Explore Croatia

Trip Code: ZMSF

Why we love it

Dubrovnik's charms reach far beyond the famed beautiful city walls. Discover the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast and maybe cruise to Lokrum Island where a botanical garden, Benedictine monastery and excellent swimming spots await., Indulge in specialty foods, local wine and some tranquil swimming spots on the island of Korcula – a quiet escape full of vineyards, olive groves and sleepy villages., Spend a full day exploring the green island of Mljet – with its small seaside villages, lush national park trails, shimmering waters and largely untouched environment, you’ll never want to leave!, Hvar Island seems to have it all - Renaissance architecture, beautiful beaches, lush green landscapes and excellent Dalmatian cuisine., Split is a haven of relaxation and culture. Unwind with a walk along the waterfront promenade and take time to explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace., By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.

Is this trip right for me?

Please be aware that the Croatian coast is very hilly and mountainous, which means lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Croatia's topography very demanding.

Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Additionally, please be aware that July, August and the first half of September is high season along the Croatian coast, which means that the local infrastructure is under a lot of pressure with a lot of people in the towns we visit. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

Please note that on the islands of Korcula and Hvar we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out during the summer months. These are located in various buildings spread across town, but all are within a 15-minute walk of the main square. The apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning service, no televisions or washing machines, but plenty of charm. They differ in layout and facilities, can vary in size and most don't have air-conditioning and wi-fi. This is the most effective way of staying in the centre of town. Please also note that individual rooms are allocated on a same gender twin share basis, however the apartments itself are allocated on a mixed gender basis, which means you will be sharing a two, or three room apartment with the other members of the group. We try to use apartments with rooms that include private facilities. In rare occasions, apartments may only have one bathroom to be shared between the group members staying in the same apartment and in this case, if you've booked a single supplement, you'll be allocated a single room, but you'll share the bathroom with the group.

On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight to 15 kg (33 lb).

Important information

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Day 7, subject to availability. Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

What to bring/pack

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).

If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you., TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT
It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light.

Physical rating

 
2

This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.

EXPLORING EUROPEAN CITIES
One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the ease at which cities can be explored on foot. Your leader will take you on frequent orientation walks, and you will be able to further explore in your own time. We recommend you pack comfortable walking shoes for this trip. Many of our customers are surprised at how much they end up walking, however this is entirely up to you, and public transport to take you back to our accommodation is never far away.

TOPOGRAPHY
Please be aware that the Croatian coast is very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets can become slippery when wet. Some people may find Croatia's topography very demanding.

Joining your group

Hostel Sol, Obala Ivana Pavla II 13, Dubrovnik, CROATIA, Phone: +385 20610300

Hostel Sol is located 450 metres from Gruz Port from which you can access ferries to surrounding islands. Frequent city buses connect the hostel to Pile Gate at the entrance of the old town. Alternatively you can take a taxi, or walk (about 30 minutes). The hostel has free Wi-Fi, comfortable modern rooms, TV and air-conditioning.

Alternate Joining Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
26 Jun 2024 (ZMSF240626)
13 Jul 2024 (ZMSF240713)
27 Jul 2024 (ZMSF240727)
14 Sep 2024 (ZMSF240914)
21 Sep 2024 (ZMSF240921)
Rooms Baza
14 Obala Ivana Pavla II
Dubrovnik
20000
CROATIA

Joining instructions

Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area at Dubrovnik Airport (airport code DBV). Alternatively an airport bus meets all arriving flights. From the final stop of the airport bus at the main bus station in Gruz, you can walk 5 min or 400 meters to Hostel Sol.

Pre booked arrival transfer from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall, holding a board with Intrepid's Logo or your name. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +385 98 285 298.

Finishing your trip

Art Hotel Annex, Slobode St. 41, Split, 21000, CROATIA, Phone: +38 521302302

Art Hotel in Split is located only a fifteen-minute walk to the most important Split tourist attractions, 1700 years old Diocletian’s palace and the rest of the famous old part of town. In the vicinity there are cafés, restaurants, major shopping malls and other tourist attractions. The Art Annex Depadance is located in the back of the main building only 5 meters away. The Depadance contains a total of 26 rooms, part of which is located on the ground floor and the other part on the first floor. Rated three stars, all rooms offer free wifi, LCD TV, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, and all other toiletries. On request there is a possibility of adding an extra bed as well as a baby cot.

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
19 Apr 2025 (ZMSF250419)
26 Apr 2025 (ZMSF250426)
03 May 2025 (ZMSF250503)
10 May 2025 (ZMSF250510)
17 May 2025 (ZMSF250517)
24 May 2025 (ZMSF250524)
31 May 2025 (ZMSF250531)
04 Jun 2025 (ZMSF250604)
07 Jun 2025 (ZMSF250607)
11 Jun 2025 (ZMSF250611)
14 Jun 2025 (ZMSF250614)
18 Jun 2025 (ZMSF250618)
21 Jun 2025 (ZMSF250621)
25 Jun 2025 (ZMSF250625)
28 Jun 2025 (ZMSF250628)
05 Jul 2025 (ZMSF250705)
09 Jul 2025 (ZMSF250709)
12 Jul 2025 (ZMSF250712)
19 Jul 2025 (ZMSF250719)
23 Jul 2025 (ZMSF250723)
26 Jul 2025 (ZMSF250726)
30 Jul 2025 (ZMSF250730)
02 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250802)
06 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250806)
09 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250809)
13 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250813)
16 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250816)
20 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250820)
23 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250823)
27 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250827)
30 Aug 2025 (ZMSF250830)
03 Sep 2025 (ZMSF250903)
06 Sep 2025 (ZMSF250906)
10 Sep 2025 (ZMSF250910)
13 Sep 2025 (ZMSF250913)
17 Sep 2025 (ZMSF250917)
20 Sep 2025 (ZMSF250920)
24 Sep 2025 (ZMSF250924)
27 Sep 2025 (ZMSF250927)
01 Oct 2025 (ZMSF251001)
04 Oct 2025 (ZMSF251004)
08 Oct 2025 (ZMSF251008)
Hotel Slavija
Buvinina 2
Split
CROATIA
Phone: +385 21323840
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
26 Jun 2024 (ZMSF240626)
03 Jul 2024 (ZMSF240703)
17 Aug 2024 (ZMSF240817)
21 Aug 2024 (ZMSF240821)
24 Aug 2024 (ZMSF240824)
31 Aug 2024 (ZMSF240831)
04 Sep 2024 (ZMSF240904)
07 Sep 2024 (ZMSF240907)
14 Sep 2024 (ZMSF240914)
Stay In Meta Mate
5 Jobova ulica
Split
21000
CROATIA
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
13 Jul 2024 (ZMSF240713)
20 Jul 2024 (ZMSF240720)
27 Jul 2024 (ZMSF240727)
03 Aug 2024 (ZMSF240803)
28 Aug 2024 (ZMSF240828)
11 Sep 2024 (ZMSF240911)
Hotel Globo
Lovretska 18
Split
21000
CROATIA
Phone: +385 21481111

Meals & dietary information

Breakfasts included: 2

Lunches included: 

Dinners included: 

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

BREAKFASTS
There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

Climate & seasonal information

SUMMER
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C/104°F), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

SHOULDER SEASON
In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher altitudes. If you travel at the start or towards the end of the European season please pack accordingly with warm and/or waterproof clothes (preferably layers). The advantage of travelling during this time is that there are less tourists around.

In case of emergency

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above.

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below:

Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

Accommodations

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

PRIVATE APARTMENT ACCOMMODATION
Please note that on the islands of Korcula and Hvar we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out during the summer months. These are located in various buildings spread across town, but all are within 15 minutes walk of the main square. They differ in layout and facilities, can vary in size and most don't have air-conditioning. This is the most effective way of staying in the centre of town.

Transportation

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

PUBLIC BUSES
This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in Croatia can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to older and more basic vehicles for shorter distances.

PRIVATE VEHICLES
Some sections of this trip are travelled by private transport. Our vehicles are locally sourced and are air conditioned and comfortable, which makes travelling enjoyable. On some days we will be covering long distances, which will make these days feel longer, however spectacular views and interesting stops along the way make up for it.