YOGA ADVENTURE CROATIA
18-25 August 2018
OVERVIEW – Yoga Adventure Croatia
Yoga, activity, nature & culture
Desiree Ouellette is a yoga teacher from Longview, WA, that will be holding one of her international yoga adventures in Croatia! Visit Desiree’s website for more details and bio.
This trip was designed for yogis and adventurers who wish to travel, deepen their yoga practice and journey into unexplored parts of the world.
Croatia is a small Mediterranean country with a stunning variety of landscapes. From the Adriatic Coastline with more than 1000 islands to the rugged mountains that rise up from the sea to provide shelter for rivers, lakes and waterfalls, it is a diversity of experience like no other. Old towns with warm, friendly people and rich in deep gastronomic histories are evidence of the culture and the history more than 2000 years in the making.
You will have the unique opportunity to walk, hike and kayak in scenic locations with local experts, and enjoy daily yoga practice in an exquisite, natural and ever-changing backdrop. We carefully chose two distinctly different and historic destinations for you to explore the natural beauty and culture of Croatia.
Our first destination will be the Plitvice Lakes, arguably the most amazing Croatian national park and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in the continental part of the country.
The second destination is situated on the peaceful Mediterranean sea, the village of Starigrad. Starigrad is a little coastal town at the bottom of Velebit Mountain and it’s the official entrance to Paklenica National Park. We will spend 4 nights there enjoying the special energy that the fusion between the mountain and the sea creates.
We have the extraordinary opportunity to be led through these beautiful places by local, experienced hiking & paddling experts, creating the ideal and safe environment for you to let go into the adventure, discover the best that Croatia has to offer, and become deeply embodied in your own yoga and meditation practices.
ITINERARY
- Day 1: Arrival to Zagreb. Transfer to Plitvice.
- Day 2: Plitvice National Park Walking
- Day 3: Mreznica Canyon Kayaking
- Day 4: Paklenica National Park Hiking. Zadar visit.
- Day 5: Free day
- Day 6: Krka National Park Walking
- Day 7: Sea Kayaking
- Day 8: Departure
DETAILED ITINERARY – Yoga Adventure Croatia
Day 1: Arrival to Zagreb and transfer to Plitvice Lakes
Arrival to Zagreb airport and transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park area where we will settle in one of the authentic local guesthouses and spend 3 nights there. Evening yoga and dinner together.
Zagreb is a lively capital with many interesting spots to visit, nice bars, restaurants and museums. If you have time, we suggest you arrive a day or two earlier to explore it on your own. Feel free to contact us for advice and travel arrangements.
Night: guesthouse in Plitvice Lakes National Park area
Driving: 2 hours from Zagreb airport
Day 2: Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park
After a good nights’ rest we start our first activity day with morning yoga followed by a visit to one of Croatia’s most famous natural attractions – Plitvice Lakes, 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 even more beautiful than the photos. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We will walk by the lakes, past the waterfalls and the trails will occasionally lead us up to amazing viewpoints where you will be able to admire the complete picture of this amazing natural attraction.
Night: guesthouse in Plitvice National Park area
Driving: 15 minutes one way; Walking: 4-5 hours
Day 3: Kayaking in the Mreznica River Canyon
After a good night’s rest we start our first activity day and explore the stunning nature of continental Croatia. The upper section of the Mreznica River hides a stunning canyon which we will have the chance to see from the best possible perspective – paddling in a kayak.
Due to its beauties and diversity, the Mreznica area should soon be categorized as a Nature Park. We use 2-person inflatable boats that are easy and safe to navigate. We will have breaks along the way and maybe jump off the waterfalls if you feel adventurous enough.
We will enjoy Desiree’s yoga class in the evening.
Night: guesthouse in Plitvice Lakes National Park area
Driving: 45 min one way; Kayaking: 2-3 hours
Day 4: Hiking in Paklenica National Park. Optional Rock Climbing.
Paklenica National Park encompasses one of the most beautiful parts of Velebit Mountain – the small and the big Paklenica canyons and their surrounding area. We will hike the big one and make our way to one of the nicest huts in the canyon, where the owner will prepare a traditional meal “under the bell” that we will savor while enjoying the amazing view over the canyon. Apart from being a paradise for hikers, Paklenica is known worldwide as a rock climbing destination. If you prefer, you can choose an optional rock climb for an additional fee.
After the hiking we retire in the village of Starigrad situated at the bottom of majestic Velebit Mountain at the entrance of the Park. We will spend the remaining 4 nights there and enjoy the special energy that the fusion between the mountain and the sea creates. Enjoy a special yoga class and a wonderful nights’ rest to prepare you for the rest of your Croatia adventures in Starigrad!
Night: guesthouse in Starigrad
Driving: 2 hours; Hiking: 4 hours
Day 5: Free day
Towards the middle of our holiday is a good time to create space for personal relaxation and free time. Whether you choose to stay in Novigrad village for optional activities like massage in the hotel spa, swimming or taking a boat trip to Zrmanja River canyon, or take a ride to famous Zadar town (ride included) there is plenty to see and do, and our helpful guides will happily point you in the right direction!
Night: guesthouse in Starigrad
Day 6: Walking in Krka River National Park
After an energetic morning yoga practice, we will head out for more adventure. With its seven travertine waterfalls the Krka River National Park is one of the most beautiful natural karst phenomena in Croatia. The main attractions are the Skradinski Buk waterfall, the small island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery and the Roski waterfall. We will explore the area walking by the refreshing waterfalls, take a swim in the river if you choose, and enjoy a great meal in a traditional village (home made cheese, vegetables and olive oil!).
Since Sibenik old town is very close, we will use the opportunity to make a short visit to walk along the town’s narrow streets, admiring the old stone houses and the famous St Jacob’s Cathedral.
Night: guesthouse in Starigrad
Driving: 1 hour one way ; Walking: 2-3 hours
Day 7: Sea Kayaking Novigrad Bay
Today we drive to the charming fishermen village of Novigrad and enjoy some great easy sea kayaking in Novigrad Bay. We will have time for one last yoga session in the evening. To celebrate our amazing week we will have a final dinner together and exchange experiences before saying goodbye to each other.
Night: guesthouse in Starigrad
Driving: 45 min each way; Sea kayaking: 3 hours
Day 8: Departure
Today is the last day of our amazing yoga adventure. If you wish to continue on to Korcula Island Yoga Retreat with Desiree click here for more details.
ACCOMMODATION IN PLITVICE LAKES
ACCOMMODATION IN STARIGRAD
PRICING – Yoga Adventure Croatia
PRICING:
For more info about the prices and booking conditions please see Desiree’s website HERE.
INCLUSIONS:
- Daily yoga classes with Desiree Ouellette
- 7 nights accommodation (3* guesthouses and hotels)
- Halfboard (2 meals per day)
- Pick up at Zagreb airport
- Drop off at Zagreb, Zadar or Split airport
- Transportation throughout the trip
- All activities in the itinerary (guided hiking, kayaking, yoga)
- National Park entrance fees
- Local taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- Optional activities and services (e.g., Rock climbing in Paklenica National
- boat trip to Zrmanja River canyon on Day 5; massages & spa services
- Alcoholic and special beverages
- Travel insurance
- Tips
