croatiaAND MONTENEGRO: ACTIVE VACATION DESTINATIONS 2016 dear travelers My first glimpse of Dubrovnik was in July of 2002. The car I was riding in rounded a bend on a mountain road to reveal the green hills and rocky coast of Lokrum Island below. Then Dubrovnik’s mosaic of red tile roofs and stone city walls set against the deep blue Adriatic came into view. I was captivated instantly. I bought a house, a sea kayak, and a bike and made Dubrovnik my home. I immediately fell in love with Croatia’s unspoiled Dalmatian coast. It is a true paradise for active or adventure travelers like me. In this Tamsen Resor small region the forces of nature, history, and European culture Founder converge to create a destination of beauty and wonder. I founded Adriatic Kayak Tours (AKT) to offer travelers the perfect blend of activity and relaxation in surroundings that continue to stun and charm visitors. Our flexible tours are designed to satisfy your spirit of exploration and your need for a rewarding vacation. I invite you to take this incredible journey with me and AKT. You’ll return home refreshed and energized. Sincerely, Founder table of contents our mission . .2 our tours day . .8 week-long . .10 montenegro . .20 what to expect . .22 terms and conditions . .23 to book a tour . .24 contact us . .25 visit www.adriatickayaktours.com | our mission escape Open a door to another world. Escape to a magical place where The medieval walled city of a brilliant blue sea, cascading Dubrovnik, on the east coast of waterfalls, sunlit beaches, the Adriatic Sea, has inspired stunning vistas and centuries- poets and enchanted travelers old architecture mesh with for generations. It is a jewel of modern-day cities and quaint breath taking beauty, sometimes fishing villages. called the new Riviera or the new Capri. Southern Dalmatia’s rich history, vibrant culture, and Here, in Dubrovnik, Adriatic spectacular landscape provide Kayak Tours makes its home base. the foundation for a truly We know that you will be captivated enriching and exciting by our city, our coastline, and vacation experience. our people. dobro doˇsli! welcome! 2 Let Adriatic Kayak Tours unlock the portal to one of Europe’s astronauts claim best-kept secrets. We invite you to that the Adriatic Sea, explore and discover the wonders of this incredible paradise with us. when viewed from Combine sea kayaking in Croatia, outer space, is the cleanest rafting Montenegro’s Tara River, and bluest sea on the planet. and hiking Albania’s remote mountain trails for the ultimate Balkan adventure experience. Visit the AKT web site for information on additional tour offers. visit www.adriatickayaktours.com 3 | our mission explore Adriatic Kayak Tours believes in the holistic approach to travel. What better way to explore the Explore for just a day or several Chart your own course — what unspoiled wonders of a coastal days — it’s up to you. you’ll find are pleasant surprises! region than to paddle its Travel for a day or for a week. It’s The experience is yours. Our tours coastline? Enjoy warm your vacation, so you choose the allow you to uncover the special Mediterranean sunshine, itinerary that suits you best. But attributes of each island — with a crystal blue Adriatic waters, know, you’ll always benefit from little guidance from our local AKT delicious regional cuisine, our vast knowledge of the area; experts of course. warm hospitality, quaint, but its secret pathways, hidden modern accommodations and Whether your interest is in learning treasures and rare finds. In this the emotional and physical first-hand about the islands’ natural scenic landscape, you will actively satisfaction of leaving the ecosystems, taking a morning stroll participate in discovering the vast hustle and bustle of the to a local farmer’s market, visiting beauty of each location and its mundane behind. Let AKT’s Dalmatia’s myriad of historical people. We offer a variety of trips experts show you the true landmarks, or simply enjoying featuring different islands, paddling pleasures of an active vacation. kava (coffee) at a local café-bar, distances and specialized activities. you are sure to end your day One of your own choosing. We invite you to see a detailed feeling enriched and invigorated. On your own terms. listing of all of our tour offerings At your own pace. beginning on page 8. 4 Personalized tours for all types Provisions for experts. of persons. We are pleased to outfit advanced For advanced kayakers or novices, kayakers and traveling groups we have trips tailored to your who wish to explore the region on specific needs and goals. We their own. We provide equipment provide all necessary equipment rentals and other specialized and introductory lessons in shallow, services. Please contact us directly protected bays. We supply the for rates and further details. latest equipment, accommodations, and itineraries to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. See page 22 for further details on Croatia has one of the ten what we provide and what you’ll deepest underground cave need to enjoy your AKT experience to the fullest. systems in the world. visit www.adriatickayaktours.com 5 | our mission experience Experience the beauty of the Adriatic coast with our knowledgeable guides. Let AKT be your guide to addition to being skilled kayakers unlocking the wonders of this and nature guides; they are well magnificent region. Travel with us versed in local history, culture to discover the cultural textures, and folklore. Because tour groups lush landscapes, unique marine life are small, we offer a highly and rich history of Dubrovnik and personalized experience tailored the surrounding islands. AKT to each group’s goals. experts are from the area, in 6 The AKT travel experience includes all the necessary equipment. We use American Wilderness Systems, UK P&H, German Prijon, and Canadian Necky tour- ing kayaks with rudders. We have both single and double kayaks as well as a range of beginner, intermediate, and advanced kayaks. Paddles, spray skirts, life vests, dry bags, water shoes, and snorkeling gear are standard issue. the island of Lokrum or a week- On our cycling tours, we provide long, island-hopping tour, know Trek 7.2 FX hybrid bikes with you will find your active tour a small handlebar bags. Rear racks truly worthwhile experience. and bike helmets are available. Choose your ultimate vacation Have the experience of a lifetime — experience — pick your tour. no previous kayaking experience is necessary. Our tour options are flexible, accommodating and fun. We We keep group sizes small, so you encourage you to tailor a tour to and your fellow kayakers will get your individual preferences, skill the individual attention necessary set and goals. to ensure that your trip is a safe, comfortable and enriching adventure. We accommodate trip levels from novice to advanced and offer In the summer months the many tour options. Whether it’s a leisurely half-day paddle to the water temperature beaches and botanical gardens on in Dalmatia reaches 27° C (81° F). visit www.adriatickayaktours.com 7 Day Tours | our tours Half and full-day tours cater to Half-Day Tours Konavle Hike and Vineyard Tour vacationers who have already TrekChoose well-maintained from one of two trails scenic on hikes a crest in above chosen Dubrovnik as their holiday Zaton Bay and Beyond theKonavle Konavle Valley; valley, climb a a lush ridge valley on the wedged Croatian- destination and want an active and Just 10 km north of Dubrovnik, Zaton Bay betweenBosnian border the mountains (spring and and fall) the for seadramatic south engaging way to experience the is a place of natural beauty and tranquility. ofviews Dubrovnik. of the surrounding Every step countryside atop the Strazisce and sea, or hug the coastal cliff trail to discover one of region. Kayak tours offer visitors The deep bay, surrounded by mountain hill reveals a new panorama of the the Adriatic’s most beautiful and secluded ridges, offers kayakers natural protection Montenegrin mountains, Bosnian country- the opportunity to venture to small beaches (summer). Both hikes include from Dalmatia’s coastal winds and calm side and the islands of Southern Dalmatia. islands away from Dubrovnik’s panoramic views of Montenegro’s mountains, tourist crowds. Hiking and biking safe paddling waters, free of Dubrovnik’s rural hilltop villages in southern Croatia and in Konavle, a fertile valley wedged busy motorboat traffic. Bosnia, and the sea and islands. between the mountains and the sea, A paddle around the bay reveals an old After a short hike, visit a family owned offers visitors a chance to enjoy stone mill fed by bubbling underground vineyard and cellar for a light lunch of Dalmatia’s inland nature springs, aristocratic villas from Dubrovnik’s local prosciutto, cheese, figs, salad, and and to sample the region’s Renaissance, and three small villages with olive oil, accompanied by a wine making local specialties. seaside konobas (cafés) to stop for a cold presentation and tasting. Varieties include drink. Beyond the bay paddlers are Merlot, white Dubrovnik Malvasia, and Touring by kayak gives you an rewarded with views of the near-by Elafiti Cabernet Sauvignon. intimate view of Dalmatia. The Islands and a rugged coastline of towering Easy, 7 km islands are small and close cliffs and caves. Paddle to a secluded cove Departures from AKT Office together, so paddling by kayak is set in steep coastal cliffs—a perfect spot Half-Day Tour* 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. an ideal way see a great deal in to swim, snorkel, cliff-jump, and relax. 450Kn / €58 / US$64 / £43 a single day.