Compare Kayak Croatia by Hidden Places Travel 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 | 10 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 4,450 | $ 3,895 |
Price Per Day | $ 445 | $ 487 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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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 |
Kayak Croatia's spectacular coastline where stark serrated mountains meet the sea to form the verdant Dalmatian Coast,graced by over 1000 evocative islands. This archipelago boasts intricate limestone shorelines, romantic sweeps of olive groves and vineyards, and fascinating harbor settlements steeped in centuries of history. Our kayak tour begins and concludes in two fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Dubrovnik, one of world's best preserved walled medieval cities and Trogir, a charming ancient town. In both settlements, experienced local guides lead us on walking tours, bringing the past vividly alive with their stories and in depth knowledge. This is adventure travel at its best: during the intervening days our home is a gorgeous 100-foot classic sailing yacht. From this mothership we paddle along dramatic sea cliffs, discover sea caves and pocket beaches only accessible by kayak, and swim in warm, azure ocean. Calm, protected waters make this a great place for beginner paddlers and the more experienced will enjoy kayaking Croatia's diverse and intricate coastline. |
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
Saunter through the narrow cobblestone alleys of Trogir town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to a traditional restaurant for your welcome dinner.
Day 2
A local historian shows you ancient Trogir, one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean. Embark your mothership and enjoy a glass of local wine as you sail for the island of Brac.
Day 3
Sail and kayak to the island of Hvar, much loved by the film star set. In Hvar town, explore its unique main square and historic citadel with spectacular views.
Day 4
Today’s destination is the remote and little developed island of Vis, which was Tito’s stronghold during WWII. Truly out there!
Day 5:
Cruise and paddle to the spectacular, walled town of Korcula. After a walking tour, climb up a medieval turret to enjoy a sweeping view and a cocktail.
Day 6:
Cruise to the wild and wooded island of Mjlet. Kayak through a maze of remote and uninhabited islets close to the village of Polace, or visit the National Park with its intriguing lakes and medieval monastery.
Day 7
Feast on mussels “Buzara” – the best in the Med - in the sun-drenched village of Ston!
Day 8
Drift into sleepy Sipanska Luka for a harbor-side lunch, then hike past fields of pomegranates, figs and olives, to a special ‘hidden place’ for sundowners.
Day 9
Say farewell to our mothership crew and transfer to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Enjoy a walking tour of this amazing medieval settlement, then continue to explore on your own until our farewell dinner in a truly hidden restaurant!
Day 10
After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and transfer to the airport for homeward flights.
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.