Nine Different Ways to See Croatia
First, a story. Many years ago when I was living in London, my friends and I left our late May bank holiday vacation plans to the last minute. British people take their vacations very seriously and so when we finally got around to looking at flights, I am not kidding when I tell you that there was NOTHING left. Nothing. Easy Jet, RyanAir…everything was booked.
But then I logged into my British Airways account and noticed something: BA was now flying to Split, Croatia. And one of the first flights was pretty much exactly when we wanted to go. Because Croatia was such a new destination, there were plenty of seats left—and at a decent price too!! We booked our tickets immediately.
We LOVED Split. And we loved the island of Hvar even more. In Hvar, we rented a boat and went to a small island with a beach and a restaurant with no menu. Just fish, fries, green salad, and white wine. Bliss.
I’ve been to Croatia many times since and I just love the country so much. If you’re making last minute vacation plans, here are some great ways to see the country. Interested? Book you complimentary vacation consultation here.
Cruises…
Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, Multiple Cruise Options
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection combines the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. Each yacht accommodates up to 298 guests and features personalized service, dining, and luxury amenities. Adriatic culture, cuisine and history are the themes of this journey. Stroll the narrow medieval streets of the Old Towns in Kotor and Zadar, sip Croatian wine as the sun sets on Dubrovnik. I am a RItz Carlton Preferred Partner so please contact me to book your trip.
Viking Ocean, Venice, the Adriatic and Greece
Viking Ocean Cruises boasts a fleet of new, all-veranda, state-of-the-art ocean ships. Each identical sister ship carries only 930 guests and is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” the fleet features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design. Trace spectacular Adriatic shores and uncover the glories of the Venetian and Hellenic Empires on this cruise between romantic Venice and classic Athens. Discover Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, explore the palace at Split and stroll Dubrovnik’s medieval streets. Sail through scenic fjords to remarkably preserved Kotor, Montenegro’s gem. On Greek shores, call on scenic Corfu, with its inviting Old Town, and Katakolon, gateway to the Peloponnese and Olympia, Ready to book your Viking Ocean cruise? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
Silversea Venice-to-Venice
Beautiful sea, crisp white beaches and charming medieval villages add character and colour to this gorgeous Croatian cruise. Beginning in Venice, you’ll get a taste for the Adriatic in Opatija, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik and Zadar before you embrace the good life in Italy’s Trieste – one of the country’s best kept secrets and surely a treasure trove of civilisations and cultures. End this lovely voyage where you began, in the watery beauty of Venice.
Land Tours…
Eastern Discovery, Zagreb to Athens, 13 Nights
See the great lakes of Croatia in Plitvice National Park and breathe in the Balkan beauty of Montenegro on this two-week discovery of the east. From Zagreb’s Presidential Palace and Split’s Old City, your expert led itinerary gallops across Croatia to the pearl of the Adriatic-Dubrovnik. Marble streets, hidden markets and terracotta roofs abound within the walled city and a Dubrovnik traditional dinner acquaints the taste buds with glasses of grappa, authentic local flavors and delicious dessert wines. Set sail from the shores of Greece to the island of Corfu-with its bleach white domes and azure blue seas, before forging onwards to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, and the Acropolis in Athens.
Split, Croatia
Croatia Multi-Adventure Bike Tour, Split to Dubrovnik, 5 Nights
It's an experience like no other. Bike amid stunning karst mountains. Gaze out over sun-drenched islands. Stroll ancient cobblestone streets. Kayak secluded inlets and soak up the sun on hidden beaches. Then linger over unbelievably fresh seafood. Come truly experience the Dalmatian Coast on this amazing biking adventure. Ready for a bike tour of Croatia? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
Zagreb, Croatia
Discover the Balkans, Zagreb to Dubrovnik, 11 Nights
On the crossroads between East and West, the Balkan Peninsula dazzles with less-discovered gems. Enjoy a fascinating introduction to the stunning Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the dramatic history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the lush waterways of Montenegro, discovering an array of UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural treasures along the way. I love this itinerary!
Luxury Hotels…
Maybe you just want to stare at the sea for a few days? Here are three amazing hotels in Croatia that are great bases for exploration.
Maslina, Hvar
Perched on Croatia’s sunniest island, Maslina Resort delights all the senses, whether you come seeking relaxation, adventure, or a complete wellness transformation. The 50 rooms and suites and 3 villas reflect the resorts’ Mindful Luxury philosophy, boasting natural materials, such as terracotta and Brac Island stone, as do the healing modalities in the Pharomatiq Wellness (the sound healing therapy is a guest favorite) and seasonal ingredients hand-harvested from the on-site 7,000 sqm organic garden.
Boutique Hotel Alhambra, Losinj
Located on Lošinj island, Boutique Hotel Alhambra & The Historic Villas is a sanctuary where history, tradition, elegance, culinary mastery, and nature converge. Its luxurious rooms embody early 20th-century architecture, and offer extraordinary Adriatic Sea views. At the Michelin-starred Alfred Keller restaurant, culinary treasures await, while holistic wellness is the focus at our extensive spa. With a range of outdoor activities, superior service, and a nearby airport, we promise a unique journey for discerning travelers. Experience the magic of our hotel, where every breath invites you on an exceptional sensory voyage.
Villa Korta Katarina, Orebic
Rising proudly above the Adriatic coastline, Villa Korta Katarina, a Relais & Châteaux member, is located in the picturesque seaside village of Orebić on the delightful Pelješac Peninsula. While you can easily get there from Dubrovnik, the hotel is also wonderfully removed from the frenetic tourist activity of the city. With panoramic views of the glistening Adriatic, nearby islands, and breathtaking natural beauty all around, this seaside hotel is perfectly positioned for visitors who want to experience southern Croatia’s incredible gifts.
There are so many different ways to see Croatia! When you’re ready for your trip, book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago Booth MBA. I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you.
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