International Student Volunteers

Participants will travel through the mountains of the Slovenian Alps before hitting the rolling plains of northern Croatia and heading south towards the Dalmatian Coast, its Mediterranean islands and a seven-day sailing adventure! You will explore World Heritage Sites such as Plitvice Lakes National Park, a magical world of lakes and waterfalls, the Diocletian’s Palace, built in 295AD, and the fortified Old Towns of Dubrovnik and Trogir. In addition, you will experience alpine environments with wild rivers and lush forests, medieval style towns with cobbled stone streets, quaint rural villages, idyllic beaches and the vibrant city culture of Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

Mountain biking around Lake Bled and Bovec
Hydrospeeding on the Soca River
Caving in underground karstic systems
Discovering the historic Old Towns of Zagreb and Dubrovnik
Visiting a world of cascades and waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park
A two day kayaking adventure on the Zrmanja River
A seven day island hopping adventure on a chartered boat
Rock climbing on limestone cliffs around Omis
Canyoning in the Cetina River gorge
Exploring and swimming in the National Park on Mljet Island
Enjoying local cuisine cooked the traditional way

Note: See ISV's Tour Itinerary (below) which specifies the Program's Included Activities and those provided in the ISV Optional Activity Package.

isv isv

Adventure Tour Locations

"I learned so much about Croatian culture and appreciated the uniqueness and pride the people have. Even if you are a person who's 'seen everything', Croatia has plenty to offer for the eyes. I loved the adventure tour and seeing all the islands by boat"
Jackly Lind, Cal State Fullerton

Adventure Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia: Depart your Volunteer Project and travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s version of the cities of Paris and Prague Unwind with a free night to wander the narrow streets of the Old Town, be entertained by street musicians and sample the atmospheric nightlife.

Day 2 – Lake Bled (Cycle Touring): This emerald green lake features a baroque church nestled on an island, medieval castle clinging to a rock face, and some of the highest mountains in the Julian Alps as a backdrop. Explore these surrounds on your cycling tour (ISV Included Activity), stopping to swim before taking the breathtaking drive across the Alps to the adventure capital of Slovenia – Bovec!

Day 3 – Bovec (Hydrospeed): Hydrospeeding is an exhilarating white-water swimming experience you will never forget (ISV Included Activity). Strap on your neoprene suit, safety equipment and flippers, grab your hydrospeed and maneuver your way down the rapids of the emerald Soca River. Your afternoon is free to bike, hike, paddle, paraglide, skydive or horse ride in this mountain paradise.

Day 4 – Bovec (Caving): Slovenia has some of the largest cave systems in Europe and today we will explore the magical world of the karstic underground (ISV Optional Activity Package). Afterwards we cross the border into Croatia, destination Zagreb – the centre of Croatian art, culture and entertainment!

isv Day 5 – Zagreb (City Sights Tour): In the morning become acquainted with the history and culture of Zagreb on a walking tour of the historic Upper Town (ISV Optional Activity Package). Wander through cobblestone streets amongst 12th Century architecture and visit city museums and art galleries. Afternoon travel through quaint rural villages to Seliste Dreznicko.

Day 6 – Seliste Dreznicko (*Plitvice Lakes National Park): Today we explore the enchanting world of lakes, forests, and waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site (ISV Included Activity).

Day 7 – Zrmanja River (River Kayaking): Pack your swimmers because today we embark on our Two Day Zrmanja River kayaking adventure! (ISV Included Activity) Explore the beautiful river surrounds - swimming in clear warm waters, paddling through splashing waves, jumping from rocks and showering beneath waterfalls.

Day 8 – Zrmanja River to *Split: After breaking camp and paddling back to civilization, we make our way to the coast where our very own chartered boat awaits! Our sailing adventure begins immediately with travel to the World Heritage Site of Trogir, then on to dock in the vibrant city of Split.

Day 9 – *Split to Omis: Enjoy a free morning in Split to explore the World Heritage Listed Diocletian’s Palace, built almost 2000 years ago! Pick up a bargain in the local markets and dine in a sea-side restaurant. We then jump back on our boat to reach the former pirate town of Omis.

Day 10 – Cetina River (Canyoning): Today is adrenaline packed as we navigate our way down the Cetina River on a canyoning adventure! (ISV Optional Activity Package) After rappelling into the steep canyon (180ft!), we will swim and wade through pools, jump off ledges and negotiate the more difficult sections by zip-line. Overnight in Omis.

Day 11 – Omis to Brac (Rock Climbing): Amidst Omis’ dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs we will crank, pull and heave our way to glory as we scale to great heights on a rock climbing adventure! (ISV Optional Activity Package) Afterwards we set sail to the sunny island of Brac! Explore Bol Town’s gothic palaces and marble streets, relax in one of the many cafes, swim at Goldern Horn (Croatia’s best known beach!), take a hike or try scuba-diving at an additional cost.

Day 12 – Korcula Island: As we sail into another secluded cove there are more opportunities for swimming and snorkeling before arriving at Korcula, featuring dense woods, indented coves, rolling hills and a walled Old Town. Witness one of the islands most colorful traditions – the Moreška Sword Dance and enjoy traditional island cuisine before the waves in the harbor lull us to sleep.

Day 13 – Mljet Island (National Park Entry): With the maestral winds on our faces we sail amongst spectacular islands to Mljet, stopping enroute to swim and explore hidden coves and beaches. On the island we make for the renowned Mljet National Park, famous for its two beautiful lakes connected via a channel (ISV Optional Activity Package). Take a boat ride to the 12th Century Benedictine Monastery and refresh yourself in the waters. Overnight in the harbor.

Day 14: – *Dubrovnik (City Walls Walk): Explore the "pearl of the Atlantic" atop the city walls on this amazing heritage tour (ISV Included Activity). The Old Town (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was fortified in the 9th century against barbarian invasions and sports a rich cultural history. Our final night on tour is all about celebrations as we party together one last time in Dubrovnik’s clubs and restaurants.

Day 15: – *Dubrovnik: After breakfast we wave goodbye to our boat crew and Croatia as we transfer to Dubrovnik’s airport for our flight home. The ISV Adventure Ends!

Note: (*) Represents World Heritage listed area.

Accommodations: All accommodations have been carefully selected for their comfort and ideal locations. Accommodations range from nice tourist class hotels to youth hostels (dormitory style), a river-side camp and includes one week’s berth onboard a motor yacht.

Meals: Most meals are provided by ISV. Meals during times of sightseeing will be the responsibility of participants. ISV also stays in some accommodations with kitchen facilities to allow participants to prepare their own meals.

Activities: ISV includes a minimum of five amazing activities to make your experience unforgettable. Activities are subject to change but may include activities such as hydrospeed, cultural city tours, river kayaking, exploring world heritage areas, island-hoping and cycle touring.

Disclaimer: Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and included activities will be given to participants in the ISV Participant Travel Manual approximately 30 days prior to departure. ISV reserves the right to change the ISV tour itinerary, accommodations and activities without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV, Inc.

Optional Activity Package (OAP)