Amazing Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia

Come and join an amazing team in a fantastic country, to help protect the wildlife there and enjoy adventures in a new place. Split, your main base for the trip, is the second biggest city in Croatia and has a lovely old town, beautiful beaches and fabulous sea-food caught daily.

On your GIA trip, you will have the opportunity to join a worldwide movement of committed and enthusiastic people dealing with the global challenge of trash and the impact human development is having on the marine environment. You will be involved in restoring the natural state of the Dalmatian-Adriatic marine ecosystem.

And you will also have a chance to get to know Croatia and neighboring Slovenia. Both spectacular countries, with fascinating histories, full of wonderful places to visit and abundant natural beauty. You will spend plenty of time on the water, both on and off the project as well as enjoying horse riding and visits to the islands and castles.

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Croatia has 1244 islands and is home to over 7000 species of flora and fauna. One of these species is the Posidonia, a sea-flowering plant that’s responsible for the majority of oxygen production in the region. This magical plant also absorbs CO2, helps reduce climate change and shore erosion. Clearing debris from this ecosystem ensures the natural symbiosis between plant and animal species.

Please note: for this specific project, students will require PADI certification or a trip extension to receive proper training (1 week minimum) before the project.

Day 1: Arrival split

Welcome to Croatia! After leaving your bags at the hotel, it’s time to begin exploring the beautiful city of Split, enjoying some of the local food such as black risotto or fritule (traditional doughnuts). You will also have the chance to visit the beaches - including Bacvice to watch the locals play picigin, a game invented here. It consists of keeping the ball up in the air, without holding it, but also preventing it from falling into the water!

After all that excitement, it’s time for your first Croatian dinner before an early night ready for the week ahead.

Overnight: Split

Day 2:  Orientation & Diocletian’s Palace

This morning it’s time for an orientation meeting where you will meet the team and understand the objectives of your work. Then off on a bike ride around Split where you can see the stunning beaches and visit Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site which dates back to 4th century AD. If you’re not too tired from the cycling, you could climb the bell tower to get a great view of the city.

Afterwards there is more time to explore before it’s dinner and then to bed, ready for another day of adventure.

Overnight: Split

Day 3: Service and Kayaking

Spend the morning volunteering on the marine conservation project, followed by lunch and an afternoon spent kayaking along the beautiful Cetina river.

You then return to Split for some further exploration and a delicious dinner.


Day 4: Service and Horseriding at a local ranch

This morning you will be volunteering once again and then it’s time for a horse riding session at a local ranch. The horse riding caters to all levels and is a chance to enjoy exploring nature a little more whilst improving or learning a new skill. 

Alternatively, there is the opportunity to go to the nearby island of Hvar to enjoy a walk around and spend some time at the beach. 

There is then some more exploration time back in Split before dinner.



Day 5: Service and Boat Trip to Brac

Today is your final morning of volunteering. Your work means you will have left a positive impact on Croatia; surely the most we can ask of all travelers.


This afternoon it’s time to set sail and visit the nearby island of Brac and enjoy some swimming at the beaches there too.


Day 6: Lake Plitvice

One of Croatia’s most famous sites and for good reason. Stunning waterfalls and views; simply out of this world. You will have time to enjoy the scenery before heading into Zagreb for the the rest of the day.

Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, is home to a lovely old town and you can visit the famous St Mark’s Church. You can also visit the Museum of Broken Relationships - a truly unique place! It’s then time for dinner and more sightseeing before heading to bed ready for Slovenia.

Overnight: Zagreb


Day 7: Slovenia Ljubljana

This morning there’s an early start to head over to the beautiful city of Ljubljana. Once there, we’ll take a bike ride around the city then enjoy lunch and some more exploration time.

This afternoon head out to the Postojna Cave to visit a unique castle. A mini-train will take you through the large complex of passages and chambers with an explanation about the history of this fascinating place.

Then back to Ljubljana for dinner and an evening stroll.

Overnight: Ljubljana


Day 8: Bled & Ljubljana

Bled is a stunning city with a lovely little island in the centre of its lake and this is where you will head today. You will row a boat over to the island, have a stroll around and then back to shore for a walk around with your tour manager and some lunch. It’s then back to Ljubljana for some final free time before heading out for your final dinner.


Overnight: Ljubljana

Day 9: Departure

Time to say goodbye to Croatia and Slovenia, but we hope to see you back here soon!



What is included:

Activities:

  • Kayaking the River Cetina

  • Boat trip to Brac

  • Horse riding

  • Rowing in Slovenia

  • Bike tour of Split

Accommodation and services:

  • A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip

  • Private transportation throughout the trip

  • Project accommodation is in shared rooms 

  • Post project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels

  • All meals included (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)

  • Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance

Visits and Tours:

  • Diocletian’s Palace

  • Split city sightseeing on bike

  • Castle

  • Zagreb

  • Bike tour of Bled

Project:

  • Marine conservation consisting of monitoring activities, cleaning up the ocean and surrounding areas and diving activities related to the preservation of the sea-life.

Not included in this Trip:

  • International Flights (we can set these up for you)

  • Visas, where applicable

  • Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)