I never wanted to leave. We have all had travel experiences where there are shades of light and dark, vibrant colors next to faded memories. Then there are those searingly bright moments that bring a smile to your face and provide you with an instant replay of all that you experienced. For me, that's Croatia. I have never felt so inexplicably drawn to a place and have never felt so captivated and entranced by a country. It truly took my breath away and I quickly became involved in all it had to offer. I sat at streetside cafes in Dubrovnik and did nothing more than enjoy the sun on my face and dream. Even after all the turmoil this little community has gone through, it still offers a calmness that reaches your inner core and makes you want to be a part of this amazing life forever. Material things don't matter, it's all about what makes you happy, and for me being able to open my window each morning and see the stillness of the turquoise waters below was enough to instill a sense of peace that had been missing for many years.
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Dubrovnik, Kayak Exploration, Silk Demonstration. No cars are permitted within the walled city of Dubrovnik, so after a welcome drink we roam the narrow lanes and enjoy the mix of European sophistication and medieval art. We relax at the hotel in the late afternoon, and then enjoy dinner at a restaurant within the Old Town. The next morning we board kayaks to travel around the 14th century ramparts that surround the city, known as the pearl of the Adriatic. An afternoon drive takes us to the village of Cilipi, where we are invited into a private home for a traditional welcome of brandy and dried figs. Next we visit a small silk factory and watch a group of women practice the ancient craft of silk weaving, producing the beautiful national costume of the Konavle region.
Days 3-4: Mljet National Park, Hvar, Bartulovic Winery. A morning ferry ride takes us to Mljet National Park, one of Croatia's nearly 1,200 islands. The long, densely wooded island has two salt water lakes joined by a natural channel, and we visit the 12th century Benedictine monastery sitting peacefully on one of the lake's islands. The next morning we leave Dubrovnik and visit the Bartulovic winery, located on the Peljesac peninsula. This sliver of land is dotted with fishing villages and is home to some of Croatia's best wines. The Bartulovic family has been making wine for 470 years, and we explore the vineyards and enjoy a tasting with Mario Bartulovic, who runs the winery with his father. Our final destination today is Hvar Island, which has been continually inhabited since Neolithic times. We drive through fragrant fields of lavender to Hvar Town, one of the best-preserved towns in the region.
Day 5: Cooking Lesson & Pakleni Islands. We start the day by exploring Hvar's old town, a charming medieval port of pretty promenades, quiet back streets, and a bustling harbor full of fishing boats. Our walk takes us through the winding streets to explore the cathedral and the oldest municipal theater in Europe. In the afternoon we drive to Starigrad, where we visit a 400-year-old restaurant for a cooking lesson to learn traditional Croatian recipes. The day ends with a boat cruise among the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago of 20 islets that many consider to be the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera.
Days 6-7: Velo Grablje & Humac. A morning bus ride takes us through lavender fields to the abandoned village of Velo Grablje. From here we continue through the countryside to the peaceful town of Milna, situated in a lovely bay with four large beaches. After relaxing by the sea, we travel to Humac for lunch on a working farm before our return to Hvar. The next morning we return Dubrovnik for more time in the city or flights home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
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