Hey, wanderlusters and travel enthusiasts!

Today, I want to take you on a virtual journey to a mesmerizing destination that often flies under the radar of most American travelers. It's time to set your sights on Croatia, a country that holds an abundance of natural beauty, rich history, and captivating culture.

As a travel enthusiast and tour operator, I have had the privilege of exploring countless breathtaking locations, and Croatia has completely stolen my heart. I find myself constantly torn between keeping this amazing secret close to the chest, and shouting it from the rooftops. Let me share with you why this hidden gem should be at the top of your travel bucket list

Reason #1: Untouched Natural Beauty:

Croatia boasts a diverse landscape that will leave you spellbound. From the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea to the majestic Dinaric Alps, this country offers a plethora of natural wonders. Picture yourself standing atop the cascading Plitvice Lakes National Park, where vibrant turquoise lakes blend seamlessly with lush greenery. Or imagine sun-kissed beaches along the stunning Dalmatian Coast, where you can unwind and soak up the Mediterranean vibes. Croatia's untouched natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for adventurers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts.

Reason #2 Historic Marvels:

For history buffs, Croatia is an absolute goldmine. The country is dotted with ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that speak volumes about its intriguing past. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," and marvel at its incredibly preserved medieval architecture. Explore the Roman ruins of Diocletian's Palace in Split, an impressive site that seamlessly blends history with modern life. From Roman amphitheaters to medieval castles, Croatia's historical marvels offer a captivating glimpse into bygone eras.

Reason #3 Captivating Coastal Towns:

Croatia's picturesque coastal towns are a haven for those seeking an idyllic escape. Places like Hvar, Rovinj, and Korčula boast charming old towns, enchanting waterfront promenades, and colorful buildings that exude a laid-back Mediterranean charm. Lose yourself in the narrow alleyways, discover hidden cafes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're strolling along the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik or sailing through the captivating Elafiti Islands, Croatia's coastal towns are sure to capture your heart.

Reason #4 Delicious Culinary Delights:

Croatian cuisine is a culinary adventure in itself. Indulge in mouthwatering seafood delicacies, such as fresh grilled fish and succulent shellfish, while overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Try traditional dishes like Peka, slow-cooked meat and vegetables under an iron bell, which will transport your taste buds to another world. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or rakija, a traditional fruit brandy, for the perfect gastronomic experience. Croatia's food scene is a true testament to the country's rich cultural heritage.

Reason #5 Warm Hospitality and Vibrant Culture:

The warmth and hospitality of the Croatian people will make you feel right at home. Embrace the vivaciousness of Croatian culture as you participate in traditional folk dances, witness vibrant music performances, or mingle with friendly locals at bustling farmers' markets. Croatia's lively festivals, such as the Dubrovnik Summer Festival or the Sinjska Alka knight's tournament, showcase the country's zest for life and offer a unique insight into its heritage.

As you add destinations to your travel bucket list, make sure Croatia is at the top. This enchanting country offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical treasures, coastal charm, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality.

So, grab your passport, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

I’m still pinching myself in disbelief that such an amazing week is humanly possible. The Balkans remain at the top of my list of places to travel. I’m torn between shouting from the rooftops that you must run as fast as you can to the breathtaking Dalmatian coastline and keeping it close to the chest as my own little hidden gem that remains mostly unspoiled. Although it seems reckless, it feels selfish not to share, so here it goes…

Split, Croatia

We started and ended our journey in Split, Croatia—a beautiful waterfront town that has a rich history, dating back to Roman rule in the 4th century AD. The impressive structure, Diocletian’s Palace, remains as a nod to it’s former glory.

Most of us were completely wiped out from our journey, but we did manage to sneak in a delicious wine tasting before dinner. We also sampled the locally-brewed Rakia, which one traveler jokingly noted resembled Mountain Dew—the taste, however, is quite different.

We ended the night on the rooftop bar of our hotel which has arguably one of the most beautiful views of the city skyline.

Mostar, Bosnia + Herzegovina

From there we traveled by bus to Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We were instantly taken by the remnants that stand as an ever-present reminder that the Yugoslav Wars were quite recent—bullet holes lining walls and buildings and shells of building frames stand as a looming ghost of it’s bleak past.

The local shop keepers and vendors however, are bustling with the recent tourism boom after covid. The town is a time capsule— a juxtaposition between past, present and future.

We had a lovely, but honest walking tour with our host, Sheva, who shared Mostar’s complex history with us. His personal experience during the war was moving and candid and gave us tremendous insight into the realities of war on innocent children—fishing with grenades, rigging makeshift bicycles to get electricity, and complicated blurred lines between family, friend and enemy. He was a shining example of the resilience, forgiveness and hope that the human spirit is capable of.

As a local diver himself, Sheva was able to give us insight into Mostar’s famous sport—diving from Stari Most and even arranged for us to meet one of the young diving recruits. The sport has gotten so famous that Red bull sponsors a a diving competition from Stari Most each year.

We ended our time with a Turkish coffee experience—learning all about the growing, harvesting, and brewing process. Even the non-coffee drinkers in the group were faced with a challenge to their coffee biases.

Ston, Croatia

From Mostar, we returned to Croatia by way of Ston—a local salt-producing village surrounded by immense stone walls known for it’s unrivaled oysters. The sea is saltier in this region than most places and it produces some of the best Oysters in the entire world!

We also visited a family-run winery with our guide, Tonka, and learned about the different ways the local grapes can be harvested to produce countless different types of wine. We again encountered some locally-brewed Rakia and everyone left warmer and happier than they arrived.

On the ride to Dubrovnik, Tonka entertained us with stories from her days as an extra in the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. Needless to say, we were all very impressed to know village woman #20!

Dubrovnik, Croatia

In Dubrovnik we completely lost ourselves in the luxury of our hotel—most travelers even opted to skip dinner just to sit by the sea and watch the impressive sunset.

The next day, our local guide Tom took us through Dubrovnik and gave us both a fascinating history lesson and a private peek into some of the secret filming locations in Game of Thrones. Even those unfamiliar with the show were ready to go home and binge watch it after our afternoon with him. Together, we climbed the fortress and took in one of the most beautiful views Dubrovnik has to offer.

That evening we had dinner by the sea and watched as the most impressive moon rose over the Adriatic. It’s a night none of us will never forget.

Kotor, Montenegro

From Dubrovnik, we drove to Perast, Montenegro and hopped a boat to the man-made monastery Our Lady of the Rocks. Legend has it that local fishermen collected stones and slowly built the island over time. The locals still have a tradition of bringing a stone once a year to continue their work of expanding the island.

Our boat driver took us from the monastery straight to the dock at our hotel, and many of us felt like James Bond as we rode through the waves.

We headed into Kotor’s Old Town that afternoon for some shopping, cat museums, hiking, and so much gelato, before returning back to our beautiful hotel to swim, risk our lives paddle boarding (special thanks to Speedo Steve for saving one of us from getting tangled up in a rope) and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Lokrum Island, Croatia

The next day brought us back to Dubrovnik for an afternoon exploring the island of Lokrum. We ate, pet peacocks, jumped off of cliffs, and sat on the Iron Throne. It was an amazing way to spend the afternoon before heading to the highlight of the trip—dinner with Marija and Zlatko!

Our local Croatian hosts were kind enough to have us over for the most amazing dinner of our lives. Zlatko and Marija cooked a literal feast of peka for us in the traditional way—slowly cooking over hot coals in an iron bell. We tasted Zlatkos home-brewed rakia, and ate proscuitto straight from the source!

Split, Croatia

The next day had us heading back to Split to say farewell to Croatia, but first many of us chose to stop at the kitschy, Froggyland museum—the lifeswork of an eccentric early 20th century taxidermy artist and easily the best $10 I’ve ever spent!

We ended our tour with an amazing dinner and found ourselves again at the rooftop bar for a final cheers and a quick laugh at some funny things that had been said along the way. All in all the trip was a dream—the destination, the hospitality, and the friendships we made were hard to beat!