Maybe the plan for your birthday is to go on a sweet 16 trip. Imagine you are walking through the city, next to the Adriatic Sea, and you see David Beckham or Tom Cruise or even Jay Z and Beyoncé passing by. It’s also possible to see a group of friends like Woody Harrelson, Matthew McConaughey, Chris Rock, and rapper Diddy. Yes, all of them have already come to the Balkans, precisely to Croatia. The Dalmatian coast with the cities of Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik attracts many people each year, so why couldn’t you share these beautiful and interesting places with the ”A-list” celebrities?
Below you can get the basic information about the places – full of culture, nature, beaches, and a phenomenal atmosphere. A mix of everything to make it different so you can go back home with lots of nice memories.
We will also give you ideas on how you can add other Balkan countries to Croatia. It can be: visiting Lake Bled and the Postojna Cave in Slovenia or going to cities like Medjugorje and Mostar. And we should not forget Croatia’s neighboring country, the fabulous Montenegro.
Our agency has been organizing trips to different countries for more than 30 years. One of our regular clients are also schools, for which we annually organize school trips adapting the routes and content to the needs of each school.
Check below all the sweet 16 trip ideas in the Balkans and then contact us to let us know what you would like to include to make your holiday unforgettable.
We work on a tailor-made basis, and you decide how you want to spend your time.
SPLIT
Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is an ideal place to see Dalmatian life as it is lived. Always lively, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Roman monuments in the world) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants, and stores thriving amidst the ancient walls, where Split’s life took place for thousands of years. To top it all off, Split has a unique setting. Its spectacular coastal mountains are the perfect backdrop for the turquoise waters of the Adriatic.
Sweet 16 trip ideas – from Split
The turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea
Of course, one should have some free time and enjoy the beach. When you are in Split, our escort guide will take you to one ”postcard” beach. In the nearby town of Makarska is the Punta Rata beach. One of the most beautiful pebble beaches in the world, it is located in a protected area, a promontory covered with pine trees. In July 2004 the American magazine Forbes included it among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Islands with extravagant cities and beautiful beaches
The best way to visit the islands is on a cruise ship. Now imagine this. On a cruise ship, passing the islands of Hvar, Brač (with Bol Beach), Vis, and Korčula – on a one-week trip. Every day a different island and another city, with activities, getting to know the places with local guides, and swimming in the beautiful bays. And your photos on Instagram will be a hit😊. What do you think, is it worth adding it to a list of the sweet 16 trip ideas?
From Split to Mostar: Worth visiting if you are in this area. Visit the cultural city of Mostar with the Unesco-recognized Old Bridge, which forms a majestic stone arch between medieval towers and is surely one of the highlights of the Balkans. Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic part of Mostar and learn the history of this historic city.
From Split to Medjugorje: One of the most famous shrines in the world, this holy place owes its popularity to the apparition of the Virgin Mary. Medjugorje is the place where one comes to escape from their routine and where the peace and tranquility of this city makes your mind and soul regenerate completely.
ZADAR
Zadar is an intriguing city that houses a historic old town with Roman ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes, and quality museums on a small peninsula. It is not too crowded and its two unique attractions – the ”sound and light show”, must be seen and heard to be believed.
Come listen to the orchestra of the Sea Organ. Inside the perforated stone stairs that descend to the sea is a system of pipes and whistles that exhale mellifluous sighs as the movement of the sea pushes air through them. The effect is hypnotic, the tones increase in volume as a ship passes, and you can go for a swim from the promenade steps while listening to the sounds.
And the Sun Salutation produces a dreamy light show, from dusk to dawn, that is intended to simulate the solar system. Every night, especially at sunset, when the magnificent ocean views and the illuminated pavement are a spectacle.
Sweet sixteen trip ideas – from Zadar
To a traditional village
The village of Pakovo Selo, in the Dalmatian hinterland, where we will see how people lived in the past, what were the customs of the inhabitants and learn about the preparation of Dalmatian ham, one of the symbols of the region. Our visit will start with a traditional welcome ceremony, an interactive and authentic live tour, and a cultural show in national costumes, impressive and entertaining. Lunch or dinner will be served “peka” family style.
On a jeep safari – become an explorer for a day
On this tour, you will experience the Velebit Natural Park uniquely and differently. You will enjoy the breathtaking views from the heights of the Velebit Mountains and experience an unforgettable adventure traveling in off-road vehicles on the rugged trails of Velebit. You will learn about its natural and cultural heritage and, if you are lucky, see wild horses. The route was carefully planned for a caravan of off-road vehicles with passengers – led by a guide and is geared for a special experience.
To nature that is like a paradise
You leave Zadar in the morning and take a trip to the central part of Croatia where this Unesco recognized national park awaits you. The Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a park with 16 small lakes, which are divided into upper and lower lakes and descend about 130 meters in height difference, as well as 92 waterfalls and multiple streams. The visit is done on foot along the trails inside the park and part of it is done by boat.
In the park, you can enjoy the crystal-clear water, rich fauna and flora, and lush forests.
DUBROVNIK
Whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe never fails to descend when contemplating the beauty of the old town at this Unesco site. In fact, it’s hard to imagine anyone being bored by the city’s limestone streets, Baroque buildings, and the endless glimmer of the Adriatic, or not being inspired by a walk along the ancient walls that protected the capital of a sophisticated republic for centuries.
A recommendation as a sweet sixteen trip
idea – in/from Dubrovnik
Game of Thrones filming locations
Dubrovnik has been a prominent filming location for Game of Thrones since the second season and the Croatian city is a must-see for any Game of Thrones fan. After all, Dubrovnik is King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. On a guided walking tour our guides will take you through all parts of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where some of the most memorable scenes were filmed. These places include the Pile Gate, where King Joffrey faced a citizens’ revolt and had dung thrown at him, the Lovrijenac Fortress, and the site of the unsuccessful attack on King’s Landing – the Battle of the Blackwater. Our local guide will tell you all the inside stories and amusing first-hand anecdotes from the people who worked on the show.
Boat slalom between the Elafiti Islands
A private boat takes you on a daily excursion among the spectacular islands and bays. The Elafiti Islands are an archipelago located near and slightly northwest of Dubrovnik. According to a more recent classification, there are 13 islands in the archipelago, although the three main ones to visit are Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. Kolocep and Lopud are car-free, and a great place to settle down if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a relaxing experience, sailing on a typical Croatian boat between the islands, eating fresh fish for lunch, and seeing the beautiful Dalmatian coast from another point of view. And that may be just what you need after sightseeing in busy Dubrovnik.
Visit the neighboring country of Montenegro
Across the border the beauty of the Bay of Kotor awaits you. Gorgeous, breathtaking, majestic, divine; however extensive your thesaurus may be, the beauty of the Bay of Kotor will leave you wanting superlatives.
At the Bay of Kotor entrance, Herceg Novi greets visitors with glitter, sparkling seas, cultural sights, and near-constant sunshine.
If you look far inland at the entrance to the bay, you will see a tiny white dot. Approach it and it will slowly turn into the small town of Perast, a romantic medieval bay town in Montenegro.
Most of the well-preserved churches and baroque palaces date from their reign. From Perast you will also depart by boat to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the two beautiful islands in the bay of Kotor, located in the sea off Perast.
**Take a quick peek at this route which includes the mentioned places in Montenegro.
Nestled between the mountains and a corner of the bay, Kotor (Unesco site), is a city perfectly integrated into its environment. The city, surrounded by walls, is a medieval labyrinth of museums, churches, cafe-filled squares, and Venetian palaces.
A few kilometers out of the bay is the last Montenegrin glitter, the city of Budva. The old town forms a unique architectural and urban complex, surrounded by medieval ramparts, with a fortress, towers, and gates. In addition to natural beauties and beautiful beaches, the city is known for its historical and cultural assets, of which we would single out the Old Town and the Archaeological Museum of Budva.
HOW TO LINK CROATIA WITH SLOVENIA?
Have you heard of Lake Bled with the island in the middle or the Postojna Cave with the little train that takes you there? Well, these and other interesting things are worth experiencing in Slovenia.
Check out this great route we have
It is set in such a way that it starts in Slovenia and ends in Croatia.
But, we do it custom-made for you. You can easily start in Dubrovnik and end in Ljubljana (Slovenia). And from there, we simply take you to Venice airport or other nearby airports, for your return flight.
Visit Bled Lake in Slovenia
The lake is surrounded by nature. With the island in the middle which you visit in a traditional boat. Above the lake is the castle, guarding everything like a bodyguard. And near the lake, is the beautiful Vintgar Gorge – an enjoyment of pure beauty in the middle of nature with the river and waterfalls.
Visit Postojna Cave in Slovenia
The most attractive cave in the world and the largest tourist cave in Europe. In Postojna Cave the world’s first railroad started operating in a cave of limestone concretions. Come with us on an unforgettable journey on a cave train and experience a powerful subway paradise shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years.
How do you like the above places as sweet 16 trip ideas? Write to us at info@arslongatravel.com with your comments, questions, and wishes and we will send you an indicative offer with a tailor-made itinerary. We also believe that trips for young people serve as an educational part that makes them grow as a person. Grow with us and welcome to the Balkans.
