Step into a journey that expands your worldview, deepens your professional expertise, and immerses you in the soul of Croatia. This 10-day nursing and allied healthcare delegation blends privileged access to Croatian healthcare leaders with the beauty of Zagreb, Opatija, and Split. You’ll explore how a universal healthcare model shapes patient outcomes, gain insight into nursing leadership across systems, and engage in meaningful dialogue with hospital staff, national associations, and university faculty. Between enriching professional exchanges, Croatia opens her arms—inviting you into medieval castles, sun-drenched Adriatic towns, bustling markets, and the breathtaking emerald lakes of Plitvice. This is more than travel; it’s a rare opportunity to broaden your global lens, build international connections, and return home inspired, refreshed, and professionally renewed.

Focus on Healthcare:

Meaningful interaction and collaboration between program participants and professionals in Croatia will include meetings with nursing and other allied healthcare professionals in Zagreb & Split.

Discuss topics of mutual interest including leading causes of morbidity and mortality as well as other health outcomes in contemporary Croatia with staff at a local hospital, nursing school or clinic.

Learn about the healthcare infrastructure in Croatia and the referral system between primary care providers in various settings (urban and rural). Compare the challenges and opportunities of Croatia’s universal healthcare system with the pluralistic healthcare infrastructure of the United States

Cultural Explorations:

Explore the best of each city during a guided walking tour. Your tour in Split will include exploring the magnificent Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, admiring the architectural beauty of the Peristyle and St. Domnius Cathedral.

A full-day excursion to Zagorje countryside will have you exploring medieval castles and museums, including a traditional lunch & winetasting.

Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience with a stop to buy the local ingredients at the green market and fish market with your chef.

Visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s most famous UNESCO-listed natural wonder.  

Program Synopsis

  8 night /10-day journey to Croatia

Accompanying guest program – alternate activities provided to bring a spouse who prefers not to go to the professional visits.

Excellent. A wonderful educational experience both professionally and personally. Carol and Tom created a deeply personal experience for all of us. Our different clinical nursing experiences were acknowledged in giving us the opportunity to visit together the various health care facilities in Northern Spain and meeting the nurses and doctors who welcomed us with open arms. The traveling companions young and old brought a great mixture of interests and further enhanced the trip. Learning more about Spanish history, visiting Madrid and then driving north ,stopping off along the way to San Sebastian gave us a sense of the beauty of the countryside and it's old medieval towns. Once again Nanda fulfills it's promises." Ita O - Interprofessional Healthcare Delegation Spain 2025 

 I had a wonderful time on our trip to Ireland. We were with an amazing group of healthcare professionals with great personalities. The professional development was very informative. We were able to see such breathtaking scenic sites! Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly and really went out of her way to make sure we had the best experience possible. I can't say enough about this extraordinary experience. Thanks! Jamie S  - Interprofessional Healthcare Delegation, Ireland May 2023

Read more about what people are saying about Nanda Journeys HERE

Those on the group flight will depart today for Zagreb, Croatia. Departure airport subject to confirmation but likely Newark EWR or New York JFK.

DID YOU KNOW? Costs associated with your participation may be tax deductible as a reasonable and necessary business expense. 

Begin your journey in Croatia’s capital – a vibrant blend of Old-World charm, open-air markets, and lively café lined streets that set the tone for your cultural immersion.

Transfer with your guide to Amadria Park Hotel Capital is a unique luxury heritage property in the heart of Zagreb. Their timeless charm of early 20th-century architecture meets modern comforts, creates a perfect blend of history and style. Their boutique experience offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service. The hotel has onsite dining, a lobby bar, room service, free Wi-Fi, a gym and more.

This afternoon you will have a private walking tour. Your excursion will take you to some of Zagreb’s most iconic sights, including the atmospheric streets of Upper Town, which offer splendid views over the city, Cathedral of Zagreb and the lively open-air Dolac Market.

Enjoy a welcome dinner and a glass of wine this evening at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Amadria Park Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Dinner

After breakfast, gather for a welcome and orientation meeting with your national guide. 

Later this morning, travel into the storybook landscapes of Zagorje—a region steeped in folklore, noble lineage, and timeless rural traditions. Your destination is the medieval jewel of Trakošćan Castle, a 13th-century fortress that once guarded Croatia’s northwestern frontier. Remarkably preserved, the castle still holds its original architectural elements, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the aristocratic Drašković family who shaped its history. As you wander through its rooms, the ambient permanent exhibition reveals centuries of Croatian nobility through authentic furnishings, artwork, and artifacts displayed in their original setting.

Head onward to explore the open-air Old Village Museum at Kumrovec, which showcases the traditions of rural Croatia.

You will enjoy a 2-course lunch and a private tasting at a local vineyard.

Return to the hotel this afternoon with dinner on your own this evening.

Overnight: Amadria Park Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, begin a meaningful day of professional exchange as you visit a local hospital in Zagreb. A rare opportunity to understand Croatia’s universal healthcare system from the inside—gaining firsthand insight into how infrastructure, insurance models, and policy shape access to care and patient outcomes. Meet with Croatian nursing and healthcare leaders to explore the role of nurses within the system, discuss similarities and contrasts with U.S. models, and consider how elements such as obvezno (mandatory insurance) and optional coverage like dopunsko and dodatno influence the delivery of care.

Lunch will be by individual expense today.

Later today visit the Croatian Nursing Association (or similar). Learn about their role in improving healthcare in Croatia and supporting nurses. Discuss research and other scientific endeavors, role in health administration and regulation and other topics of mutual interest. Learn about their facility and services and discuss the expansion of leadership roles for nurses in Croatia over the past 2 decades. What are their efforts to further the UN Sustainable Development Goals and referral system.

Accompanying guests: Head out with a local guide today to explore more of Zagreb. This will include Zagreb tram tickets from the city center to Medvednica and a ride on the Zagreb cable car tickets at Medvednica Mountain.

Dinner will be provided at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Amadria Park Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Your journey continues this morning as you depart Zagreb, making your way toward the glittering Adriatic coast.

Along the way, you will enjoy a panoramic drive along the Opatija Riviera, where you can take in the majestic Austro-Hungarian villas, lush parks, and spectacular sea views.  Lunch will be provided in route.

Upon arrival in Opatija, a local guide will introduce you to the town’s remarkable history as a 19th-century spa resort, take you along the famous Lungomare seaside promenade, and walk you through Opatija’s renowned botanical gardens.

Get settled later this afternoon at Amadria Park Hotel Royal a hotel inspired by Opatija’s historic villas. Relax in luxurious, contemporary interiors while also enjoying exterior views and proximity to Lungomare. The hotel has onsite dining, free Wi-Fi, beach access, room service and more. Guest rooms have all the amenities for a comfortable stay.

Dinner will be provided nearby this evening a short stroll from your hotel. Enjoy a glass of wine as you relax and take in a new city.

Overnight: Amadria Park Hotel Royal (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy a 2-hour river cruise this morning. Sail through stories and legends learning about one of the prettiest and most scenic area in the Adriatic, sunny coves, pebble beaches, and crystal-clear water. First stop will be in front of the beautiful bay of Brseč.

You will have an hour break in Moščenićka Draga with an opportunity for swimming if interested!

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore town, relax or shop. This down time is your to do as you explore this delightful coastal town. Perhaps relax by the beach gazing out at the Adriatic Sea. If you have questions, just let your guide know!

Dinner is on your own this evening.

Overnight: Amadria Park Hotel Royal (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning, you will depart Opatija and head inland to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s most famous UNESCO-listed natural wonder. Your visit includes scenic walks along wooden footbridges over unforgettable turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, as well as tranquil boat and park train rides.

A traditional lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will continue south for about 3 hours, journeying along the stunning Dalmatian coast to reach the vibrant city of Split, where you will check in to your hotel.

Dioklecijan Hotel and Residence is in the “Split Health Center” which gathered all relevant health centers from cardiology to esthetics becoming the first health hotel in Croatia. They are also located where the sea, the islands and the old town are at your fingertips. Their spacious guest rooms have lovely views, work spaces, seating, bathroom amenities, free Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, coffee/tea and more. The hotel has a spa and health center, onsite dining, rooftop pool and jacuzzi, bar and concierge.

Dinner is by individual arrangement. There are many options near the hotel (within half a mile) but

Overnight: Dioklecijan Hotel and Residence (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Professionals will spend the morning wrapping up your professional program with a visit a local university like the University of Split. Learn about education and role expectations of all health care professionals in Croatia and discuss topics of mutual interest including the impact of cultural traditions, beliefs, and social values such as solidarity and reciprocity on healthcare in Croatia.

Accompanying guests: Guests will head out to visit Klis Fortress this morning, as featured in Game of Thrones. At the center of this small hillside village lies a medieval fortress built into a rocky ridge giving visitors an incredible bird’s eye view of the entire Split “metropolitan” area, Adriatic Sea, and surrounding islands.

Lunch will be provided this afternoon.

This afternoon head out for a private walking tour of Split’s fascinating Old Town. Highlights include exploring the magnificent Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, admiring the architectural beauty of the Peristyle and St. Domnius Cathedral, and wandering along the bustling Riva waterfront promenade.

Dinner is by individual arrangement.

Overnight: Dioklecijan Hotel and Residence (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, head out for Split's famous Green Market where you will buy the freshest ingredients for your afternoon meal. Then, head through the old city to the fish market. Along the way, your chefs will tell you about the history, culture, and the philosophy of Dalmatian cuisine. With fresh ingredients, make your way back to the kitchen to prepare a meal. Here your master chefs guide you through a step-by-step process for creating your own Croatian lunch.

Finally, it is time to sit down, pour the wine, and enjoy your savory creation! In each bite you will be able to taste the flavors of lovely Dalmatia. It is our hope that you will walk away not only full and satisfied, but also with a deeper appreciation for Dalmatian cuisine and the Croatian culture.

Return to the hotel with free time to relax late this afternoon.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Dioklecijan Hotel and Residence (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Say farewell to Croatia and return to the U.S. today with arrival the same day.

Dr. Carol Huston served as president of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, from 2007-2009. She taught in the School of Nursing at California State University-Chico (CSUC) for 38 years and retired as Director in 2015. In addition, Dr. Huston has authored 7 books on leadership and management and keynoted/presented at > 300 nursing and healthcare conferences worldwide.

She is the author of multiple textbooks on nursing leadership and professional issues including:

Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing: Theory and Application

Professional Issues in Nursing: Challenges and Opportunities (12th edition out in 2026).

Connect with Dr. Huston on Linkedin

Photo:  Professional Nursing Journey Peru.

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