From Cave to Cave

FROM CAVE TO CAVE

Nature, culture, hospitality. For the trip of a lifetime exploring the wonderful cave network of the Adriatic region. Hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

1 FROM CAVE TO Far from the surface, a world apart. CAVE Deep underground, shrouded in darkness, mysterious places wait to be discovered. A real adventure leading to the exploration of amazing caves, approaching the beauties of the underground world with the support of experienced and passionate local guides. INDEX A broad choice of cave tours along the countries facing the Adriatic Sea. Tour packages...... p.4 Different countries, different languages, Create your own different caves all linked together by a European international tour!..... p.18 Project: the Interreg ADRION — Adriaticaves. A unique opportunity to take an “underground” journey that will open you up to amazing geological formations and life-forms incredibly adapted to live in these dark environments. A real caving experience will allow you

to discover these extremely fragile environments 1 Cavallone Cave Hrvatska and their importance using a respectful 2 Praje Cave 3 Onferno Cave Bosnia and Serbia and sustainable approach. 6 Herzegovina 5 8 4 Tanaccia Cave 4 7 A plunge into the cave world you will never forget. 3 5 Re Tiberio Cave Italy Montenegro 6 Cerovac Cave 9 10 7 2 Bijambare Cave 1 8 Kadjenica Cave Albania 9 Lipa Cave 10 Shpella e Kaurit, caves of Shkoder Region 2 3 ENTE PARCO NAZIONALE DELLA MAJELLA Via Occidentale, 6 66016 Guardiagrele – Italy [email protected] www.parcomajella.it

MAJELLA NATIONAL PARK - ITALY Mountains in the Majella National Park are mainly made of limestone, witnessing a fascinating geological history started at least 140 million years ago in an environment like the present-day Bahamas Sea. Due to karst phenomena, the Park hosts more than 115 caves, many of which are found in Majella Massif. This mountain group is the second highest relief of the Apennine Chain with its 2,783 m a.s.l. (Mt Amaro), located just 30 km far from the Adriatic Sea! This massif is an important aquifer too: every second 8,000 litres of The Praje Cave Weekend proposal crystal-clear water flows from its springs. All these features have favoured a flourished 3 days 2 nights natural and wild environment associated with a high-quality cultural framework, famous and the Scura Cave SEASON: from April to October for bears, wolves and hermitages which can be experienced while visiting caves. The Praje Cave is an example of how water, TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 3 days flowing through tunnels and fractures MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 8 – 15 EQUIPMENT: comfortable leisure clothing, inside the limestone rock, can create The Cavallone Cave 1 Day proposal trekking shoes, long pants, backpack and the Bove Cave SEASON: from May to September peculiar phenomena of erosion and with wide shoulder straps, water, energy TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 9 hours accretion. The cavity stretches along two food, k-way or cloak, hat, wind proof jacket, The Cavallone cave lies at an altitude of 1475 MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 10 – 15 branches: the lower one, very narrow, helmet and frontal lamp (the latter two EQUIPMENT: trekking shoes, long pants, t-shirt, can be provided by the guides) a.s.l. on the eastern slope in the eastern sweater, long socks. Recommended hiking can be visited only by crawling and is DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy, for everybody part of the Majella National Park. It was sticks, ropes, karabiners, frontal lamps, helmet not open to the public; the upper one, ACCOMMODATION: hotel; dinner and breakfast (this equipment can be provided by the guides) generated by karstic phenomena, and it provided with peculiar concrections, INFO AND BOOKING: [email protected] stretches along for more than 1.5 km with a DIFFICULTY/AGE: medium, adults only is wider and easier to walk (accompanied 085922343 main tunnel and three secondary branches. ACCOMMODATION: none by a speleoguide and well equipped). INFO AND BOOKING: [email protected] Proposal 4 days 3 nights The visiting path is 1360 m long and ends 08722222199 - 3291570466 The Scura Cave keeps important SEASON: from April to October in a room called “Anfiteatro” (Amphiteatre), prehistorical remains, mainly from the 2 Days proposal TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 4 days provided with a wonderful vault all covered Neolithic. The Cave develops mostly MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 8 – 15 SEASON: from May to September in stalactites. Nearby, at 1450 m of elevation horizontally and is made of a main corridor, EQUIPMENT: comfortable leisure clothing, in the same valley (the Taranta Valley) the TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 2 days which leads side galleries, and wonderful trekking shoes, long pants, backpack MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 10 – 15 Bove cave is found. Its path goes mostly natural windows on the Orta Valley. with wide shoulder straps, water, energy EQUIPMENT: trekking shoes, long pants, t-shirt, food, k-way or cloak, hat, wind proof jacket, downwards, losing about 70 m in elevation Both caves are geosites. sweater, long socks. Recommended hiking helmet and frontal lamp (the latter two from the entrance to the bottom, but with sticks, ropes, karabiners, frontal lamps, helmet can be provided by the guides) (this equipment can be provided by the guides) no particular difficulties along the way. DIFFICULTY/AGE: demanding, cat. E DIFFICULTY/AGE: medium, adults only Nevertheless, the Bove cave is suitable only ACCOMMODATION: hotel; dinner and breakfast ACCOMMODATION: hotel; dinner, breakfast for speleotourism (specific equipment INFO AND BOOKING: [email protected] and packed lunch 085922343 and training are required) accompanied INFO AND BOOKING: [email protected] by a speleoguide. Both caves are geosites. 08722222199 - 3291570466 4 5 ENTE DI GESTIONE OPEN AIR GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM PER I PARCHI E LA “EX-CAVA DEL MONTICINO” BIODIVERSITÀ - ROMAGNA Brisighella, RA www.parchiromagna.it GALLERY OF “EX-CAVA MARANA” “CA’ CARNÈ” REFUGE Brisighella, RA AND VISITOR CENTRE ONFERNO NATURE RESERVE Brisighella, RA VISITOR CENTRE “LA CASA DEL FIUME” Gemmano, RN VISITOR CENTRE ...opening soon Borgo Tossignano, BO KARST DOCUMENTATION CENTRE CASA CANTONIERA CAVES OF ROMAGNA - ITALY Re Tiberio Borgo Rivola, RA GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Gypsum is the main karst rock outcropping in the Romagna area. A unique geological and Tanaccia Caves OF PALAZZO BARONALE history, starting about 6 million years ago, lead to the deposition of this evaporite rock. In case Re Tiberio Cave will not be visitable when Tossignano, BO Steep gypsum cliffs surrounded by gentle clay hills characterise this land, deeply in- booking, it can be replaced with a visit to the lapis specularis Roman quarry Ca’ Toresina. Further fluencing local culture and traditions. information will be provided at the time of booking. Onferno Cave Water started carving gypsum at least 600.000 years ago, leading to the formation of an intricate network of karst systems. About 250 caves have been explored and map- A two days adventure will bring you back to A deep plunge into the Onferno Nature ped in this region, but only three are open to the public, giving you the opportunity to more than 6 million years ago discovering Reserve. A full discovery of this small explore the underground world of the moonstone. ancient landscapes and life-forms. karst area will lead you to explore Nature, exploration, history and local both the underground and the surface food and traditions will fully adsorb you in environment. Experienced guides will a restoring weekend which will give you introduce you to the gypsum cave world, Tanaccia, Re Tiberio relief from the hectic pace of everyday life. where you will experience the real dark and Onferno Caves A real caving experience will give you the and discover the incredible hypogean opportunity to visit two gyspum caves and fauna. You will then feel the contrast with In case Re Tiberio Cave will not be visitable when SEASON: from April to October booking, it can be replaced with a visit to the lapis TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 4 days explore this magic world with experienced the surface world where you will have the specularis Roman quarry Ca’ Toresina. Further information will be provided at the time of booking. MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: minimum 10 caving guides. You will discover the possibility to admire the local vegetation, EQUIPMENT: hiking shoes and a sweater/jacket amazing shapes and ancient history of this fauna and amazing landscapes with From the most south-eastern portion (temperature inside the caves: 12.5/13°C), fragile underground world safely guided lookouts reaching the Adriatic Sea. This comfortable clothes and rain coat of the Romagna messinian gypsum in a real adventure you will not forget! adventure in nature will end tasting the according to weather conditions geological formation, to the deep DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy to medium/ minimum SEASON: from April to October amazing traditional food in a local tavern. heart of the Romagna Gyspum Vein. age 8 years old for the speleological visit, TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 2 days SEASON: all year – for further details, This tour will allow you to discover maximum age according to physical MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: minimum 10 please contact IF tourism company the beauties of Onferno Cave, travelling conditions – no restrictions for the EQUIPMENT: hiking shoes and a sweater/jacket TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 1 day (temperature inside the caves: 12.5/13°C), along the incredible landscapes remaining activities MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: minimum 15 ACCOMMODATION: 1 night and 1 meal in a local comfortable clothes and rain coat EQUIPMENT: hiking shoes and a sweater/jacket of the Romagna area, discover the tavern - 1 night and one meal in a according to weather conditions (temperature inside the caves: 12°C), archaeological findings of Re Tiberio farmhouse - 1 night and 1 meal in a refuge DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy/minimum 8 years old comfortable clothes and rain coat Cave and live a real caving experience INFO AND BOOKING: Imola Faenza for caving visit, maximum age according according to weather conditions with local caving guides in Tanaccia Cave. Tourism Company to physical conditions – no restriction DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy to medium/minimum for the remaining activities A four days full immersion in nature, [email protected]; +39 0546 71044 3 years old/maximum age according ACCOMMODATION: 1 night in hotel/farmhouse to physical conditions culture, art, history and traditional food – meals in local taverns ACCOMMODATION: none will surprise you with the varieties of INFO AND BOOKING: Imola Faenza INFO AND BOOKING: Imola Faenza activities and landscapes of this region. Tourism Company Tourism Company [email protected]; +39 0542 25413 [email protected]; +39 0546 71044 6 7

VELEBIT NATURE PARK www.pp-velebit.hr VELEBIT NATURE PARK PUBLIC INSTITUTION Kaniža Gospićka 4b, Gospić +385 (0)53 560 450

CROATIA Cerovac Caves, located in the south part of the Velebit Nature Park, are one of the best known and most important speleological sites in Croatia. The complex is comprised of three caves (Lower, Middle and Upper Cave) containing a total of 7 kilometres of explored passages. The first 700 meters of Lower and Upper Caves. Cerovac Caves abound in finds from the ancient past. In addition to being an important archaeological locality, the caves are also one of the largest cave bear sites.

Cerovac Caves Barać Caves - Grabovac Caves - Cerovac Caves

Tourist package will be organized in a SEASON: recommended from April Tourist package consists of visiting three SEASON: recommended from April manner which emphasizes natural and to October (3) caves which represent the karst area to October cultural heritage of Velebit mountain. TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 3 hours in the Lika-Senj, Karlovac and Zadar TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 2 days (each cave 1h 30`) (Barać cave – 1h, Samograd cave 1h 30`, Cerovac caves – Upper and Lower Cave - County. Along the route, visitors will pass MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: maximum 30 Cerovac caves 3h) are the main points for visiting. Cerovac EQUIPMENT: obligatory sport shoes, t-shirt near Velebit, mythical Croatian mountain. MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 30 – 45 caves – the longest cave system in and long sleeved shirt/light jacket Structure of tourist visit contains visit EQUIPMENT: obligatory sport shoes, t-shirt Croatia – are rich in cave ornaments and DIFFICULTY/AGE: medium, 10-70 years old to the show caves with professionally and long sleeved shirt/light jacket other speleological structures. ACCOMMODATION: none - lunch provided organised guides for tourists. During the DIFFICULTY/AGE: medium, 10-70 INFO AND BOOKING: [email protected] ACCOMMODATION: hotel in Gospić Along with tasting of local products, +385 53 560450 visit of Barać, Grabovac and Cerovac caves, + 2 lunches and dinner visitors will be able to enjoy natural tourist will experience rich speleological INFO AND BOOKING: [email protected] phenomena of Krupa canyon and listen ornaments and get information about +385 53 560450 to the romantic story of Kuda`s bridge. geological history of caves.

8 9 CANTONAL INSTITUTION FOR PROTECTED AREAS Bijambare bb, Nisici, Canton Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina Contact person: Ms Harita Čolaković, Forest Engineer +387(0)33 201-112 www.zppks.ba/bijambare/ o-podrucju

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Bijambare Speleological Area is a protected natural site located approximately 40 km northeast of Sarajevo on Sarajevo-Tuzla Highway. It is a speleological complex surrounded by thick conifer forest, two brooks, small lakes, several springs and a great variety of mushrooms, medicinal herbs and some rare endemic species. The area is Nature meets history Day 2. ideal for outdoor picnics, hunting, fishing, hiking and speleological research. The complex is comprised of several caves but only three are open to visitors, allowing multi-day tour A tour of the Old Town of Vareš will surprise to explore this interesting underground world rich in wildlife and archaeological find- to Bijambare area you with its historical and sacral buildings. Next destination will be the Old Town ings. The most popular cave is Srednja Bijambarska pećina also known as Middle Bijam- Day 1. bare Cave which is over 400 m long with four chambers ornamented with stalactites, Bobovac - Royal City of Bobovac (central curtains and stalagmites. Starting from Sarajevo, you will be Bosnia), a historical place mentioned since transferred to the Bijambare protected 1350 AD and raised by Stjepan II Kotromanić landscape where you will be guided to in the first half of the 14th century In this An exciting day discover and explore the natural and place three of the most crucial Bosnian historical features of Bijambare Caves kings are buried: Stjepan Ostoja, on Bijambare and the natural area in a mixture of Tvrtko II Kotromanić and Stjepan Tomaš. Starting from Sarajevo, you will be A light walk will lead you to experience untouched nature and witnesses of a The seat of the Bosnian rulers remained transferred to the Bijambare protected the Old town Dubrovnik. distant past like the monumental tumble from Ban Stjepan II Kotromanić, through landscape parking where we will reach Tourist will have the opportunity to get stones. A traditional lunch will wait for all the kings of Bosnia, until the end the market place in the heart of the to know the history of this place and the you in a rural houshold on the road to of Bosnian independence and Turkish Bijambare protected area thanks to a tradition of such a town. Vareš (Mountain Zvijezda) and the journey occupation 1463. characteristic eco train. After a Coffee/ across the Zvijezda Mountain will allow SEASON: from April to November SEASON: from April to October tea break at the Bijambare mountain (recommended from May to September) you to discover the hidden forest Obelisk (recommended from May to September) house you will be guided to discover TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 1 day Balići, the bridge on the River Olja and the TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 2 days MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 10 - 30 the natural and historical features of MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 15 – 50 famous Ponikve tunnel and Očevije EQUIPMENT: it is recommended to wear Bijambare Caves. Then, a short hike EQUIPMENT: it is recommended to wear the oldest village of the area, to endup sneakers or hiking shoes sneakers or hiking shoes will alllow you to explore the protected in a rural houshold for overnight stay. DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy DIFFICULTY/AGE: need good physical readiness natural area in a mixture of untouched ACCOMMODATION: hotel ACCOMMODATION: Rural household nature and witnesses of a distant past INFO AND BOOKING: Invictatravel INFO AND BOOKING: Funky tours, like the monumental tumble stones. Ćumurija 5, Sarajevo 71000 Besarina Čikma 5, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina After the tour in the protected natural 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Sunday WApp: +387 61 360 236 +387.62.612.612 area we will leave in direction of the old WApp: +387 61 770 598 [email protected] city Dubrovnik – Historical place. [email protected] sarajevofunkytours.com

10 11 CITY OF CACAK DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT Župana Stracimira 2 32000 Čačak, Serbia www.cacak.org.rs

SERBIA Day 2. Day 2. Between the steep slopes of Ovčar and Kablar mountains a 19 km long gorge is made by After visiting the Blagovestenje monastery After visiting the Blagovestenje the West Morava River. As an area of exceptional features, untouched environment and (Ovcar Spa) in the morning, we will reach monastery (Ovcar Spa) in the morning, cultural and historical heritage, Ovčar-Kablar gorge, provides a unique experience to the the top of Kablar mountain, where a unique we will reach the top of Kablar mountain, lovers of natural and historical values. On the right bank of the West Morava the Kadjenica landscape will open up over the Western where a unique landscape will open up Cave is found. Baptism and flaunted wall at the cave entrance, the name of the cave and Morava while being surrounded by the over the Western Morava while being its interior, indicate the starvation occurred here more than two centuries ago. atmosphere of an untouched environment. surrounded by the atmosphere of an On the cliffs of Kablar, Turčinovac cave, another witness of the same historical period, You will be amazed vy the sight over untouched environment. A visit to Nikolje attracts eyes and arouses curiosity from a height of 40 m! Hidden and remote from the Shumadija, the Jelica mountain, Cacak monastery will follow to end up in a scenic civilization, the Kadjenica and Turčinovac caves keep searing stories from the distant and Ljubic hill. Back to the Ovcar Spa, ride on a catamaran across the Western past, contributing to the cultural and historical wealth of the Ovčar-Kablar gorge. we will visit the Nikolje monastery. A scenic Morava meanders. ride on a catamaran across the Western Day 3. Morava meanders will be the perfect One day program MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 15 – 50 closure of this 2 days trip. Adventure day! From Ovcar Spa EQUIPMENT: it is recommended to wear we will reach Turcinovac Cave walking Departure of the group in the morning sneakers or hiking shoes SEASON: from April to October (recommended from May to September) a challenging hike and a “Via Ferrata” from Ovčar spa. Walking along the coast DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 2 days for the bravest and the most curious, we reach the Kadjenica cave. In addition ACCOMMODATION: none MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 15 – 50 hanging on a fixed rope surrounded by an to the unsettling story more than two INFO AND BOOKING: TA “Lazena” - Jezevica, Cacak, 063 55 98 08 EQUIPMENT: it is recommended to wear amazing view. On the way back, there centuries old, we will visit one of the sneakers or hiking shoes is another adventure: ZIP LINE down oldest underground branches in Serbia. DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy to the Morava basin... a triumphant finish! Then, entering in the canyon Streem Two day program ACCOMMODATION: Wellness Center INFO AND BOOKING: TA “Lazena” - Jezevica, of the Spa (Banjski potok). A short break SEASON: from April to October Day 1. Cacak, 063 55 98 08 for enjoying in the unusual surroundings (recommended from May to September) TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 3 days of this uncommon right tributary of the Departure of the group in the morning MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 15 – 50 West Morava. Over the walking path, from Ovčar spa. An easy walk will lead Three day program EQUIPMENT: it is recommended to wear through the thick forest, we walk to the Kadjenica Cave first and then Day 1. sneakers or hiking shoes (necessary to the monastery of the Holy Trinity, to the canyon Streem of the Spa (Banjski equipment for climbing to the Turcinovac by its architecture, the most beautiful potok) surrounded by an uncommon and A scenic but easy walk along the river starting cave is provided by an alpine team) DIFFICULTY/AGE: need good physical readiness in the gorge. After visiting the monastery beatutiful landscape. A walk in the forest from Ovcar Spa, will lead you to Kadjenica and lack of fear of height cave first and to the beauties of the “Streem complex, return to Ovčar spa. will lead to St. Trinity, one of the most ACCOMMODATION: Wellness Center beautiful monastery of this gorge. of the Spa” Canyon (Banjski potok) then. INFO AND BOOKING: TA “Lazena” - Jezevica, SEASON: from April to October (recommended from May to September) After visiting the monastery complex, A vist tothe Holy Trinity, the most beautiful Cacak, 063 55 98 08 TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 1 day return to Ovcar spa. monastery of the area will follow. 12 13 LIPA CAVE LTD Lipa Dobrska no.nb. 81250 Cetinje – Crna Gora [email protected] www.lipa-cave.me

MONTENEGRO Lipa Cave is the first show cave in Montenegro offering a charming diversity of karst features, able to provide visitors a unique experience of the underground world. Lipa Cave is one of the largest cave monuments in Montenegro. The cave, with its beautiful and wild system of 2.5 km of galleries and halls is a place you must visit on your Montenegro tour. Its beauty was recognized by King Nikola I and Petar II Petro- vić-Njegoš, who played a very important role in the Montenegrin history. Various recognized explorers from 19th century left written documents on cave formations and its existence, explorations continued in 20th and 21st century. Best of Montenegro A five days full immersion into Mausoleum in Lovćen National Park Panoramas of Montenegro biggest attractions in MNE. Here you will Montenegrin villages, local museums will conclude this day. and Lipa Cave experience the underground world safely and the magnificent Lipa cave, enriched On the fourth day, after visiting the small guided by experienced guides. In less by a breathtaking daily cruise in Kotor bay village of Rijeka Crnojević , aboat cruise Walking tour in Cetinje town enriched than an hour from Lipa Cave you will enjoy and Skadar lake. A perfect mixture on Skadar lake will leave you stunned. by sightseeing at different nearby in the last panorama of the day while of local colture and natural heritage will Relaxing and free time in Karuč village locations, enriched by a visit to Lipa cave having lung in a fish restaurant along the will leave its mark on any visitor. on Skadar lake will make you experience and its magnificent underground world shore of Skadar lake. The tour concludes On the first day you will be transferred local culture and traditions. and to the wonderful Skadar lake. treturning to Cetinje from Karuč. to the tourist complex in Njeguši, visiting On day five we organize a return In one day, the “Panoramas of the birthplace of all leaders from the to the airport. SEASON: whole year excepted bad Montenegro and Lipa cave tour” will Petrović dynasty, as well as the homeland weather days SEASON: whole year excepted bad allow you to to enjoy the heart of the TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 1 day of the traditional dishy “prosciutto weather days The Royal Capital of Montenegro Cetinje MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: 12 – 18 and cheese”. TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 5 days accompanied bya full immersion in local EQUIPMENT: sneakers On the second day you will visit Boka bay, MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: minimum 30 DIFFICULTY/AGE: all ages gastronomic pleasures of the famous UNESCO-heritage Old Town of Kotor and EQUIPMENT: sneakers (children accompanied) DIFFICULTY/AGE: all ages Ivanova Korita restaurant in the Lovćen Perast village, where a small boat will wait ACCOMMODATION: none – brunch (children accompanied) National Park. We will visit Mausoleum, and lunch provided for you fora cruise to the island “Our Lady ACCOMMODATION: 4 nights in a hotel the resting place of Petar II Petrović INFO AND BOOKING: Cetinje 4you agency of the Rocks”, Budva and St. Stefan. + 4 lunches, breakfast, dinners and tasting Njegoš, located at the hilltop of mount Balšića Pazar building 2 On the third Day you will visit the INFO AND BOOKING: Cetinje 4you agency Location: Cetinje, 81 250 Lovćen. Crossing areas of incredible town of Cetinje,its museums and the Balšića Pazar building 2 +382 67335559 (Viber, WApp) Location: Cetinje, 81 250 beauty, on the way to Podgorica we will amazing natural heritage of Lipa Cave. +382 69334270 (Viber, WApp) +382 67335559 (Viber, WApp) stop at Lipa Cave, which is the first show [email protected] which is one of the major attractions +382 69334270 (Viber, WApp) caveof our country and one of the ten of Montenegro. A short hike to the [email protected] 14 15 ADMINISTRATA E ZONAVE TE MBROJTURA, SHKODËR Facebook: AdZMShkoder Instagram: adzm_shkoder www.akzm.gov.al

ALBANIA Tour of Prekali Cave Tour of Thethi - Arapi Cave The Albanides represent the central portion of the Dinaric – Hellenic belt, which is an Located in the southern part of the Located at an altitude of 1.300 m a.s.l Alpine collisional belt extending from Slovenia to Southern Greece. Albanian Alps, Prekal Cave (also known in Triassic-Jurassic carbonate rocks, The combination of local tectonics, rock composition and climate conditions have cre- as Zhylë) devolps in the karst massif Arapi Cave can be reached following ated favorable conditions for the development of karst phenomena in the Upper Tri- Cukali where intense neotectonic activity the gravel road from the Shala river to Kroi assic and Middle and Lower Jurassic geological formations. The most characteristic has deeply shaped the landscape. Surface Shtraza (Cherry Springs). From here, karst morphologies are dolines, sinkholes, caves and karren, shaping a pristine and wild karst morphologies, caves and also a hiking trail will lead you across a wooded environment. Caves are generally found at high elevations (over 600 m a.s.l.), while at nivo-karst morphologies can be discovered area to the cave entrance, which is found lower altitudes flysch deposits dominate the landscape. These cavities are character- by the most curious visitors during one on a rock wall of the Arab Mountain. ised by intricate underground pathways and are generally dry. Stalactites, stalagmites of the most beautiful bicycle trips in Thethi village, which will be visited during and columns increase the beauty and attractiveness of this underground world. Here the entire Shkodra region! After gazing this journey, will surprise tourists with its visitors can enjoy the natural beauties of the National Park “Thethi” and the territory the Middle Bridge, a paved road along the unique alpine setting. Interesting detours “Bjeshjet e Namuna” which will soon become a cross-border Park. Kir River will lead visitors to Prekal Cave. to Grunas Waterfall, Isolation Tower and the Blue Eye will immerse visitors SEASON: from April to October TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 2 days into the wild and pristine environment Tour of Razma, Dhenve SEASON: from May to October TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 3 days MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: minimum 10 of this hidden region. Cave and Moho Cave MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: minimum 10 EQUIPMENT: walking shoes and a sweater / SEASON: from June to September EQUIPMENT: mountain boots and a sweater / jacket, comfortable clothes and rain coat TOUR PACKAGE LENGHT: 4 days Mountains reaching the altitde of 1.500 m a.s.l, jacket, comfortable clothes and rain coat according to the weather conditions MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VISITORS: minimum 10 like Veleçik, Kunore and Zagora alternates according to the weather conditions (temperature inside the caves: 12.5 / 13°C) EQUIPMENT: alpine shoes and a sweater / with valleys and plains (Razma, Troshan, (temperature inside the caves: 12.5 / 13°C) DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy age for middle / minimum 15 years old for speleological visit, jacket, comfortable clothes and rain coat Fusha and Zeze) offering a unique and DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy age for middle / maximum age according to physical conditions. according to the weather conditions spectacular landscape which will amaze minimum 18 years old for speleological visits, (temperature inside the caves: 12.5 / 13°C) maximum age according to physical conditions. No restrictions on remaining activities DIFFICULTY/AGE: easy age for middle / visitors exploring this region. Mountains in the No restrictions on remaining activities ACCOMMODATION: 1 night in a hotel in Shkodra, surrounding of Razma are made of carbonate 1 meal in a local tavern minimum 15 years old for speleological visit, ACCOMMODATION: 2 nights at Razma Hotel, maximum age according to physical conditions. INFO AND BOOKING: Administration rocks which have been shaped and dissolved breakfast, dinner at the hotel. No restrictions on remaining activities Other packaged meals of Protected Areas, Shkodra by water through time leading to the ACCOMMODATION: 3 nights in local hostels INFO AND BOOKING: Preval travel & tours Facebook: AdZMShkoder development of an amazing karst landscape. Instagram: adzm_shkoder in Thethi, breakfast in the hostel. +355632029031 Other packaged meals Several caves develop in this area. Two of [email protected] www.akzm.gov.al them, Dhenve Cave, located at an altitude of INFO AND BOOKING: Administration Facebook: natyralrazmaresort (*) In case Prekal Cave will not be visitable during of Protected Areas, Shkodra 1280 m a.s.l. and Moho Cave at 1.350 m a.s.l. Instagram: natyralrazmaresort the reservation, it can be replaced with a visit to the Facebook: AdZMShkoder represent the perfect destination for the www.natyralrazmaresort.com medieval Castle of Drishti. Here we visit the museum and Instagram: adzm_shkoder adventurous visitors who will be surrounded by at the same time contemplate the wonderful landscape www.akzm.gov.al around the castle. Further information dense forests and a wonderful karst landscape. will be provided at the time of booking. 16 17 CREATE YOUR OWN INTERNATIONAL TOUR!

Start your adventure from home Contacts for visiting while planning your trip! the Adriaticaves Project karst areas Take the opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of the Majella National Park (Italy): BOOKING INFO: [email protected] Adriaticaves network while travelling www.parcomajella.it +387 61 360 236 (WApp) across the amazing countries [email protected] +387 61 770 598 (WApp) BOOKING INFO: [email protected] bordering the Adriatic Sea. Lipa Cave (Montenegro): +39 08722222199 www.lipskapecina.me Along less known itineraries +39 3291570466 [email protected] you will discover unique natural +39 085922343 BOOKING INFO: Cetinje 4you agency beauties wedged in fascinating Authority for the management of Parks ADDRESS: Balšića Pazar building 2 cultural settings. and Biodiversity - Romagna (Italy): LOCATION: Cetinje, 81 250 You can combine two or more local www.parchiromagna.it [email protected] tour packages presented by each [email protected] +382 67335559 (Viber, WApp) partner of the Adriaticaves Project BOOKING INFO: Imola-Faenza Tourism Company +382 69334270 (Viber, WApp) [email protected] according to your needs and will, City of Čačak (Serbia): +39 0546 71044 finding the travelling style www.cacak.org.rs that most suits you! Velebit Nature Park (Croatia): BOOKING INFO: TA “Lazena” - Jezevica, Cacak You can choose to travel by car, plane, www.pp-velebit.hr 063 55 98 08 [email protected] ferry or train using the closest transfer Regional Council of Shkodra (Albania): BOOKING INFO: [email protected] www.qarkushkoder.gov.al stations to the Adriaticaves locations! +385 53 560450 In the following pages you can find BOOKING INFO: Administration Cantonal Public Institution for Protected of Protected Areas, Shkodra contacts and information which Natural Areas (Bosnia and Herzegovina): akzm.gov.al can help you in the organisation www.zppks.ba Facebook: AdZMShkoder of a customised trip you will never [email protected] Instagram: adzm_shkoder forget! 18 19 Major international airports and international airports closest to the Adriaticaves sites Italy Bosnia and Herzegovina Milan: www.milanomalpensa-airport.com Sarajevo: www.sarajevo-airport.ba Bologna: www.bologna-airport.it Serbia Rimini: www.riminiairport.com Beograd: www.beg.aero/eng Ancona: www.aeroportomarche.it/en Kraljevo: www.kvo.aerodromisrbije.rs Pescara: www.abruzzoairport.com Train stations closest Useful websites Niš: www.nis-airport.com Roma: www.adr.it to the Adriaticaves sites Užice: www.aerodromponikve.rs Interrail: www.interrail.eu Croatia Italy - GYPSUM VEIN REGIONAL PARK Italy: www.trenitalia.com Montenegro Dubrovnik: www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Faenza (RA); Brisighella (RA); Podgorica: www.montenegroairports.com/ Croatia: www.prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Split: www.split-airport.hr Castel Bolognese (RA); Imola (BO) en/podgorica-airport/ Serbia: www.serbianrailways.com Zadar: www.zadar-airport.hr Tivat: www.montenegroairports.com/ Italy - ONFERNO NATURAL RESERVE Bosnia and Herzegovina: www.zfbh.ba Lošinj: www.airportmalilosinj.hr en/tivat-airport Cattolica (RN); Riccione (RN); Rimini (RN) Pula: www.airport-pula.hr Montenegro: www.zicg.me Rijeka:www.rijeka-airport.hr Albania Italy - MAJELLA NATIONAL PARK www.zcg-prevoz.me Zagreb: www.zagreb-airport.hr Tirana: www.tirana-airport.com Sulmona (AQ); Scafa – S.Valentino (PE); Albanian railways: www.hsh.com.al Popoli (PE), Pescara, Chieti Scalo (CH), Lanciano (CH) Ferryboat major lines Useful websites Croatia - VELEBIT NATURE PARK Gospič; Gračac Italy – Croatia www.gstravel.eu Pesaro – Losinj www.jadrolinija.hr/en/ferry-croatia Bosnia and Herzegovina - BIJAMBARE Ancona – Split www.snav.it/en/ NATURE RESERVE Ancona – Stari Grad www.gomoviaggi.com Sarajevo Ancona – Zadar www.gnv.it/en Serbia - ČAČAK DISTRICT Bari – Dubrovnik www.adriaferries.com/en/ (KADJENICA CAVE) www.ventourisferries.it Italy – Montenegro Čačak Bari - Bar Montenegro Italy – Albania Podgorica Ancona – Durres Albania Bari – Durres Scutari 20 21 The Adriaticaves project was This means that cave born in the frame of the wider frequentation can seriously Interreg Project ADRION, which is menace the conservation a European trasnational program of these natural environments. investing in the promotion of However it is important to let cultural exchange, environmental people visit these places, sustainability and natural and allowing them to explore, discover cultural heritage protection their beauties and understand in the Adriatic-Ionian Region. their importance and their fragility. Adriaticaves is about karst Indeed opening a cave to environment conservation the public can be a powerful through the promotion instrument for cave conservation, of sustainable tourism and the raising awareness towards diffusion of “good practices” these environments among the of cave management. Caves wide public, contributing to are fascinating and extremely a correct scientific divulgation delicate environments. while improving knowledge Far from the surface, they and respect towards these appear like a “world apart” environments. with its own fragile ecosystem. Adriaticaves project is focused Their scientific importance is on this direction: creating enormous from both a biological a network of caves which and a geological point of view. have in common a series of These environments are “good practices” of sustainable extremely fragile and any management of these artificial modification introduced environments, raising awareness in their delicate equilibrium can towards cave conservation seriously threaten and destroy and promote a more sustainable these important heritages. tourism.

22 23 ADRIATICAVES PROJECT PARTNERS

IT, ITALY Majella National Park via Occidentale 6, 66016 Guardiagrele (Chieti) ph. +39 086425701 [email protected] • www.parcomajella.it

AL, ALBANIA Regional Council of Shkodra Nentori 28, 4001 Shkodër www.qarkushkoder.gov.al

BA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas Branilaca Sarajeva 28, 71000 Sarajevo www.zppks.ba

ME, MONTENEGRO TC Lipa cave ltd Lipa Dobrska bb, 81250 Cetinje ph. +382 (0) 67 61 42 22 [email protected] • www.lipa-cave.me

HR, HRVATSKA Velebit Nature Park Public Institution Kaniža Gospićka 4b, 53000 Gospić ph. +385 053/560-450 www.pp-velebit.hr

RS, SERBIA City of Cacak

Župana Stracimira 2, 32000 Čačak in 2020 - agenziaimage.com updated www.cacak.org.rs This document has been produced with the financial assistance IT, ITALY of the European Union. Authority for the Management The content of the document is the sole of Parks and Biodiversity-Romagna responsibility of all Adriaticaves via Aldo Moro 2, 48025 Riolo Terme Project Partners and can under no circumstances be regarded ph. +39 054677404 as reflecting the position of the www.parchiromagna.it European Union and/or ADRION programme authorities. 24