Croatia, Rivers & Peaks School Expedition

Wake up in the riverside adventure hub of Starigrad. Dive into expedition life, assign some team roles and meet the ground team to discuss your plans. You’ll also need to buy some food supplies (the currency here is Euros). Jobs done, it’s time to explore the Dalmatian coast. Meet your kayak guides, upskill with paddle commands, then push off from the shore. Glide across the Zrmanja River, where emerald waters cut through towering limestone cliffs. As you navigate gentle rapids and calm stretches, look out for waterfalls, hidden caves, and local wildlife along the canyon walls. You’ll be paddling in the heat, so remember your sunblock, hat and water, lots of it. Back at camp, fire up your stoves and get creative with your food supplies. Typical Croatian cuisine includes black risotto, fish stew and fresh seafood. Stay up until the stars come out, then crawl into your tent and get some rest. You’ll need it!

Travel to the Dabarski Kukovi area, you’re about to trek for four days straight through this range of rocky peaks. The mountains here rise above pristine forests and grassy sinkholes in Northern Velebit National Park. Set off along marked trails that lead through the forest and up into the mountains. The ascents are tough but totally worth it, surrounded by wilderness, you’ll have views over the Adriatic Sea and the island of Pag. Take turns to lead the group and set the pace. You’ll need to carry your food and water, plus some essential group kit. As you trek, you’ll pass remote mountain huts, where you can stop to refill your water bottles. Chat to your guides to learn about the wildlife. The park is home to rare flowers, elusive lynx and wild boar. If you’re lucky, you may see a golden eagle circling above. Then crash out on the journey to the Zrmanja River. You’ll sleep like a log tonight!

Take your paddling skills to the next level with a two-day adventure on the Zrmanja and Krupa rivers. If the water levels are high, you could swap your kayaks for rafts. Dig deep as you navigate the rapids and paddle downstream. On calmer stretches, gaze up at the canyon walls and keep your eyes peeled for frogs, tortoises and golden eagles. Spend your first night at a remote wild camp and work as a team to get some dinner on the go. The next day, you’ll paddle through a dramatic gorge. Your final destination is the village of Muskovci. Haul your kayaks out of the water and celebrate your feat with a campfire feast.

Boots on, it's time to trek. Get ready to discover more of the River Krupa, which carves beneath the steep Velebit Mountains. To explore this beautiful place, you’ll trek as a team to the fairytale Bridge of Kuda, known locally as ‘Kudin’. You’ve got the choice of two routes, so chat with your guides and make a plan. If the water levels are low, you could trek from the Krupa Monastery, following the river and crossing the shallows to Kudin. When the water levels are high, it’s better to take the longer route, following the river downstream. Take a short ride to the trailhead, then take it in turns to lead the group as you navigate through the valley. When you arrive at Kudin, prepare to be blown away. Surrounded by caves and cascades, it’s seriously stunning.

Croatia’s coolest city, Zadar is totally unique and loaded with history. You’ve got a full day to explore, so gather the team and make a plan. The Sea Organ might be top of your list, listen to water making music as it pushes air through a stone staircase that descends to the sea; you need to hear it to believe it. Get immersed in Zadar culture as you explore the city streets and discover Roman relics, medieval churches and museums. Seek out the echoing cloisters of the Franciscan Monastery and the precociously placed bell tower at St Donatus’ Church. Zadar has a reputation for smouldering skies, so head to the seafront and brace yourself for a jaw-dropping sunset. Make the most of it at the Sun Salutation monument where 300 glass plates collect solar energy to create an amazing evening light show. Watch the spectacle, then celebrate everything you’ve experienced with a final team meal.

After the best ten days of your life, it’s time to travel home, so cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. Croatia has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen, so prepare to return home forever changed!