Overview
What's included?
- Transfers: return transfers from airport to Gruz harbour, return ferry transfers from Gruz harbour to Sipan and all required transfers between islands and Dubrovnik for included activities
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a double or twin room at a 3-star Guesthouse in Luka Šipanska on Sipan Island
- Meals: 7 breakfasts
- The following activities are included in the holiday: stand up paddle boarding, in Šipan, Dubrovnik sightseeing hiking in Lopud, sea kayaking on the Elaphiti Islands, cycling and catamaran sailing (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
- Equipment, training, and supervision for all activities with expert local guides
*Transfers: flights are not included in this trip because just about everybody wants to add a day, days or even a week in Dubrovnik before, and/or after, the holiday. We will be delighted to arrange flights, and accommodation for you. Please just ask one of our Travel Experts for suggestions and prices
Please note: there is now a mandatory 80€ per person fee to be paid locally and in cash, before the start of the trip. This is part of a sustainability fee which helps to contribute to local economies and suppliers, and also covers sojourn tax.
Dubrovnik is stately, imposing and magnificent. It’s little wonder that this coastal fortress has provided many a backdrop for historical or fantasy-based television (think Game of Thrones). You could spend day after day exploring the maze of streets, alleys and squares, the honey-coloured and red roof topped buildings, the cafes, bars and restaurants and, best of all, the utterly captivating views earned by walking the walls that protect this fortified city.
In the summer months, Dubrovnik is a very busy place and so this holiday is based on a small island less than an hour’s ferry journey from the city but, a million miles away in terms of visitor numbers.
Alongside Dubrovnik, there are few stretches of coastal waters as stunning as that of Dalmatia. This trip combines Dubrovnik with the three “main” islands of the Elaphiti Archipelago, Sipan (pronounced “Shipan”), Lopud and Koločep (“Kolochep”).
Read moreSipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and will be your base for the week. You will be staying in the charming and archetypically Croatian fishing village of Šipanska Luka.
After an active day, dining outside on fresh seafood, fish and traditional Croatian fare could not be a more enticing prospect. Fortunately, there are several local restaurants close to your guesthouse, including some fantastic dining terraces, which are only a peeled prawn shell’s throw from the gently lapping water of the Adriatic.
The sunsets here are unforgettable so why not linger a while with a glass or two of the local wine while the burning orange ball descends slowly into the Adriatic? ‘Tis heavenly.
From this Sipan base, our guides will help you to explore Lopud, Koločep and Sipan itself during a fun-filled activity week. All the necessary equipment is provided so there’s no need to worry about anything other than listening to the guides’ instructions and having a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.
You’ll find yourself exploring the smaller Elaphiti islands by sea kayak and paddleboard as well as cycling on Sipan, hiking on Lopud, and sea kayaking and sailing the waters that surround Koločep.
Combine these activities with a day exploring Dubrovnik and plenty of time to enjoy Sipan’s sandy beaches and you’ve pretty much got this part of Croatia covered.
Credit: Huck Finn Adventure Travel, Ivo Biocina and Croatian National Tourist Board, Zeljko Kelemen
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Key facts
| Duration: | 7 nights |
| Pace: | Active |
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Arrival and departure days: This holiday runs from Saturday to Saturday during the date ranges shown below.
Prices
| Dates | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sat 27 Apr 2024
to Sat 15 Jun 2024 |
Adults £ 925 To £ 1,245 | |
|
Sat 15 Jun 2024
to Sat 13 Jul 2024 |
Adults £ 1,075 To £ 1,345 | |
|
Sat 13 Jul 2024
to Sat 07 Sep 2024 |
Adults £ 1,095 To £ 1,375 | |
|
Sat 07 Sep 2024
to Sat 12 Oct 2024 |
Adults £ 925 To £ 1,250 |
Next season’s dates and prices
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sat 26 Apr 2025
to Sat 14 Jun 2025 |
Adults £ 1,035 To £ 1,160 | |
|
Sat 14 Jun 2025
to Sat 12 Jul 2025 |
Adults £ 1,115 To £ 1,250 | |
|
Sat 12 Jul 2025
to Sat 06 Sep 2025 |
Adults £ 1,205 To £ 1,345 | |
|
Sat 06 Sep 2025
to Sat 11 Oct 2025 |
Adults £ 1,035 To £ 1,160 |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Group Size
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.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com
Itinerary amendments
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.
Medical History and Advice
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.
Insurance
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.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
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.
Booking activities locally
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 properly 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.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
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.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
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.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20
Agenda
Agenda
-
DAY 1
Arrival, Transfers and Accommodation
After arriving in Dubrovnik, you will take your transfer from the airport to Gruz Harbour to catch a ferry accross to Sipan at approximately 4pm*. The crossing is less than an hour during which the Dalmatian Coast will begin to reveal its barely believable beauty.
Once you have settled into your accommodation there may be time to stroll through the village or enjoy a swim and a spot of sunbathing before a free evening.
*We recommend arriving in Dubrovnik by 3pm in order to take the ferry transfer at approximately 4:30pm. If you arrive after this time, you may miss the welcome orientation briefing and it is likely that a private transfer or night in Dubrovnik (at an additional cost) may be required.
Included Meals: None -
DAY 2
Elaphiti Islands Paddleboarding
Early risers might want to take advantage of the relatively cool morning by strolling under the palm tree-lined seafront as the village slowly rouses itself ahead of another day.
On a typically fine day in Croatia, everything will be blue. The sky will be blue, the sea will be blue, and the distant islands appear as shimmering bluey-grey protrusions interspersed around the Adriatic. It’s almost hypnotic, just sitting there looking out to sea while sipping an early morning coffee but don’t linger too long because breakfast will be waiting before the active fun begins.
Today is your opportunity to try paddleboarding, a sport whose popularity is very much on the increase. Don’t worry if you fall into the crystal-clear Adriatic water, everybody does it and it’s lovely and warm.
You’ll head out from a tranquil beach in Sudurad, just a short transfer from your guesthouse. From here you can enjoy beautiful views of the neighbouring island of Lopud and, if weather permits, the group can explore Sipan’s glorious green cave on SUPs.
The activity lasts around two hours allowing plenty of time to relax or swim back at Sipanska Luka.
You will see throughout that lunches are not included as standard in this holiday but fear not, there are some wonderful options available each day. Things are designed to be flexible so the guide can make suggestions based on the group’s preferences and you can choose where you would like to eat on each day.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 3
Cycling on Sipan Island
After breakfast, you’ll be sized up for your bike before heading out onto Sipan’s one and only meaningful road which links Sipanska Luka with Sudjuradj. The lack of roads means that there is very little traffic making for some lovely, relaxed cycling and it’s a mere 3 miles between the two villages so easily within the capabilities of just about anybody.
The morning does start with a rise as you head away from the coast and, if you are struggling, then simply put the bike in the easiest gear and take as much time as you want to get to the top. It’s more than worth the effort when you arrive at a hilltop farm surrounded by olive groves and the best vantage point on the whole island.
From the farm, it’s easy riding for the 2.5 miles to Sudjuradj, so enjoy the lovely countryside and keep an eye out for churches, chapels and monasteries. There are also quite a few holiday villas here owned by wealthy residents of Dubrovnik. It’s hard not to be envious!
The final descent back to the hotel is just fantastic fun and people have been known to go back up just to do it again! The activity lasts about two hours so there’ll be plenty of time to relax, swim, snorkel or explore before another splendid sunset fills the sky.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 4
Dubrovnik
There are loads of clichés bandied around to describe tourist destinations but, in Dubrovnik’s case, “The Jewel of the Adriatic” is richly deserved.
Dubrovnik is the stuff of legend. A coastal fortress with myriad streets, alleys, squares, red-roofed buildings and more history – both ancient and modern – than you can shake a stick at.
The absolute best way to see the city in all it’s magnificent grandeur is by walking the city walls. Slap on the Factor 50, wear a wide-brimmed hat and take plenty of water because the walls are exposed to the sun, but the lofty views are more like CGI film sets than real life.
Standing on the easterly wall gives the very best panorama across the tiled red roofs and higgledy-piggledy stone buildings to the glistening Adriatic with its white-sailed yachts and the islands beyond.
For a different perspective, why not take the short journey from the harbour to Lokrum, “The Cursed Island”? The views of Dubrovnik’s city walls from the boat are spectacular and the island itself yields plenty of reward in the form of a monastery, a small lake, a fort and a botanical garden.
You’ll find that culture, history, gastronomy and architecture are all at the centre of Dubrovnik’s powerfully beating heart. It truly is a wonderful, wonderful city.
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: Breakfast -
DAY 5
Hiking on Lopud Island
It’s a short ferry journey over to Lopud which has many walking routes taking you from sea level to the island’s summit. The walks rise gently to the summit and, for the most part, follow shaded paths through the woods.
The summit reveals not only stunning views of the Adriatic coast but also some of Lopud’s history in the form of a strategically positioned fort. In less tranquil days, this lookout post served to warn the islanders of incoming trouble.
After enjoying the views, the gentle descent returns you to your start point approximately 2 to 3 hours after you left it. The short return ferry trip will leave you with time to do your own thing back on Sipan.
Dinner is included this evening so that the group can gather and discuss the adventure so far.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 6
Koločep Sea Kayaking and Sailing
If sea kayakers could design the perfect place in which to indluge their passion the Elaphiti Islands would likely be as close to perfection as you can get!
This archipelago of small islands with its rugged coastlines, hidden coves and secluded sandy beaches areideal for exploring. The calm waters of the Adriatic make sea kayaks the perfect mode of transport too as you head for three uninhabited islands, Jakljan, Tajan and Olipa. Only accessible by small boats the beaches are quiet and the marine life largely undisturbed. You’ll take full advantage of these glorious spots by taking breaks to swim and snorkel in these unspoilt bays along the Croatian coastline.
The kayaking will last for approximately 3 hours.
Should you fancy a change from sea kayaking, there will be snorkelling equipment available. It’s well worth taking to the crystal-clear Adriatic asthese waters are a such a rich source of marine life.
This afternoon you’ll set sail on a two-hour cruise, and what better way than to sit back, relax and enjoy the views than from a catamaran?
As you glide across the azure waters, occasionally, you can see flashes of silvery grey as pods of dolphins swim alongside the boat.
Following the day's adventures, you’ll return to your guesthouse for some time to relax.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 7
Rest Day or Optional Activities
Today is free to do as you choose. You might fancy simply topping up your tan on the beach or, if you are feeling active, why not have a chat with our local guide about the available options? These can be booked and paid for locally and typically include visits to neighbouring islands such as Mljet.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 8
Departure
After breakfast it is time to say farewell to Šipan and catch the ferry back to Gruz Harbour. We recommend booking flights from 10am onwards today; earlier departures can be accommodated but may be subject to a supplement.
If you are considering a longer stay in Croatia, then why not look at our other trips or discuss extending your time in Dubrovnik with one of our Travel Experts?
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Šipan Island Guesthouse
Nights: 1-7
During your stay on the laid-back island of Šipan, you’ll stay in a locally-owned guesthouse for a wonderfully authentic stay. Most of the guesthouses are situated close to the beaches or just a short walk from the seafront where you can dine on some of the traditional food of the Dalmatian islands.
Our local experts have inspected the majority of guesthouses in the area but your final accommodation will be confirmed at the time of ticketing. The locally-owned guesthouses are likely to include double or twin en-suite rooms, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Examples include but are not limited to Villa Lela (displayed) or Guesthouse Dubravka for a supplement.
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
Our 2 activity guides Luka and Aleks were very enthusiastic and coped well with our large group, taking us out in smaller groups for the activities. They were very informative, friendly and hospitable. They listened to us as a group and took on board any comments. We enjoyed all the activities but perhaps the sunset catamaran sail at the end was a very appropriate end to a lovely island based…
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