The Adriatic coast has been growing in popularity for travelers of all kinds over the past few years. Long thought to be a party destination for the young and hip, islands off the coast of Croatia offer more than just late-night discos (although you certainly can still find these bars if you want!). Croatia is a diverse country, and cruising along the coast will give you a great overview of Dalmatia - a place rich in ancient and modern history with a unique personality, cuisine and people.
Roughly 79 islands comprise the Dalmatian Coast, which runs from Rab in the north to Dubrovnik in the south. This is the southwestern portion of Croatia, which itself is shaped like the letter “C.” One feature that I was not anticipating was the incredible mountains running along the sea here: tall and ragged peaks loom just over the ancient port cities that dot the coast.
Dalmatia the region is named for the ancient people who settled here first – the Ancient Greek tribe of Illyrians. Evidence of their inhabitance can be found throughout the coast, but they were eventually replaced by the Romans and later the Croats – for whom the nation is now named. Many of the larger cities, like Split and Dubrovnik, date back to single-digit centuries. Yet, these cities also demonstrate how people continue to live uninterrupted for centuries and can offer contemporary amenities and experiences in the very same places. Any history buff will love to explore the ancient walls and structures still standing throughout these cities, while a foodie can find on-trend culinary arts.
Most of the small ship cruises in this region will begin and end in either Dubrovnik or Split, as these are the two of the four largest cities along the coast. Both are known best for their historic structures. In Split, you will wonder at the well-preserved Diocletian’s Palace – dating back to the 4th century AD! A guided city tour will orient you and bring you through the highlights. Finish the day on the promenade, watching passersby with a refreshing drink in hand. In Dubrovnik, the big attraction will be the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old City, or Stari Grad. Covering a very smaller portion of the city overall, the Old City is enclosed by a wall, which I highly recommend walking the entire (approx.) 2 km in length. You will get not only great views of the city but also of the sea beyond. Here, you will find evidence of more modern history as well – Dubrovnik suffered great damage during the Croatia War for Independence in the 1990's, and some buildings have not been rebuilt yet.
A cruise along the coast is the perfect way to get a sense of Dalmatia - a special and seaward region. If you want to see more and get to the interior of the country, starting and ending your cruise in Split or Dubrovnik will not only offer a great opportunity to take a little more time to explore the metropolitan epicenters of Dalmatia but will also offer great access points for continued travels. Both have international airports, and Split is an excellent place to set out from if you venture to other parts of this beautiful and surprising place!
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.