22 independent reviews for Dubrovnik & Islands activity holiday
Reviews for Dubrovnik & Islands activity holiday
Andy Lulham review 12 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole thing was fabulous, from start to finish. The village we stayed in was welcoming and the so friendly.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to walk - a lot. It's an active vacation, but there is still plenty of time to relax and wind down.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We tried to support local businesses as best we could - the restaurants and bars in the towns both sides of the island are excellent and there are places to please most palettes and budgets4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Best vacation for a long time, the guides were helpful, knowledgeable and always happy to help.Susan Bull review 10 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The exclusive island2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There are limited ferries. Either book early flight ie 10am, or later 5pm To avoid hanging around3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, water is drinkable so no need use excessive plastic. Apartment clean&tidy no wasteful cleaning of rooms Locals were friendly and helpful Guide was informative, relaxing yet aware of group dynamics4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A good mix of activities both guided and equipment available to use in free time. Helpful and informative staffsally Hawes review 15 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The group and the setting on the island2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Fantastic group vacation with varied activities and lots of down time too3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Added to tourism. Couldn’t see how it reduced environmental impact or supported conversation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic and better than anticipated in relation to the setting and group experience. Our room had a broken fridge and the plaster falling off the walls and we paid the same as others with balconies, fridges and even kettles. The rooms were not equitable.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Sally,
We are happy to hear that you overall enjoyed your vacation.
We are sorry that there were problems with your room, and these are now being addressed. Thank you for taking the time to let us know so we can fix it. Unfortunately, this summer Croatia has had an unusual amount of rain, which has caused water damage and thus this specific damage to your room.
We try to run a responsible business and for us, a big part of this is supporting the local community. Therefore, we work with several small, family run guesthouses and other local service provides. It is true that not all the houses are the same – some are larger, with balconies, and further away from the sea; while others are slightly smaller with less amenities, but centrally located. The houses we use on Sipan island are small and traditional. Not all were built recently and some have been remodeled to serve as guesthouses. It is not permitted to alter their appearance so as to make them all the same and add balconies. In the guesthouse where you stayed, only one room out of six has a balcony.
We are glad you were still able to enjoy your week with us and that the vacation was better than expected in some ways.
Michaela Strachan review 18 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We loved being able to visit somewhere different every day. Our favourite day was e biking around the lakes of Mljet National Park. Absolutely stunning. Exploring the Dalmation coast by catamaran is definitely the best way to experience it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If, like me, you're vegetarian, go with the expectation that you may be eating courgettes and aubergine for a few days! The restaurants were in the most beautiful settings and very much geared towards fish and meat eaters. It didn't bother me because that was my expectation so I wasn't disappointed. Most of the local restaurants only accepted cash, so make sure you have cash on you. Nearly all restaurants, you can only tip using cash. Also take some water as drinking water is not provided on the boat.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefited local people as all the islands we visited were small and everything seemed to be run by locals. There certainly wasn't anything that was particularly unsustainable although I was surprised at the lack of obvious wildlife especially marine life and birds.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved our 4 days on the catamaran and would definitely do it again. In fact we would love to do a longer sailing trip next time.Jana Zamecnik review 14 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiking and biking on the islands.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Need to be in a good shape.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I don't know. What was not included seemed expensive.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Gail Bingham review 3 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The spontaneous change of transport plans, always to something more exciting, for example instead of ferry rides, we used the operators catamaran and speedboat. Personally kayaking is my highlight.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Several changes of water clothes. Kuna can be bought at the airport in Dubrovnik. Make sure you enjoy the sunset at the beach bar.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate locally, shopped locally and hopefully we arrived at a better understanding of the history, social and material structure of the islands. I certainly feel much better informed as to what is important to the local community and how certain elements of tourism can be eroding and ultimately destructive to the unique qualities of the area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had the most superb vacation; an experience that will stay with me for a long time. Extremely welcoming and personable hosts and guides. Well thought out and flexible trips.Naomi Grafton review 27 Aug 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trip on the catamaran was the most exciting for our family as we had not been on one before. It would have been even better if we could have had one more swim stop as we only managed one on the way to Kolocep. We were keen to make use of the paddleboards and snorkelling gear which would have been great to use for a longer time... We also enjoyed the sea kayaking but only managed this once, and felt this could have been made more exciting by kayaking to a destination eg Lopud. The trip stated a second day of kayaking but we were not offered this on the last day.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make use of all of the facilities and equipment that is available to you...explore as much as you can. I would also recommend allowing a little more money than we budgeted to allow for meals and transport. The activities on offer are easy and accessible.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I feel that the local economy did benefit from our vacation. We used public transport and ferries in Sipan, and bought our food from the local supermarket and ate in the local restaurants. As we used buses and ferries, most of the time they were full minimising the transport on the roads. We also used the electric bikes from the operator which also reduced any need for additional forms of travel.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall we would rate the vacation 4.5! Our guide was patient with a challenging group varying in ability and ages, and we all felt he did a great job (thank you Luka). Our only other feedback would be to advise if the outline plan of the vacation is changing, and to let the group know when to book restaurants as quite a few said they could not fit us in, and with a family of 4 this was more difficult to manage. We would recommend the vacation to others, and we are keen to come back to Sipan and explore other islands in the future.David Keniston review 1 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hike in LoPud island2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported local restaurants. Lots of non-motor based activities inc. bike, paddle board and kayaks4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, but maybe breakfast could improve choice and quality.Kate Bettjeman review 19 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The sunset cruise was memorable and comes in at a tie with the optional day which we chose to visit Mljet.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The clothing suggestions the operator give are excellent, and in particular the swim shoes as a lot of the beaches are stoney. Also booking evening dinners at restaurants is recommended3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it probably benefited local businesses, yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just loved it, and we are all very pleased we participated. The other group members were all so positive, interesting and easy going. The entire experience was fantastic.Ruth Bailey review 4 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Highlights of this vacation were exploring the stunning coastline by kayak, bike and foot and through the beautiful sunset sail on a catamaran.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's a really good balance between being active and having time for relaxation away from the group.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I liked the fact it used local guides, and we visited local restaurants. We collected plastic waste when we visited an island on a kayak trip.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was brilliant. Our guide Toni was excellent and I would certainly book with this operator again.Siobhan Holloway review 27 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Don Lavictoire review 20 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The kayaking swimming , cycling and beautiful views were all great2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to be flexible, The plans will be adjusted due to weather. (What makes sense.)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great, I would of liked more meals included in the package (even if price were a little higher) being on a vacation, I didn’t want to worry about arranging and paying for meals.**they did not have need people for walking tour, so we did the Multisport tour and enjoyed it.Ruth Lorimer review 15 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sunset cruise on catamaran2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure your guide tells you what's going to happen & when in advance - so you have everything you need. Beware there may be extras - not everything is included. Research before you go if there are other things you would like to do as there will be plenty spare time3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local people will have benefited. We were taken to an abandoned island (not deserted as advertised) where the beach was in a bad state - covered in rubbish and we saw blood vials - there was no evidence of anyone trying to clean it up, I am not sure the tour company should be taking groups there when it's in this condition.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Beautiful place. We enjoyed ourselves. Tour guide was inexperienced so lack of information available, activities were rushed and seemed to be more of a way to get the group to place to place than to appreciate the activity and the countryside. It has the potential to be a better trip but think the way it's currently run could be improved upon.Anna Fairclough review 27 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all amazing! Such a fab setting, the views were just spectacular. Sea Kayaking was amazing fun. The suggested restaurants for lunch were also a massive highlight - really local and great f ood!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely give it a go, such an amazing week!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We went to lots of local restaurants and shops, and the guesthouses we stayed in were all small local ones so that was a real bonus!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely amazing!!Jo Jo Cox review 13 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The boat trips to the island in the speed boats and the Catamaran2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There are a lot of added extra costs in this trip. Lunch in different places suggested by the guides which are good but expensive. The breakfast and meals that are included are very limited. The menu had 3 choices of main course and we were eating in the same place for the 3 dinners. Breakfast was really poor, no selection at all. The daily activities are not very long for the price that we paid. Be prepared to be flexible as they change the plans quite a lot which is not weather dependent its to work around the different group requests etc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes local people benifited quite a lot as the guides used their restaurants for lunch/dinners etc where local produce was used. As our mode of transport was on Foot, by sea, or cycling very little carbon footprint left on the islands4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall good but expensiveJoy Baker review 4 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Team spirit, excellent guide and organisation. The group of people I met (my first solo vacation). The island of Sipan, so beautiful and unspoilt.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Good walking shoes and wet shoes. A travel kettle (if you want hot drinks in your room).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We supported the environment by reducing plastic bottles (take own and refill with one 7l water bottle) and supporting local trade.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing! Beautiful landscapes, well planned activities, excellent guide. My first solo trip and made to feel very welcome.Clare Whitney review 3 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Highly professional guides who were a lot of fun, highly engaging and who really made the vacation, with their personality and character and knowledge. Good accommodation and nice people in the group. Lots of adventures.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Our group was made up of one large family, one smaller family and 3 single people. The larger family were very 'self contained' and did not really engage with the rest of the group. Had the other single people not been on the vacation, we would not have had all of the friendly interaction and laughs. Booking a group vacation is a risk. We also went for whitewater rafting and kayaking: the water was particularly low and our trips were more like canyoning. The tour operator were reluctant to give too much information about water levels, so do your own research before you book. In low water, the trips were still great fun, but manage your own expectations.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Low impact, adventure travel of this nature should strongly encourage Croatia to preserve its pristine natural environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great fun.Sandie Fensom review 3 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of the vacation was memorable. We had a really good time. Our guide Una was lovely and organised everything. All the activities were as described. Would recommend our vacation provider to travel with...2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the vacation did benefite the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
For us the vacation was just what we were looking for and will visit Croatia again..Sandie Fensom review 20 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of the vacation was memorable. We had a really good time. Our guide Una was lovely and organised everything. All the activities were as described. Would recommend our vacation operator to travel with ..2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the vacation did benefite the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
For us the vacation was just what we were looking for and will visit Croatia again..Juliet Lowe review 21 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had a very enjoyable vacation on the Island of Sipan near Dubrovnik. The guide was great fun and very enthusiastic, he worked our group out quickly, seeing that we all liked walking, cycling and swimming and were not so keen on big lunches and crowded places. So we had some fabulous days exploring the Islands near Dubrovnik kayaking, swimming, walking and cycling. Although it was very hot we still went out on some great adventures and felt we had really covered all the lesser known local places. When ever we came back from other Islands and places we realised how lucky we were to be staying at Luka Sipanska, by far the most beautiful and unspoilt bay in the Dubrovnik area, wonderful views, clean sea, great little beach and fabulous restaurants and cafes. The Guest house in Luka Sipanska was nice and clean (the air conditioning was a bit temperamental), but the food served to us was rather monotonous so we were grateful that we only had 4 evening meals there and could sample all the other wonderful local restaurants on the other nights. When my husband and myself did not go with the others to Dubrovnik as we had already visited it we were given bicycles to go exploring Sipan. The optional excursion day turned out not to be so successful as our group was too small for a choice to be offered and as we did not all want to go on the one excursion offered we were given no other alternatives.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
On the whole it was a lovely week with the right proportion of healthy exercise and exploration with relaxing and down time.Juzar Jeevanjee review 3 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The sunset sailing on the catermeran ( after kayaking around the Island) this was my favourite day of the trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pay attention to detail3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes all of the above4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall I had an enjoyable vacation with my daughter and with the company of other guests on the trip. There were a few disappointments however which I believe your company should address immediately. Although my daughter & I were given a lovely room on the top floor of the apartment block above the office; not once was it cleaned for the entire duration of out trip. By the second day we had no toilet tissue; and I had to hunt around local shops to find some. I eventually managed to find one of your reps that was napping outside the office. He had some stocked in the office. By the fifth day our small bath towels were so soiled that I had to again request that our towels were replaced. I did not query why the rooms were not being cleaned. As I presumed that was the level of service you offered. It only became a topic of discussion on the last day when I discovered that none of the other guests had this experience. They're rooms were cleaned daily; I was annoyed to say the least. As you can imagine we tolerated overflowing bins, sand on the bathroom floor, dirty sheets and soiled towels. So I would like to know why our rooms were overlooked. On a different point we had included , four nights dinner ( which is fine) except it was at the same restaurant with the same limited set menu. Which meant that we had repeated meals as not all options suited our pallets. I think given the diversity of cuisine available there should have been a better choice of meals available. The food itself was fine.Leah Chamberlain review 28 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So much of this trip was memorable--I lucked out with a great tour group and a wonderful guide (Danny). The scenery was beautiful and most places we went were (happily) not overrun with people. Kayaking was definitely my favorite activity, while the most memorable day was when we had lunch at the hilltop farm. I really enjoyed meeting the owners, and knowing that they shared a meal with us that was wholly produced on their land made it that much more special.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready to be active. There is plenty of time to lounge on the beach, but if that is all you want to do this isn't the trip for you!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes--the local places on Sipan definitely got our support, most of the activities (hiking, biking, kayaking) were very environmentally friendly, and the trip to the farm gave a view into local lifestyles outside the towns.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good! The accommodations were very comfortable, our guide was great, and the activities were just what I was looking for.Holiday Reviews
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