Nordic Walking Trip Paklencia National Park, Croatia

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1 Nordic Walking Trip Paklencia National Park, Croatia 17 th - 21 st May 2016 Riviera Paklenica Our next Nordic Walking break is in partnership with Sam Armstrong from Core Concept and Danijela Bucić of Mountain Traveller Croatia, together we will visit the Paklencia National Park. Experience the last European wilderness, exploring the park, its surrounding areas, local villages and Mt. Velebit whilst staying on the Riviera Paklencia. The position of our hotel is next to the river s edge which gives it a special charm and therefore it presents an ideal combination for enjoying this area. Nordic Walk in Paklencia National Park Ancient villages, renovated flour mill, Paklarić fort & beach Panoramic views, traditional lunches in taverns & mountain huts Visit Valika Paklencia Canyon Walk to Sklopina: a 17 th Century stone built hamlet Enjoy extensive views of the coastline from Mt Velebit Experience the culture and history with International mountain leader Danijela The Paklenica National Park encompasses areas of the Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica canyons which are cut vertically into the southern slopes of Velebit. This relatively small area has an extraordinary abundance of landscape features and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and untouched nature. The 1,000 plant species of which 79 are endemic to this area makes Paklenica National Park an area of natural beauty and special floristic value, not only in Croatia but in Europe and across the world.

2 Itinerary DAY 1. 17th May: Arrival on Zemunik airport in the evening hours. Warm welcome and transfer to Starigrad Paklenica (45 min) with our guide. Accommodation at the Hotel Alan 3***. The Bluesun Alan Hotel is the most important tourist facility on the Paklenica Riviera, the centre of which is Starigrad Paklenica. The hotel was built in 1968 and completely renovated in 2003/2004. In 2005, a cutting- edge wellness centre was added. Hotel Alan *** DAY 2. 18th May: EXPLORING THE OLD VILLAGES AND RIVIERA PAKLENICA Duration: 8h (app. walking time: 3-4 hours) Level of physical condition: (K1- K4) K1, Technical demand: (T1- T4)T1 see level description below Altitude difference: 250m + Transfer to National park Paklenica. An educational trail begins near the entrance to the National Park Paklenica along the left bank of the river where we the visit the old, renovated Paklenica Mill which, along with the other six mills, supplied the population of Podgorje with flour. We continue further on until the lookout Paklarić that offers a panoramic view of Starigrad, in the past times also known as Argyruntum. Paklarić Fort was built in the late Middle Ages (14-16 c.) on the ruins and remains of prehistoric drystone walls. It is believed that this defense facilities purpose was to control the significant communication through Paklenica leading from the sea to the Lika region and vice versa. Upon our return from the Paklarić Fort, the trail takes us on a journey through the past visiting ancient villages. At the end of this interesting trail, we descend to the sea, and walk along the beach to enjoy the great view of mountains and surounding scenery. For lunch we will transfer to small village across the Velebit channel, Vinjerac, to a tavern with an excellent selection of fish and other sea food. After lunch we transfer back to hotel. Tavern Pece, Vinjerac

3 DAY 3. 19th May: VIEWPOINT TOUR Duration: 8h (app.walking time: 5 hours) Level of physical condition: (K1- K4) K2, Technical demand: (T1- T4) T1 see level description below Altitude difference: 900m+ (ascent), 900m- (descent) Transfer to Paklenica National park. Today we will be walking along the edge of the Velika Paklenica Canyon which reveals views of the most promomant points of National Park Paklenica. Upon arrival at a mountain hut we will experience a traditional lunch called "peka" followed by a taste of a homemade brandy / Velebit herbal tea, natural juice and honey tasting. Our return path takes us along the bottom of the Velika Paklenica canyon via the Sklopina 17th century stone built houses that were simply carved into the rocks. After our walk we then transfer back to our hotel. DAY 4. 20th May: MT. VELEBIT - SV. BRDO (1753 m/asl) View from our top! Duration: 8h (app. Walking time: 6-7hours) Level of physical condition: (K1- K4) K2, Technical demand: (T1- T4) T1 see level description below Altitude difference: 900m+ (ascent), 900m- (descent) Today we have an early start and transfer via jeep to the high plateau Libinje (900 m/asl). This 'free' height helps us today as our goal is to walk to the summit of Mt Velebit. We estimate it taking approximately hours to reach the top. Due to it's fabulous views this is the most popular walking summit of the National Park Paklenica. This top represents the boundary between the continental and coastal part of Croatia. Up on the top we have time to enjoy the spectacular 360 degrees view of the Mt. Velebit, Velebit Channel, Novigrad Sea, Lika, Zadar islands, and when the day is clear we can see the coast of Italy. Descending on the other side of Sveto Brdo, over Dušice and Debelo brdo to reach our return transfer at plateau Libinje. We plan to then enjoy a celebratory meal at one of the most popular restaurant for mountaineers and climbers.

4 DAY 5. 21st May: WINERY TOUR & CITY TOUR OF ZADAR FOLLOWED BY DEPARTURE After breakfast we check out of Hotel Alan and transfer to the best winery in Zadar area (1h). Croatia, in addition to natural beauty, can boast the production of high quality wines and olive oils. We can be sure that Danijela of Mountain Traveller Croatia will take us to the most renowned award winning winery in Dalmatia, where you will taste superior quality wines produced by the strict standards for organic production. Winery Škaulj After sampling the wine (2h) we then transfer to city Zadar (40 min) to meet a local city tour guide (2h). Zadar is an ancient city of which some might say it is older even than Rome itself! If you look beyond the scars of the recent war, away from the socialist legacy, behind the ruins of the Second World War, you will see the regional center of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Venetian protectorate. Behind the walls that were once protecting Europe from the Ottoman empire is a medieval royal city. We will discover traces of the 4th crusade peacefully resting on the foundations of a Roman colony. Two hours of time travel will take you from the technological 21st century to the hard stone of the ancient civilization. After the tour there will then be time discover the delightful cafes and restaurants, narrow streets, amazing museums, shops and beautiful churches. We then transfer to the Zemunik airport (30 min). City of Zadar Trip Price 795 per person a 25% deposit is required to confirm your place. This holiday is now guaranteed. What s included: Hotel Alan *** accommodation, 4 nights half- board (breakfast and dinner), rooms with sea views Transfer from and to airport and transfers according to the itinerary Transfer with jeeps Land Rover Defender (4th day) 2x English speaking professional International Mountain Leaders and their expenses 1x Nordic Walking Instructor and their expenses Tourist guide for city tour Zadar Wine tasting (on departure day) Entrance tickets to Paklenica National park All meals included (except lunch on departure day and dinner on arrival day)

5 What s Not Included: Flights, drinks and mountain rescue insurance this is compulsory for all clients. Please note due to the increasing costs of transporting poles and extra charge will be applied if you want this service, the cost will be divided between the amount of poles required/transported. Telescopic Travel poles are ideal for this trip. Accommodation The Bluesun Alan Hotel is a 3- star all- inclusive hotel. It is located near the main road which is next to a pebble beach and surrounded by a pine forest. Good transport connections ensure easy arrival and departures. All rooms include: Free Wi- Fi, ensuite bathroom, balcony, TV, air conditionig, telephone, safe deposit box, mini- bar, satellite TV. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool for adults and children, a fitness centre and sports facilities. A supermarket, pharmacy, bank and gas station are all located in the vicinity of the hotel. The hotel is 40 km away from Zemunik Airport, and only 12 km from the Zagreb Split highway. The distance from the hotel to the Paklenica National Park is 2 km. Fitness Level and Clothing CONDITIONING DIFFICULTY K1 EASY; <5h activity K2 MODERATE; 5 do 7h activity K3 HARD; 7 do 9h activity K4 VERY DIFFICULT; >9h activity LEGEND - CLASSIFICATION TECHNICAL DEMAND T1 NOT DEMANDING; walking without use of arms or other aids. T2 MEDIUM ; walking + occasional use of hands, easy climbing T3 DEMANDING; occasional climbing with the use of hand and aids (wedges and steel rope) T4 VERY DEMANDING; longer and more demanding sections of secured paths, serious climbing We would NOT consider it essential that you have had previous hill walking experience but just a good level of fitness and sense of adventure for a journey. We will issue you with a kit & clothing list. As with all walking trips we plan to pack for all weather conditions!