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Croatia & The Balkans

Croatia: Cultural Crossroads — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 0 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Explore the rich history of the Balkans region across small towns and big cities. Engage with the history and modern complexities of this crossroads of cultures. Perched on important land and sea routes, the Balkans has been a desired strategic location for all major powers through European history. Visit national parks, medieval towns, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Encounter local traditions and sample cuisine from the Dalmatian Coast to the Bosnian Mountains.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Croatia!

Arrive into Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel, settle in, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Walk the bustling streets of Zagreb and enjoy the view from the old city on the hilltop. Dine with the group to get your first taste of the region’s delicious cuisine.
2

Plitvice Lakes and Zadar

Start your day early with a drive to see the emerald water of Plitvice Lakes National Park. After a traditional lunch to warm up, continue to Zadar, a beautiful ancient Roman city set along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Sample food of the Dalmatian coast and enjoy an evening stroll through a historic Roman forum dating to the first century.
3

Cruise the Croatian Coast

Take a walking tour of Zadar, a city that dates back 3,000 years. Enjoy the crisp salty air and admire the sound of the Sea Organ, music created by the movement of the Adriatic. After lunch, stop for a short visit to Sibenik on the drive to Split. Walk the streets of this small sleepy town, and see where the famous HBO series “Game of Thrones” was filmed. Finish the day as you watch the sunset over the Adriatic on the drive into the breathtaking port city of Split.
4

Explore Split

Learn about Split’s history through the ages and see the influences of the Romans, Venetians, Austrians, and communists that once ruled this small coastal town. Wander its historic markets where people buy fresh seafood and dine on handmade pasta and risottos. Hike to the top of the Marjan Hill for a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you'll begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.
5

Day Trip to Dubrovnik

Complete your tour of the Adriatic Coast as you head to the ancient city and the former republic of Dubrovnik, a stunningly-intact walled city. The UNESCO World Heritage site is most famous for appearing as Kings Landing in “Game of Thrones.” Tour its century-old streets of what was once the world’s most powerful maritime trading empires. Take a short drive across the border to Mostar for your first taste and sights of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
6

Cultural Workshops in Mostar

Get to know Mostar and visit sites that bear witness to the turbulent cultural history of the Balkans. Mostar is a beautiful city with bridges and valleys, and it’s hard to imagine the recent wars until you hear about them from community members. Learn about traditional life, participate in a coffee workshop, and hear our local staff share their personal histories and visions for the future. Optional Activities/Seasonal Activities: Kayaking in Trebizat River or white-water rafting along the Neretva (weather and season permitting, late April - late September).
7

Explore Sarajevo

Drive to Sarajevo, the capital and business hub of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Take a walking tour of one of the most culturally-diverse towns in the world, where East meets West and the major religions of the world are represented just blocks apart. Take a cable car to the top of Trebevic mountain to get panoramic views of the city. Visit the bazaars of Bascarsija to sample dishes influenced by the Ottoman Empire and shop for souvenirs in its cobblestone alleys. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
8

Dovidenja and Zbogom, Balkans!

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Sarajevo and leave for your flight back home. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Croatia

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Croatia & The Balkans offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

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