Discovering Croatia: A Multi-generational Journey along the Adriatic Coast

• Stay: Hotel Excelsior

• Eat & drink: Prora, Zuzori

We kicked off our journey in Dubrovnik, staying at the luxurious Hotel Excelsior. The convenience of checking in and immediately dropping our bags made it easy to relax. For lunch, we dined at Prora, located within the hotel. We chose the refreshing air conditioning indoors, but could have easily dined outside next to the sea. Dinner was a short walk away at Zuzori, where we relished a mix of local and Mediterranean flavors.

Insider tip: Opt for an early dinner at Zuzori to avoid the evening rush and enjoy a more intimate dining experience.

• Activity: Local walking tour, Old Town Walls

• Stay: Hotel Excelsior

Our second day began with an early morning walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town with a local guide, Mia, who enriched our experience with her lifelong knowledge of the area. Post-tour, we spent the afternoon wandering through the historic streets of Old Town, discovering quaint shops and cafes. We relaxed by the sea in the afternoon at the hotel and then did a quick tour of the old town walls late afternoon when very few people were there. Dinner was at Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant, followed by the best gelato in Dubrovnik.

Insider tip: Choose either an early morning tour or late afternoon to avoid any cruise ship crowds during the high season.

• Transport: Jadrolinija Ferry

• Stay: Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel

• Eat & drink: Beach Club Hvar, Val Marina Restaurant

We took an early-morning ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar, enjoying a pre-packed breakfast at our hotel. Upon arrival, we checked into Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel, which offered stunning views and complimentary breakfast by the harbor. In the afternoon, we relaxed at Beach Club Hvar, where we reserved loungers. Dinner was a fine dining experience at Val Marina Restaurant, known for its seafood delicacies.

Insider tip: If your hotel includes breakfast — if you book with me, it often will — you can ask for a to-go breakfast the night before on your departure day or if you have an early-morning activity planned. Reserve loungers at Beach Club Hvar in advance to ensure you get a prime spot by the water.

• Activity: Fortica Fortress

• Eat & drink: Fig Hvar, Grande Luna, Central Park Club Hvar

Our day started with a short hike up to Fortica Fortress, offering panoramic views of Hvar. After the hike, we enjoyed a hearty brunch at Fig Hvar, a popular spot known for its diverse menu. Lunch was followed by some leisure time and then a delightful dinner at Grande Luna. We capped off the evening with live music and drinks at Central Park Club Hvar and had a good laugh at how we traveled halfway across the world to go to a bar themed after our hometown — it was a fun time, though.

• Transport: Ferry to Split

• Eat & drink: To Je Tako, Ikra Fish & Wine

We journeyed from Hvar to Split via a morning ferry. Upon arrival, we settled into our accommodations in Split’s Old Town. Lunch at To Je Tako was an unexpected detour due to the rain, but it led us to discover Ikra Fish & Wine, where we later enjoyed a delightful dinner featuring fresh, local seafood.

Insider tip: Cars cannot enter Split's Old Town. Get specific walking instructions in advance and choose your drop-off location wisely.

• Activity: Viewpoint to Marjan

• Eat & drink: Gourmet Bar Basta, Konoba Fetivi, Konoba Marjan

A day in Split began with a scenic walk up Marjan Hill for those who wanted to go, offering stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Those that stayed behind grabbed a coffee at a cafe at the bottom of the hill. Post-walk, we grabbed pizza for lunch at Gourmet Bar Basta, a perfect spot for watching — and Googling — yachts. Dinner was a seafood feast at Konoba Fetivi.

Insider tip: Try to get just outside the Old Town walls for more reasonably priced meals.

• Activity: Kastel Sikuli

• Eat & Drink: Villa Spiza, Ela’s Gelateria

We dedicated our last full day to a wine tasting adventure at Kastel Sikuli, where we indulged in local wines and a hearty lunch. For dinner, we savored local cuisine at Villa Spiza, and treated ourselves to delicious gelato at Ela’s Gelateria to end the day on a sweet note.

Insider tip: Spend several hours at Kastel Sikuli to fully appreciate the experience and the stunning views and definitely opt for lunch. They are not shy about the “tasting” pours.