Croatia and the Balkans - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include kayaking to tiny islands in the crystal waters of the Bay of Kotor, enjoying beach time in Hvar, and exploring the ancient Roman palace of Diocletian on a guided tour.

• What is the minimum and maximum age for this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 12, and the maximum age is 100.

• What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?

  The maximum number of travellers on this tour is 16.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  14 breakfasts are included.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Accommodation will be in hotels/pensions for 14 nights.

• What should I expect from the accommodations on this trip?

  Accommodation in Europe, especially in downtown areas, often consists of older buildings that may not have been renovated to the highest standard. Rooms and bathrooms can be small, and unusual room sizes are common. On this trip, you can expect to stay in small, family-run hotels (with the exception of larger city hotels at the start and finish). These accommodations will vary in standard and facilities (some may not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff), but they are locally-run, have traditional character, and are in excellent central locations. You can expect clean, safe, and simple accommodation. Most European accommodations do not have air conditioning units in rooms, but hotels will typically provide a standing or desk fan upon request.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2.

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  This tour follows a 'Classic' travel style.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will be with the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour, unless specified for some tours travelling between two different countries. Please contact your booking agent for further details. Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time; contact your airline for the most up-to-date information.

• What transportation methods are used on this trip?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, local buses, ferries, and walking.

• What activities are included in this tour?

  Included activities are a visit to Petrovaradin Fortress (Novi Sad), Kalemegdan Fortress (Belgrade), a 'Tunnel of Life' tour (Sarajevo), a sea kayaking trip (Bay of Kotor), beach time in Hvar, a scenic boat ride around the Pakleni islands, and a guided tour of Diocletian's Palace (Split). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Novi Sad (Stari Grad Visit), Sarajevo (National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum, Gallery 11/07/95, Svrzo's House, Latin Bridge Visit), Mostar (Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret, Stari Most Visit, War Photo Exhibition), Kotor (Kotor Maritime Museum, Kotor City Exploration), Perast (Perast Visit), Risan (Risan town and Roman Mosaics Visit), Dubrovnik (Museum of Croatian War of Independence, Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking, War Photography Museum, Cable Car Ride, Dubrovnik City Wall Walk, Franciscan Monastery & Museum, Sea Kayaking), Lopud (Lopud Island Visit), Hvar (St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hvar Fortress Visit), Split (Marjan's Peak Visit, Bacvice Beach Visit, Mestrovic Gallery, St Duje Cathedral Visit), and Trogir (Trogir Excursion).

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Solo travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. Some independent trips are designed differently and may require a single trip price for solo travellers.

• If I choose to purchase 'My Own Room', are there any exceptions during the trip?

  If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Please be aware that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances, but remember your PIN (many ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs). Cirrus and Plus system cards are widely accepted debit cards, and Visa is the most widely accepted credit card. While ATMs are common, there's no guarantee your cards will work, so check with your bank. A fee usually applies for credit card purchases. Do not rely solely on cards; a combination of Euros and cards is best. Bring more funds than you think you'll need. Hungary uses Forint (HUF), Serbia the Dinar (RSD), Bosnia and Herzegovina the Convertible Mark (BAM), and Montenegro and Croatia use the Euro (EUR). Euros are accepted everywhere. Exchange money at banks or Bureaux de Change, as hotel exchange rates are usually poor.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  Please make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used if circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and €1 or €2 for other service providers. Tipping local guides is expected, with recommendations ranging from €6-8 per day, depending on the quality and length of service. Your CEO can offer specific recommendations. At the end of the trip, if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated, with a guideline of €30-€40 per person per week.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Review your itinerary to ensure coverage for all included adventure activities. If using credit card insurance, provide proof of trip purchase with a credit card in your name and contact your bank for policy details.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  Check your government's travel advice before departure. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your group leader can amend or cancel itinerary parts due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany all included activities. During free time, exercise good judgment for optional activities, as they are not part of the itinerary, and we make no representations about their safety or operator standards. In cities, especially at night, stay in small groups and consider taxis for transportation. Participate in water-based activities only when accompanied by a guide(s); swimming and snorkeling are at your own risk. Refer to our travel safety resources for more information.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travellers, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We recognize specific concerns about safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure comfort and safety throughout your trip. The Equaldex tool, linked on that page, can be particularly helpful when deciding on your next destination.

• Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?

  For dire needs, first call our Local Office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message and contact information. The emergency contact number for the Berlin office is +441858378000. If unable to reach the local office, call the Sales team at toll-free numbers: North America: 1 888 800 4100; UK: 0344 272 0000; Germany: 0800 365 1000; Australia: 1 300 796 618; New Zealand: 0800 333 307. Outside these regions, call +1 416 260 0999. Hours of operation can be found on our contact us page.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. It connects underserved communities to tourism benefits by developing and supporting small, community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment. The tour operator integrates Planeterra projects into itineraries globally and is its largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation goes directly to projects. You can participate in the 'Dollar-a-day Program' to donate $1/day for your trip's length and support these communities.

• Are there any itinerary notes to be aware of?

  Departures in April and October may run with different transport times than noted on the itinerary due to seasonal ferry schedules.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Yes, our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories, and contests. Subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/ to avoid missing out on special offers and updates. You can also sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how the company invests in global communities.