Overview
Start this adventure at the heart of Croatia in Zagreb, home to St. Mark's Church. Students explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO site with 16 terraced lakes, where they'll learn about unique karst geology and water ecosystems. A visit to the Una Valley offers deep insight into Bosnian culinary traditions and folklore. At the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope, groups uncover touching wartime history and lessons on resilience before stepping back in time along Dubrovnik's majestic medieval walls.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Croatia (Zagreb)
Day 2
Arrive in Zagreb
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Zagreb city walk
The cobbled streets of Zagreb's Upper Town reveal centuries of Croatian history, from medieval fortifications to vibrant civic landmarks. Highlights including the colorful roof of St. Mark's Church, the historic Stone Gate, and Lotršcak Tower offer insight into the traditions, legends, and cultural heritage that have shaped Croatia's capital.
Day 3
Plitvice Lakes National Park guided tour
Spend the day exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park. See the Lower Lakes, which are open year-round, and discover 16 interconnected lakes linked by cascading waterfalls. The park’s turquoise-blue lakes are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travel to Bihać
Cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina and travel to Bihać, a historic city along the banks of the Una River. Surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and rugged landscapes, the region is a gateway to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of northwestern Bosnia.
Day 4
Una Valley cultural immersion workshop
Experience the traditions and hospitality of rural Bosnia during a cultural immersion workshop in the Una Valley. Participate in a traditional Bosnian cooking workshop and prepare regional specialties using local ingredients while learning how recipes have been passed down through generations. Then take part in traditional village games and friendly challenges, including sack races and teamwork activities that celebrate the customs and community spirit of the Krajina region.
Traditional dinner and folklore show
Croatia's regional traditions come to life through lively folk dances, traditional costumes, and music performed on instruments unique to the country's cultural heritage. Enjoy a dinner featuring local specialties while experiencing the customs and traditions that continue to play an important role in Croatian life today.
Day 5
Travel to Sarajevo
Bašcaršija Old Bazaar free time
The historic heart of Sarajevo offers a unique blend of Ottoman architecture, traditional crafts, and lively market streets. Spend time exploring Baščaršija as you browse artisan workshops, sample local specialties, and experience the atmosphere of a district that has served as the city's cultural and commercial center for centuries.
Day 6
Sarajevo guided sightseeing tour
Often called the "meeting place of East and West," Sarajevo reflects centuries of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences. See highlights including Baščaršija, the historic Latin Bridge, and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque as you discover a city shaped by cultural exchange, resilience, and pivotal moments in European history.
Day 7
Tunnel of Hope (War Tunnel) visit with local witness
Built during the Siege of Sarajevo, the Tunnel of Hope served as the city's vital connection to the outside world, allowing food, supplies, and people to move despite the blockade. Visit the tunnel and hear firsthand from a local witness about daily life during the conflict, gaining insight into the resilience and determination of Sarajevo's residents.
Travel to Mostar
Mostar guided sightseeing tour
Set along the banks of the Neretva River, Mostar is renowned for its blend of Ottoman heritage, stone architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions. During a guided sightseeing tour, explore landmarks including the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), the historic Old Bazaar, and one of the city's mosques. Learn how Stari Most, originally built in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has become a lasting symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina's history, resilience, and cultural heritage.
Day 8
Travel to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik guided sightseeing tour
Step inside the medieval walls of Dubrovnik and discover one of the Adriatic's best-preserved historic cities. During a guided sightseeing tour, visit the Dominican Monastery and the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacies, dating to 1317. See Onofrio's Fountain, the imposing medieval city walls, and the elegant Rector's Palace while learning about Dubrovnik's rich history, architecture, and maritime heritage.
Day 9
Lopud Island excursion
Part of the picturesque Elaphiti archipelago, Lopud is known for its sandy beaches, lush Mediterranean landscapes, and car-free village atmosphere. Travel by boat across the Adriatic to the island, where you'll have time to enjoy its natural beauty, stroll the waterfront, and experience the maritime heritage of Croatia's southern coastline.
Day 10
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Montenegro & Albania
Discover two of the Balkans' most captivating destinations. Cruise across the Bay of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks, stroll through Kotor's UNESCO-listed Old Town, then continue to Albania to explore historic Kruja, including Kruja Castle, the Skanderbeg Museum, and its medieval bazaar. Conclude in Tirana with guided sightseeing featuring Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, Justinian Fortress, and the thought-provoking Bunk'Art 2 museum.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Croatia & Bosnia-Herzegovina
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.