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Croatia

Island Hopping in Magical Croatia

Program No. 22150RJ
The coast of Croatia is nearly 10% national park and boasts the most preserved fortification system in Europe. Come explore with the experts and during plenty of time on your own!
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Start
Small Group
Length
12 days
Rating (4.96)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,999
Flights start at
1,150
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
20 meals ( 9B, 5L, 6D )
3 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Check-in available from 3:00 PM. This program is not suitable for participants using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility assistance devices.
Dinner:
At hotel restaurant we’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
This program is not suitable for participants using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers. Today’s activities include walking up to 3 miles on uneven, cobblestone streets. There are long periods of standing, some stairs without railings. The drive from Trogir to Split is 30 minutes each way, approximately 15 miles distance.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin our day with a lecture from a local expert about magical Croatia. We will then board our bus and transfer towards nearby Split, the largest city in Dalmatia and the second-largest in all of Croatia. Originally founded as a Greek colony called Aspalathos in the 2nd century BC, the city is famous as the location of Diocletian’s Palace – the palace and fortress of Roman Emperor Diocletian shortly after abdicating the throne at the turn of the 4th century AD. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this palace is considered one of the most significant monuments of the Roman Era. It’s remain lie on what is considered the old town of Split, and after our visit, we will continue our exploration of the old town by visiting the Peristyle, the Cathedral, and some of the majestic statues of Ivan Mestrovic – the greatest Croatian sculptor of the 20th century. Later, enjoy some free time to explore Split on your own.
Lunch:
On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon:
We will transfer by bus back to Trogir, where our Group Leader will give us a walking tour of the small town and its beautiful Venetian architecture. Spend some time exploring the town on your own, before making your way back to the hotel on foot.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include walking up to 2 miles on uneven, cobblestone streets. There are long periods of standing. The drive from Trogir to port in Split is 30 minutes long, participants must be able to get on/off ferries on their own. The ferry ride to Supetar is approximately 1 hour. Bus ride to Pucisca is 30 minutes, it is an additional 30 minutes to Bol. Note: Local factors including weather could affect the ferry schedule.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check-out of the hotel and transfer by bus to the port in Split, where we will board a ferry to the island of Brac. The island of Brac is famous for its radiant white stones, used to build the iconic Diocletian Palace of Split and according to some, were even used in the construction of the Parliament House of Vienna and the White House in Washington D.C. Upon arrival to the port of Supetar, we will drive via bus to the nearby town of Pucisca, where will visit a local stonemason school and learn how the island’s beautiful, white stones are cut.
Lunch:
At a local village.
Afternoon:
We will transfer by bus to the city of Bol, where we will check-in to our new hotel. The drive from Pucisca to Bol is a scenic journey winding through olive groves, vineyards, and rugged limestone landscapes, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the famous Zlatni Rat beach as you descend toward Bol. Take some time to settle into your rooms and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include walking up to 2 miles on uneven, cobblestone streets. There are long periods of standing, some stairs without railings. The drive from Bol to Skrip is approximately 40 minutes, it is another 20 minutes to Vidova Gora. To make it to the panoramic spot at Vidova Gora, participants need to walk 500 yards uphill on rough terrain without railings. Note: In the event of bad weather, we will not be able to drive up Vidova Gora.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning is set to immerse into the island life by learning about its past and present. Brac, the largest island in central Dalmatia, is known for its rugged limestone terrain, dense pine forests, and fertile valleys where olives and vines have been cultivated for centuries. Historically inhabited since prehistoric times, with Illyrians, Romans, and Venetians leaving their mark, the island's rich past comes to life as we board our bus and ride to Skrip, the oldest settlement on Brac, to explore its history. We will visit a local museum, where a collection of photographs, books and other archaeological findings will give us insight into life on Brac in the past days. The museum itself is located in the former castle. In the same village we will visit a family-owned olive oil farm, where we will enjoy a short history lesson alongside a tasting of local olive oil.
Lunch:
At a local, family-run, olive oil farm.
Afternoon:
Next, we will take scenic drive up towards Vidova Gora, the highest peak on all of the Adriatic islands (2,552 ft), to enjoy a spectacular view of the Adriatic Sea. Our Group Leader will provide running commentary during this field trip, and we will then return to the hotel by bus.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start. Today’s activities include walking up to 3 miles on uneven, cobblestone streets. There are long periods of standing, some stairs without railings. Today we will have early start to board the fast ferry ride from Bol to Hvar is approximately 1 hour. If winds are too strong, fast ferries do not run. In this case, the ride will take 2.5 hours. Porterage is not included on this ferry, participants must carry their own luggage onboard, in and off the ferry.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and take a bus ride to the port, where we will board a fast ferry to the island of Hvar. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Hvar Town — a center of Adriatic civilization and trade for thousands of years — was besieged by pirates. Hvar’s people sought protection from the Venetians, resulting in a new era of prosperity that enriched its cultural heritage. Today, we will see ancient walls, Gothic palaces, and stone paved streets. Led by a local expert, we will walk passing the Arsenal – described by the Venetians as “the most beautiful and the most useful building in the whole of Dalmatia” – that includes the first theater in the western world open to all classes (built in 1612). We’ll continue across the old town square, the largest in Dalmatia, to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, completed in the 18th Century on a 6th Century church site, followed by the Franciscan monastery. Upon arrival, we will set out on an expert-led walking field trip to see impressive stone carvings and old architecture of Hvar Town while learning about its time under Venetian rule.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We’ll have some time for independent exploration to see what interests each of us most in Hvar Town. Among the fascinating sites are Gothic palaces, the city wall, and the Arsenal building that housed the first public theater in Europe. We will rendezvous at an announced time and place, walk to our hotel and check in, then gather for a lecture by a local expert on Croatia’s maritime history.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include walking up to 3 miles on uneven, cobblestone streets. There are long periods of standing, some stairs without railings. The drive from Hvar Town to Stari Grad is approximately 30 minutes each way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our bus and take a scenic drive towards Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Originally called Faros, this town was first settled by travelers from the Greek island of Paros in 384 BC. It served as the military and administrative center of the island until the 13th century, when the Venetian Empire decided to move it towards Lesina (modern day Hvar Town). The old center was then renamed Cittavecchia, or “old town” in Italian, and then became known as Stari Grad, or “old town” in Croatian. Led by our Group Leader, we will enjoy a walking field trip of the old town, noting its iconic orange-tiled rooftops and narrow alleys. Adding to its unique charm are numerous art galleries, run by local artists as well as those drawn to this peaceful and inspiring place.
Lunch:
At a local village.
Afternoon:
On our way back to Hvar Town, we will take a detour to visit another local village renown for the Renaissance and Baroque style of its stone buildings and churches. Walking along narrow stone streets, our Group Leader will teach us about the various influences that built this unique architecture. After our visit, we will make our way back to our hotel, where we will enjoy some free time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include walking up to 2 miles on uneven, cobblestone streets. There are long periods of standing, some stairs without railings. The fast ferry ride from Hvar to Korcula is approximately 1 hour. If winds are too strong, fast ferries do not run. In this case, the ride will take 3 hours. Porterage is not included on this ferry, participants must carry their own luggage onboard, in and off the ferry.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check out of our hotel and walk to the port, where we will board a fast ferry to the island of Korcula. Once there, we will set out on a walking field trip in the Old Town. This historic site sits on a fortified point jutting out into the sea, and its stone buildings with red tile roofs create one of the most picturesque images along the Croatian coastline. Often referred to as a 'mini Dubrovnik,' Korcula’s Old Town is laid out in a unique fishbone pattern, designed to provide both ventilation and protection from strong winds. Among the most significant sites we will visit are Saint Mark’s Cathedral, an impressive example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, and the Town Museum, which showcases cultural and commercial milestones from prehistory to the present. The collections include traditional crafts such as masonry and shipbuilding, as well as household objects representing daily life. As we walk through its narrow streets, we will also gain insight into the island’s long maritime history and its possible connection to the famous explorer Marco Polo, who is believed by some to have been born here.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will have some for independent exploration in the Old Town of Korcula. We will rendezvous at an announced time and place, walk to our hotel, and check in.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include walking up to 2 miles on uneven, cobblestone streets. There are long periods of standing. The small boat ride from Korcula to Peljesac is approximately 20 minutes. Bus drive from Peljesac to Ston is 1 hour, it is then another 1 hour to Dubrovnik, with total distance of approximately 70 miles.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check-out of our hotel and in fron of the hotel we will board a small boat to Peljesac. We will then head via motorcoach to explore the famous Walls of Ston, which have protected the Peljesac Peninsula since the 15th century. When originally constructed, the Great Wall of Ston was 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long and one of the longest defense walls in Europe – however, centuries of battles and several earthquakes has left only 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) standing. The walls were of great importance because they protected the city as well as the prosperous salt pans of Ston, which provided over a third of all income to the Dubrovnik Republic. As part of a walking excursion of the town, our group leader will teach us about the longstanding legacy of harvesting salt that exists in this region to this day. After, we will board our motorcoach for a short ride to nearby Mali Ston, or “little Ston”. In addition to their historical importance, the bay's calm waters and rich marine life make it a vital area for sustainable aquaculture and a diverse ecosystem. The bay is one of the most important areas in Croatia for the cultivation of oysters and mussels, where the unique blend of freshwater from the Neretva River and the saltwater from the Adriatic creates an optimal habitat for shellfish. Naturally, we will visit oyster farm.
Lunch:
An oyster tasting in Mali Ston.
Afternoon:
Transfer via motorcoach to the city of Dubrovnik. Upon arrival we will check-in to our hotel and have some time to settle into our rooms and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include walking up to 3 miles on uneven, cobblestone streets. There are long periods of standing, some stairs without railings. Bus ride from hotel to Old Town is approximately 15 minutes, participants will be given instructions to make their own way back to the hotel via public bus after their independent exploration of town.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin our morning with a lecture by a local expert on a local topic. We will then take a public bus to the Old Town of Dubrovnik for a walking field trip. Surrounded by its famous city walls, Dubrovnik is a city where culture and history thrive harmoniously with modern life. Originally known as Ragusa, the city dates back to the 7th century when it was founded by refugees from Epidaurum (modern-day Cavtat). Throughout its long and storied history, Dubrovnik has been under the control or influence of various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, and even ruled itself as a free city-state, known as the Republic of Ragusa, between the 14th and 19th centuries. This period of independence allowed Dubrovnik to flourish as a major center of trade, culture, and diplomacy, with its strategic location along important maritime routes. The city is often regarded as a cradle of Croatian literature, with notable figures like poet Marin Drzic and polymath Ruder Boskovic, emerging from its intellectual circles. During our field trip, we will explore iconic sites such as the Rector’s Palace, a symbol of the city's republican government, the Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio Fountain and St. Blaise’s Church, dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Dubrovnik. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
Dinner in hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 1 hour of walking, including several periods of standing. The drive from Dubrovnik to Cavtat is approximately 40 minutes, it is then 15 minutes to Cilipi, and another 50 minutes back to Dubrovnik.
Breakfast:
In hotel dining room.
Morning:
Enjoy some free time this morning to sleep in, relax, or explore Dubrovnik on your own.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Early afternoon we will board the bus and drive South of Dubrovnik to explore the town of Cavtat, once known as Epidaurus, and the administrative center of Konavle region. Konavle was always green basket of Dubrovnik. The town Cavtat is situated in a beautiful, peaceful bay. We will stroll the nice shore and learn about local well know Croatia painter Vlaho Bukovac who was born here. Those who are ready for a short climb will visit the cemetery of the town, home to the Mausoleum of the Racic family. The Mausoleum was designed by the best known Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. In the late afternoon, we will visit Cilipi, a village known for its folk traditions. We enjoy a visit to the garden of a local family who owns the restaurant where we will enjoy our farewell dinner.
Dinner:
At a local family restaurant, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Check-out until 12.00 PM.
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Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
May 04, 2026 - May 15, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)
May 11, 2026 - May 22, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)
May 18, 2026 - May 29, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)
May 25, 2026 - Jun 05, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)
Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)
Sep 21, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)
Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)
Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)
Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026 (Trogir to Dubrovnik)