Compare Dalmatian Differences by Adventure Unbound vs Croatia: Dolphins & Islands Expedition by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,749 | $ 3,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 344 | $ 487 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
A Tantalizing Tour of Croatian Cuisine Taste the Dalmatian Differences as you travel from Split to Dubrovnik, tasting oysters, mussels, olive oil, wine and plenty of fresh seafood as you go. It’s a blend of traditional recipes and fresh tastes, modern cities and ancient architecture. |
While Croatia may be known for its beauty on land, the Adriatic Sea is home to a vast array of marine animals that need protecting, including sea turtles, giant devil rays, and the Adriatic dolphin. Recognizing their invaluable role in the ecosystem, researchers at The Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation work to educate the public and launch conservation initiatives across Northern Croatia. Through their efforts, the Institute has led several national and international conservation projects, including declaring the first Dolphin Reserve in the Mediterranean Sea! Travelers will go behind-the-scenes and aid in these dolphin monitoring expeditions with the The Blue World Institute collecting data on environmental conditions, locations and sightings, numbers of encountered dolphins, photographs of dorsal fins for photo-ID analysis, and data about dolphin behavior. In addition to collecting this data, get a taste of life as a marine biologist and learn how to read the information you collected and why it is important for the well-being of the dolphins. Additionally, we'll learn more about other marine wildlife on the island including loggerhead turtles. Beyond your time participating in dolphin conservation on the island of Lošinj, travel to the Southern islands of Croatia by boat. Experience the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stari Grad, a three-course cooking class from a local chef as you learn to make a Croatian speciality, peka, and kayaking to the Pakleni Islands. Hike through the old stone town, marvel at the rolling green hills, and have plenty of time to take in the natural beauty that is Croatia |
Day 1: Arrive in Split
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Breakfast
Begin your Croatian adventure with a guided tour of Split’s historic sites such as Diocletian’s Palace. After viewing marble halls and Egyptian sphinxes, hop in a kayak for a cruise around Marjan peninsula. Enjoy the lush nature of Marjan’s forested hills as you paddle through the Adriatic’s turquoise waters. Split may offer plenty of stunning sights within its city walls, but there’s plenty to discover on the sea as well.
Day 2: Explore Brač
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Local Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy an authentic Croatian breakfast before heading off to Brač Island by ferry. Once there, hike through Brač’s beautiful landscapes before reaching the secluded Blaca hermitage. Known not only for it’s fascinating history and evocative atmosphere, the Black monastery also houses a museum. Later, we continue our hike to the highest peak on Brač: Vidova Gora. Enjoy panoramic views of the island sprawling below and catch a glimpse of what else Croatia has in store for you in the coming days. Return to Split and enjoy a leisurely night explore the town and indulging in another delicious dinner.
Day 3: Explore Hvar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Local Bed and Breakfast
Today’s adventures take you from Split to Hvar by ferry. Upon arrival, settle into your kayak for a morning paddling through the Pakleni archipelago’s many capes, coves and cliffs. It’s a day immersed in unspoiled nature and breathtaking views—all separate from the modern bustle. After our day on Croatia’s limpid waters, you have time to navigate your own adventure through lively Hvar town.
Day 4: Hike through Hvar’s Countryside
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Local Bed and Breakfast
Venture further into Hvar’s interior today with a hike through the countryside. Pass through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, still decorated with traditional architecture and lavender fields. As we wander, learn more about the local’s deep connection to the earth and the herbs they grow here. Return to Hvar town this evening and see what other discoveries lay in store.
Day 5: Explore Korčula Island
Accommodation: Local Bed and Breakfast
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We continue our island-hopping adventure today with a ferry ride to Korčula Island. There, explore Kocje’s natural wonders, fields of aromatic herbs and the elusive “Fairies’ Spring” before traveling to the village of Zrnovo. We take a break from our wandering to taste the island’s traditionally crafted jams, olive oils and grappas. After our day on our feet, spend a free evening in Korčula.
Day 6: Tour Pelješac Peninsula & Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Local Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy a fresh breakfast before traveling to Dubrovnik. On the way, we stop by the Pelješac Peninsula, where we have time to visit the town of Ston—known for it’s long white stone wall and its fresh oysters. Taste the local seafood paired with refreshing wines before continuing your journey to Dubrovnik. This evening, explore the town’s picturesque buildings and towering walls on a guided city tour. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Stradun and an independent evening in Dubrovnik.
Day 7: Explore Konavle
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Local Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast in Dubrovnik, travel to the hinterland’s Konavle. This region boasts dusty olive groves, sun-soaked vineyards and charming villages. Explore the rugged cliffs as well as the Sokol Grad, or fortified palace, before an authentic Croatian lunch. In the afternoon, learn more about the region’s traditional silk manufacturing process—a process crucial to Dubrovnik’s traditional clothing—in a personal, engaging presentation.
Day 8: Goodbye Croatia
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy one final Croatian breakfast before saying goodbye to Croatia. Catch your return flight home.
Day 1: Arrive and Enjoy Beautiful Views on the Way to Lošinj
Meals: Dinner
Touch down in the Croatian Capital Zagreb, where you’ll meet your Discover Corps guide and get to know your fellow travelers. Together, we’ll travel about five hours to the island of Lošinj, taking in gorgeous views along the way – including from the deck of a ferry. On Lošinj, unwind over a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 2: Track Dolphins with the Blue World Institute Team
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
On the morning of our first day of volunteering with the Blue World Institute, we’ll meet the expert team and learn about the fundamentals of dolphin biology and conservation. Then it’s time to head out into the Adriatic Sea on a dolphin-tracking, data-collecting boat trip. After lunch, a photo-identification workshop offers more insight into dolphin conservation.
Day 3: Expand Your Marine Conservation knowledge and Explore the Blue Cave
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today will be split into two distinct parts. We’ll begin by hopping on a boat to explore the incredible Blue Cave. In the afternoon, return to the Blue World Institute for another interactive conservation learning session, this time focused on biodiversity and sea turtles.
Day 4: Take a Final Dolphin-Tracking Trip and Explore Veli Lošinj
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
It’s the last morning at the Blue World Institute, and you’ll spend it putting your newly gained marine biology knowledge to good use on one final dolphin-tracking trip on the water. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the postcard-perfect village of Veli Lošinj and its lovely beach at your own pace.
Day 5: Marvel at the Natural Splendor of Croatia En Route to Hvar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today will be spent passing through some of Croatia’s most striking landscapes as we make our way to the island of Hvar. Keep your camera on hand to capture the sweeping sea and land panoramas along the way as we travel by catamaran, van and boat.
Day 6: Learn to Cook the Croatian Way and Hike the Stari Grad Plains
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Wake up in the historic village of Stari Grad, our base for the next two days. After breakfast, we’ll head to the neighboring village of Vrisnik for a lesson in traditional Croatian cooking. Our optional hike back to the hotel will lead through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stari Grad Plains.
Day 7: Go Kayaking and Sample Local Wine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, venture out on a kayaking excursion through the turquoise waters of the Pakleni Islands before the choice to either tour two local wineries, or take a free afternoon to lounge by the hotel pool or explore the village.
Day 8: Fly Home or Continue on to Mljet for the Dubrovnik Extension
Meals: Breakfast
It’s time to say farewell to those on the eight-day program. If you’re in this group, you'll return to Split International Airport for your flight home. If you’re continuing on to the Dubrovnik extension (next page), you’ll board the boat to the island of Mljet.
