Escape to a place where time stands still, experiencing world-renowned destinations where nature, heritage, culture and cuisine exceed your imagination. The wonders to be explored in Croatia are seemingly endless, and promise to be among the most treasured memories you will carry with you for a lifetime.

Between the mainland and hundreds of spectacular islands, there are over 2500 miles of coastline beckoning to be explored. Planning the perfect itinerary can be quite daunting, as you won’t want to miss captivating old town city walks, swims in the sea and the unique Croatian cuisine. The ultimate way to take it all in is a private charter, sailing in luxury as we did on the Adriatic King. With much gratitude we were graciously hosted by Michael Gelber and IWORLD of TRAVEL for a unique leaning experience designed for travel agents.

This world-class cruise ship explores the gems of the Adriatic, featuring every amenity you could ever want. We were hosted by a crew made up of family and friends who made us feel like one of their own from our first day spent with them. The balance of organized tours, swim stops, 5 star meals and exceptional service makes yachting the perfect way to experience it all.

Our trip originated with an overnight stay in the spectacular city of Dubrovnik, dubbed ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. Defined by its imposing ancient city walls (their length second only to the Great Wall of China) it is set amidst crystalline waters that sparkle in the sun.

Enter the old town through one of two gates: Pile to the East and Ploce to the West. From there one can wander the streets at a leisurely pace, taking in the stunning architecture. Exploring the city’s main areas is easily done with a simple map to ensure you don’t miss any of the Instagrammable sights, most made famous to Game of Thrones fans. Just some of the major sights include:

The Stradun – the Main Street in Dubrovnik’s Old Town stretching 300 meters from the Pile Gate to Luza Square. Paved with huge limestone blocks that are worn to a shining smooth surface over centuries of use. The Stradun is lined with shops and cafes, so be sure to stop and savor while enjoying this magnificent stroll through history.

Rectors Palace – this spectacular architectural gem was once the administrative center of the Dubrovnik Republic, now home to the cultural Historical Museum.

Church of St Blaise – The Patron Saint of Dubrovnik is honored in this 17th Century landmark. The facade is simple yet beautiful…a peaceful retreat from the busy Stradun.

Onofrio Fountain – Built in 1438 this iconic stone fountain brought water to the Old Town from 7.5 miles away.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Cathedral – Built on the site of several former cathedrals, it is said to have been funded by King Richard the LionHeart after surviving a shipwreck in the nearby Adriatic.

Jesuit Steps – are a monumental Baroque staircase leading to the beautiful Church of St Ignatuis Loyola.

Along the way, be sure to get lost and wander the alleys through charming residential areas, lose the crowds and experience picturesque moments around every corner.

Choices for food abound, as cafes line The Stradun, making for exceptional people watching. Or, duck through an arch and sit by the sea, enjoying the freshest catch simply grilled to perfection.

Lakanda Peskarija was a delightful seaside cafe overlooking the protected harbor, just outside the City Walls. Feast on the freshest seafood from Oysters to Grilled Calamari and Octopus.

Dining and drinking abound within Old Town. Along The Stradun and on practically every side street and connecting alleyway is you can find a table serving pizza, pasta and local Croatian seafood. Up one flight of stone steps from the main street you’ll find a stretch of restaurants and cafes that come alive at night. Drinking in Dubrovnik is a sport, as there are plenty of bars to welcome you…

D’Vino Wine Bar – cozy and intimate with an extensive selection and tasting flights.

Bacchus Wine Bar is literally carved out of the rock, this cave bar is a fantastic experience with wines as impressive as the unique atmosphere.

And one can’t neglect to mention the Buza Bar, simply meaning ‘hole in the wall’, which is exactly what it is. Walk through the 800 year old wall to a secret swimming spot with tables arranged on terraces. Look for the rustic sign saying simply ‘cold drinks’ to crawl out to sun-drenched tables with stunning views.

The City Walls are the stunning architectural achievement that defines the Old Town. A must-do experience is to walk along the top, up to 60 feet high at 20 feet thick on the inland side. From above, the orange-tiled roofs and views to the sea are magnificent.

A total of 1.25 miles takes from 1-2 hours depending on how many pictures you stop to take. There are a few stops for refreshments along the way, linger if you have the time.

Guided walking tours are also highly recommended as local historians will give context to the origins of the city, its defenses against the Venetians and survival through the centuries.

Exiting the Pile gate, take the descent and climb to Fort Lovrijenac, the 11th century tower offers spectacular views back to the walled city and the towering cliffs that overlook a turquoise sea.

Our final view of Dubrovnik was a spectacular cable car ride to the top of Mt. Srd. From 1352 feet above, enjoy the old town that stretches 30 miles across the crystalline sea. Sit and stare from the Panorama Restaurant, perhaps best seen just before sunset as the sky and water sparkle before you.

Leaving Dubrovnik (which wasn’t easy) our journey at sea began. Island hopping over the next 7 days allowed us to take in 7 incredible, picturesque ports of call, featuring vineyards, sparkling waterfalls and fairytale villages. Click the links below to continue exploring…

Island hopping in Southern Croatia
Croatia: the Northern coast and Inland majesty
Slovenia: Europe’s best kept secret (to follow shortly)

Interested in your own adventures to Croatia and Slovenia? Carla is ready help with custom itineraries and expert travel planning… please reach out to carla@vacationkids.com for more info.

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