An Insider’s Look at Island Hopping in Magical Croatia
- Group Dynamics: The program fosters a strong sense of community, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples and friends alike.
- Pacing and Physicality: Expect moderate walking on varied terrain, including cobblestones and stairs. The "Keep the Pace" level is accurate, with daily steps averaging around 9,800.
- Practical Tips: Be prepared with cash (euros) for taxis and other small expenses, as credit cards are not always accepted. Packing your own washcloth and motion sickness medication is also recommended.
- Authentic Experience: The journey offers a rich blend of structured learning with local experts and free time to explore, providing an authentic and memorable taste of Croatia's culture and history.
I recently returned from the Island Hopping in Magical Croatia learning adventure, and it was an experience worth sharing. Our group of 24 was a wonderful mix of participants — six solos (like me), three pairs of friends and six couples. We all got along famously, which created a fun, engaging and interesting atmosphere right from the start.
Our Group Leader, Andrea, was the heart of our journey — knowledgeable, approachable and unfailingly good-humored. We were also joined by numerous excellent local experts who added depth and context, bringing Croatia's rich history to life. The program was everything Road Scholar promised, and I left with a deep appreciation for this beautiful country.
Adriatic Sea
A Journey of Discovery and Friendship
I recently returned from the Island Hopping in Magical Croatia learning adventure, and it was an experience worth sharing. Our group of 24 was a wonderful mix of participants — six solos (like me), three pairs of friends and six couples. We all got along famously, which created a fun, engaging and interesting atmosphere right from the start.
Our Group Leader, Andrea, was the heart of our journey — knowledgeable, approachable and unfailingly good-humored. We were also joined by numerous excellent local experts who added depth and context, bringing Croatia's rich history to life. The program was everything Road Scholar promised, and I left with a deep appreciation for this beautiful country.
Vidova Gora
Finding Your Footing: The Pace and the Path
This program is accurately rated at the "Keep the Pace" level. I averaged just under 9,800 steps per day, including optional exploring during my free time. Walking often took place on cobblestone streets, along with frequent stairs, some with rails and some without, plus a few short uphill stretches. The overall pace stayed moderate and consistent.
A few logistical points to note:
- Ferries: Carrying luggage on and off ferries felt manageable, though some ramps were short and steep.
- Bus travel: On a couple of days, we spent extended time on buses along winding mountain roads. For participants prone to motion sickness, preparation matters. I was glad to have Dramamine on hand.
- Weather: We had ideal conditions throughout the program, which made ferry crossings smooth and scenic.
Peka, a traditional Croatian meal.
A Taste of Authentic Croatia
Food played such a meaningful role in this experience. Several meals stood out as memorable and thoughtfully prepared, offering a strong sense of local cuisine. A few hotel buffet meals felt less distinctive, though group lunches and dinners often included local aperitifs and wine — a wonderful regional touch that I appreciated.
Practical Tips for Your Croatian Adventure
A few details that future participants may find helpful:
- Accommodations: All hotels were clean, comfortable and well located. The hotel in Trogir was older but adequate and within easy walking distance of Old Town. Locations made independent exploring easy during free time.
- Room amenities: Only one hotel had a tea kettle. Washcloths were not provided, so packing one proved useful.
- Transportation and cash: Since I arranged my own airfare, I paid €45 for a short taxi ride from the Trogir airport to the first hotel. Credit cards were not accepted, so euros were essential. At the end of the program, Andrea arranged a transfer to the Dubrovnik airport for €40.
- Money matters: With the U.S. dollar weaker against the euro, meals on your own added up quickly.
Dubrovnik
Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking
Overall, the program was well-paced and a fantastic experience. While I tend to prefer more structured time, others in the group valued the stretches of independent exploration. But both approaches fit well within the program design. It was a journey filled with learning, discovery and the joy of great company.
This review was written by Ruth Griggs, a Road Scholar participant, and has been lightly edited for clarity and format.
Ready to start your own Croatian adventure? Explore our "Island Hopping in Magical Croatia" program and other learning adventures in the region today!
