Compare Istrian Family Adventure by Tourboks vs Croatia: Dolphins & Islands Expedition by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,919 | $ 3,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 274 | $ 487 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | 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 | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description | Explore untouched nature on foot, paddle along Istrian coast, swim and snorkel in crystal clear water, bike along the old railway Parenzana and see for yourself why they refer to Istria as the |
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 |
1. DAY-ARRIVAL
Arrival in Pula airport and group transfer to our hotel in Rovinj. Brief orientation meeting with our guide and short stroll through old town of Rovinj followed by a dinner together. Overnight in Rovinj.
Accommodation: Small Family-run Hotel 3*, Rovinj
Meals:dinner
Activity:walking Rovinj
2. DAY-SEA KAYAK & SNORKELING ROVINJ ARCHIPELAGO
After breakfast, we'll have a short paddling introduction and brief excursion on the water. Today we will enjoy paddling around Rovinj's archipelago which consists of 19 islands, islets, and rocks. There, you will also find Banjole Island, the so-called seven-hair island (because of its rare plant covering), which is interesting because of its cave that is in its most part undersea. After heading towards Palud wee will not miss visit to the St. John lighthouse, built in 1853. It is located on the most distant islet of the small archipelago in front of Rovinj.
Accommodation: Small Family-run Hotel 3*, Rovinj
Meals:breakfast, picnic lunch
Activity:sea kayaking with snorkeling 10km / 6 miles
Transfer:local transfers in duration 30 minutes
3. DAY -BIKING ROVINJ RIVIERA & BIRDWATCHING PALUD
After breakfast, we meet our cycling guide and collect bikes for a tour along the coast from Rovinj to Palud. The total distance will be up to 20km and the riding is all on level terrain along the coast and small villages Todays bike adventure we will end in Palud Cove, In the Palud Cove, located eight kilometers southwest of Rovinj, there is the first, and so far, the only 'special ornithological reserve' in Istria. Ornithologists have recorded here more than 200 bird species. Since hunters are not allowed into the park, there are also a lot of pheasants, partridges, and quails here. Various types of wild duck, water-hens, grebes and common snipes, garden warblers, golden orioles, woodpeckers, tawny pipits, and shrieks live and nest here continuously. Besides thick authentic forests with beautiful specimens of pubescent and holm oak, the northern part of the wetlands includes a real rainforest with huge willow trees. Before returning to Rovinj we will stop in one of the best olive oil mill where you will be acquainted with olive oil production and have the opportunity to taste one of the best Istrian olive oil. Overnight in Rovinj.
Accommodation: Small Family-run Hotel 3*, Rovinj
Meals:breakfast, picnic lunch, olive oil tasting
Activity:biking 20 km / 13 miles walking 1 hours
Transfer:local transfers in duration 30 minutes
4. DAY-SEA KAYAK LIM FJORD & CAVING
After breakfast, we will start with our sea kayak adventure along the protected area of Lim fjord. You will enjoy paddling along the bay, with its steep banks, passing beside the cultivation of mollusks and fish to the end of Lim bay. During the trip, we will stop on a wild beach for swimming and snorkeling. Hike to the Romuald´s cave, a 105-meter long cave consisting of several impressive halls that have preserved evidence of permanent existence of life since prehistoric times. The entrance to the cave is 47 centimeters high, and the main hall is five to six meters high. Romuald's Cave is a speleological phenomenon because the cave ornaments are located on the left side only while the right side is empty. Dinner is on your own tonight, so you’re free to explore the town of Rovinj with a fantastic selection of local taverns. Overnight in Rovinj.
Accommodation: Small Family-run Hotel 3*, Rovinj
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Activity:sea kayaking 12km / 8 miles walking 1 hour caving 30 minutes
Transfer:local transfers in duration 20 minutes
5. DAY-HIGH ROPE COURSE & PULA
Driving for 30 minutes to Glavani Park where we spend an entertaining morning on a high ropes course.
On the way back to Rovinj we are going to visit Pula, the epicenter of Istria. We are going to "walk through time";' from ancient times through Roman arches and the Arena, one of the most preserved amphitheaters, through renaissance and finally to modern day. Returning to Rovinj the afternoon is free for swimming or looking around the shops.
Accommodation: Small Family-run Hotel 3*, Rovinj
Meals:breakfast
Activity:high rope course and walking in Pula
Transfer:local transfers in duration 60 minutes
6. DAY-HIKING OPRTALJ TO GROŽNJAN
Breakfast, transfer to Oprtalj - picturesque medieval town where we will start our 3-4 hours walk across soft hills and through light forest to Grožnjan. Perched on a hill high above the Mirna river valley, Grožnjan is a 14th-century Venetian fortress reborn as the most important art colony in Istria. Once it was slipping into oblivion, but now Groznjan is ground zero for Istrian artists and musicians. Poor Groznjan was nearly deserted when, in 1965, the first painters and sculptors moved into its crumbling stone buildings and started restoring them. A few years later the International Cultural Centre of Jeunesses Musicales Croatia set up a summer training program for musicians in Grožnjan and the town's renaissance began. On the way, we will stop in small village for a homemade lunch before driving to a small village where we will spend last two nights in rural guesthouse.
Accommodation:Hotel or rural guesthouse 3* near Poreč
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Activity:hiking 3-4 hours
Transfer:local transfers in duration 90 minutes
7. DAY-POREČ FREE TIME & COOKING COURSE
Breakfast, after short drive we reach Poreč. After walking tour free time to explore Old Town or to relax on the beach. In afternoon hours, we will return to our household and together we will learn how to prepare traditional Istrian dinner. We will have a 'farewell' dinner at the household.
Accommodation: Hotel or Rural Guesthouse 3* near Poreč
Meals:breakfast, farewell dinner
Activity:walking tour in Poreč cooking course
Transfer:local transfers in duration 60 minutes
8. DAY-DEPARTURE
After breakfast group transfer to Pula airport.
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.
