Part I: The Jewels of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Italy’s Hidden Gems

Cultural Exchanges Croatia
Part I: The Jewels of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Italy’s Hidden Gems

Two weeks ago, I shared our Greece tours. This week and next, I will share the incredible highlights of our recent journey along the stunning Dalmatian Coast and surrounding regions. Every vista, from the shimmering turquoise waters to the ancient walled cities, affirmed that Croatia is truly the jewel of the Adriatic. Again, I curated our shore experiences to blend Seabourn's organized tours and bespoke Private Journeys with my own to ensure every moment ashore was rich with authentic discovery. 

Our itinerary kicked off with a stop in Brindisi, Italy, where a charming Seabourn group tour took us to Alberobello. Here, we discovered the whimsical Trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These remarkable, whitewashed dwellings with distinctive conical limestone roofs are built using a prehistoric dry-stone technique without mortar, giving the town a unique, fairytale appearance that is unlike anything else in Europe. 

The true Croatian immersion began in Dubrovnik. We spent a glorious day with our highly experienced private guide, Denis, who brought the city’s history to life. We traversed the iconic City Walls, soaking in the stunning coastal panoramas and capturing views of the sea meeting the thousands of terracotta roofs. Ok, Rich took in most of the amazing views, as my fear of heights may have kicked in a little more. But to be fair, I had experienced the walls several years ago, so I made the sacrifice for him!! We wandered the labyrinthine limestone streets of the Old Town, where highlights included the baroque splendor of the St. Blaise Church, the historic Jewish Quarter, and the lively Stradun promenade. Later, Denis drove us to the picturesque seaside town of Cavtat for a delightful local lunch, offering a glimpse into a more tranquil pace of life outside the main city. 

In Korčula, we enjoyed a truly exclusive experience, set up by yours truly. The director and winemaker of a leading local vineyard personally guided our private tour through the island’s villages and ancient vineyards. This was a rare, off-the-beaten-path perspective, rooted in unique local knowledge. We drove the iconic Pupnatska Luka road, stopping for breathtaking panoramic overviews of secluded bays and the scattered islands of the archipelago. Sampling the local Greek wine and seeing the traditional farming methods up close was an absolute treat, capturing the authentic essence of the island. 

As always, I am here to make your travels easy, unique and exciting. Please reach out when you are ready to plan your amazing Croatian adventure.