10 day kayaking holiday at Lake Skadar and Croatia’s Elafiti islands
“For those that want to see new places, see amazing views and wildlife and experience local culture this is a fantastic experience…utterly brilliant.” Richard Main, August 2019
2022 departure dates: Any (Sunday to Wednesday)
If you ever agonised between a holiday sea kayaking around achingly beautiful Croatian islands or paddling Montenegro’s stunning Lake Skadar, then your dilemma is over – this trip gives you the best of both worlds! With our partners Adria Adventures, you can now experience two of the most remarkable and memorable kayaking locations in the same holiday, led by fully qualified, dual language kayaking guides.
Secluded beaches, secret caves, picturesque monasteries, sunken river beds and eye-popping scenery come as standard – click the next tabs for a detailed itinerary and pictures of some of the seductive locations on offer!
Equipment: We supply all kayaking and safety equipment. For the Croatian leg, we use single or tandem sea kayaks. For the Montenegrin leg, we use Z-Pro Tango inflatable tandems.
Your Country Expert: Ben is one of the co-founders of Undiscovered Balkans, and has been living and working at Lake Skadar for 13 years, where he was primarily responsible for putting Montenegrin kayaking on the map! He is a registered British Canoeing kayak coach and speaks near fluent Montenegrin/Croatian as well as English.
Day 1
Transfer from Dubrovnik airport or pier to Dubrovnik, free time in Dubrovnik until the departure by ferry to the island of Lopud where the guests are welcomed by their guide and shown to their accommodation before eating dinner together.
Day 2 – Lopud Island
After some instruction in a shallow protected bay the guide will explain safety procedures and give tips on paddling technique. We then paddle along the outer, scenic side of Lopud to the sandy beach of Sunj, located at the other side of the island. There we stop for swimming and a traditional local game of picigin. The afternoon is reserved for exploring the island on foot before the return to Lopud. Paddling distance: 16km
Day 3 – Lopud to Kolocep
After a pleasant 20 minute walk to Sunj we kayak to the island of Kolocep, moving along the side of the island, along the green forests touching clear water, breathtaking steep cliffs, caves and stunning rock formations. We can stop for a swim and there is time to explore the island on foot or relax on the beach. After lunch in a local restaurant we paddle back to Lopud. Paddling distance: 16km
Day 4 – Lopud to Trsteno
Across the Kolocep Channel to the mainland, Trsteno is a spot with many small caves and secluded beaches. We visit Trsteno Arboretum with its Renaissance garden and the 15th C summer villa. There’s time for lunch, swimming, snorkeling and relaxing before an afternoon paddle back to Lopud. Paddling distance: 15km
Day 5 – Transfer back to Dubrovnik by ferry and then by taxi or minibus across the border to Virpazar and Lake Skadar.
Guests will be welcomed by their guides and shown to their accommodation.
Day 6 – from island prison to secluded beach
A return paddle from the lilypads and rushes of Virpazar to the old island prison of Grmožur and then secluded Pješačac beach via the tiny lakeside settlement of Raduš, where a lunch of fresh lake fish has been prepared for us by a local fisherman. Paddling distance: 18km
Day 7 – Lake Skadar’s renowned island monasteries
A circular trip to visit two of the lake’s unique 14th Century island monasteries under the gaze of Albania’s spectacular Accursed Mountains (locally called the Prokletians), with R&R at nearby Murići freshwater beach and several great swimming spots on the way! Paddling distance: 10km
Day 8 – The majestic serpentines of Pavlova Strana
An incredible guided paddle from the picturesque villages of Karuč to Rijeka Crnojevića via the birding hotspot of the river Karatuna (May/September paddlers remember to bring binoculars for the outstanding bird-life!) and the stunning serpentine channels of Pavlova Strana, one of Montenegro’s most famous vistas (it’s that mountain with the river running around it). Paddling distance: 20km
Day 9 – The Morača Delta
A circular paddle through the renowned bird reserves of Manastirska Tapija. We circumnavigate the island of Vranjina via its picturesque river channels before visiting the Saint Nicholas monastery and returning to Vranjina via the Morača Delta. Paddling distance: 10km
Day 10 – For those flying out of Dubrovnik, transfer to the old town for the final night. For those flying out of Podgorica, free day at the lake.
Day 11 – Departure
Please note that for the Montenegrin leg there are plenty of gastronomic options available for evening meals. Please ask us for details!
HOLIDAY
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APRIL/OCTOBER
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MAY/JUNE/SEPTEMBER
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JULY/AUGUST
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Croatia/Montenegro kayaking holiday
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– | £845pp |
£985pp
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(based on min 2 persons)
Price includes 7 awesome kayaking trips, 10 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in Lopud, Dubrovnik and Virpazar, one evening meal, 5 lunches and all transportation. Flights, airport transfers and meals at restaurants excluded.
APARTMENTS TOMIĆ / BADANJ VILLAGE ROOMS
Whilst on the island of Lopud in Croatia, accommodation is in the charming Apartments Tomić, situated just 200m from the sea and within walking distance of local restaurants. Simply and stylishly appointed, the owners are a mine of information and worth the stay themselves!
For the five nights in Virpazar, your accommodation is in the Badanj Village Rooms. Owned by a legendary local raconteur and situated just a 20 minute walk (or 2 minute taxi ride) from the village of Virpazar, this beautifully restored farmhouse has all the usual comforts as well as an unexpected dash of style!
Both locations have full WIFI and cooking facilities.