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Croatia & The Balkans

Croatia: Peace and Reconciliation — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 12 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Engage with the complex history of the Balkans region. Most recently, civil war in the region left the scars that can be still be felt. Meet local people, learn about their personal experiences, and hear their visions for the future. Contribute to meaningful community service in areas still recovering from years of war and conflict. 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 the Balkans!

Arrive into Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Visit the bazaars of Bascarsija to sample dishes influenced by the Ottoman Empire and shop for souvenirs in its cobblestone alleys.
2

Experience Sarajevo

Explore Sarajevo, the capital and business hub of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spend the day learning about the siege of Sarajevo during the recent conflict in the 1990s and see the tunnel dug during the war to serve as its only lifeline. 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. In the afternoon, take a short drive to the town of Mostar, which will be your base for the next few days.
3

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.
4

Dervish House and Valley Views

In the morning, explore the beautiful surrounding countryside of Herzegovina and visit a traditional Dervish house, the home of Islamic mystics, where a mountain spring empties into the Buna River. Visit the medieval town of Pocitelj and climb to the top of the fort that long ago protected the entrance to the valley below. Take in the spectacular views over Mostar and the Neretva Valley. Spend the afternoon soaking in the sun and taking a dip into the refreshing lakes below Kravice Waterfall.
5

Support the Local Community

After gaining knowledge about the local culture and history, it is time to help support the local community. Partner with a local grassroots NGO who help support local school students and environmental projects. Work alongside local community members and get your hands dirty as you work on sustainable community service projects to help support environmental initiatives such as lake cleanups, hiking trail maintenance, or planting trees in recent areas affected by forest fires.
6

Travel to Croatia

Complete a second full day of community service before crossing the border into Croatia on your drive to Split, a beautiful ancient seaside town along the Adriatic coast. Sample the food of the Dalmatian coast and enjoy an evening visit to Diocletian's Palace. This structure, built as a retirement home for a Roman emperor, is now enmeshed with the cobblestone streets of Split’s old city.
7

Explore Croatia

Learn about Split’s history 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 produce to create handmade pasta and risottos. Hike to the top of the Marjan Hill for a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Sample the food of the Dalmatian coast and enjoy an evening visit to Diocletian's Palace. This structure, built as a retirement home for a Roman emperor, is now enmeshed with the cobblestone streets of Split’s old city. 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 relaxing morning in Split 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?

Croatia & the Balkans Europe Service + Culture
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