The Magic of Croatia
AN ARETE ADVENTURE FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA
The Magic of Croatia
AN ARETE ADVENTURE FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA
July 9 - July 17, 2023
We are excited to announce an adventure to Croatia designed especially for the students of Arete!
Croatia is famous for its beautiful landscapes, waterfall sanctuaries, and kind and welcoming people! It's a land filled with opportunities for adventure, yet the medieval castles and walled cities transport you to another time and place.
This nine day adventure in Croatia will first lead us through a waterfall national park to a western ranch in the karst peaks of the Velebit Mountains. From there we’ll travel to the stunning turquoise Adriatic sea of the Dalmatian Coast, where we’ll visit seaside villages and the island of Korcula. Our trip will culminate in the walled city of Dubrovnik, famous as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones!
Your Croatia Adventure Includes:
Nine days and eight nights in the Velebit mountains, Trogir, Korçula, and Dubrovnik
lodging at a western-style ranch in the mountains, hostels on islands, and a beachside hotel
All in-country transportation
a variety of activities, including:
hiking
horseback riding
cliff jumping and swimming in the Adriatic Sea
sea kayaking
medieval scavenger hunt
a Game of Thrones themed sea-cruise and walking tour
22 of 25 meals
Pre- and post-trip group video calls with Kim and Eric to support one another in integrating the experience
Just Imagine...
Days 1 to 3: Plitvice Lakes and the Velebit Mountains
You’ll arrive into Zagreb International Airport and be greeted by Kim and Eric of Alchemy Adventures. Our first stop is the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park (links to AMAZING 2Cellos video filmed in the park), land of magical waterfalls! Together we travel deep into the majestic Velebit mountains to our western ranch retreat. There we’ll be dipped in the local culture, hike through a fairy forest to hidden caves, ride horseback through the mountains, and hear stories of life in Croatia around campfires with our hosts. After some community service with local families we’ll soak in the wooden hot tub, swim in the pool, and play with the ranch dogs. Our hosts, Bruce and Megi will spoil us with delicious homemade dishes made from ingredients harvested from their land!
Days 4 to 5: Trogir
Next, our journey leads us to a hidden gem of the Dalmatian Coast: Trogir! Seaside boardwalks, ancient castle ruins, and winding cobblestone streets are the perfect backdrop for a medieval scavenger hunt! On this leg of the adventure you’ll have free time to hit the beach, climb the castle tower, and explore outdoor markets! There is plenty of delicious seafood and gelato to be found in this village!
Days 5 to 7: Korçula
We travel by ferry to the magical island of Korcula. First settled by the Greeks, this island is rich in vineyards, olive groves, and like any good island, amazing beaches! Our hostel in the heart of the city allows for ample time to explore the medieval towers, squares, and sunset overlooks. We’ll explore trails and beaches and feast at a traditional grill run by a local family who revel in sharing stories of their ancestors settling on the island. This very special place is sure to capture your heart!
Days 7 to 9: Dubrovnik
Our final destination is the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik! We’ll stroll atop the ancient stone walls that encircle the city. As the set of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, it only seems fitting to dress the part and sail the waters of Westeros! Our final days we will bask in the sea, explore cobblestone streets of Old Town, and soak up the sunsets. It’s here that we’ll celebrate all the gifts of this adventure with a final feast together!
Your Croatia Adventure Includes:
Nine days and eight nights in the Velebit mountains, Trogir, Korçula, and Dubrovnik
lodging at a western-style ranch in the mountains, hostels on islands, and a beachside hotel
All in-country transportation
a variety of activities, including:
hiking
horseback riding
cliff jumping and swimming in the Adriatic Sea
sea kayaking
medieval scavenger hunt
a Game of Thrones themed sea-cruise and walking tour
22 of 25 meals
Pre- and post-trip group video calls with Kim and Eric to support one another in integrating the experience
I feel so blessed to have gone on that adventure. It put me right where I need to be. I am forever changed by this 8 day, seemed like a solid month, adventure! The most important aspect of this trip is that I am now an adventure seeker. Who knew how important this was to me?
- Zack, Costa Rica Young Adult Trip
I would join Kim and Eric on another Alchemy Adventures tour in a heartbeat. They are super playful, fun to travel with, and they definitely do their homework when it comes to scouting out interesting places to visit. They also have an innate ability to help travelers go deep inside themselves and make even greater meaning of the experience. Would highly recommend.
- Mike Bergeron, Arete Ireland