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.

Traveling North from Croatia’s spectacular sunny coastline is a world of fairytale villages, sparkling waterfalls and Baroque beauty. Join us as we embark on the final leg of our Croatia adventure before crossing the Border to Slovenia – one of the best kept secrets in Europe. Read on to experience the majesty on Northern Croatia

Krka National Park

A short trip inland, just 13 miles north of Sibenik, the Krka river cuts its way through a spectacular gorge and towering limestone cliffs on its journey to the Adriatic. The park features a stunning collection of emerald pools and cascading waterfalls traversed by wooden boardwalks.

The most spectacular waterfall is Stradinski Buk, where 17 cascades tumble into an emerald pool.

The park also features an old mill with a museum and live demonstrations of Croatian ways of life dating back centuries.

Peka

This is a must-do culinary experience, perhaps my favorite meal of the entire trip, which is saying a lot!

One of the most popular meals in Croatia’s Dalmatia region, peka is a blend of vegetables and meat drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs, and then baked to perfection under a bell-like dome, or ispod čripnje.

Veal, chicken, lamb or octopus are placed with vegetables inside a dish with a heavy metal lid. The dish is then cooked in an open fireplace by the hot coals and embers which are placed over the lid. The dish is left to cook slowly in its own juices until the meat is tender. 

Be aware that Peka has to be ordered up front as it takes more than an hour and a half to two hours to prepare.

The staff at Restoran Vicko were wonderfully accommodating, allowing us to see the ovens and proving a description of this fascinating cultural tradition.

Sibenik

Just a short stroll from the seafront promenade, the the time-smoothed cobblestone streets of Sibenik are a peaceful getaway. Exploring the alleys leads to shops and restaurants around every corner.

The city’s most notable landmark is the Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St. James. Built in several stages between 1431 and 1535 it is situated on a lovely raised piazza. There is intricate detail throughout, including the frieze running along the outer wall with 74 faces carved in stone.

Wine and Prosciutto

Venturing inland to the countryside towns of Stankovci and Polaca were treated to the region’s exceptional wines and cured meats at two lovely farm vineyards: Roca and Maslina. This is a must-do Croatian experience as the wines are world-class and the locals who host you will make you feel like family.

Pairing these outstanding wines with locally sourced cheeses and meats make each visit a memorable delight.

Sitting in a lovely outdoor terrace at Roca Vineyards, enjoying the warm sun, smelling rich earth and tasting the delicious food and wine was simply amazing.

The neat rows of the vineyards, olive trees and rolling hills are a picturesque backdrop.

Zadar

Zadar has a tumultuous history, stemming from war and decades of communism. But today the old town is thriving. We entered the through an arch in the formidable stone walls and toured the Roman ruins, churches and palaces walking on marble streets.

St. Donatus Church is a remarkable piece of Zadar’s history with its unique cylindrical shape.

The Roman Forum dates back to the first century B.C. It is now a mostly empty space with scattered ruins. One structure that remains is the ‘pillar of shame’ where individuals were chained and tortured.

The Square of Five Wells was built by the Venetians in 1570 in a large piazza, designed to assist the town during attacks.

Exiting the city walls to the North we walked along the Riva promenade, timed perfectly for sunset. After seeing so many medieval sights it almost felt odd to see the modern attractions along the water’s edge.

The Sea Organ puts on an ongoing concert. With sounds resembling a whale song, the seawater enters 35 pipes built under the quay. The effect is absolutely delightful!

The Greeting to the Sun is a 22-meter circle of glass that covers solar modules that light up after sunset. A truly magical effect.

The crowds gathered to see the spectacular sunset and we sat and watched in this amazing setting.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Leaving our ship behind (sadly) we began the land portion of our trip. Traveling by bus we continued North to Croatia’s most visited natural attraction. A true wonder of nature – where 16 emerald lakes are interconnected by spectacular waterfalls.

Sediments deposited in the beds of the lakes create the sparkling color.

The area is protected by a series of wooden bridges that allow up close views of the cascading waters. At the the time of our trip the water levels were low, but the majesty of what we experienced was amazing nonetheless.

Veliki Slap are the highest falls in the park. The plunging waters descend 256 ft.

Zagreb

Croatia’s capital city was the final stop on our incredible tour. We covered over 600 meters from our starting point in Dubrovnik (that is if we traveled by road…with our week at sea it seems so much more). Seeing the diversity of landscape and architecture was remarkable. The fortified limestone walls and orange-tiled rooftops along the Southern coastal cities stands out in stark contrast to the ornate Baroque buildings inland and North.

We stayed at the historic and luxurious Esplanade Zagreb. This 1925 landmark sits near the stunning train station that served travelers on the original Orient Express. We arrived in the evening and set out to explore.

The city’s old town is divided into two districts:

We spent the evening in Donji Grad (lower town) walking the parks and squares punctuated by ornate public buildings and cultural institutions.

The city’s tram system connecting the main areas whizzes by…

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin towers over a square. Seeing this masterpiece on a foggy night enhanced the drama.

The immense public square of Medvescak is the heart of old town, lively and busy day or night.

Located at one end of the Square we had drinks at the eclectic Johann Frank. Our outdoor table was protected from the early November chill by a large tent and a large crowd plus a Ratkja to warm us up.

We enjoyed a fantastic, romantic dinner at Trilogija…vaulted ceilings, amazing pasta and seafood and a fantastic wine selection.

In the morning our walking tour began just steps away from our historic hotel.

Park Zrinjevac is central to the ornate public buildings and cultural institutions of Zagreb.

We crossed into Gornji Grad (upper town) featuring hilly, winding cobblestone streets, feeling more like a local village than the neighboring lower town.

The public market was bustling on a grey Sunday morning.

And so ended our trip of a lifetime visit to Croatia, though we had two more incredible days to cross the border to Slovenia… a completely different and unique experience visiting castles, caves and canals at the foot of the Alps.

It’s nearly impossible to summarize the journey we took. From sunny coastal shores along countless islands to emerald pools and waterfalls. From fortified medieval towns to vineyards in the countryside. Views of the sea from boats, bell towers and beaches. Friends and memories made that we’ll cherish forever.

To continue exploring, check out the first 2 and the final chapter of our adventure:
Exploring Dubrovnik: the Pearl of the Adriatic
Island hopping in Southern Croatia
Slovenia: Europe’s best kept secret (coming soon)

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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