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Gay Group Travel: 12 Days in Croatia

Enchanting. Spectacular. Magical. Croatia is a country spoiled by the natural beauty of cascading waterfalls and impossibly blue seas, set against medieval castles and ancient walled villages. It's a country so diverse that it's tough to describe in a nutshell. Forests, mountains, islands, reefs, and a sea that's so blue that some astronauts have described it as the bluest in the world. Add to this well-preserved ancient towns and stone-built villages populated by friendly locals and great Mediterranean food and there's no wonder why many people call this country Europe's best kept secret.

Our 12 days here in Croatia are spent getting right in there and experiencing the best nooks and crannies of it! We'll stay within the walled town center of Split, surrounded by all the ancient beauty. We'll island hop over to the cosmopolitan island town of Hvar for a few days of gorgeous island life. We'll find out why Dubrovnik was chosen as the set of so many Game of Thrones episodes, and maybe even take a trip out to Montenegro. And we'll start and finish the trip in the capital and largest city of Zagreb with plenty of unique museums and nightlife - a perfect place to start and end your Croatia adventure.

Being a relatively small country means spending less time in a bus/boat on travel days between all of the diverse destinations and more time out there soaking it all in! Ready to find out more about this 12-day experience in Croatia? Check out the links below for a tonne of info, then contact us if you've got any questions. See you in Croatia!

Day 1 - ZAGREB

The largest city, capital city, and central hub of business, culture, and history in Croatia. This is where we all come together to start our adventure at 4:00pm on day 1! If you're flying into Croatia on this day just try to arrive in time to get to our group hotel... or if you'd prefer to arrive a day (or more!) early and you'd like some assistance with setting up any extra nights in our group hotel just let us know, we'd be happy to help.

Days 2, 3, and 4 - PLITVICE PARK and SPLIT

The iconic walled village and home to the famous Diocletian's Palace at the edge of the sparkling Adriatic sea. That's where we're heading on day 2, but first we're going to spice up our second day together with a visit to the incredible Plitvice National Park! This must-see park is home to some of the most amazing natural waterfall formations imaginable with water cascading in every direction off the cliffs so bring your cameras! After a few hours at the park we'll continue our way down to the coast to our first medieval home of the trip, the coastal city of Split.

Days 5, 6, and 7 - HVAR

It's island time! Take the historical old town of Split, but add a cosmopolitan atmosphere and beautiful beaches! The island of Hvar is just a quick 1-hour ferry ride from the mainland to the town of Stari Grad where you'll find the laid back island life mixing with the jetsetting Europeans in a picturesque seaside town. May to September is the best season to be here for the warmest waters and best people watching.

Days 8, 9, and 10 - DUBROVNIK

Like the icing on the cake, our last stop of Dubrovnik is likely the most famous of Croatia's cities for its fantastically preserved fortressed old town. It's really a breathtaking sight that'll have you imagining the days of long-ago battles when the locals would defend their beautiful home. There aren't many places in the world that hold so much history in such a preserved state and it's sure to be a highlight of anyone's trip here!

Days 11 and 12 - ZAGREB

On the 11th day it's time to head back to where it all started... the capital city of Zagreb. We'll be flying the short 1-hour flight back to the main city for one last night together. So grab those last-minute souvenir fridge magnets, a last drink with your new friends, and the last breath of Croatia air before heading out on the 12th and final day. You're welcome to book your departing flight at any time of the 12th day.

We don't like staying in smelly shacks on our vacations and we're pretty sure you don't either! You work hard to go on vacation and we believe you deserve an enjoyable, comfortable place to wind down at the end of each day. We put a LOT of time into finding the perfect accommodation for your trip. After rigorous wifi signal testing, fluffing pillows, and taking a shower or two, we've narrowed down our favorite properties. Check out our approved accommodation to see where we've stayed in the past and where we'll likely be staying on your trip.

ZAGREB: Canopy by Hilton (City Centre)

 Mere minutes from Glavni train station, this refined hotel in the city center is under 2 km from the bustling Ban Jelačić Square, filled with museums and restaurants. These beautiful rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and sitting areas, as well as minifridges and Nespresso machines. Amenities include a local restaurant, a gym, and a vintage-chic cafe.

SPLIT: Hotel Luxe 

Overlooking the Port of Split on the Adriatic Sea, this unique hotel is minutes from the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace and to Bačvice beach. Eccentric rooms have colorful, contemporary decor and provide minibars, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs and safes. The spa offers a sauna, a hot tub and a gym.

HVAR: Hotel Pharos

Offering views of the Mediterranean Sea, this informal hotel is situated minutes from Hvar Cathedral and Španjola Fortress. Modern rooms and suites feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and safes. Other amenities include an outdoor beachclub with a gorgeous pool, 2 bars and a restaurant.

DUBROVNIK: Hotel Lero

This contemporary hotel is only 4 minutes from Bellevue Beach and is one of the closest hotels to Old City and the medieval Walls of Dubrovnik. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, a spa area with fitness room, a sauna and a steam room.

*Please note that due to availability, these exact hotels may not all be available during all Detours trips. However, we will always replace these with similar hotels, and will never downgrade.

The Climate

Don’t worry about getting chilly, our trips are scheduled in the warm summer months ensuring maximum warmth and sunshine! Temperatures will vary from warm to hot depending on your chosen travel month and itinerary stop. From May to September we can expect temperatures in the high 70’s and 80’s Farenheit (high 20’s Celsius) during the day. That said, weather can sometimes be unpredictable so it's always good to pack a “just in case” outfit for the odd rainy day.

The People and LGBT community

The people of Croatia have been through a tumultuous history of conflict and have remained a strong and proud group of people. Their language, Croatia, has several dialects in different areas of the country but is all part of a Slavic group of languages. Travelers usually find it tough to speak, but don't worry, there is a very large understanding of English in Croatia, especially in the areas we'll be visiting. We always encourage travelers to learn at least a couple words while you're here so ask your trip leader to teach you something!

The Roman Catholic church still has a sizeable influence on the country, but LGBT rights here have been advancing quite quickly in recent years with LGBT couples now with almost identical rights to those of heterosexual couples. In 2015, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) ranked Croatia 5th in terms of LGBT rights out of 49 observed European countries. The gay community in Croatia isn't as large and visible as some areas of the world, but there is nightlife in the city of Zagreb and pride festivals in Zagreb and Split.. 

Meals

Croatian cuisine tends to change quite substantially depending on the region, with all kinds of delicious flavors reminiscent of the countries nearby. Pasta is quite popular inland, while seafood is all over the coastline. Think black pepper, paprika and garlic flavors inland, and olive oil, rosemary and sage at the coast. And to wash it all down there are hundreds of wineries all over the country offering both reds and whites, as well as many different varieties of beers. Want something stronger? Try Rakija. Detours doesn't believe in limiting your choices by including all of your meals at pre-decided restaurants as part of the trip package. Instead, we include all of your breakfasts to start your day off, then we explore all of the different restaurant options available for lunch and dinner. This way we can eat when we want, where we want, and spend what we want! Your trip leader definitely has their favorite spots so if you'd like some advice on the best in each location, just check with them.

What to Bring

Our advice is simple. Pack your bag, then take half of those things out and leave them back home. It’s common to hear people wishing they’d packed less stuff, but we’ve never heard anyone complain that they didn’t bring enough. Even if you realize you forget to pack some crucial item you can always pick up a replacement once you arrive in Croatia. We'll include some trip-specific packing advice based on expected weather as part of our update email to you, sent 60 days prior to your trip.

Money

These days it seems that banks find every opportunity to ding us with fees from home and at each ATM we use. That's why we suggest using a credit card with no international fee, and bring some Croatian KUNA with you, as it's actually illegal for a business to accept Euros or dollars. You still may need to use an ATM along the way, but it's best to try to minimize the number of visits. Travelers checks are a thing of the past so we don’t recommend them any more.

Tipping

Tipping isn’t a native Croatian custom, however, it is always appreciated by local service staff. We suggest tipping for any services that go above and beyond expectations. That extra bit on top of your dinner bill is very appreciated by the service staff.

Accommodation

We have pretty high standards when it comes to choosing our accommodations, and trust us, we’ve done plenty of room-sniffing, pillow-patting, bed-jumping and bathroom inspections to make sure we stay at quality spots. To be approved as a Detours accommodations provider, a hotel/guesthouse must: be locally owned (to support the local community), be in an amazing location (close to the beach or other hot spots), AND be gay-owned or gay-friendly. We won't be staying in 5-star Ritz-Carltons but we also won't subject you to anything we wouldn't want to stay in ourselves. Clean, comfortable, well-located spots that'll put a smile on your face, you can count on that! 

Trip Leaders

All of our trip leaders are gay, and all certified leaders must undergo a rigorous training routine that includes deep-fried cricket eating, and impromptu dancing tests. Apart from these vital skills, we require our leaders to know their stuff really, really well. Underneath their fun and quirky facades, our guides are experts and passionate about what they do. Don’t hesitate to ask them about a random statue you might see along the way. Their job is to help ensure that this is your trip of a lifetime by taking the hassle out of your trip and enabling you to experience everything you came to Croatia for.

Alarm Clocks

We do absolutely everything possible to avoid needing such a mundane awakening. A world without alarm clocks is one we want to be part of, and your “rise and shine” while in Croatia should come from the sound of crashing waves or church bells in the distance. However, sometimes due to current flight schedules we are required to make early departures, but we do everything we can to minimize this.

Extending Your Trip

For many people, 12 days in this part of the world just isn’t enough time. If you’re lucky enough to be able to stay longer, or if you decide to quit your job and become a beach bum on the Adriatic Coast for the rest of your life, we’d be happy to help you extend (or cancel!) your return flight. We’ve been all over the area, so don’t think twice about asking where to go or what to do after your Detours trip is complete. Italy, Greece, Eastern Europe... many interesting destinations are close-by.

Your Group

Our Detours groups are run with a maximum of 15 travelers. Ages of group members vary but around 90% of our travelers are in their 30's, 40's, and 50's. Whatever the age of the guys on our trips everyone's already got something in common, an exciting new experience in a new country! Each group is led by a Detours trip leader who is there to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, allowing you to focus on having the time of your life! We welcome both men and women onto our trips although it’s important to know that most groups are 100% gay men.

A Little Bit About Modesty

The areas of Croatia that we'll be visiting are more open-minded than the rural countryside and most people will be welcoming of homosexuality. That said, public displays of affection are not common here for the gays or the straights so as some respect for the locals we just suggest that you keep your affection for your partner to more private areas - such as your hotel. :)

Solo Travelers

No problem! Don’t worry, lots of our travelers come solo and our trip will provide plenty of chances to meet great people both inside and outside of our group, including other solo travelers. As far as your accommodations go, you’ve got two choices. We can either pair you up with another solo group member in a two-bed room for no extra charge, or you can have your own room for a reasonable surcharge. Check out the “Dates and Prices” page for more info on this.

Electrical Outlets

Croatia uses a "type C" and "type F" plug, the same as most European countries and several other places in the world. The voltage is 230V with 50 Hz frequency. These days, the majority of items that are plugged into an outlet are built to handle varying voltage and frequency levels, but just to be sure, we suggest checking your item for its accetable range.

What's included? • All taxes • All land, boat, and domestic air transportation within Croatia • Accommodations for your 12-day Detours experience • Afternoon exploring Plitvice National Park including park entrance • City tour of Zagreb with local guide • All full breakfasts • Group travel within Croatia • Welcome dinner • Knowledgeable and fun Detours leader • 

What isn't included? • Meals and drinks outside of those listed above • Activities outside of the those listed above • International Airfare • Optional gratuities •

Additional spending budget?  Your big-ticket items are included through the trip, but you'll want to budget for additional spending such as additional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, etc. These costs can vary dramatically with differing personal habits but we suggest expecting to spend an additional $700 USD at the lower end for the more budget-conscious and $1200 USD at the higher end for the splurgers.  We suggest arriving to Croatia with approximately 2,000 local Croatian Kuna.



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Trip Reviews

Gary F. - USA

June 19, 2019

Croatia? What's in Croatia? This was the question I constantly got when friends heard of my vacation plans. I must confess I didn't know what to expect myself. I was pleasantly surprised at every turn. With the usual aplomb, Detours took us to amazing locations with spectacular views and incredible food. This country is definitely a must see!

Ian R. - USA

September 30, 2017

Just returned from my first Detours trip—Croatia—So much fun!!! Seriously, the trip exceeded all my expectations! I’m so glad that I decided to take the risk of going even though I didn’t know anyone else in the group beforehand. Our group leaders Miles and James were fantastic! They really went the extra mile helping everyone feel included, and they always had fun / interesting activities planned for us. Also, if you’re a fellow Game of Thrones fan, this trip is a must—seeing all the King’s Landing filming locations in Dubrovnik was great. Thanks Detours!!

Stephen C. - USA

September 16, 2017

It really doesn't get any better. Well planned, reasonably priced and beautifully crafted. I've gone on Detours trips to Spain and Croatia. Both were life-changing. Can't recommend them highly enough. You will experience a new country at the hands of an expert, and make many new friends in the bargain. I'll go wherever they go, happily.

Tom S. - USA

September 14, 2017

How do you turn 16 strangers in best friends? Detours!! By the end of the trip everyone felt like a happy family that just shared an amazing experience together. Miles & James are the most wonderful hosts! They try so hard to ensure that everyone is having a great time - and they succeed! I must admit that I was skeptical about the rave reviews from prior travelers before I experienced their outstanding hospitality, but I now know that this is the best gay tour company on the planet! Kudos to the Detours team for planning and executing one of the most enjoyable trips of my lifetime!! I am honored to now be part of the Detours family!!

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