Folklore & Tradition in Croatia

Dubrovnik offers an unusual blend of modern culture and ancient traditions. Marble-smooth polished limestone streets, a labyrinth of alleyways, and breathtaking architecture compose the unique atmosphere of the Old Town. You’ll experience a true variety of sightseeing, leisure, and outdoor adventures here. Dubrovnik’s most stunning feature is the 82-foot tall city wall which extends more than a mile. Game of Thrones fans will be in luck, as we offer a special tour to local set locations. King’s Landing never looked so good! There’s a rich selection of live performances for music lovers here, as concerts are performed daily, and in July and August the Dubrovnik Summer Festival of music, theatre and dance brings incredible performers from around the world. The nightlife is also exciting, with restaurants, cafes and bars that will keep you socializing until dawn. You’ll be staying in beautiful accommodation within short walking distance to all the major sites, so you’ll be able to sample a little of everything. But there are also several exciting day trips and cruises to enjoy. From kayaking through hidden coves to an authentic Croatian cooking class, vineyard tours, and trips as far afield as Montenegro, you’ll have more than enough to fill your itinerary.

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean, Korcula is instantly recognizable from its red-roofed houses and stunning walled-in Old Town, which juts out into the sea. Two of the biggest attractions are the Cathedral of St. Marco and Marco Polo's original home. One of the greenest islands on the Adriatic, Korcula is poised on the edge of nature on both sides, with rolling hills for hiking and biking behind it, and incredible beaches along the coast. This is the ideal stopover between Dubrovnik and Hvar, and is a pleasant destination for a several-day stay. The island produces some of the region’s finest white wines. Just a brief ferry ride away, the neighboring Peljesac peninsula produces amazing red wines. Mljet, a stunning lake with an island complete with its own monastery, is one of the most impressive day trips from Korcula. You can also take the opportunity to go fishing in the alluring blue waters off the coast, or explore the nearby islands by boat. One of the most unique activities in Korcula is Moreska, an incredible combat dance performance performed by knights with swords. But even if you stay in town, there’s plenty to see. Korcula has a long, varied history going back to the ancient Greeks. The local cultural museums are the best way to get in touch with the past here, even as you enjoy the best Korcula has to offer today.

The oldest settlement in Croatia, Bol sits in perfect solitude on the southern coast of the Croatian island of Brac. This scenic village is found at the foot of Mt. Vidova, the highest point on any Adriatic island. The mountain, with its cliffs and lookout points, is perfect for hiking. But there are many other ways to stay active as you explore the region. You could go swimming, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, or biking. There are several must-see beaches here, and perhaps the most impressive is Golden Horn beach (Zlatni Rat in Croatian), just west of Bol. A thin strip of sand extending nearly half a kilometer into the sea, it's ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Above all, there's a feeling of peace and openness here. You can enjoy a relaxing, meditative stay among the beauties of nature, or keep as active as you like. Anywhere you go on Brac is picturesque.

The Roman Emperor Diocletian made Split his home in the 4th Century AD, building a vast palace complex on the waterfront that stands to this day. In fact several of the accommodation options we offer in Split are nestled inside its ancient walls. These days there is an embankment in front of Diocletian's palace but the water used to go right up to the main wall. It's on this man-made strip of land that you'll find the Riva, a pedestrian promenade bustling with life. Split's UNESCO listed Old Town is contained within these old walls and is a pedestrian-only maze that it is quite easy, but fun, to get lost in. Who know what romantic hidden cafés you might find in one of the narrow streets and alleyways? To get the best out of your time in Split, however, we recommend taking a tour with a local guide. Split is very well connected for flights, with an international airport a half hour drive away and is a popular stopping point for our guests on their way between Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar, Vis, or Korcula, all easily reached by a ferry from Split's port. If you base yourself in Split for a few days, you will find it is also perfect located for visits to some of Croatia's most stunning national parks.

History, culture, and architecture come together in the oldest part of Trogir, an island encompassed by city walls. With a history stretching back more than 2,300 years, there’s something ancient everywhere you look. You’ll see traces of Roman, Greek, and Venetian art and design here as you wander the quaint streets and narrow alleyways. Combine this charm with the beaches and lush green hills that surround Trogir, and you’ve got a perfect vacation destination. You’ll love relaxing as you explore the city and enjoy day trips to national parks, wineries, and beautiful coastal towns. There’s much to do in and around Trogir, and the activities perfectly balance the city and the lovely beaches of nearby Ciovo. After learning more about the history of the city and seeing its most impressive sites with a local guide, you can enjoy fine Croatian cuisine at the city’s best restaurant. From fresh seafood to grilled specialities, Croatian cooking is always robust and full of flavor. Trogir is situated near some of Croatia’s most pristine national parks. The UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes are breathtaking, with emerald water and natural wonders. When you’re ready to venture further afield, you’ll also want to visit the Sibenik and Krka waterfalls, a full-day trip that will have you relaxing in an Edenic setting. This is a wonderful place to unwind.

Zadar might lack the big name glitz of Split down the coast, but this bustling university city's peninsular Old Town also dates back to Roman times. The central forum and original city gates set the tone. The marbled limestone of the main street, Kalelarga, echoes Dubrovnik's Stradun, but Zadar is very much its own city, as evidenced by installations like the wave-powered Sea Organ and the showy Greeting to the Sun. When in Zadar, be sure to find a vantage point along the Riva (waterfront) to admire what Hitchcock considered "the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West...applauded at every evening". As well as exploring the historic sites of Zadar's Old Town, there's plenty to do in the region. The Plitvice, Krka, Paklenica, and Kornati Islands National Parks are all within easy reach for day trips, either with an organized group, private guide, or on your own by rental car. If you want to spend a little time on the beach, there are several sandy beaches in the area, a relative rarity in Croatia, including the Nin lagoon, which is often regarded Croatia's most beautiful beach.

Zagreb is a city where different worlds have long come together. Situated at the intersection of ancient trade routes between the Adriatic and Central Europe, it is a cosmopolitan place with various cultural influences evident in the cuisine and architecture at home in any Austro-Hungarian city. You’ll love exploring the open-air markets, impressive buildings, peaceful parks, and many delicious restaurants. Just strolling through the unique combination of medieval towers, 19th century palaces, ancient churches, and market squares is a pleasure, but there’s much more to do here. After exploring all that the city has to offer with a local guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time. You could also take a guided bike tour around the city, to get a little exercise as you experience the city. But you’ll also want to explore some of the region surrounding Zagreb. As a longer day trip, you could see the delightful Trakoscan, a neo-Gothic castle sitting on a hilltop, surrounded by a romantic English style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake. While you’re there you can also stop in Varazdin to appreciate its ornate baroque architecture.