International Student Volunteers

Travel through Eastern Europe from its rugged mountains where tumbling rivers give way to rolling plains scattered with medieval castles and villages. Emerging from scented woods to crest the alps, you will coast down through a Mediterranean scatter of vineyards and olive groves to the warm waters of the Adriatic where the ISV boat and sailing adventures await. During the adventure tour you will experience exciting adventure activities, discover history and local culture, and meet the local people who call paradise home. On the ISV Adventure Tour you will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

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

"The adventure tour was amazing. I got to try things I never thought I'd do and they were all so much fun. ISV arranged a fantastic trip - it was the perfect way to experience Eastern European culture!"
Jennifer Lamb, Penn State University

Adventure Tour Itinerary – Zagreb to Dubrovnik (Southbound)

Note: Depending on your departure date and allocated volunteer project you may participate on the Dubrovnik to Zagreb (Northbound) tour itinerary which operates in the opposite direction with minor variations

Day 1 – Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia: Orientation
Depart your Volunteer Project and travel through the Pannonian Plains to Zagreb, the centre of Croatian art, culture and entertainment! Unwind with a free night to wander the narrow streets of the medieval style Old Town, be entertained by street musicians and check out the atmospheric nightlife.

isv Day 2 – Zagreb to Ljubljana, Slovenia: 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 Included Activity). Wander through cobblestone streets amongst towering 12th Century architecture and visit historic museums and contemporary art galleries. Afternoon travel to Ljubljana to explore Slovenia’s version of the cities of Paris and Prague.

Day 3 – Ljubljana to Bovec: Lake Bled Castle and Cycle Tour
This emerald green lake features a baroque church nestled on an island, medieval castle clinging to a 300ft rock face, and some of the highest mountains in the Julian Alps as a backdrop. Explore these surrounds on your cycling tour (ISV Optional Activity Package), and walk atop the cliff for a birds-eye view taking in the castles museum and print works. Then prepare yourself for breathtaking drive across the Alps to the adventure capital of Slovenia – Bovec!

Day 4 – 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, or horse ride in this mountain paradise.

Day 5 – Bovec to Selište Drežnicko, Croatia: 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). Kitted out with harness, flashlight, helmet and overalls, we will crawl in the belly of the cave, walk secret passageways and use ropes to go where few have been. Afterwards we cross the border back into Croatia, destination Plitvice Lakes renown for its magical cascades and waterfalls!

Day 6 – Selište Drežničko: *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 – Selište Drežničko to 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: Free Afternoon, Adventure Sailing
After breaking camp and paddling back to civilization, we make our way to the coast where our very own chartered boat awaits (ISV Included Activity)! Enjoy a free afternoon in Split to explore the World Heritage Listed Diocletian’s Palace, built almost 2000 years ago. Pick up a bargain in the local markets, watch the sunset from Marjan Hill and dine in a seaside restaurant.

Day 9 – Split to Omiš: Adventure Sailing, Omiš Rock Climbing
Today we embark on our maiden voyage following the old trade route to the infamous pirate town of Omiš. While the pirates disappeared into the history books, the dramatic seaside cliffs remain offering a superb rock climbing experience (ISV Optional Activity Package). Crank, pull and heave you way to glory on these dominating limestone features overlooking the Cetina River.

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 Omiš.

Day 11 – Omiš to Hvar Island: Adventure Sailing
Sailing through the narrow passage that separates Brac from the mainland, we turn west to one of Croatia’s premier beaches (Goldern Horn) for fun in the sun before dropping anchor at Hvar Island to the south. Relax to the pace of island life as we overnight in the harbor.

Day 12 – Hvar Island to Korčula Island: Free Morning, Adventure Sailing
After breakfast and beachcombing we set sail for Korcula Island where the famous explorer Marco Polo developed his passion for adventure. Stopping en route in another secluded bay there are opportunities for swimming and snorkeling – discover the undersea world of the Adriatic. The emerging walled Old Town of Korcula Grad, built on a small, hilly penninsula, will announce our arrival to this island of dense woods, indented coves and rolling hills - all stepped in history. Enjoy traditional island cuisine and the nighlife before the waves in the harbor lull us to sleep.

Day 13 – Korčula Island: Island Culture Tour
Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Venetians, and even the French, have all left their mark on this amazing island. Experience its charm on an authentic walking tour of a local village, past vineyards, olive groves and centuries old buildings (ISV Optional Activity Package). With time for a traditional meal and a swim, this day tour affords breathtaking views and is the best way to immerse yourself in island life..

Day 14 – Korčula Island to *Dubrovnik: Adventure Sailing, Dubrovnik Old Town
Explore the "pearl of the Atlantic" atop the remarkable city walls on this stunning walk (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 – Departure
Time to say goodbye or better yet "do viđenja" to Eastern Europe and share your amazing stories with those back home!

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 boat.

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)