced paddler we recommend coming in spring (April to June) and fall (late September and October) when water levels are usually higher and the rivers are class 3 and 4. If you have less or none experience in whitewater activities we recommend summer time (end of Jun to beginning of September) when river levels are lower and the water is warmer so you can enjoy learning whitewater skills and swimming. We will adapt the tour to your skill level and water levels, choosing the most suitable river sections.

If you are an experienced whitewater kayaker it’s possible to do the whole tour in a kayak.

Explore the wildest part of Europe, discover magical river canyons and paddle in crystal clear water. Let us take care of your safety, equipment and logistics while you enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival

Day 2: Soca River Rafting (Slovenia)

Day 3: Canyoning in Bovec area (Slovenia)

Day 4: Mreznica River Kayaking (Croatia)

Day 5: Una River Rafting (Bosnia)

Day 6: Plitvice Lakes National Park Walking (Croatia)

Day 7: Zrmanja River Kayaking (Croatia)

Day 8: Paklenica National Park walking and/or climbing

Day 9: Cetina River Canyoning (Croatia) and Mostar visit (Bosnia)

Day 10: Upper Neretva River Rafting (Bosnia)

Day 11: Tara River Rafting (Montenegro)

Day 12: End in Dubrovnik or Kotor, optional extension Sea Kayaking Elaphiti Islands

Day 1: Arrival day

Our first encounter for Grand Balkan River Tour will be in Zagreb or Ljubljana (we recommend Ljubljana). We will pick you up at the airport, bus/train station or your hotel and head to the Soca River Valley in Slovenia.

We will be sleeping in a campsite by the river Soca but in case of bad weather we have an indoor option in the camp dormitories. We will get to know each other over dinner by the fire and talk about the upcoming itinerary.

Night: camp in the Soca River valley (Slovenia)

Day 2: Soca River Rafting

This first morning we wake up in the most beautiful river valley of Slovenia in the heart of Julian Alps and enjoy rafting on the Soca River, a worldwide known rafting destination.

Alpine peaks surrounding the valley and emerald green water create a perfect setting for the start of our whitewater adventure. The Soca River attracts beginners and experienced paddlers from all around the world because it offers many different and exciting river sections ranging from class 2-5.

After our rafting day we can reward ourselves with a refreshing drink in a local pub in the charming town of Bovec.

Night: camp in the Soca River Valley (Slovenia)

Day 2: Soca River Rafting

This first morning we wake up in the most beautiful river valley of Slovenia in the heart of Julian Alps and enjoy rafting on the Soca River, a worldwide known rafting destination.

Alpine peaks surrounding the valley and emerald green water create a perfect setting for the start of our whitewater adventure. The Soca River attracts beginners and experienced paddlers from all around the world because it offers many different and exciting river sections ranging from class 2-5.

After our rafting day we can reward ourselves with a refreshing drink in a local pub in the charming town of Bovec.

Night: camp in the Soca River Valley (Slovenia)

Day 3: Canyoning in Bovec area

Today we will explore one of the many canyons that surround Bovec town. It’s a day of pure fun where we will be soaked from head to toe!

We will venture ourselves along streams carving passages through the side of the mountain, jump into pools at the base of gorgeous waterfalls and explore the enchanting canyons etched into the mountains of the Bovec region. A day filled with swimming, plunging into deep pools and descending over waterfalls.

In the afternoon we will head to Croatia and settle in the camp by the beautiful Mreznica River.

Night: camp in the Mreznica River Valley (Croatia)

Day 4: Mreznica River Kayaking

We wake up with the sound of birds surrounded by a green landscape and water. The source of one of the most beautiful rivers of the Croatian karst lies tucked away in a cave near the town of Slunj. On its 64 km (40 mi) course, the river Mreznica forms 93 travertine waterfalls. Its clear emerald water and untouched nature will without a doubt leave anyone breathless.

We will choose between several sections depending on the water level and explore the river in kayaks. We use 2-person sit-on-top inflatable kayaks which are easy and safe to navigate. The river is suitable for complete beginners and for those who don’t have any kayaking experience. Our guide will explain the paddling technique and prepare you to easily enjoy the adventure. Please note that in case of high water levels we use rafting boats.

Later we drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park area and settle in one of the local camps.

Night: camp in Plitvice Lakes National Park area (Croatia)

Day 4: Mreznica River Kayaking

We wake up with the sound of birds surrounded by a green landscape and water. The source of one of the most beautiful rivers of the Croatian karst lies tucked away in a cave near the town of Slunj. On its 64 km (40 mi) course, the river Mreznica forms 93 travertine waterfalls. Its clear emerald water and untouched nature will without a doubt leave anyone breathless.

We will choose between several sections depending on the water level and explore the river in kayaks. We use 2-person sit-on-top inflatable kayaks which are easy and safe to navigate. The river is suitable for complete beginners and for those who don’t have any kayaking experience. Our guide will explain the paddling technique and prepare you to easily enjoy the adventure. Please note that in case of high water levels we use rafting boats.

Later we drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park area and settle in one of the local camps.

Night: camp in Plitvice Lakes National Park area (Croatia)

Day 5: Una River Rafting

The Una River is a real Bosnian beauty that has been protected as a National Park. You will be impressed by the untouched nature of its valley and its emerald rapids.

Our adventure takes us from big Strbacki buk waterfall through the most exciting and the most attractive part of the Una River. The whole route takes place in the National Park Una. The length of the route is 15 km (9 mi), about 3 hours on water (with breaks and depending on water levels), total time about 5 hours, water level 4-5°, 3-4°, 2-3°.

Before heading back to Plitvice we can stop in Bihac town for some great Bosnian coffee.

Night: camp in Plitvice Lakes National Park area (Croatia)

Day 6: Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes is the oldest Croatian National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with beautiful waterfalls and travertine pools are really as beautiful as in the photos, even more. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife.

We will walk by the lakes and up to amazing viewpoints where we will be able to admire the complete picture of this amazing natural attraction.

After our walk in the Park we will drive to the little coastal town of Starigrad and enjoy the special energy that the fusion between the mountain and the sea creates.

Night: camp in Starigrad by the sea (Croatia)

Day 6: Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes is the oldest Croatian National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with beautiful waterfalls and travertine pools are really as beautiful as in the photos, even more. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife.

We will walk by the lakes and up to amazing viewpoints where we will be able to admire the complete picture of this amazing natural attraction.

After our walk in the Park we will drive to the little coastal town of Starigrad and enjoy the special energy that the fusion between the mountain and the sea creates.

Night: camp in Starigrad by the sea (Croatia)

Day 7: Zrmanja River Kayaking

After breakfast we drive to the startpoint in Kastel Zegarski and head down the beautiful Zrmanja River. It’s a real jewel of the Croatian karst with crystal clear water and many waterfalls. The first part of the river is calmer and less demanding, whilst the second part after the amazing 10 m (33 ft) fall (that we will not kayak down but walk around) is fun with lots of rapids and action.

It will take us some 4-5 hours and we will finish our adventure by the bridge in Muskovci where you can have a drink and something to eat in a local fast food by the river.

Night: camp in Starigrad by the sea (Croatia)

Day 8: Paklenica National Park hiking and/or climbing

Paklenica National Park encompasses the small and the big Paklenica canyons and their surrounding area. We will hike along the big one (Velika Paklenica) and make our way to one of the nicest huts in the canyon.

Apart from being a paradise for hikers, Paklenica is a worldwide known climbing destination due to its amazing rock formations. It’s possible to add a few hours of rock climbing lessons if we do a shorter hiking route, we can decide that on spot. If you are an experienced climber and want to spend the day climbing you can do that too. Please note that there is a supplement for rock climbing.

We will then head south to charming Omis town situated at a place where the Cetina River enters the sea.

Night: camp in Omis area (Croatia)

Day 8: Paklenica National Park hiking and/or climbing

Paklenica National Park encompasses the small and the big Paklenica canyons and their surrounding area. We will hike along the big one (Velika Paklenica) and make our way to one of the nicest huts in the canyon.

Apart from being a paradise for hikers, Paklenica is a worldwide known climbing destination due to its amazing rock formations. It’s possible to add a few hours of rock climbing lessons if we do a shorter hiking route, we can decide that on spot. If you are an experienced climber and want to spend the day climbing you can do that too. Please note that there is a supplement for rock climbing.

We will then head south to charming Omis town situated at a place where the Cetina River enters the sea.

Night: camp in Omis area (Croatia)

Day 9: Cetina River Canyoning

Canyoning on the Cetina is one of the best ways to explore this amazing river. Enjoy in the hidden natural beauty of Cetina’s canyon, miraculous rocky landscapes of the canyon up to 150 m (490 ft) deep.

Regular canyoning includes walking and swimming through the rapids, swimming in crystal clear natural pools, cliff-jumping in the lakes and waterfalls of the river Cetina.

Our next destination is Bosnia where we can choose to visit legendary Mostar town and its famous bridge over the Neretva River. The bridge separates two parts of the town and is a real symbol of division between two worlds. We sleep in charming Konjic town by the Neretva River.

Night: hostel by the Neretva River in Konjic

Day 10: Upper Neretva River Rafting

The upper Neretva is the most exciting part of the river. We will enjoy an adventurous but not strenous rafting here and explore the many treasures of this Bosnian beauty.

After rafting we head south to Montenegro where we will settle in our camp by the Tara River.

Night: camp by the Tara River (Montenegro)

Day 10: Upper Neretva River Rafting

The upper Neretva is the most exciting part of the river. We will enjoy an adventurous but not strenous rafting here and explore the many treasures of this Bosnian beauty.

After rafting we head south to Montenegro where we will settle in our camp by the Tara River.

Night: camp by the Tara River (Montenegro)

Day 11: Tara River Rafting

No driving today, just pure enjoying. We will raft down the Tara River and relax in our campsite.

Night: camp by the Tara River (Montenegro)

Day 12: Departure

Today we transfer you to the closest big town Dubrovnik in Croatia, a famous old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will drop you off at the airport, bus station or your next hotel. We definitely recommend staying in Dubrovnik for a few days, there is some nice sea kayaking to enjoy! You can continue on to Sea Kayaking Elafiti Islands extension, please contact us for details.

You can also decide to be droped off in Kotor in Montenegro.

If you wish to spend more time Croatia feel free to contact us for recommendations.

NOTE

The itinerary of Grand Balkan River Tour is subject to change without prior notice. Our primary concern is the safety and comfort of our guests. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned, but alterations may still occur due to weather conditions, water levels, group preferences and abilities and other exceptional situations.

ALL PRICES INCLUDE

– 11 nights’ accommodation
– halfboard meals
– transfer from Zagreb or Ljubljana
– transfer to Dubrovnik or Kotor
– private transport throughout the trip
– National Parks entrances
– English speaking guide
– all activities from the itinerary
– use of all equipment
– basic insurance
– local taxes

NOT INCLUDED

– airfare to/from Croatia
– beverages
– optional rock climbing (D4)
– optional oyster farm visit in Ston

NOTES ON PRICES

– Prices are fixed in Euros

If you wish to pay in another currency than the Euro, the exact value will be calculated according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank on the day of booking.

– Family and group discount

Feel free to send us your family/group details and we’ll let you know if we can offer a discount for those dates and group size.

DEPARTURE DATES 2024 (standard = Saturdays )

MAY: 4, 11, 18, 25
JUNE: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
JULY: 6, 13, 20, 27
AUGUST: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
SEPTEMBER: 7, 14, 21, 28
OCTOBER: 5, 12

DEPARTURES CAN BE ORGANISED ON ANY DATE OF YOUR CHOICE, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY.

If the majority of you trip happens on summer dates (Jun-Sept), summer prices apply.

Group size: 2-8 persons (we usually work with small groups in order to provide high quality service, but we can also accommodate bigger groups on request).

If you are interested in a private customized trip please contact us for details and quote.

Meals: The price of the Grand Balkan River Tour includes half-board meals (breakfast+lunch or breakfast+dinner each day). Our guides will be happy to recommend a local restaurant or grocery store for meals that are not included in the tour. We can provide vegetarian meals with advance notice. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible.

Accommodation: camps and 1 night hostel

Terms&Conditions