April 12-16 Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Details
Croatia is one of the ecologically best preserved parts of Europe. It is a land where the hues of the sunny and warm Mediterranean happily blend with the tranquillity and freshness of mountains and the gentle sway of the golden plains of Pannonia. A land of truly divine inspiration that has delighted many of the world’s prominent men of letters. A rare European landscape which boasts as many as eight national parks in so small an area!
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's first National park established in 1949, covers 296.85 km2 of breathtaking natural splendour becoming with it the largest among the eight national parks of the country.Ranging in altitude from 367 m (Koranski most) to 1279 m (Seliški vrh) above sea level.
The park was inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1979, in recognition of its "outstanding natural beauty and undisturbed production of travertine (tufa) through chemical and biological action". The park represents a phenomenon of karst hydrography.
The park harbours a grand collection of waterfalls, gallery of lakes, forest and diversity of animal life. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colors change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.
The sixteen lakes which are formed by natural dams of travertine are separated into upper and lower lakes. About eight km of pathways and wooden walking trails around lakes are accessible to visitors. Trails are descending from an altitude of 636m to 503m above sea level.
We also plan to visit a small but very special village of Rastoke which is made by play of nature on the place where River Slunjčica connects with river Korana. Nature played with blue-green waters of river Slunjčica and spread them in many big and small waterfals. The most beautiful are Buk Hrvoje and Vilina kosa (fairy's hair). Rastoke are very similar to Plitvica lakes, but much smaller. For the difference between Plitvica lake and Rastoke, this place are special beacuse of village with many millers. The things that nature made for thousands of years, and man later trying to make his living comfortable,with surrounding rocks, old forts and small city Slunj are many parts of perfect picture that reflects the living in this area.
http://img.fotocommunity.com/images/Balkans/Croatia/Rastoke-a28552810.jpg
Rastoke is known for its 18th century flour mills and homes built in traditional architectural styles. The lower halves of these structures are constructed in stone to prevent damage from water while the upper decks are crafted out of wood, with elegant dark wood panels and intricate woodwork.
Accommodation:
Hotel accommodation in twin rooms equipped with private bathrooms with hair-dryer, SAT TV, free WiFi, telephone, climate, minibar and balcony!
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/f1/f1/dd/hotel-mirjana-rastoke.jpg
It is also famous for its typical Croatian food and plenty of it http://img2.meetupstatic.com/7721728740974823239/img/smileys/tongue.gif.
Although it may be an exaggeration to say the whole country is made up of gourmets, it's true that Croatians place a high priority on fresh, correctly prepared food.
Read more: http://www.croatiatraveller.com/food.htm#ixzz2C8HWp7KC
Thanks to an abundance of natural beauties and historic heritage of this region, town of Slunj, National park Plitvice lakes, local rivers and of course the unique watermill village Rastoke, we may discover the beauty of being outdoor and enjoy an active life in Croatia.
Taking into consideration our fantastic location, the hotel we stay at has got its own outdoor activity centre, we plan to have different activities on Monday: rafting, kayaking, biking, finishing for very affordable prices in amazing places.
http://mirjana-rastoke.com/images/travel_agency/Mirjana_Rastoke_agencija_06.jpg?1336986705
http://mirjana-rastoke.com/uploads/article/6/normal/Mirjana_Rastoke_rafting_1.jpg?1242332259 http://mirjana-rastoke.com/uploads/photo/13/normal/Mirjana_Rastoke_rafting_6.jpg?1242332628 http://mirjana-rastoke.com/uploads/photo/14/normal/Mirjana_Rastoke_rafting_3.jpg?1242332673
Money:
1 British pound sterling = 8.6 Croatian kunas
Conditions:
You will need to have travel insurance and provide details before travel. It is strongly recommended to have this in place at the time of paying the deposit or the flight.
Croatia is NOT in the EU yet!
Visa:
Please check with the Croatian Embassy if you need a visa to travel there.
It is your responsibity to obtain all necessary travel documents, including visa.
Trip Itinerary:
Friday 12.04.
10:30 meeting up at Gatwick airport, departure to Zagreb with Easyjet at 12:50, arriving at 16:05
16:30 Croatian time Minibus transfer to the hotel (around 2 hour drive)
20:00 dinner
Saturday 13.04.
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Transfer to Plitvice National Park for a day hike, lunch in caffe there
20:00 Dinner
Sunday 14.04
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Transfer to Plitvice National Park for a day hike, lunch in caffe there
20:00 Dinner
Monday 15.04.
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Transfer to Rastoke village for a half day walk, lunch in caffe there
14:00 Optional outdoor activities
20:00 Dinner
Tuesday 16.04.
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Transfer to Zagreb, walk around a city.
18:30 meeting at Zagreb airport, departure to Gatwick airport with easyjet at 20:40, arriving at 22:05
Price of £299 includes:
4 nights half board hotel accommodation in twin rooms
all transport, except a last day in Zagreb city
Financial Consumer Protection according Package Holidays and Tours Regulations 1992
guided hikes by Mountain Leader trained at Plas Y Brenin ( The National Mountain Centre http://www.pyb.co.uk/... (http://www.pyb.co.uk/)) ) guides, and certified First Aiders
Price does not include flights, 2 days National park entrance ticket, lunches, optional activities.
After you RSVP yes, to secure your place you will need to pay £150 deposit within a week time. The deposit is non refundable but transferable.
The balance should be paid by 1st of February 2013
The recommended return flight is only £106 at the moment!
Links:
Natural World: Land Of The Falling Lakes (BBC)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEEIcrx2QcU
Croatian food
Photos
Everyone in the group has to obtain appropriate insurance.
The BMC: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/insurance/Landing.aspx offer excellent policies for all outdoor enthusiasts at competitive rates.
Sponsors
April 12-16 Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia