Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, located along the Adriatic Sea, is renowned as one of the most stunning coastlines you’ll have the pleasure to witness. Stretching from Zadar to Dubrovnik, it features crystal clear waters, a myriad of islands, ancient Roman ruins and vibrant local culture. To hear first-hand what its like to cruise this coastal paradise, we had the pleasure to speak with Luxury Gold guest Sal who recently travelled with his wife on our Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast tour.
Discover the journey: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast
An Unexpected Delight
“It was phenomenal,” says California resident Sal when asked to sum up his journey along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, admitting to not knowing much about this Balkan paradise before he and his wife set off on this tour. “Usually, I do a lot of research before a vacation,” he tells us, explaining that this was a more a spur of the moment decision. Originally looking to spend a month in Italy, a country they love, Sal decided to mix it up a bit and chose Luxury Gold’s Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast journey, with its seven day cruise of the islands..
“It was the best decision I made,” he tells us. “We’ve been to Italy six times and it’s lovely, but Croatia was just like a real breath of fresh air. Everything was clean and bright, the people were friendly, and it felt very safe. And the country is just beautiful. I had wanted to be surprised, and we were pleasantly surprised throughout the whole trip.”
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Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast – The Tour
Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast is a 2-week luxury small group journey, starting in the capital Zagreb with a stay in the magnificent and storied Esplanade Hotel. With the first few days on land, you’ll experience Croatia’s extensive natural beauty at the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park and explore the country’s rich history with a visit to the ancient Pula Arena. You’ll also enjoy an exclusive introduction to Croatian cuisine as you try your hand at truffle hunting in Istria on this luxury vacation to Croatia.
Then, on Day 5 it’s time to take to the crystal waters for a seven-day cruise. Built to the highest specifications, the MV Markan Deluxe yacht-like cruiser provides you with an unforgettable sailing experience through the charming islands that adorn Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Geographically, the Dalmatian stretch of Croatia’s coast begins from the town of Zadar at the foot of the Northern Velebit Mountains, running south past major towns along the coast at Sibenik, Trogir, Split, down to Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.
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A Thousand Islands, and More
Croatia is in fact and archipelago made up of 1,244 natural islands, of which 48 are inhabited. These range from glitzy party islands catering to the rich and famous, to islands hosting tiny communities and preserving a medieval way of life. From large to small, flat to hilly and forested to barren, there’s something for everyone, and together these islands form the centerpiece of Croatia’s charm. On Luxury Gold’s Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast journey, your cruise takes in the islands of Hvar, Sibenik, Sali, Mali Losinj, plus the coastal stops of Mali Ston, Zadar and Dubrovnik.
“As you sail, seemingly out of nowhere, there’s these little islands everywhere you look, hundreds of them,” says Sal. “Then as you get closer you see a development, whether it be a single house or a little community, an actual village or a bigger city. The architectural feats that they overcame to create these places I find amazing. Along with using rocks from the island, everything has to be brought by boat, every window, every brick.
“Each of the islands we stopped at had their own charm and their own individual character. The architecture is similar, as are the food and the people, but they all had different topography and were different in their own special way.”
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Front Row Seats to Croatia
Cruising the islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast with Luxury Gold is more than just sailing in VIP style. On the island of Lošinj you’ll enjoy a private tour of the Museum of Apoxyomenos, home to a famous 2000-year-old Greek bronze statue, which had been perfectly preserved in the nearby seabed. While in the quiet town of Mali Ston, you’ll stroll out to the floating oyster beds and savor fresh, briny oysters straight from the sea.
When asked his highlights, Sal tells us that though there were so many it is hard to pick, but for him ultimately it was life on the water. “It felt like it was like our own private yacht, you know the lifestyle of the rich and famous,” he says with a grin. “As you arrive you have front row seats. You pull in right at the heart of the harbor, where most of the life of the city revolves around, they tie up the boat, you walk off and you’re in the heart of everything.”
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The MV Markan
At 48 m long, the elegant MV Markan is spacious yet intimate. Modern amenities include air-conditioned cabins with private facilities and a large sundeck with a hot tub and chaise loungers. Your every need is attended to by a dedicated crew and the cuisine on board is delicious.
“Dining during the cruise was a nice combination,” Sal says. “When it was convenient, we would eat on the boat, including breakfasts, or when travelling overnight and we had a fabulous Captain’s Dinner. Alternatively we would eat at restaurants on our stops.
“I’m not a big seafood person and I don’t actually eat fish, which is not ideal when you’re in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea and every stop is a harbor town! But I was still able to enjoy myself and eat well – the on-board chef was very accommodating and talented.
“Even though it’s a small crew running the boat, the service is exceptional. We had two bartenders who were also waiters. They wore lots of hats but knew all our names from the first day and were at our beck and call, they treated us so well.”
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Your Travel Concierge
At the helm of every Luxury Gold journey is your Travel Concierge. Fluent in the local language and experts in flawless service, they take care of all the details while you relax and enjoy yourself.
“Danielle our Travel Concierge was really great,” says Sal. “Very friendly and knowledgeable, happy to help with anything, and also very patient! It was great knowing that she was taking care of everything, and also on hand for all questions and recommendations.”
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Overall – Spectacular
“We’ve travelled with Insight Vacations before,” Sal tells us, talking of our sister brand at The Travel Corporation offering ‘Business Class’ style tours targeted at the curious mind, “and we heard about Luxury Gold being a bit of a step up. And it was. The hotels were spectacular, the small group size worked well for us, and the free time built into the itinerary.
“A lot of people think that guided tours are always going to be rushed but that was not the case. At almost every hotel we were there at least two nights, so we didn’t have to pack and unpack. Then on the cruise we were there for seven days, before a few more days on land. And when in Dubrovnik we just walked right out of the door of our hotel [the 5-star Hilton] and into the city. I really liked the pace of the tour, a perfect balance for us.
“Overall, it was just a spectacular trip. The beauty of Croatia combined with the lovely meals and restaurants, exceptional hotels and small group size made it the luxury vacation that we really deserved.”
Join us on Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast, a 15-Day luxury small group journey.
