Croatia

Introduction

Welcome to Croatia!

Croatia’s wonderful climate, picturesque ports, amazing cultural cities, and stunning islands have made it one of Europe’s must-visit destinations.

Explore Croatia by hopping on ferries from one island to another. Discover the unique history and culture of each destination as you mix in with the locals and explore the alleyways of old towns.

Visit traditional villages to tour vineyards that produce unique wines found nowhere else in the world. Feast on authentic Croatian cuisines and fresh seafood at tiny cafes and small eateries next to the sea.

Duration: 8 days & 7 nights

Start: Please be ready to go at Split International Airport (SPU) at 4:00 p.m.
This will ensure included transportation.

Finish: Trip ends in Dubrovnik, Croatia at any time on Day 8.
Travelers are responsible for their own transportation back to the airport or they can choose to extend their stay.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

What's Included

  • 8 days & 7 nights shared accommodations in boutique hotel rooms and apartments
  • 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, & 4 dinners
  • Guided walking tour of Split
  • Sea kayaking and snorkeling experience in Split
  • Orientation walk through Old Town Hvar
  • Transportation to Pokonji dol Beach
  • Private speed boat day trip to Blue Cave and Vis island
  • Snorkeling off the coast of Vis island
  • Orientation walk through Korcula’s old town
  • Visit the village of Pupant
  • Homemade meal in a traditional family restaurant in Pupant village
  • Day trip to Lumbarda village
  • Wine tasting in the village of Lumbarda
  • Opportunity to taste the unique Black Wine, Dingac
  • View the famous stone walls of Stona village
  • Oyster tasting
  • Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik
  • Private airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Over30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
  • Access to the Over30Experiences Community
  • Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Croatia.
Public transportation and optional activities are not included.

Highlights

  • Sea kayaking and snorkeling in Split
  • Experiencing Diocletian’s Palace
  • Full day speed boat tour around Vis Island
  • Indulging in delicious Croatian cuisine
  • Tasting locally produced wines
  • Uncovering Croatia’s unique history

Is this Trip for You?

This trip is a great combination of discovering Croatia’s in-depth history while mixing in adventurous activities such as kayaking and snorkeling. There are built-in days to relax on the beach, explore the unique infrastructures of each island’s historic town center, and have opportunities to interact with traditional and modern Croatian life.

There will be multiple ferry rides, often departing early in the morning, as you travel between the islands of Split, Hvar, and Korcula. On day 7, there is a longer van ride as you make your way to Dubrovnik, though this will be broken up with stops along the way.

This trip involves a decent amount of walking as you will be exploring the historic old towns by foot and visiting rural villages outside of the main towns. 

-Age requirement: 30s & 40's
-Group size: 16 max, average 15
-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities include physical activity like walking, kayaking, and swimming. Expect to be active for up to 4-6 hours each day.

Travel Community

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals

Breakfast will be served at your hotel in Split, Korcula, and Dubrovnik. During your stay in Hvar, there are cafes, bakeries, and small eateries near the apartments where you will be staying. Dinners will be in local restaurants serving Croatian cuisine recommended by your local Trip Leader.

Sample Breakfast Menu:

  • Continental style breakfast (pastries, fruits, toast, coffee)
  • Cold cuts (sausage, salami, ham)
  • Morning cornflakes or other cereal

Sample Dinner Menu:‍

  • Grilled fish (do not expect it to be deboned)
  • A variety of risottos and pasta
  • Meat dishes with lamb being the most popular
  • Pašticada, a braised beef dish cooked in a fragrant sweet and sour sauce

Transportation

You will be traveling by private ground transportation and economy class ferries throughout your trip.

Private ground transportation to the airport (included)
Private ground transportation to and from your accommodation and activities (included)
Economy class ferries from Split to Hvar to Korcula to Peljesac peninsula (included)

Some optional activities do not include transportation.

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms in Split, Korcula, and Dubrovnik. In Hvar you will be staying in apartment-style accommodations.

Laundry is available at the hotel in Split and Dubrovnik for an additional fee. In Hvar, there are local vendors that provide laundry services. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality. Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender. Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible

Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Over30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Packing List

Please be eco-friendly!

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
  • Bring a reusable straw to limit the use of single-use plastic waste.
  • Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
  • Bring "reef safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. As a note, the towns you will be visiting are quite old and you will encounter a decent amount of big stairs.  Traveling with suitcases on wheels can be challenging in these towns.

A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with!  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.

Do not forget a water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Over30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Passport & Visas

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last day of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.

The tap water in Croatia is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Croatia beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Croatia from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Covid-19, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.  

More specific Health information for Travelers to Croatia can be found at the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Money & Currency

We suggest bringing 400 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of Croatia is the Croatian kuna (HRK).

Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

US Citizens please consider registering with the US Department of State “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.

Weather

Croatia is divided into two principal climate regions--Mediterranean and Continental.

The Adriatic coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Summer temperatures range on average from 78 to 86 Fahrenheit (26 to 30 Celsius) in the coastal region, 71 to 78 Fahrenheit (22 to 26 Celsius) in the continental region.

cultural information

Key Phrases

  • Hello -- Bohk
  • Good morning -- Dobro jutro (doh-broh you-troh)
  • Excuse me -- oh-pro-sti-teh
  • How are you? -- Kako ste (kah-koh steh)
  • Thank you -- Hvala
  • Please -- moh-leem
  • A beer -- Pivo

Optional Activities

Due to the nature of this trip there will not be a lot of time for optional activities.  However, if you would like to arrive early or stay later, there are plenty of optional activities in Croatia and the surrounding countries.

General Rules

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

Hostel Angelina Dubrovnik
Grand Hotel Park Dubrovnik
Hotel Luxe Split
CroParadise Green Hostel Split

Still need to book your flight?

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