Croatia: Get Your Game On

Game of Thrones & Old City private tour

As big Game of Thrones fans, we opted for a private tour—and it did not disappoint. The experience was incredible, taking us through many of the show’s iconic filming locations, including the impressive city walls and the historic Lovrijenac Fortress (a.k.a. the Red Keep). The tour also doubled as a fascinating walk through Dubrovnik’s Old City. We made a quick stop at Lokrum Island, which is beautiful, but due to limited time, we couldn’t fully enjoy it. If you visit, go when you have time to explore and swim—and maybe even pack a picnic!

Private motorboat tour of the Elafiti Islands

The Elafiti Islands, a stunning archipelago of 13 islands, offers an unforgettable escape just off the coast of Dubrovnik. On our private motorboat tour, we visited several of the more accessible islands, each with its own charm and beauty. Between stops, we took breaks to swim in the Adriatic Sea. One of the highlights was a stop at Bowa, a beautiful waterfront spot where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch with a view. This tour perfectly combined relaxation, exploration, and luxury.

Public catamaran

It might seem like a simple detail, but taking the public catamaran was one of the most relaxing and scenic parts of our journey. Cruising from Dubrovnik to Hvar, and later from Hvar to Split, we enjoyed beautiful coastal views and a smooth, stress-free ride. There was ample space for luggage and boarding and disembarking were surprisingly easy—even with rolling bags. It was the perfect way to travel between the islands.

Biševo Island: home of the Blue Grotto

This island is famous for the Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave where sunlight creates a glowing blue effect in the water. I highly recommend opting for VIP access—it allows you to skip the long lines and guarantees entry to this stunning natural wonder. We reached the island by speedboat and then transferred to a small rowboat that met us in open water. To enter the grotto, we had to duck our heads as we passed through a narrow opening—an adventurous touch that made the experience even more memorable.

Krka Waterfalls National Park

This stunning park is home to a series of breathtaking waterfalls and a scenic boardwalk. We spent time walking and enjoying some light hiking before boarding a boat that took us on a picturesque ride around the waterfalls. The water was clear, refreshingly clean, and even drinkable. We ended our visit with a delicious lunch at a charming tavern overlooking the Roski waterfalls. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this place are truly unforgettable.

Old Town (Dubrovnik)

Take some time to wander through the charming streets of Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town at your own pace. Pause for a coffee at one of the many inviting cafés—perfect for relaxing and people-watching. Be sure to visit a few iconic landmarks along the way, including Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the stunning Dubrovnik Cathedral.

Diocletian’s Palace (Split)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace is comprised of Roman ruins that are still in use by the residents of Split. About 3,000 people still live within the walls of the palace. Make sure to visit at night time when everything is lit up. Most of the palace is free, but on either side are sections that cost money—they’re worth it!

Cathedral of St. Domnius & Bell Tower

Climbing the 200 steps to the top of the Bell Tower is well worth the effort for the panoramic views of Split. The staircase can be steep and narrow, with visitors coming up and down simultaneously, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended (trust me, I tackled it in flip-flops and wouldn’t do it again). The climb might seem a little scary at times, but it is well worth it for the view.

Hvar wine tasting

Hvar, particularly the town of Stari Grad, is home to a variety of exceptional wineries that showcase the island’s winemaking tradition. Spend a leisurely afternoon sampling locally produced wines—especially the renowned Plavac Mali—with breathtaking views of vineyards, olive groves, and the Adriatic Sea. Many wineries also offer guided tastings, vineyard tours, and pairings with local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh seafood.

Bowa

Located on the island of Šipan and only reachable by boat. The setting is peaceful and the food is fresh. During the high season, you will need to make a reservation in advance.

Marco Polo

Located in the old town of Dubrovnik. Wonderful food at a reasonable price. Located in an alleyway, but the setting is gorgeous.

Jastozera

Located in Komiža, on the island of Vis. Komiža is a fishing village that has more recently been discovered by tourists. Jastoreza is known for catching fresh lobster and cooking them to your liking.

Terra Restaurant (Maslina Resort)

I am not one to usually rave about food at a hotel restaurant, but I ate the club sendvič, which is their version of a chicken club sandwich—with curry coleslaw, bacon bits, spicy tomatoes, and a fried egg. It is definitely the perfect lunch while enjoying the pool and view at Maslina Resort.

Cevapi Sandwich

We tried this well-known sandwich in Split. The line was about 20 people deep, but we decided to wait because of all of the hype. It is served on flat bread with ajvar (red pepper relish), onions, kaymak (a type of spread), and sausages.The portion is perfect for sharing, but do not expect to sit down and eat. There is one bench outside the restaurant, and you mostly see people standing around and eating.

360 Dubrovnik

A Michelin-starred restaurant. While I did not eat there, I did go for the drinks and the view. The restaurant has panoramic views of the Dubrovnik harbor and the old city walls. The drinks were delicious, the view was incredible, and it was a lively scene.