The Women Who Explore Croatia co-ed trip is the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure and exploration. Your home for the week is a private yacht - unpack, unwind and take in the stunning views as you cruise the Dalmatian coast, stopping at several different villages and cities. With so many different experiences this trip has a lot to offer. I’ve included 8 different experiences that you won’t want to miss!

1.Swim in the Adriatic Sea

While on the cruise the yacht will have swim stops, the boat finds a good spot to drop anchor and hang out for a few hours. During a swim stop there are a few options - SUP’s, a kayak or two, float tubes and snorkel sets. The water is very clear and has several shades of stunning blues. Jumping off the back of the ship is a must!

There’s also options to swim from the beaches on the island stops or even find a spot or two to cliff dive!

2. Try Rakija once or twice!

Rakija (or Rakia) is a distilled fruit brandy and there are some amazing herbal variations as well. You can find this in local shops, at restaurants and from locals. While it’s got a sharp taste (often around 40% ABV) the flavors of this are tasty. It’s served at celebrations and social gatherings but also served at the beginning of meals.

3. Walk the walls of old city Dubrovnik.

There’s enough free time in Dubrovnik to explore a few spots, including walking the walls. A local had told me he never had done this until he was older because he thought it was more of a touristy thing but now recommends it to everyone since it was such a great experience, needless to say I agree that it’s a unique experience worth seeing!

The stone walls of the old city were built as a defense system, constructed between the 13th-17th century, surrounding the old city. The average height is 80 feet tall with views of the sea the old city. There’s stops along the way you can make, including food & drinks.

A few tips: save your ticket (digital or paper), a screen shot if you’re buying a digital ticket as you might have to show it again as there are multiple entrances.

If heights are not your thing a quick boat ride to Lokrum Island is a fun adventure!

4. Visit an Oyster Farm at Mali Ston Bay

A visit to the oyster farm is such an experience beyond trying Oyster, you’ll arrive by a small boat to a floating platform that has an oyster bar in the middle of their farm. Upon arrival you’ll learn about how the oysters are farmed, learn about what makes these oysters so special and get to try fresh oysters, steamed muscles, the most delicious anchovies ever and lots of wine. For those that don’t eat oysters there are alternatives!

5. Visit St. Mary Island on the island of Mljet

One third of Mljet island is a national park! After a short walk from the port you’ll come up to a lake, grab a bike and go for a ride around the lake. The bike ride is just over 6 miles total, just over half way through there’s a spot with a sign and some flags. Park your bike, and if the boat is not already there you’ll grab a flag and wave for the boat to come pick you up. St. Mary Island, complete with a monastery, a swim spot and a bar is a lovely stopover on the bike ride. For those wanting more adventure after there’s a great hiking spot that offers 360 views.

6. Grab a beverage at Massimo Bar

Massimo bar, on the island of Korcula is found on top of a 15th century turret of Zakerjan Tower. To get to the bar you’ll ascend a wooden staircase through a small opening. Your drinks come up from the bar below via a pulley system, take in the views and if timed right you can enjoy the sunset.

7. Have an amazing meal off ship somewhere along the journey!

Croatia is home to many amazing restaurants, your cruise director will have lots of recommendations. One of my favorite meals from the trip was having cacio e pepe prepared tableside in a hollowed out parmesan wheel. The wheel is brought out, torched to melt the cheese then the cooked pasta is placed in the wheel, twirled around in the melted cheese, soaking up all the yumminess, pepper from an extra large pepper mill is freshly cracked into the wheel before being plated.

8. Explore the Island of Vis

The island of Vis was one of my favorite stops along this trip, with so many ways to explore it’s hard to go wrong. Options include ebikes, scooters, ATV tour, defender tour, a wine tasting at a vineyard or exploring on foot.

A few of us opted to rent ebikes, we ended up riding around the entire island, starting in the town of Vis we headed south first to stop for a swim at Stinivia beach. The beach is only accessible via hike down or swimming in from a boat at sea. Wear good shoes for the hike down as it’s steep and rocky. We took a dip, filled up our water at the bar and took in the views. Once back to our bikes we rode on to the town of Komiza, which included a steep descent with endless views of the Adriatic Sea. After exploring the village we stopped at a bakery that had the best burek (thin flakey dough filled with savory ingredients like meat, cheese or potatoes) I had while in Croatia. It was then time to climb to the top of Mount Hum, and head back to the town of Vis. Our adventure included taking in the sunset over the town of Komiza from most of the way up the hill before we made it back to Vis.

8 activities not to miss while on the Women Who Explore Croatia trip!