When I talk about cruising, people often assume massive amounts of food from endless buffets with intermittent afternoon naps on the deck. As relaxing as that sounds, I think I would go stir crazy within an afternoon. We did have access to more food than we could possibly eat, I was delighted with our options to choose an ‘active’ package of excursions, aka the ‘Discovery Package’ for the duration of our cruise. While we didn’t have an ‘active’ option at every destination, the combination of more active tours with guided history-focused tours made for a more in-depth and varied experience overall. We even had the opportunity to try some very unique and fun activities.
Driving buggies on Korčula (Molly Stanko)
Buggy Safari in Korčula:
We transferred by bus to the buggy garage where our group of 12 chose our respective buggies. We were given brief instructions on the safety features and how to drive before taking off. We stayed as a group, following our guides on small gravel roads through olive groves and vineyards. The views overlooking the Adriatic were incredible. Eventually, we made our way down to Vela Przina Beach, one of the few sandy beaches in Croatia because most of the beaches are rocky. We had about an hour of free time to relax or swim as we wished, and there was a small cafe.Then, we made our way around a small bay to a local restaurant where we could try local dishes of olives, cheeses, salted fish, hummus, prosciutto, and of course, local wines!
Typical Croatian foods, prosciutto, olives, salted fish and cheeses (Molly Stanko)
Hiking in Krka National Park:
Krka National Park is a 30-minute bus ride from the main port of Šibenik. It's known for seven beautiful waterfalls including Skradinski Buk, the longest, where swimming is allowed. Our hike started with the 'typical' tour of the Krka waterfalls, walking on winding boardwalks down past the trickling streams and pools with our guide who explained the natural history of the area to us, as well as sharing some insights about the native wildlife. We had free time to take in the sunshine at the beautiful waterfalls and snap some photos before meeting our group of six to hike out of the National Park on a dirt road.
Sunny day at Krka Falls (Molly Stanko)
The hike out was about 2.5 miles along a dirt road that followed along the Krka River. Our guide let us know the stopping point was a bridge near the town of Skradin. Everyone was able to go at their own pace, which was nice. The sun was starting to set, which made for some gorgeous views and the flocks of flying swans was not a bad touch either!
Hiking along the Krka River (Molly Stanko)
Urban Hike to the Spanish Fortress in Hvar:
Hvar is a popular vacation destination, with people often sailing their yachts to Hvar and spending time there relaxing on the beaches and swimming in the topaz waters. Hvar also happens to be the sunniest island in Croatia, getting more than 115 days of sun per year. We quickly saw the appeal. Our guide met us as we disembarked our ship and then began to give us a quick tour and history lesson of the main square of Hvar before making out way up a series of 180 fairly steep stairs. Beyond the stairs, the way up turned into a gentle path winding through a rocky herb garden and plenty of giant agave plants. We learned about a small group of local nuns who spin the fibrous agave leaves into thread and make intricate lace.
Hvar Harbor (Molly Stanko)
From the fortress, the views of the harbor and town below were incredible. We were able to explore the fortress with our guide and then had a bit of time on our own to explore. One highlight was the fortress' stone prison, carved straight out of the mountain.
Overlooking the Hvar Harbor from the Spanish Fortress (Molly Stanko)
Bike Tour of Vis:
Vis is the farthest populated island from Croatia's mainland. This made it an important and strategic location during many of the wars fought during Croatia's storied past. Our guide picked us up at the port with bikes and our small group of four headed through the town to a rocky beach near a British military cemetery. After a bit of a break to enjoy the beach views and some refreshments, we biked back through town and up a decent incline to the former British base of Fort George.The fort now serves as a bar and restaurant with pretty unbeatable views.The restaurant was closed for the season, but we were able to walk around the exterior walls while our guide shared stories with us and even pointed out the entrance to a submarine base used in the Second World War.
Riding bikes up to Fort George in Vis (Molly Stanko)
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
