Croatia & Slovenia
Alpine Valleys to the Adriatic Coast
Journey to Croatia and Slovenia this summer and road trip from the capital cities of Zagreb and Ljubljana to the spectacular Dalmatian coast and historic port of Dubrovnik. On this high school student travel program, explore the rich cultural heritage and histories of these former Yugoslav republics, from the customs of the countryside to the vibrant city cafés, markets, and street art. Embrace adventure as you kayak, camp, hike, bike, and snorkel along the Adriatic coast and experience Slovenia and Croatia’s picturesque landscapes.
- Highlights
• Explore Slovenia’s Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Experience life on a working farm and sample delicious local dishes
• Kayak through a tranquil river canyon to the Adriatic Sea
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Zagreb, Croatia. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Begin in Zagreb, Croatia’s bustling capital city and home to nearly a quarter of the country’s population. Get to know your leaders and fellow group members, and have an in-depth program orientation. Explore Zagreb’s café culture, outdoor markets, museums, and botanical gardens. Walk the “Green Horseshoe,” a series of Parisian-style, tree-lined parks in Lower Town, or visit Art Park, an outdoor gallery of street graffiti, murals, music, and more. Ride the historic funicular to Upper Town, and photograph colorful St. Mark’s Church, its tiled rooftop adorned with the city’s coat of arms. Take a day trip to the forested slopes of Mt. Medvednica, an impressive mountain park that soars over Zagreb, or to the nearby village of Samobor to explore its hilltop ruins.
Venture northwest across the border to the capital city of Ljubljana, and sample the street food in the city’s Central Market, which is not only a place to find delicious cuisine, but also a traditional place for locals to meet and foster community. Experience one of Slovenia’s most important artistic and cultural celebrations, the vibrant Ana Desetnica Festival, which takes place in Ljubljana and many other neighboring towns. Take a day trip to Lake Bled, and surround yourself with breathtaking mountain views that form a backdrop to the pristine blue green water of the lake. Visit the oldest castle in Slovenia and try the famous cream cake that Bled is known for. Spend a day with a beekeeper and learn why beekeeping is such an integral part of Slovenian culture. Marvel at the incredible rock formations in Škocjan Caves, as you explore the depths of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Head southwest to the centuries-old customs of the Istrian peninsula. Stay near the seaside city of Pula, known for having the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy, and explore its impressive coliseum and pass beneath the Arch of Sergii. In a nearby village, meet with a local organization whose mission is to preserve traditional agricultural and cooking techniques, and promote local growers and artisans. Lend a hand in their teaching garden, then learn how to prepare local cuisine, like fuži, a popular hand-rolled pasta dish. Finally, delve into the world of organic olive oil production, and learn why olives have been grown in this area for generations on a visit to a family-run olive orchard.
Set out on a multisport adventure as you explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Dalmatian Coast. Discover sun-soaked villages and swi