Croatia’s Elaphiti Islands are little-known gems for family holidays. They are some of the greenest in Croatia, covered by forests and edged by sandy beaches, hidden coves, reefs, pines and palms, all just waiting to be explored. You’ll be based on the island of Sipan in a family-run guesthouse and situated on the edge of a stunning bay, but on most days you will hop between islands and explore further afield during your activities.
The whole family can get involved in this itinerary as activities can be tailored to accommodate those as young as six years old, whilst still maintaining the adventure for older kids. You will enjoy sea kayaking, hiking and biking as you journey around, up, over and between the islands. The activities tend to last for between three and five hours (including breaks), so there is a great balance between adventure and free time. We also include a day in the magnificent city of Dubrovnik as one of the activities, a highlight of any holiday in Croatia.
Your transfer will take you to the ferry terminal for your scenic ride to the beautiful island of Sipan (only 40 minutes away). Your guesthouse home is in the quaint seaside village of Šipanska Luka which offers easy access for paddling, swimming and snorkelling.
Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the islands and we will kick things off in style as you paddle to some of the tiny uninhabited islands to explore their coastlines. The pace will be leisurely and there will be plenty of time for swimming and enjoying the warm waters. Throughout the trip, your guides will try and aim for the least crowded spots, where only small boats or kayaks can gain access.
A cycling adventure is next on the agenda and you will travel through traditional sleepy villages on carefully selected routes with very little traffic. You’ll get out and about in the stunning scenery, enjoying the views, sights and beauty of the island.
You will take day trips to nearby Koločep for sea kayaking and beach-based games and to Loud where a treasure hunt hike provides staggering views.
For a taste of Croatian culture, you will then visit the walled city of Dubrovnik back on the mainland. This spectacular city is sure to captivate grownups and children alike as you explore the ancient old town with its narrow limestone paved streets and incredible battlements.
Overall, this holiday provides island hopping activities, a delightful location and the chance to explore some of the most stunning spots in Croatia as a family. What could be better!
On arrival in Croatia, you will be greeted and transferred to the ferry terminal. This ferry is the most scenic holiday transfer we offer anywhere and lasts around 40 minutes. It is the ideal way to start your holiday in Croatia as you can really enjoy the views of the islands and the mainland from the water.
On arrival in Šipan, you will be taken to the picturesque fishing village of Šipanska Luka. This tranquil spot is a favourite for mooring yachts due to the stunning palm-lined bay. Here you will check in to your welcoming guesthouse accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening before the fun begins tomorrow. Meals will be served in a nearby local restaurant or cafe throughout your stay.
NB: Ideally flights should arrive before 3 pm to ensure you are on the island in time for dinner. Any arrivals after 6 pm may need a private taxi boat transfer supplement.
Included Meals: DinnerAfter a leisurely breakfast, you will meet your experienced guide for your first activity, a sea kayaking adventure around the shores of Šipan and some of the neighbouring Elaphiti Islands. This is perhaps one of the most idyllic Croatian Archipelagos for sea kayaking with hidden coves and secret beaches dotted around the pine and palm-lined coastline. You will paddle towards Jaklijan, Tajan and Olipa which are all uninhabited islands. There will be plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling during the day and it is the ideal way to relax into your island holiday. If you have younger children, then they can share a kayak with their parents. The kayaking will last for approximately 2-3 hours today, not including breaks.
Lunches and dinners are typically not included in the holiday as there are normally several options each day (e.g. a local restaurant, a shop where you can purchase a picnic, etc.) so you can choose the option which best suits your family. You should also carry plenty of water with you throughout each day.
After completing your sea kayaking trip, you will return to Šipanska Luka. For dinner, you can either head to the nearby Guesthouse Dubravka, or sample one of the other restaurants in the village.
Included Meals: BreakfastEnjoy breakfast overlooking the Adriatic before setting off on your cycling tour of Šipan. The island’s quiet roads provide the perfect routes and your guide knows all the best viewpoints. You will pass through olive groves and traditional villages, enjoy hilltop views and look out across the glistening sea. In total, you will travel between 10-15km today (the island is only 9km long in total!) and there will be plenty of rest breaks. Should you have younger children in the family, they can ride in a bike seat with one of their parents.
This tour normally takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours (depending on stops) and you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or possibly hiring the bikes for the afternoon if you wish to continue exploring independently (subject to availability, must be booked and paid for locally).
After completing your tour, you will return to the guesthouse for some time to relax.
Included Meals: BreakfastToday you are island hopping once more as you take the short (around 15 minutes) ferry ride to nearby Lopud Island after breakfast.
Lopud offers some of Croatia’s most picturesque walking trails, starting from the sea and heading into the hills where the island's true treasures are hidden. To add an extra angle to the day, the guides have set a treasure hunt, so families must follow the clues throughout the hike to find the ‘treasure’. Small churches and an impressive fort are located at one of the island's highest points where you can enjoy amazing views of the Elaphiti Archipelago and Mljet island. The route is approximately 10 kilometres, but there will be plenty of rest breaks and time for fun and games in between. The activity will last for around 3 hours today.
In the evening, you will return to Šipanska Luka for a relaxing evening and dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, DinnerToday your time is your own and you can spend it as you wish. Most families tend to take advantage by having a day at the beach, enjoying an independent swim in the warm waters and some family time together. If you would like to include more active exploits, then optional tours may be available locally (subject to availability).
Included Meals: BreakfastYou will enjoy your beachside breakfast today before setting off for a day exploring Dubrovnik on your own.
Taking the short ferry ride to the mainland will give you views of the ancient citadel as you head towards the port. It is a striking city and is great fun to explore. The sense of history and adventure is all around you as you walk the polished limestone paved streets and take in the city walls with their cannons pointing out to sea. It is easy to see why this city is so often used in film and television. There are shops and cafes galore and we also recommend seeking out one of the ice cream parlours – always a family favourite!
Your guide will accompany you on the 30-minute walk from the port to the city and then you will have free time to explore the sights at leisure before returning to Sipan later in the day. If you would rather take the bus from the port to the city, this can be paid for locally.
Included Meals: BreakfastFollowing breakfast, you will begin your sea kayaking trip to the sleepy island of Koločep. Of all the Elaphiti Islands, Koločep is certainly one of the prettiest and the best suited to sea kayaking. The island boasts numerous secret caves, coves and beaches which are only accessible from the water and are just waiting to be explored. Snorkelling equipment will be available for you too, so you can look at the world under the azure blue sea.
During the day, everyone can also take part in a traditional Croatian water game known as ‘picigin’, which is played in shallow water with a small ball and provides great family fun. The aim is to keep the ball out of the water without ever catching it – kind of a net-less version of volleyball but with the added bonus of splashing about in the sea.
The sea kayaking will last for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, not including breaks.
At the end of the day, you will return to Šipanska Luka and enjoy an evening farewell meal hopefully watching yet another sunset from your accommodation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer back to Dubrovnik Airport for the flight home. To ensure that you avoid the need for private taxi boat transfers, flights should be booked to depart no earlier than 10 am.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Villa Lela is in Šipanska Luka, a village in the northern part of the delightful island of Sipan. Šipanska Luka is a small fishing village and so accommodation is typically in small family-run guesthouses such as Villa Lela. This option is ideal for families with younger children who need to share with their parents.
Close to the waterside, the location is perfect for families, being just a stone’s throw from the sandy beach and tranquil palm-lined shore where you can swim and paddle to your heart’s content during your stay.
ROOM TYPE
It has just six bedrooms across three floors, but some are larger so are more accommodating for parents and children sharing.
The two double rooms are suitable for two people with space for a third on a sofa bed.
For larger families, there are four further bedrooms with the option to connect two rooms, which can be closed off by a lockable door. Hence, these rooms can be made into a much larger space, one with two double beds and the other with a double bed and two single beds. These connecting rooms come with the bonus of a kitchenette.
All the rooms have air-conditioning and en-suite facilities.
Please note: The images above show both the smaller and larger bedroom options.
Our dates and prices for 2023 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our travel experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades. We will advise you of your flight details when they are confirmed. This will normally be around 9 months prior to departure.
| Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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Sat 27 May 2023
to Sat 03 Jun 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1050.00 | Child (6-12): £960.00 | Enquire |
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Sat 01 Jul 2023
to Sat 08 Jul 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1225.00 | Child (6-12): £1105.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 08 Jul 2023
to Sat 15 Jul 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1225.00 | Child (6-12): £1105.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 15 Jul 2023
to Sat 22 Jul 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1225.00 | Child (6-12): £1105.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 22 Jul 2023
to Sat 29 Jul 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1225.00 | Child (6-12): £1105.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 29 Jul 2023
to Sat 05 Aug 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1225.00 | Child (6-12): £1105.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 05 Aug 2023
to Sat 12 Aug 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1225.00 | Child (6-12): £1105.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 12 Aug 2023
to Sat 19 Aug 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1225.00 | Child (6-12): £1105.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 19 Aug 2023
to Sat 26 Aug 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1225.00 | Child (6-12): £1105.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 26 Aug 2023
to Sat 02 Sep 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1195.00 | Child (6-12): £1080.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 02 Sep 2023
to Sat 09 Sep 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £1195.00 | Child (6-12): £1080.00 | Enquire |
|
Sat 14 Oct 2023
to Sat 21 Oct 2023 |
Adult price (13+) based on 2 sharing: £960.00 | Child (6-12): £880.00 | Enquire |
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
Minimum 4 and maximum 16 persons (approximately)
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
Swim stops
There are plenty of opportunities during our cruises for refreshing swim stops in some beautiful spots en route. Please note that this is not a supervised or guided activity and whilst safety equipment is provided on board and staff members will be present, each passenger is responsible for their own safety whilst in the water.
The most memorable part of the holiday for us has to be Sailing on the Catamaran. The service was brilliant. Our favourite activity was Swimming from the catamaran in secluded bays. Body surfing in proper waves on a stormy day - better than Cornwall! Maja, Stephano, Iggie made a huge difference to our holiday. Huck Finn staff were all great and made sure that we all had a good time,…
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giving us options and flexing the programme when appropriate to suit the weather forecast and the group dynamics.
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I really enjoyed the kayaking and the lunch on that day. The scenery and sea were beautiful and the fish lunch was really lovely. The cycling and walking days were really good too, and they were a great way to get to know the other people on the holiday.
The team in situ were fantastic, particularly with the kids. The location felt safe and there was a fab little park right outside the accommodation that the kids really enjoyed. The guest house with a sink. fridge, 2 ring hob and table and chairs was perfect for us. Mr 7-year-old enjoyed the sea-kayaking best. He was in a kayak with the guide and he enjoyed the guide pretending to head for the…
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rocks! Miss 4-year-old enjoyed the hiking and really got into climbing/scrambling up the rocks. My husband enjoyed the sea-kayaking as it was something different he had never done before and it was fun. I also enjoyed the kayaking, paddling to a secluded beach and spending a while playing in the sea before heading for home. I also enjoyed watching my son being challenged by some of the activities (he fell off his bike and had to get back on again and finish the ride).
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Created by families for families
Experience real adventures enjoyed safely
Family friendly destinations and accommodation
Maximising your precious family time
Family time, not screen time
Family memories to treasure
No kids clubs - Mum and Dad can play too
Enjoy the company of like-minded families
Family owned and run
Proudly Independent
Personal, hands-on service
Fair and sustainable work ethos
We safety check every activity so you don’t have to
100% ATOL and ABTA protection
Peace of mind promise
Award-winning
Activities Abroad, Maling Exchange, Hoults Yard, Walker Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE6 1AB
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This holiday encapsulates some of the best Croatia has to offer. The whole family can explore some of the lesser-known, but equally stunning Croatian islands in an active way. The combination of water and land-based activities means you cover the islands from all angles and enjoy a variety of experiences. You also get to visit landmark destinations such as Dubrovnik to enjoy the sights, before heading back to your more peaceful island base. The short ferry transfers are all part of the fun (and they are part of everyday life in this region) and add to the experience as you hop between islands and the mainland.
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