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!
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, private beaches, and dock near a different island each night. Have the time of your life soaking up the sun in Croatian paradise.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Where do we stay on the Croatia Island Hopping Trip?
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the food like in Croatia?
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.
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.
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.
Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

