Croatia Island Hopping Trip Overview

Pack your sense of adventure this summer and explore Croatia, one of Europe’s hottest off-the-beaten-path destinations! You’ll experience the very best this country has to offer, from the breathtaking Krka Waterfalls in the north to the incredible walled city of Dubrovnik in the south. What better way to enjoy your summer vacation than by cruising from island to island in the Adriatic sea on your own sailboat? We’ll begin by island-hopping on our private boat, your home for the first week of the trip. Throughout the trip we’ll take several excursions ashore to check out Croatia’s impressive natural scenery, like the turquoise lakes and rushing waterfalls found in its protected national parks. Finally, we’ll wrap up this trip of a lifetime in picturesque Dubrovnik, where you’ll explore the cobblestoned streets and relax on the beach. What are you waiting for? Come discover Croatia for yourself this summer with Travel For Teens!

Price

$5995 + Airfare

Departures
  • Jul 3 - Jul 15 Full
  • Jul 17 - Jul 29 Full
  • Jul 24 - Aug 5 Very Limited
Days

13 Days

Finishing Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Who Can Go On This Trip?

Students from around the world!

Where We Go

Split, Krka, Brac, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Mljet, Ston, Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik

Optional Group Flight There

New York (JFK) to Split (SPU)

Optional Group Flight Back

Dubrovnik (DBV) to New York (JFK)

Countries

Croatia

During this program, you will…

  • Spend a week cruising through the turquoise water of Europe’s best-kept secret, the Dalmatian Coast, on our private sailboat
  • Stargaze and sleep on the top deck under a dazzling night sky
  • Discover the wonders of the Adriatic Sea by stopping at secluded snorkeling spots, private beaches and stunning islands
  • Explore the sparkling emerald green waters of the Krka Waterfalls
  • Go off the beaten path to the tiny island of Vis and discover the area like a local
  • Wander the inviting cobblestoned streets of Dubrovnik, also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic
  • See Game of Thrones come to life on a tour of filming locations, and even sit on the Iron Throne!

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEWARK (EWR)
DAYS 2-3: SPLIT

Welcome to Croatia! Our first stop is one of Croatia’s biggest cities, Split, surrounded by the ancient Diocletian’s Palace! Walk along the ramparts and gaze over the whole city, stroll along the seaside promenade, and do some souvenir shopping in the shops that adorn the winding cobblestoned streets. We’ll also take a guided tour from a local. Take a day trip to the spectacular Krka Waterfalls to bike the secluded trails and explore the crystal-clear waters.

DAYS 4-10: ISLAND-HOPPING IN THE ADRIATIC

Head down to the port and get settled into the boat that will be our home for the next week. You don’t need any sailing experience to join this trip – you can either choose to relax and soak up the journey, or you can take the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of sailing from our professional skipper. You’ll spend the day gliding through aquamarine waters, stopping at secluded snorkeling spots and private beaches and a different island each night. Have the time of your life soaking up the sun in the paradise of Brac, living a real life fairy-tale in Hvar, swimming in picturesque Krknjaši Lagoon and biking around fascinating Vis in St. George’s Bay.

DAYS 11-12: DUBROVNIK & LOKRUM ISLAND

Once we’re back on dry land, drive to Croatia’s ancient city of Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s most picturesque port cities. Relax on Banje Beach, shop the hip boutiques for souvenirs, and take in the laid-back Dalmatian culture. You will get to go on the Game of Thrones Film Location tour and sit on the Iron Throne! On our final day in Croatia, take the ferry out to nearby Lokrum Island, where you can hike, relax on the beach, and even try stand-up paddleboarding. Top off your time in Dubrovnik with a photo shoot of a breathtaking sunset from atop Mt. Srd.

DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA

Ready For Your Next Adventure?

Space is limited, reserve your spot! Then get ready for an authentic teen travel experience this summer!

Check out other TFT programs similar to this one!

Frequently Asked Questions

See All FAQs

Who can go on this trip? What kind of teen typically goes on this trip?

Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious  individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 12th and approximately 14 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!

Where do we stay?

Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.

For most of the trip we will sleep on our own private sailboat(s). In Split we stay in one of the city’s top-rated family and youth hostels–don’t worry, all of our rooms are private just for our group. In Dubrovnik, we will stay in the Old Town.

For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.

The boat we use on the trip has 7 bedrooms for the students each with a double bed so males with males and females with females. Participants will need to share a bed on the boat.

Do most travelers go on their own?

Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!

If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.

What do students like most about the Croatia Island Hopping trip?

Students really like the cities and locations we visit, but it’s the freedom and carefree atmosphere of sailing along the Dalmatian coast they LOVE! Feeling the wind in their hair as the boat cuts through the water or lying on the deck at night under a canopy of stars, the gentle lapping sound of water against the hull of the boat, are just a few of the special moments that make the Croatia Island Hopping trip so wonderful.

What is unique about the Croatia Island Hopping trip?

Small group sizes and private boats mean the Croatia Island Hopping trip is easily tailored to create a custom experience for the students. We pride ourselves on giving each and every student a unique experience they couldn’t get anywhere else!

What is included?

Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.

Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.

How do the optional group flights work?

Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.

Who leads the program?

Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.

Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.  We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

All of our staff members attend a week-long training session prepare for the upcoming summer and go over safety precautions and protocols. Likewise, every counselor is CPR/First Aid certified and Trip Directors are Lifeguard certified. All staff undergo a rigorous interview process and thorough background check.

How does this program connect to other programs?

Most of our European programs are designed specifically so that participants can combine them with other trips. If you are connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the trip and help you get to your next destination where you will meet up with your new counselors and group.

What is the food like on this program?

In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!

Croatian cuisine is very diverse with each region boasting its own mouth-watering dishes. Try various charcuterie, goulashes, stews and of course incredible seafood fresh from the sea!

Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.

Do we ever get time to go off on our own?

Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.

We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

What kind of visa do you need for this trip?

Any US citizen that enters Europe is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.

When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.

Do I need to speak the language?

No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!

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Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently awarded “Top Youth Travel Organization” year after year.

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"I can only imagine the emotions that were flying before the kids actually flew! Teenaged “extra” on top of all of the real and lasting and TripOfALifetime feelings that go with such an experience. Penelope heard about TFT through an acquaintance in high school, and from that moment onwards decided that this trip was for her. She worked her job as a waitress to pay for part of the trip. From the start, she did not want to go with a friend - she wanted to go with strangers, meet people and have her “own” adventure. So I’ve been enjoying her adventure vicariously and it has been wonderful. My mom-side thanks you both for the photos and updates - just enough to be able to follow along a bit, but to keep the experience hers alone, and leave it for her to tell the details. I cannot say enough how great TFT has been. Thank you both!! I have a feeling that, the second she lands, Penelope will be planning next summer’s TFT adventure."

Betsy S. Mount Kisco, NY

"I have traveled with TFT for four summers now, exploring Costa Rica, Croatia, Fiji and Greece. These trips have been the highlight of my summers. They have broadened my horizons and strengthened my confidence. Going on these trips and meeting new people changed how I view the world. I love having conversations with locals and people I meet along the way. The small TFT groups and the knowledgeable and enthusiastic group leaders make for a fun and eye-opening experience. What sets TFT apart is that we immerse ourselves in the culture and we are not just tourists. We meet locals, hear stories about their lives, and it is truly invigorating. Travel For Teens has given me so much more than fun memories over the summer. They have given me the ability to be comfortable talking to anyone, being in new places, having a widened perspective on other cultures, and to be independent. On my Costa Rica and Fiji trips, we volunteered with school children. In a very short time we made deep connections that I will always cherish. I feel so fortunate to have had my eyes opened through TFT to so many beautiful places and memorable people."

Anna F. Basking Ridge, NJ

"Before I went on this trip I knew nothing about Croatia. I was mainly going on this trip cause the idea of spending a week on a boat island hopping sounded nice and relaxing. It most certainly was but Croatia has so much more to offer than that. Every island offered something new and unique. I never thought I'd be in a Cold War nuclear bunker on the same island they filmed Mama Mia two at yet there I was. The islands are just beautiful and offer the best of Eastern European culture. Additionally, if you are a Game of Thrones fan this trip is a must for you. Not a lot of people can say they have spent the night in King's Landing and this trip gives you the opportunity to say that. If relaxing on a boat and island hopping in a beautiful country sounds nice to you, then go on this trip."

Jackson M. Los Angeles, CA

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

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