Croatia is a land of contrasts—where ancient history meets modern vibrancy, and serene natural beauty intertwines with rich cultural traditions. During my recent Croatian Coastal Cruising trip from Dubrovnik to Split with one of my preferred suppliers, Intrepid, we crisscrossed its coastal towns and historic cities and immersed ourselves in unforgettable experiences that went beyond the typical tourist attractions. From the stone streets of Dubrovnik to the lavender-scented hills of Hvar, this trip was about more than just sightseeing; it was a chance to connect with local culture, savor the slow pace of Mediterranean life, and build lasting memories with new friends. Each stop revealed a different side of Croatia, a country that continues to preserve its authenticity even as it welcomes the world. Read on to relive the magic of our journey and discover why Croatia should be on every traveler’s list.
We began our journey in Dubrovnik, and it was impossible not to feel the weight of history in the ancient, stone-laden streets. The grandeur of Old Town feels like stepping into a living museum, where time seems to pause amidst the towering walls, fortified in the Middle Ages. The warm golden hues of the city during sunset cast a magical glow, but it wasn’t just the cityscape that captivated us—it was the energy, the stories embedded in each stone. It was the soul of the place that resonated.
We boarded our 35-passenger yacht and spent an evening getting to know the other guests, our Tour Leaders, and the crew before setting sail for Korčula; a place that possesses an unexpected enchantment. We found ourselves wandering through narrow corridors, illuminated by lanterns and moonlight, serenaded by the harmonies of klapa music, an ancient tradition of a cappella singing echoing against the stone walls. It was as though the entire island was singing with us, a quiet, soulful melody of life’s simpler, shared moments.
In Opuzen, a peaceful river cruise under an almost full moon had us gliding on waters as black and smooth as silk. Time seemed to stretch in the stillness, the night holding its breath in reverence of the beauty surrounding us. By the time we returned from dinner, the serenity of the night had imprinted itself into our memories.
Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina was a journey of reflection and appreciation. Meeting local artisans who lived through the Bosnian War of the 90s made it clear that art is often a symbol of resilience. True to form, I went in with profound respect for their craft. I encourage every traveler to seek out the artists, to connect through a shared appreciation of their art and please - whatever you do - do not barter or ask them to discount the fruits of their labor.
Show a small, yet meaningful gesture of solidarity.
We capped off the day in Trpanj, where an evening stroll along the water provided a moment of deep gratitude for life's beauty, echoing the peace found along Croatia’s coasts.
The island of Hvar, known for its lavender fields, embraced us with food, wine, and self-care products lovingly made by a small wife-husband team. The best part of Hvar was our evening in Stari Grad, culminating in a dinner shared with old and new friends. There’s something powerful about connection over good food and humor—bonds are formed that no itinerary can ever predict.
And then there was Split; its rain an unexpected companion and one of those impromptu, unforgettable, magical nights.
Dinner with friends from the yacht felt cozy and intimate, with fantastic music permeating the night from a one-man band (and some singing along by our gleeful group). A late night walk passing under the West and East Gates of Diocletian's Palace and Gradska tržnica (the Green Market) in mist that curled around us as we walked, carefree and buzzed with the enchanting hold of Split, a little unsteady among the slick stones laid 1,700 years ago but completely at ease in the moment. There was something magical and completely wonderful about being in the rain-soaked streets of Split—and the companionship that made the city feel alive with possibility.
Our last day with Intrepid introduced us to nature’s grandeur in Krka National Park, where waterfalls crashed into serenity, and our hike allowed us to slow down and admire the raw, untouched beauty of Croatia’s landscapes.
The cherry on top of our journey was Trogir.
This UNESCO-protected town stole my heart with its perfect mix of history, culture, and undeniable charm. Every alleyway, every stone seemed to whisper tales of old, wrapping me in its mystery and reminding me how incredible each of the places we visited on this trip was.
And the heroes of the story...
Our experience in Croatia wouldn’t have been the same without the incredible leadership and expertise of our Intrepid Tour Leaders. They curated every detail with such care, creating a journey that was as seamless as it was unforgettable. From offering fantastic recommendations for local dining, drinks, and coffee spots to sharing insights into the must-see sights, they ensured we had authentic, enriching experiences at every stop. Their suggestions, even for practical things like where to do laundry, showed their commitment to making us feel at home. Beyond logistics, they fostered a sense of community among our group, turning a collection of travelers into a close-knit community by the end of the trip. Their passion for travel, local culture, and bringing people together perfectly reflects Intrepid's core mission to create life-changing experiences. We couldn’t have asked for better Tour Leaders who showed us why Intrepid has earned a coveted spot as a Virtuoso Preferred Supplier.
This itinerary was more than just ticking off beautiful places; it was a lesson in the power of curiosity and connection. Croatia offered its heart to us, and for those willing to ask more questions and dive deeper, it’s a country that gives generously in return.
This trip to Croatia felt like a celebration of life itself—a beautiful reminder that it’s the people we share these moments with that make them truly memorable.
Let’s get you to Croatia. Schedule a call and ‘go there’.
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Both Worlds Travel is a boutique Travel Agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina USA that provides thoughtfully curated, highly elevated travel experiences for affluent travelers. Owner Angie Brandt is an expert at crafting tailor-made itineraries and specializes in small ship cruises and adventure travel.
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