Šipan Island, Croatia
Stay in a 16th Century castle on Šipan Island while exploring the beauty of Dubrovnik
Two nights in Dubrovnik to start, time to get your bearings and wander the old town, then five nights inside a beautifully restored 16th century castle on Šipan, one of the Adriatic’s quietest islands. This is Croatia the way most people never get to see it.
Eight days built around the best of the region, at a pace that never feels rushed. Private boat days through the Elaphiti Islands, fresh oysters and Prosecco on the Pelješac coast, wine tastings in the Croatian countryside, a traditional cooking class, yoga by the sea. Evenings back at the castle with a private chef, long dinners on the terrace and the kind of quiet that reminds you why you needed this.
We’ve taken care of every detail. All you need to do is book that flight, pack a bag and show up.
Trip Highlights
- Stay at a fully restored, 16th century castle
- Island hopping on the Adriatic
- Fresh Oysters & Mussels in Ston
- Croatian Cooking with Local Chef
- Wine tasting in the Croatian countryside
- Dubrovnik Old Town Gems
- Unforgettable Sunsets
- Private Pool Villa with en-suite rooms
- Wellness Activities
Trip Highlights
Stay at a fully restored 16th Century Castle
Cooking class with local chef
Wine tasting in the Croatian countryside
Dubrovnik Old Town
Fresh Oysters & Mussels in Ston
Island hopping on the Adriatic
Dates:
14 – 21 September 2026
Trip Length:
7 nights / 8 days
Max Group Size:
16 Women
Accommodation:
Twin Share
Demographic:
Women (Ages 30+)
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Dubrovnik
- Arrive in Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
- Private transfer to Accommodation
Welcome to the start of the most amazing 8 days exploring the pearl of the Adriatic.
A private transfer will meet you at Dubrovnik Airport (or your local accommodation if you’ve arrived early) and bring you straight to the trip accommodation, where the afternoon is entirely yours. Settle in, find your spot by the pool, and let the week ahead start to sink in.
As the sun drops over the horizon, we come together for the first time as a group for a special Soladéa Welcome Dinner, where you’ll meet all the wonderful women who you are about to spend the next 7 days with exploring Šipan Island & Dubrovnik.
- Meals included: Dinner, Drinks
- Activities: Welcome Dinner
- Info: Private airport transfer included
Day 2
Dubrovnik Old Town & Croatian Cooking Experience
We start the day with breakfast, and slowly make our way into Dubrovnik Old Town.
Wander the marble streets, walk the City Walls, swim from the rocks, or find a quiet courtyard and sit with a coffee for as long as you like. No rush, no agenda.
Later, the group comes together for a traditional Croatian Cooking Class, at local chef Mikki’s home, where we will prepare and share a long Mediterranean dinner in a relaxed setting. Think local wine, a splash of rakia, and a lot of laughter around the table as we enjoy our dishes. This is guaranteed to be one of those evenings you’ll still be talking about months later (I know I was after the first time I did this).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Activities: Dubrovnik Old Town Free Time, Croatian Cooking Class
- Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Activities: Dubrovnik Old Town Exploring & Free Time, Cooking Class
Day 3
Morning Yoga, Arrival to Šipan, and Island Exploration
The morning begins with yoga and breakfast before we leave Dubrovnik behind.
A private van and boat transfer takes the group across to Šipan, a tiny, unhurried island where our next chapter begins.
We will arrive at our island home for the next five nights, a fabulous 16th century castle. Once you’re settled in, the afternoon is yours to explore by e-bike, either with a guided ride or entirely at your own pace through olive groves, coastal roads and stone villages that feel untouched by time.
The day ends with an olive oil tasting at a local olive farm, followed by a relaxed dinner by the sea.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Activities: Yoga, Private Van & Boat Transfer to Śipan, Guided E-Bike Tour / Free Exploration, Olive Oil Tasting, Island Dinner
Day 4
Elaphiti Island Boat Day & Dinner on the Beach
Today is for the sea, and nothing else.
We head out from Šipan on a private boat to spend the day exploring the Elaphiti Islands. Hidden bays, crystal-clear water, snorkelling, sunbathing and the kind of slow afternoon that feels like it lasts forever in the best possible way.
We arrive back in Šipan in the late afternoon, and as the sun goes down, gather on the beach for pizza and prosecco by the water.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Activities: Private Boat Island Hopping, Sunset Beach Dinner
- Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Activities: Private Boat Island Hopping, Sunset Beach Dinner
Day 5
Pelješac Wine Region & Oyster Sunset Experience
Today we head to the Pelješac Peninsula, one of Croatia’s most celebrated wine regions.
We start with a guided tour of Ston before heading to two local wineries for tasting overlooking the Adriatic. We’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant on the sea, and follow the coastline into the evening for what might just be the most memorable moment of the trip: Fresh oysters & mussels pulled straight from the ocean, shucked right in front of us, paired with prosecco and wine on our own floating pontoon as the sun goes down.
After dinner, we will head back to Šipan by van and private boat.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Activities: Guided Tour of Ston, Pelješac Wine Tasting (2 Wineries), Oyster Sunset Experience
Day 6
Slow Island Living & Traditional Peka Evening
This morning there are no plans. No schedule. Just our castle home and the island for you to enjoy.
Swim in quiet coves, paddleboard, kayak, walk the coastal paths, read by the sea or spend some time simply relaxing at the villa. Šipan has a way of slowing everything right down, and today is about letting it.
As evening comes, we gather for a traditional Croatian Peka dinner in a local setting. Slow-cooked for hours beneath the bell and shared with local wine and long-table conversation, it’s one of Dalmatia’s most loved traditions and exactly the right way to spend one of our last evenings on the island.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Activities: Optional Island Activities, Traditional Peka Dinner Experience
Day 7
Full Wellness Reset
A day to properly rest.
We start with a grounding sound healing session overlooking the sea, followed by a luxury body scrub and aromatherapy experience, crafting your very own body exfoliant and hair/body oil while learning about the benefits of local Dubrovnik herbs and fruits to make your keepsake truly special. Optional massages are available throughout the afternoon, alongside time to swim, journal, sleep or simply be still.
In the evening, our private chef prepares a farewell dinner at the villa. Long table, good wine, and the kind of conversation that only happens on the last night of a trip like this.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Activities: Sound Healing, Body Scrub & Aromatherapy Experience, Private Chef Farewell Dinner
Day 8
Our Final Morning Together, Until Next Time
- Private boat & van transfer to airport
- Depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
A slow final morning. Optional sunrise yoga on our terrace overlooking the sea, a last breakfast at the villa, and a little longer than necessary saying goodbye to a place that got under your skin (in the best way possible!).
The coffee, the view, the easy conversation with women who were strangers eight days ago and somehow don’t feel that way anymore. The boat back to Dubrovnik will come, and you’ll get on it, but not before you’ve stood there a moment longer than you planned.
You came for the sunshine and the sea. You leave with something quieter than that, harder to name but impossible to miss.
Eight days to connect, explore and unwind. By now, we think you’ve found your Soladéa. We hope you’ll come back and experience it again.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Activities: Private Boat Transfer to Dubrovnik, Airport Transfers
What's included
- All activities shown in the itinerary including an immersive local cooking class, an oyster experience, island hopping boat day, and wine tasting in the countryside
- Stay in a beautful and perfectly restored 16th Century Castle
- 2 nights' accommodation in Dubrovnik, 5 nights' accommodation in Šipan
- 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, coffee, tea, juice, water and wine in the villa
- Arrival & departure airport transfers
- Experienced hosts throughout
Trip Dates:
14 – 21 September 2026
Trip Length:
7 nights / 8 days
Accommodation:
Twin Share
Price
Twin Share with En-Suite Bathroom €4,390pp
Single Occupancy (Max. 3 Rooms) €5,500pp
Itinerary
Below is a daily itinerary of the trip.
Use the “<” and “>” to scroll through each day.
Full itinerary, packing guides and local information will be sent to you upon booking.
If you have any questions, please feel free to WhatsApp us.
Your Accommodation
Our home for five nights on Šipan is Villa Ghetaldi, a beautifully restored 16th century castle overlooking the bay. Grand stone walls, multiple terraces, two living areas and a swimming pool, all sitting a short walk from the village and the kind of views that make you put your phone down.
Every bedroom is en-suite with twin occupancy, so you have your own beautiful space to retreat to at the end of each day.
The terraces are where the magic happens. Sundowners as the light fades over the bay, slow mornings with a coffee watching the water. There is also a small gym and wellness area for those who want it, and plenty of quiet corners inside to sink into between adventures.
Five hundred years of history and it still feels like somewhere you never want to leave. It is not just a place to sleep. It is a big part of the experience, and an absolute treat!
Twin Share with En-Suite Bathroom €4,390pp
Single Occupancy (Max. 3 Rooms) €5,500pp
Your Accommodation
Our home for five nights on Šipan is Villa Ghetaldi, a beautifully restored 16th century castle overlooking the bay. This is not your typical holiday rental. Grand stone walls, multiple terraces, two living areas and a swimming pool, all sitting a short walk from the village and the kind of views that make you put your phone down.
Every bedroom is en-suite with twin occupancy, so you have your own beautiful space to retreat to at the end of each day.
The terraces are where the magic happens. Long dinners, sundowners as the light fades over the bay, slow mornings with a coffee watching the water. There is also a small gym and wellness area for those who want it, and plenty of quiet corners inside to sink into between adventures.
Five hundred years of history and it still feels like somewhere you never want to leave. It is not just a place to sleep. It is a big part of the experience.
Trip Price
Double occupancy with private bathroom
7 beautifully decorated double bedrooms, each with 2 single beds and bathroom en-suite.
€4,390pp twin share basis
€5,500pp for single basis (max. 3 rooms)
Early Bird Offer: Book before 30th June 2026, and save €200
Important Trip Notes:
– A minimum of 10 participants are required for this tour to depart.
– If minimum numbers are not reached, we will discuss this with you at least 2 months prior to finalise how to proceed, i.e. re-quote with less participants or cancel the departure.
– Please do not book non-refundable flights until this has been confirmed.
– A €1,200 non-refundable deposit is to be paid upon booking in order to secure your place. If we cancel the departure, your deposit will be refunded.
– Final payment is due 30 days before the trip departs.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Return airport transfers on trip start/end dates
- Return transfer by boat to/from Šipan island
- 2 nights' accommodation in Dubrovnik
- 5 nights' accommodation in Šipan
- 7 x Continental breakfasts
- 7 x Dinners
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, water
- Local cooking experience
- Wellness activities
- Ground transportation
- Entry fees / tickets to activities
- All listed activities
- Government taxes & surcharges
Exclusions
- Transportation to/from Dubrovnik
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Required)
- Tips for Drivers & Guides
- Additional snacks, meals, and beverages (unless specified)
- Souvenirs
- Optional excursions / activities
Gallery
Meet Your Trip Hosts
Hi, I'm Nicole
I'm the friend everyone comes to for trip planning advice, especially when it comes to the places off the beaten track. Forty countries in and counting, I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, spent six years in Phuket, a short stint in Spain, and now I live in London, though my heart always finds its way back to the sea. I got married in 2022, and while my hubby and I love to travel together, travelling with girlfriends is always so special. There's a different kind of freedom in a trip that's just for you. By day I work in social media and marketing, but the rest of the time I'm planning my next trip, searching for the best matcha in town, and stopping to say hello to every dog I pass. Curating trips for women who love to travel as much as I do has been a dream years in the making.
Hi, I'm Rebecca
Travel has taken me a lot of places, but Dubrovnik is the one that kept me. I grew up in the UK before swapping grey skies for the Dalmatian coast in 2020. What started as a holiday in Dubrovnik turned into forever. I fell in love with this country and just couldn't leave. Soon after, I followed my passion of working in travel, and founded Vibe Croatia. I've spent years uncovering the best of this country, the hidden coves, the family run restaurants, the sunset spots only locals know about, and have curated countless itineraries for my global clients. Twelve years as a flight attendant, plus a background in yachting and events, means travel isn't just my job, it's in my blood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flights included?
Flights to and from the destination aren’t included in the trip price. You will need to book these independently. You’ll find recommended arrival and departure airports, along with suggested timings, in the FAQs below.
What airport should I fly into?
Fly into and out of Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV).
When should I arrive?
For the 22 – 27 August 2026 trip, please arrive on or before 22nd August 2026 to ensure you do not miss anything.
For the 1 – 6 September 2026 trip, please arrive on or before 1st September 2026.
What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome BBQ)
Before 4PM ideally. The welcome BBQ dinner will be from 6PM onwards at the villa, which is located approximately 45-50 minutes from the airport.
What time should my flight depart on the last day?
On your final day, we will enjoy breakfast together. If you would like to enjoy a slow morning, we suggest booking a flight after 2PM. This will ensure that you have enough time to enjoy the morning before heading to the airport, which can take up to 1 hour to get to.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, arrival transfers from Dubrovnik Airport to the villa, and departure transfers from the villa to Dubrovnik Airport are included in the trip price.
What should I pack?
We will provide a full suggested packing list upon booking. However, as it will be summer in Croatia during your trip, we suggest light weight clothing, and something warm for the evenings in case it gets chilly. In addition, pack swimsuits should you wish to participate in swimming activities and sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire duration of the trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic or pharmacy while abroad.
How much should I budget per day for extras?
As breakfasts, dinners, transport and activities are included in the cost of the itinerary, you should ensure that you bring enough to cover lunches, snacks, gratuities and any shopping that you would like to do. We recommend budgeting an additional €50 per day.
What is the weather like in Dubrovnik in August and September?
August in Dubrovnik is hot, sunny, and dry, with daily highs typically reaching 28℃ to 31℃ (82℉ – 88℉) and very little rain. It is the peak of summer, featuring about 11–13 hours of daily sunshine, warm sea temperatures around 25℃ (77℉), and pleasant, balmy evenings.
The average daily temperature in September ranges from 16-19°C (61℉ – 67℉), with the highest still a lovely 24°C (about 75°F), and the lowest temperature is only around 13°C (about 56°F). The average sea temperature in September is around 23°C (about 73°F), making it still ideal beach weather.
What are the new travel requirements for Europe?
From late 2026, all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia, will need an ETIAS permit to visit most of Europe. Please keep an eye on these rules as the departure date draws closer, and feel free to email us with any enquiries.
What is the activity level of this trip?
We require that everyone traveling with us be able to comfortably walk for 3-5 miles per day, unassisted, and without difficulty can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience. In addition, most of our accommodation has only stair access to get to your room and other areas of the accommodation.
Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and accommodation are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
Should you have additional questions, or something is unclear, please feel free to email us directly at soladeacollective@gmail.com or chat to us on WhatsApp or Book a Call ♥︎
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport should I fly into?
Fly into Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV). From there, we will arrange private transfers to transport you to our accommodation for the trip.
When should I arrive?
TBC
What should I pack?
We will provide a full suggested packing list upon booking. However, as it will be summer in Croatia during your trip, we suggest light weight clothing, and something warm for the evenings in case it gets chilly. In addition, pack swimsuits should you wish to participate in swimming activities and sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
What is the weather like in Dubrovnik in September?
The average daily temperature in September ranges from 16-19°C (61℉ – 67℉), with the highest still a lovely 24°C (about 75°F), and the lowest temperature is only around 13°C (about 56°F). The average sea temperature in September is around 23°C (about 73°F), making it still ideal beach weather.
What are the new travel requirements for Europe?
From late 2026, all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia, will need an ETIAS permit to visit most of Europe. Please keep an eye on these rules as the departure date draws closer, and feel free to email us with any enquiries.
What is the activity level of this trip?
We require that everyone traveling with us be able to comfortably walk for 3-5 miles per day, unassisted, and without difficulty can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience. In addition, most of our accommodation has only stair access to get to your room and other areas of the accommodation.
Should you have additional questions, or something is unclear, please feel free to email us directly at soladeacollective@gmail.com or chat to us on WhatsApp ♥︎
Enquire Today!
We are so excited you are taking the next step in finding your Soladéa. Please complete the form below to register your interest and a Soladéa representative will be in touch shortly to discuss next steps. Please note that no payment information will be taken via this form.
