Gutsy Girls - Bristol and Bath

Join Gutsy Girls for a six night Island-Hopping SUP Adventure in Croatia's Zadar Archipelago, a coastal escape where turquoise waters, hidden beaches and secluded islands set the stage for your ultimate paddling experience.

This trip is for women of all levels, whether you're stepping on a board for the first time or you're a seasoned paddler ready to refine your skills. You'll explore remote islands, paddle between secret bays, kayak to cold war submarine tunnels, and discover coastlines only accessible from the water. Off the water you'll share traditional Croatian meals, laughs over local wine, and sunset hikes with an active group of likeminded women, making this adventure as rewarding socially as it is physically.

Why Croatia for a SUP adventure?

• Island-hopping paradise - Paddle between some of the archipelago’s 300 islands in the Adriatic, exploring hidden coves and beaches far from tourist hotspots.
• All levels welcome - There’s expert coaching for beginners to build confidence, and technique refinement for experienced paddlers to master new skills.
• Multi-activity adventure - Swap boards for kayaks, cycle the length of the island and hike to viewpoints with panoramas that will make you glad you’ve got your camera
• Authentic local experience -Stay in family-owned apartments on Molat island (population 240) and enjoy home-cooked traditional meals, supporting responsible tourism.

Highlights:

• Six days of guided water adventures: three and a half days of paddleboarding and two days of sea kayaking with professional instruction throughout.
• Island exploration: Paddle to secluded beaches, explore Cold War submarine tunnels, and discover islands where fishing boats outnumber cars.
• "Triathlon" day: Cycle 9km across Molat, paddle to Ist island, hike up to Snow Lady Chapel for archipelago views, then reverse the journey.
• Sunset hike: Trek up Straža Peak for local history and panoramic views, then toast the sunset with Croatian wine.
• Traditional cuisine: Home-cooked Croatian dinners featuring fresh fish, incredible salads, and local specialties like 'peka' (food cooked under a bell).
• Skills coaching: Learn efficient paddling, smooth turns, and water confidence—or master advanced moves like cross-bow and step-back turns.

🔥 Difficulty Level
This trip is rated moderate and perfect for active women keen to spend full days on the water. You'll be paddling or kayaking 5-6 hours daily, with multi-sport days combining cycling (9km with hills), paddling, and hiking (6km with 200m ascent). Five consecutive days of back-to-back activities make this action-packed and demanding, especially in the summer heat. Good fitness is essential; regular cardio and weekend activity will set you up well.

No prior paddleboarding or kayaking experience needed, but come ready to get stuck in. You'll be outdoors all day with substantial sun exposure and sleeping in simple apartments with fans (not all bedrooms have air conditioning) during warm summer nights.

If you're fit, active, and want to learn something new while exploring the Adriatic from a whole new perspective, this is the adventure for you.

📍 Location
The Zadar Archipelago is made up of 300 small islands in the Adriatic. We'll stay on Molat, a charming island with just 240 residents. Traffic-free, chilled-out, and the perfect base for island-hopping adventures.

🛏️ Accommodation
Stay in comfortable, family-owned apartments across the village. Simple, clean, and authentically Croatian. All meals provided, with breakfast and dinner in a local family-run dining room and picnic lunches on whatever island beach we discover that day.

Price
Twin Room
£1699 (approx. €1945 / $2265)
Private Room
£1799 - £1979 (approx. €2060 / $2265)
Private Apartment
£1859 - £1949 (approx. €2125 / $2480)

What's Included

• 6 nights' accommodation in family-owned apartments
• All meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners (including wine or non-alcoholic drinks)
• 6 days guided activities: 3.5 days paddleboarding, 2 days kayaking
• Professional SUP and kayaking instruction and guiding
• Guided hikes and cycling excursions
• Full equipment hire: SUP boards, kayaks, paddles, bikes, helmets, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, 20l dry bags
• Gutsy Girls host

Join Gutsy Girls for a four night horse riding and yoga holiday for experienced riders. Head to Norway for a mountain escape where incredible views, ancient forests and long lazy days create the perfect backdrop for your ultimate riding adventure.

This trip is for experienced riders ready to explore Norwegian wilderness on horseback. You'll ride Norwegian Døle horses through mountain trails, canter along forest paths and tackle river crossings, all with expert local guides. Out of the saddle you'll unwind with daily yoga sessions, enjoy incredible Norwegian cuisine, and connect with an active group of likeminded women.

Why Norway for horse riding?

• Trail ride through actual Norwegian wilderness – Forget arena loops, you'll partner with a sure-footed Døle horse and spend your days riding through dense forest, wildflower meadows, and river crossings with peaks towering around you.
• Full-day ride to a remote summer farm – Three hours up over two mountain peaks, traditional Norwegian food at a working farm, then back through birch forest with your saddlebags packed and your horse grazing while you eat.
• Equestrian-specific physio sessions – A physiotherapist runs targeted exercises designed for riders, including core work, balance drills, and stretching that'll actually improve your performance in the saddle.
• Time in the stables matters as much as the trails – Get hands-on with the Døle horses between rides through grooming, care routines, and reading body language to build that connection throughout the week.
• Sauna, wild swimming, and yoga for recovery – After long days riding and working at the stables, hit the lakeside sauna, brave the mountain water if you're up for it, and stretch out saddle-sore muscles with three yoga sessions.

Highlights:

• Ride through wilderness trails – Head through dense forest, wildflower meadows and national park terrain with dramatic peaks around you.
• Experienced riders only – Confident at trot and canter, able to mount independently, and ready to handle your horse across varied terrain.
• Expert local guides who know every trail – Norwegian instructors lead you through Rondane National Park's best riding routes.
• Small group of like-minded riders – Seven women max, all at a similar level and up for a challenge.
• Traditional Norwegian three-course dinners – Hearty mountain food to fuel long days, with all dietary requirements covered.
• Four nights in a family-run mountain hotel – Cosy lounge, yoga studio, and panoramic views that go on forever.

🔥 Difficulty Level
This trip is for experienced riders only. You'll spend 4-6 hours in the saddle daily, covering varied terrain. You need to be confident at walk, trot and canter, comfortable riding outdoors in all conditions, and fit enough for consecutive days of riding.

Norwegian weather can shift quickly from sun to rain, and trails can be rocky or uneven. A positive attitude, good riding fitness and confidence handling horses is essential. If you're ready to ride stunning landscapes, challenge yourself on horseback, and embrace the Norwegian wilderness, this is for you.

📍 Location
Nestled on the edge of Norway’s Rondane National Park is a rider’s paradise, where stunning mountain scenery provides the ideal backdrop for seasoned riders seeking adventure.

🛏️ Accommodation
Stay at a comfortable, family-run hotel with cosy rooms, sauna, yoga studio and incredible restaurant. Enjoy hearty three-course dinners made with local ingredients, and experience genuine Nordic hospitality.

Price
Twin Room Ensuite £1649 (approx. €1890 / $2230)
Private Room Ensuite £1899 (approx. €2175 / $2565)

What's Included

• 4 nights at a family-run mountain hotel with panoramic views
• All meals: breakfast and lunch buffets, three course Norwegian dinners
• 3 days of expert-led horse riding through rugged mountain terrain
• Full day riding tour to a traditional summer farm with authentic Norwegian lunch
• 3 yoga classes for all levels, outdoors by the lake when weather permits
• Wild swimming and traditional Norwegian sauna sessions
• Professional riding instructors and Gutsy Girls host
• Group transf+ers from Ringebu train station

Join Gutsy Girls for a six-day paddleboarding and hiking adventure in Slovenia, where emerald rivers, glacier-fed lakes, and the Julian Alps set the stage for your summer escape.

This trip is designed for beginners – no SUP experience needed – ready to master paddleboarding while exploring one of Europe's most stunning and underrated destinations. Off the water, you'll hike to hidden waterfalls, feast on incredible local cuisine, sip wines in ancient cellars, and even hop over to Italy for a Mediterranean paddle, all while building lasting friendships with an active group of like-minded women and wine.

Why Slovenia for Beginners Paddleboarding?

• Learn from the best – Expert SUP instructors will teach you the fundamentals on picture-perfect Lake Bled, then build your skills across rivers and coastal waters.
• Epic variety – Paddle across iconic alpine lakes, navigate emerald canyons on the Soča River, and glide along the Mediterranean coast in Trieste, Italy.
• More than just SUP – Hike through the Julian Alps to panoramic viewpoints, discover hidden waterfalls, and explore three diverse regions, plus a bonus trip across the border to Italy.
• Wine and dine – Slovenia was crowned European Region of Gastronomy 2021. Expect farm-to-table meals, lakeside dinners, and a wine tasting experience in Vipava Valley.

Highlights

• Six days of guided adventures: Four SUP sessions on lakes, rivers, and the sea, plus two stunning hikes through alpine terrain and lush valleys.
• Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj: Master the basics on glassy alpine waters with postcard-perfect backdrops - castle views and mountain peaks included.
• Soča Valley paddling: Navigate the emerald-green Soča and Idrijca Rivers and swim in crystal-clear pools.
• Italian coastal SUP: Cross the border for a Mediterranean paddle in Trieste, exploring limestone cliffs, harbours, and Austro-Hungarian architecture.
• Hike the Julian Alps: Trek to Vogar viewpoint overlooking Lake Bohinj and discover hidden waterfalls tucked away from the tourist trail.
• Wine tasting: Visit a local wine cellar in Vipava Valley and sample unique regional varieties paired with exceptional Slovenian cuisine.
• Agroturismo farm stay: Three nights at a rustic family-run tourist farm with organic meals, stunning views, and outdoor pool.

🔥 Difficulty Level
This trip is rated moderate. It's perfect for active women new to paddleboarding who are ready to embrace adventure. No SUP experience is required. Our expert instructors will teach you everything you need to know. Expect 4-6 hours of movement each day, covering 5-9 km paddling distances and hikes up to 8 km with ascents of 550m. You'll need solid fitness, determination, and a love of being outdoors across five consecutive days of back-to-back activities.

If you're ready to try something new and discover what you're capable of, this is your moment. Picture yourself gliding across Lake Bled, navigating the emerald Soča River, and paddling Italy's dramatic coastline. You'll challenge yourself, connect with incredible landscapes, and leave with skills and friendships that last.

📍 Location
Over six days, we'll explore three diverse regions of Slovenia (and one bonus country!) From the soaring peaks of Triglav National Park to the emerald valleys of the Soča River and the vineyard-covered hills of Vipava Valley, every day promises breathtaking landscapes. We'll venture off the usual tourist track with expert local guides who know the hidden gems, the waterfalls, swimming spots, and trails that most visitors never find.

🛏️ Accommodation
Stay in two beautiful locations that perfectly complement the adventure. We begin with two nights at a charming three star hotel in Ribčev Laz, packed with local character and lakeside views. Then we move to a stunning Agroturismo farm in the Soča Valley for three nights, where you'll enjoy warm hospitality, breathtaking mountain views, farm-to-table organic meals, and an outdoor pool, the perfect spot to unwind after days on the water and trails.

Price
All other dates
Twin room £1950 (approx. €2225 / $2620)
Private room £2350 (approx. €2695 / $3135)
Private room with shared bathroom £2300 (approx. €2630 / $3025)

July & August
Twin room £2050 (approx. €2345/ $2735)
Private room £2475 (approx. €2830 / $3300)
Private room with shared bathroom £2425 (approx. €2780 / $3250)

What's Included

• Five nights' accommodation
  (Two nights: three star hotel + three nights farm stay with pool)
• All meals from arrival lunch to departure dinner
• Six days guided paddleboarding and hiking with expert instructors
• SUP equipment (board, paddle, PFD, safety gear, dry bag, wetsuit if needed)
• A wine tasting experience
• Local guide and Gutsy Girls host
• Single-timed airport transfer

Join Gutsy Girls for a seven-day Mediterranean-to-Alpine adventure in Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, where rugged coastlines, Istrian vineyards, and the Julian Alps set the stage for your ultimate multi-activity escape.

This trip is for women who can't pick just one activity and refuse to settle for just one country. Over six days you'll hike, eBike, raft and swim your way through Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, with incredible food, local wine, and proper Balkan hospitality thrown in along the way. No experience needed across any of the activities, just show up fit and ready.

Why Slovenia (and Croatia, and Italy) for a Multi-Activity Adventure?

• More than just a holiday - Three countries, six days of activities, zero filler. From cliff jumping off the Croatian coast on day one to a summit hike in the Italian Alps on day six, every single day brings something new.
• Crowd-free and completely underrated – Forget the packed beaches of the Dalmatian Coast. You'll explore Croatia's quieter Istrian peninsula, Triglav National Park's alpine valleys, and a pristine Italian lake that most tourists never find.
• The food and wine are genuinely exceptional – Homemade Istrian pastas, fresh truffles, alpine stews, and wines made from grape varieties you've definitely never seen in a UK supermarket.
• Beginner-friendly, not easy – All activities are suitable for newcomers, but the pace is real and consecutive active days are the norm. Come prepared for long active days.

Highlights:

• Cliff jumping on day one: Land in Pula, meet the group, and head straight to the Croatian coast for swimming and cliff jumping. Yes, on day one.
• Parenzana eBike trail: Ride 35km along the historic Parenzana railway route through Istrian vineyards, tunnels, and hilltop villages, rolling into the iconic walled town of Motovun for lunch.
• Sunset hike through Momjan wine hills: Lace up your boots for a hike through Croatia's wine country with a hidden waterfall stop along the way.
• Rafting the Soča River: Helmets on for a session on one of Slovenia's most spectacular rivers. The guides handle the technical bits; you paddle when told and hold on when it gets bouncy.
• Vrata Valley eBike ride: A 45km ride through the dramatic Radovna Valley with stops at Peričnik Waterfall and jaw-dropping views of Triglav's northern wall.
• Lago di Fusine: Cross into Italy for one last swim at a pristine alpine lake beneath the Mangart massif, followed by a hike up to Rifugio Zacchi with sweeping views across the Julian Alps.
• Ljubljana finale: Wind down with an evening in Slovenia's picture-perfect capital, wandering cobbled backstreets and carved bridges before a celebratory dinner with your group.

🔥 Difficulty Level
Rated moderate to intermediate. No prior experience is needed for any of the activities, but solid base fitness is essential. You'll be active across six consecutive days: eBiking covers 35km to 50km, hikes reach around 13km with up to 750m of ascent on the toughest day, and the Soča rafting run clocks in at around three hours on the water. If you move your body regularly and back-to-back active days don't faze you, you'll get the most out of this trip.

📍 Location
Starting in Pula, Croatia, and ending in Ljubljana, Slovenia, this trip covers the best bits of three countries. You’ll visit Croatia's quieter Istrian peninsula, the heart of Triglav National Park, and a day trip into northern Italy for alpine lakes and mountain rifugios. Remote in all the right ways.

🛏️ Accommodation
In Croatia, our base is a family-run agriturismo in Upper Istria with home-cooked food and local hospitality. In Slovenia, we’ll stay in a four-star hotel in Kranjska Gora with mountain views and everything you need to recover well before the next day out.
Price
Twin Room £2050 (approx. €2355/ $2755)
Private Room £2495 (approx. €2865 / $3355)

What's Included

• 6 nights accommodation (family-run agriturismo in Croatia + four-star hotel in Slovenia)
• All meals throughout the trip
• 6 days of guided activities, including wine and olive oil tasting experience
• eBiking gear and equipment
• Rafting equipment
• Group airport transfers on arrival (Pula Airport) and departure (Ljubljana Airport) days
• Gutsy Girls host