Croatia

Croatia exploded onto the travel scene over the past decade, and for very good reason. The Adriatic coastline is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, with crystal clear water, medieval walled towns, and over a thousand islands stretching along the coast. Dubrovnik’s old town, encircled by massive stone walls that drop straight into the sea, is one of the most photogenic places in Europe. Split’s Diocletian’s Palace is a living Roman ruin where people still live, shop, and eat inside walls built in the 4th century.

But Croatia is not just coastline. The interior holds Plitvice Lakes National Park, a system of sixteen interconnected turquoise lakes and waterfalls that is easily one of the most stunning natural sites in Europe. The capital Zagreb has an emerging food and coffee culture that most tourists skip entirely. And the Istrian Peninsula in the north produces truffles, olive oil, and wine that rival anything in neighboring Italy.

Where to Go

Dubrovnik is the showstopper. Walking the medieval city walls is the essential Dubrovnik experience, a complete circuit of the old town at rooftop level with views of terracotta roofs, the harbor, and the Adriatic. Inside the walls, marble streets lead to churches, monasteries, and restaurants tucked into stone buildings. Cable car rides to the top of Mount Srd provide panoramic views of the old town and the Elaphiti Islands.

Split is built around and inside the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, which makes it unlike any city in the world. The palace basement, the Peristyle courtyard, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (originally Diocletian’s mausoleum) are all within walking distance. The Riva waterfront promenade is where locals gather in the evening, and the Green Market (Pazar) is the best place to pick up fresh produce and local cheese.

Hvar is the most popular island, known for its lavender fields, beautiful old town, and party scene centered around the harbor and the beach clubs along the Pakleni Islands. Korcula, further south, is quieter and claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Its old town is a miniature Dubrovnik without the crowds.

Plitvice Lakes is a full day trip from either Zagreb or Split. The boardwalk trail system winds through the park past waterfalls and over the emerald green lakes. It is an absolute must if your itinerary allows it.

Where to Stay

In Dubrovnik, Hotel Excelsior offers five star luxury with direct views of the old town walls. The Pucic Palace inside the old town is a boutique property on the main square. In Split, the Judita Palace Hotel sits inside Diocletian’s Palace itself. On Hvar, the Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel overlooks the harbor and the Pakleni Islands.

Let Us Plan Your Croatia Trip

Croatia is best experienced as a road trip along the coast combined with island hopping by ferry. The logistics of ferry schedules, driving routes, and accommodation availability (especially in peak summer) require advance planning. We will design a route that gives you the highlights without the stress.