It is said that theory will only get you so far. And when it comes to travel, that is most certainly the case.
Because theoretically speaking, Croatia is the perfect destination. It’s beautiful. Pairs seamlessly with iconic Mediterranean lands like Greece and Italy. Historic enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, or into a scene from a fantasy TV show. And even has its share of islands to add to the resume.
But you will never understand its full appeal until you catch a glimpse of the Adriatic from Dubrovnik’s medieval walls. Savor a plateful of oysters on Ston. And assume your rightful place on the Iron Throne in Lokrum Island.
Which is what Travelive’s Country Combinations and Support teams have recently set out to do.
Testing the Adriatic Waters
A great journey should be experiential, not experimental. Meaning that when putting together a trip, especially one involving multiple destinations, there is no place for trial and error.
Which is what brought members of Travelive’s Country Combinations and Support teams on a FAM trip to Croatia.
It wasn’t just Croatia’s hidden stories or the country’s fabled wines; although the latter was definitely a welcome bonus. It was an opportunity to expand their destination knowledge in the most empirical way possible. To find out exactly why it fits so well within country combination itineraries. To see the inner workings of its most popular tours. But most of all, to truly experience it like a traveler, a Croat, and maybe even a Lannister.
And here’s how and where they did it.
Dubrovnik | A Traveler's Fantasy
For the majority of travelers visiting Croatia, Dubrovnik is a rite of passage, even if they don’t have HBO.
One of the few places where the phrase “stepping back in time” feels less like a cliché and more like a requirement, you really don’t need to look much further than Dubrovnik’s Old Town to understand its frequent appearance on travel itineraries.
As the team took to the Stradun, admired the Rector’s Palace, and climbed its mighty walls for some essential Adriatic views, it became easy to understand the appeal this city holds for travelers of all interests. Meanwhile, a chance to reenact some of their favorite scenes on a Game of Thrones-inspired tour showed how effortlessly its history remains a draw in the contemporary world.
Yet beyond its walls, Dubrovnik revealed even more reasons for its popularity. With a 15-minute boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island, our team got their first full glimpse of Croatia’s natural beauty, something that they would eventually become very familiar with. There, they also got to explore its slightly saltier side at the Dead Sea (Mrtvo More), the island’s small saltwater lake, while at the same time plotting how to lay claim to the Iron Throne and rule the Seven Kingdoms.
So, pretty much your typical stay in Dubrovnik.
Ston | A Taste of the Adriatic
Oysters can be an acquired taste, but Ston may just have the ability to make them a part of everyone’s diet.
For centuries, the waters around Ston and Mali Ston Bay have been celebrated for their oyster cultivation, making a taste of the local catch an essential part of experiencing the region. And naturally, the team was more than happy to conduct a little firsthand research.
Nestled in the Pelješac Peninsula, the town’s idyllic, uncrowded atmosphere provided the perfect setting for tucking (or shucking) into one of Croatia’s most distinctive local delicacies straight from the source, with local wine and Adriatic views rounding out the experience.
Often added as part of a transfer to Hvar or Split, this delicious experience offers not only a quintessential dive into the destination’s culinary landscape, but also a convenient palate cleanser en route to discovering more Croatian curiosities.
Hvar | Red, White & Blue
After leaving no Ston uncovered (see what we did there?), it was time to discover why Croatia is as beautiful as they say. And there’s no better place to do it than on one of its islands.
Of course, with more than a thousand to choose from, finding your Adriatic soulmate can be quite the task. However, you certainly can’t go wrong with Hvar, one of Croatia’s quintessential island escapes.
Which is precisely what the team discovered upon stepping ashore in Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town and the gateway to the evergreen landscapes, laid-back character, and exceptional wines that have made Hvar such a staple of Croatian itineraries.
In addition to cozying up in one of the island’s wineries for a tasting of reds and whites straight from its vineyards, a boat trip to the nearby Blue Cave on Biševo added another shade of Adriatic blue to their journey, leaving them feeling more than patriotic by the end.
Easily accessible from the mainland and always a great addition to a seamless Adriatic sailing journey, Hvar remains one of those places that makes a very strong case for itself. And our team can now vouch for it more than ever.
Split | The Flavors of History
Split is not a city that’s easily defined, or ignored. Which is perhaps why you will so often find it bookending a Croatian adventure.
It has the relaxed seafront charm of a Mediterranean escape. A history that spans empires. And a food scene to rival them.
At the heart of it all, Diocletian’s Palace blurs the line between ancient Rome and modern-day Split, with grand stone walls, narrow passageways, lively squares, and everyday life unfolding among it all. For the team, wandering through the palace and surrounding Old Town offered a firsthand feel for just how naturally the city wears its history and how much its people and visitors appreciate it.
Naturally, a food tour offered plenty to appreciate too.
From grabbing bites of prosciutto, pancetta, and homemade cheeses at the vibrant Green Market, to indulging in fresh seafood and its famous black risotto, it was an introduction to the everyday rhythms that give Split its distinct Dalmatian character. And with so many island-hopping adventures beginning here, the team also got a firsthand look at why the city makes such a fitting introduction to the rest of the Adriatic.
And why it can be so difficult to say goodbye to.
Putting the FAM in Familiar
Knowing a destination is one thing. Knowing how it feels, how its experiences connect, and how it fits into the bigger picture is something else entirely. Especially when it comes to a country as diverse and versatile as Croatia.
That is what Travelive FAM trips like this are all about. Getting out there, asking the questions, tasting the oysters, chasing the views, and coming home with the kind of insight that helps us build a better journey for every traveler.
So that when you’re ready to connect Croatia with the rest of the Mediterranean, you can reach out to Country Combinations by Travelive at countrycombo@travelive.com and know that you’ll be getting an itinerary that’s been tried, tested, and even tasted. One that Travelive’s very own team would confidently embark on, because they have already done so themselves.