Dash to Dubrovnik convoy of decorated banger cars and the full team holding the Dash banner at an alpine mountain pass.

Dash to Dubrovnik

Buy a Banger.
Drive It to Dubrovnik.

Trip Overview

Distance

2,000 Miles

One £500 Car

Countries

12

Duration

9 Days

Available From

£350*

Through Fundraising

Full Trip Details

Get the Full Trip Details

Convoy and party through Europe's coolest destinations, with a group of mates in a £500 car. A true Top Gear-inspired adventure, whilst raising money for great charities across the UK. A trip that looks just as good on your Instagram as it does your CV. This is Dash to Dubrovnik, 2,000 miles, 12 countries, 9 days, and one £500 car.

Hardest Adventures crew sitting on their car roof during a stop on the Dash to Dubrovnik rally. Convoy of Hardest Adventures cars driving through an alpine mountain pass on the Dash to Dubrovnik road rally. Team cheering beside their sticker-covered car with mountains behind on the Dash to Dubrovnik. Participant standing on a car with arms wide open during the Dash to Dubrovnik with Hardest Adventures.

Ways to Pay

We believe that world-class challenges shouldn't just be for those with deep pockets, and they should support the causes we care about. That's why we've built an industry-leading fundraising model that puts the power back into the hands of the community.

  • 100% of your fundraising goes to the charity. Your charity pays Hardest a balance fee to cover the remaining cost of your place on the challenge.
  • Fundraise for Amnesty International, £750 raised funds campaigns protecting human rights worldwide (Nottingham Uni participants fundraise for The OddBalls Foundation).
  • When you book, you have a 2-week Hardest safety net where you can get a full refund on your booking if you need to, no questions asked!

Registration

£350

+ £750 fundraising target

Registration fee with a minimum charity fundraising target. Payment plans and equal monthly instalments available.

Itinerary

What's Included

The Nights

Accommodation

All accommodation covered along the route, handpicked hostels from Brussels all the way to Dubrovnik, with an extra night at the finish.

The Support

Dash Reps

Trained Dash Reps on your trip, with you in convoy from the Dover meet-up to the awards night in Dubrovnik.

The Road Book

The Dash Guide

The Dash Guide, packed with everything you need for the road trip, plus a recommended route with many hidden gems along the way.

The Backup

Never On Your Own

A 24/7 UK emergency line active throughout the challenge, backing you up the whole way to the Adriatic.

UK to France ferry crossing to get the convoy rolling
Some breakfasts at the overnight accommodation
Organised checkpoints, challenges and safety information
Car buying expertise: tips, tricks and our 8 years of banger-buying know-how
Kit lists so everything you might need for this trip is covered
In-person support from a Hardest Adventures rep in-country during the challenge
Expert fundraising support throughout
A recommended route with many hidden gems along the way
Fundraising support, your HA rep and challenge leaders help you smash your target

You sort four things.
We handle the rest.

That's the deal. The route, the hostels, the ferry and the back-up are our problem. Before you roll into Dover, you've got exactly four jobs:

01

Buy a Banger

A safe and reliable car is the only rule (the £500 is the spirit, not the law). Our car buying guide and 8 years of banger-buying expertise are behind you.

02

Tax, Insure & Cover It

Proof of tax and valid insurance for all destination countries, plus breakdown cover with a courtesy car valid everywhere you drive. Non-negotiable.

03

Insurance & Visas

Arrange your own travel insurance for the whole challenge. UK citizens don't need a visa for the EU; international students sort their own.

04

Fundraise £750

Raise £750 for your charity by 8 weeks before your start date. With our expert support, first-timers average £600 a month.

Not included in your trip price: petrol & tolls, travel insurance, unspecified meals, personal spending, visas (if required), and your return to the UK, you are free to choose any route back!

Payment Plans

Hardest Safety Net - After booking you have a 2-week window to change your mind and receive a full refund, no questions asked.

£350 Registration

10% Deposit + Remainder

Secure your place with a 10% deposit of your chosen registration fee (from £35), then clear the remainder by 21st February 2027.

Monthly Instalments

Pay £50 at booking, then equal monthly instalments until three months before your trip. And we're treating you right, this is valid for both paid and fundraising plans.

What people say
★★★★★

Insane roads, amazing people and organised really well. Trip of a lifetime. Reps were there to support any time you needed. Drove on some of the best roads in Europe. Would 100% do again and 100% would recommend

TobyDash to Dubrovnik
★★★★★

Went on dash to Dubrovnik, extremely well organised and ran smoothly. 100% recommend to anyone thinking of taking part.

JamesDash to Dubrovnik
★★★★★

Couldn't recommend this highly enough. Already planning on doing this again next year with some of the people I met on the trip! Would highly encourage everyone to do this! Plus it's for an amazing cause!.

ConnorDash to Dubrovnik
★★★★★

Insane roads, amazing people and organised really well. Trip of a lifetime. Reps were there to support any time you needed. Drove on some of the best roads in Europe. Would 100% do again and 100% would recommend

TobyDash to Dubrovnik
★★★★★

Went on dash to Dubrovnik, extremely well organised and ran smoothly. 100% recommend to anyone thinking of taking part.

JamesDash to Dubrovnik
★★★★★

Couldn't recommend this highly enough. Already planning on doing this again next year with some of the people I met on the trip! Would highly encourage everyone to do this! Plus it's for an amazing cause!.

ConnorDash to Dubrovnik
★★★★★ 5/5 Star Rating on Google Reviews
Got Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Defer?

Absolutely! Deferral fees depend on how close you are to your departure date:

  • More than 6 months before: Free deferral to another date
  • 6–2 months before: £80
  • 2 months – 6 weeks before: £120 (if your place hasn't already been fully paid for by this point)
  • Under 6 weeks: Deferral not possible

To defer, please email team@hardestadventures.com

Medical & Family Emergencies Those deferring due to a medical or family emergency may be eligible for a free or discounted deferral, subject to the circumstances and how close it is to the trip start date.

What's the Cancellation Policy?

  • Within 14 days of booking: Free cancellation & full refund.
  • After 14 days: Free cancellation (no refund).
  • To cancel, email team@hardestadventures.com

What Will the Group Size Be?

You'll be in a team of 2–5 per car. Average trip sizes vary, but sit between 30 and 45 participants depending on sign-ups.


How Many People per Team/Car?

Most cars on the trip are small hatchbacks, so we don't recommend more than 4 people to a car. If your group is bigger than 4, we recommend splitting across two cars. You can always switch drivers and passengers along the way.


Where Will I Be Staying?

You'll stay in handpicked accommodation selected for its cleanliness, location and quality. Most nights are in hostels with gender-separated shared rooms, where we endeavour to co-locate you with your team. Some nights are apartments, and even hotels.


What's the Difference Between the Students Trip and Main Trips?

The trips are split to ensure the group you're in is best suited to you, with other people at similar stages in life looking to explore the world and take on a challenge worth talking about.

The only difference in itinerary is that students stay in hostel dorms rather than hotels, allowing them a cheaper trip.


Who Will Be Looking After Me?

You'll be looked after by Hardest Adventures' trained Dash Reps throughout the challenge.

What's the Limit on What I Can Spend on a Car?

Although lots of our media and promo says £500, we've relaxed this rule in recent years. The priority is that you drive a car which is safe and reliable.


Will There Be Support in Purchasing a Car?

The purchase of a safe and reliable car is the sole responsibility of the participant, but Dash to Dubrovnik will provide a car buying guide, backed by our years of banger-buying expertise.


How Difficult Is the Driving?

The route crosses many different countries and a variety of conditions. Safety briefings are delivered daily, with loads of info in the Dash Guide, but weather can be unpredictable and roads can be low quality, so it's important that you take care and ensure you're safe when driving. All roads on the trip are optional, and alternative, less strenuous routes can be driven.


What Is a Typical Day Like?

A typical day on Dash is full of adventure, socialising and amazing scenery. You'll be waking up early most days and driving anywhere between 3 and 6 hours, with regular breaks. Each car must have at least two drivers to share the load.


What Dietary Options Are Available?

Food is important to us. Good and nourishing food makes a good trip even better. Most breakfasts on the trip are included in the tour price unless stated otherwise, and there are always lots of options for allergies and dietary requirements.


What Happens When I Reach Dubrovnik?

Relax, unwind and party! There's heaps to do in Dubrovnik and the surrounding area. Take a tour of the Game of Thrones set in the Old Town, hire kayaks, or sample the great seafood and bars.

We'll be just as sad as you when the trip ends, but the fun doesn't stop there. You have 3 options for after your adventure across Europe:

  1. Drive home
  2. Sell your car and fly home
  3. Dash deeper into Europe...

What's the Sign-Up Process?

  1. Get a group of your mates together (solo travellers are also welcome)
  2. Sign up on our website individually by selecting your adventure
  3. Start fundraising for your chosen charity
  4. Purchase your banger of a car
  5. Leave all the hotel bookings, ferry reservations and route planning to us
  6. Enjoy your ultimate student road trip!

Can I Sign Up Individually?

You can sign up solo! Please reach out if this is the case, and we can look to team you up with similar participants.

How Do You Keep Me Safe?

At Hardest Adventures we place safety at the heart of what we do. While an element of risk always exists within each challenge, we've worked with our partners in-country and implemented our own procedures to minimise risk while still ensuring you have an incredible challenge experience!

  • All our challenges are risk assessed, and we have a full crisis management plan
  • Trained Dash Reps on your trip to support you
  • A pre-trip safety briefing for all participants
  • Morning and/or evening safety briefings each day, with reference to the safety information in the Dash Guide
  • Daily breathalyser tests for drivers

Do I Need to Bring Medication?

We strongly recommend bringing certain medication as a precaution for your road trip. This includes painkillers, rehydration sachets, and diarrhoea medication.

Do I Need to Arrange My Own Travel Insurance?

For Dash to Dubrovnik, it's your responsibility to arrange your own insurance and breakdown cover for the whole duration of your challenge. Loads more information will be provided on this.

As a minimum, you'll be required to show proof of tax and valid insurance (allowing driving in all destination countries) on the vehicle you plan to drive across Europe. All groups must also organise breakdown cover with a courtesy car, valid for all countries travelled to.


Do I Need a Visa?

For the EU, a visa is not required for UK citizens. You don't need a visa for short trips to the EU or Schengen area if both of the following apply:

  • You're staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
  • You're visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

If you're an international citizen, it's your responsibility to arrange your own visa to cover the duration of your challenge. You can contact the team at Hardest Adventures should you need support with this.


Are Return Flights Included in the Price?

Return flights are not included in the registration fee, and must be arranged by participants themselves if they choose to fly home. Most students choose to drive the car home and sell it in the UK to recoup some of the costs.


What Currency Should I Bring, and How Much Cash?

The currency across most of the route is the Euro, recently adopted by Croatia (which used to, and in some cases still does, use the Croatian Kuna). We'd recommend not carrying too much cash. Instead, look into a zero-fees bank card suitable for travel (Monzo, Starling etc.)


What Travel Adaptor Should I Bring?

Across the route the most common plug is the European Type C plug, though some countries use a variety of other plugs.


Where Can I Find the Kit List?

A kit list will be provided in the months approaching the trip, so everything you might need for the road is covered.

Who Will I Be Fundraising For?

  • The OddBalls Foundation (Nottingham Uni)
  • Amnesty International (all other unis)

Fundraising may seem daunting at first, but with the fantastic support provided, group fundraiser opportunities, and an easy-to-use fundraising app that doubles up as a card reader, you'll go above and beyond your target in no time. Remember: the fundraising target is NOT your money! This is money raised through donations, from your network or fundraising events.

You Won't Be Alone Our fundraisers are usually first-timers, and on average raise £600 a month with the support provided. In the past 3 years, our student fundraisers have raised over £1 million for charity.

What If I Don't Hit My Fundraising Target?

If you have chosen the charity fundraising option, your fundraising deadline is 8 weeks before your challenge start date. With the support of your charity rep, Hardest Adventures, challenge leaders, and University, it's almost impossible not to reach your target.

In the unlikely event the target isn't met by the deadline, here are your options:

  1. If you're above 80% of your target and have plans in place, your charity can grant you a 2-week deadline extension.
  2. You can put your own money in and fundraise it back afterwards, as long as you don't keep more than you put in.
  3. You can defer to next year's trip for a small fee, giving you an extra year to hit your target.
Our Promise We want you to take on this adventure of a lifetime, and we'll do all we can to help you do so.