By: Kym Whitney, Photos Courtesy of Kym Whitney & Unforgettable Croatia

For several years, Croatia has been the one destination I have repeatedly heard friends and acquaintances rave about. With its glistening Adriatic coastline, 1200+ islands, dramatic landscapes, and cities ranging from bustling to quaint, Croatia has been making its way onto more and more travelers' bucket lists. In August of 2022, my husband and I finally had the opportunity to visit, and it lived up to all the hype.

A country surrounded by water, Croatia offers the opportunity to experience a stunning land of a thousand wonders with over 3,600 miles of coastline. From magnificent shores to inland mountainous regions, Croatia boasts many towns and villages that look as if they came straight from the pages of a storybook. Envision long, narrow, cobblestone streets often surrounded by medieval walls. There are centuries-old hilltop towns that overlook Tuscan-like landscapes with olive trees and vineyards, which produce delicious local wines. Enjoy local cuisine in family-run eateries that provide a farm-to-table meal. Everyone from foodies and history buffs to nature lovers will enjoy this beautiful country.

At the recommendation of others, we booked our trip through Unforgettable Croatia, which offers family-owned and locally operated intimate yacht vacations with a maximum of 36 guests. Many of Unforgettable's staff are of Croatian heritage and know the country inside and out. Tour guides are carefully selected for their ability to introduce guests to hidden parts of the country that most tourists wouldn't see otherwise. Excursions often include rare opportunities such as visiting a family-run oyster farm or a local vineyard for wine tasting.

We booked the 7-Night Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe Cruise, which departed from Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' and ended in ancient Split. This enchanting journey takes in Croatia's most popular sights, along with hidden treasures. We enjoyed delicious Dalmatian flavors, rich history, and breathtaking scenery by sea and land. Some highlights included visits to picturesque Mljet and Krka national parks, Slano village, and Korcula Island with its 'mini-Dubrovnik' fortified old town. In addition, we witnessed the Blue Cave's illumination and explored the unspoiled island of Vis. We were frequently afforded swim stops, where we could jump in the refreshing Adriatic to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the water toys.

Before our journey aboard the My Wish yacht began, we flew into Dubrovnik and stayed two nights to explore this magical town, which was our favorite of all the places we visited. With no shortage of incredible hotels to choose from, we decided to book our stay at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, located just a stone's throw from the entrance into the "old town." With stunning views of the walled town and the Adriatic Sea and a convenient location, the iconic hotel is ideal for visitors. Of course, when traveling abroad, you are never too sure what kind of service you may experience, but the Hilton, far and away, surpassed our expectations on all levels. Our executive king corner room was well-appointed and had a sizeable 90-degree terrace with sweeping views in every direction. In addition, we took advantage of the executive Lounge amenities, which featured complimentary breakfast, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and international newspapers. We also enjoyed a meal under the canopy of trees and lights at their Imperial Terrace restaurant, which we highly recommend.

Croatia Highlights

Dubrovnik & the Hilton Imperial was a standout for us. Around every nook and cranny, there was something to marvel over. Walking the top of the walled city and visiting bars and clubs built into the outside walls overlooking the sea was incredible. In addition, every meal was delicious, we enjoyed the shopping, and the locals were welcoming.
This was our first time taking a small cruise like this, and we were unsure if we would enjoy it. However, looking back, we are glad we pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone because it was the perfect way to see so much of Croatia. The My Wish boat and the staff were top-notch.
Hiking Krka Waterfalls National Park
Sampling fresh oysters and mussels at the family-run oyster farm in Ston. We were told this is the last remaining farm that cultivates Mediterranean oysters.
We enjoyed dining at the Michelin named Konoba TRS located in Trogir, drinks & appetizers at the 5-star Palace Elisabeth hotel located in Hvar Old Town (highly recommend staying here if you have the opportunity), and Bokeria Kitchen & Wine in Split is not to be missed.
The Croatian people we encountered embrace Americans and value the tourism we bring to their country. We felt welcomed everywhere we went, which enhanced our overall experience.

About My Wish Ship

New cruising ship built in 2020 with the latest state-of-the-art technology.
18 air-conditioned, en-suite cabins, 10 of which come with private balconies for enjoying the breathtaking views and the salty sea air.
Satellite LCD TVs, robes and slippers, an intercom system for announcements, and storage space for luggage. Each has a bathroom with a shower, sink, toilet, hairdryer, and toiletries.
Rooftop hot tub
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Large sundeck with loungers for all passengers
Work-out equipment
Rear swimming platform with ladder for easy access to sea during swim stops
Daily breakfast and lunch aboard the ship. There is one captain's dinner with entertainment.
Overnight in every destination, so you can dine out and explore the city on your own.

When to Visit - Mid-May to Early October is the "season." During the off-season, many hotels, restaurants, and shops shut down to tourism, especially in the smaller towns.

Noteworthy - Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 but only converted to the euro on January 1, 2023. Those who have Croatian Kuna can exchange it for euros at Croatian banks until the end of 2023. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks and hotels. In addition, most ATMs accept standard international credit and debit cards.

Insider Tip:

I brought our favorite sunscreen, LĀ SOL COLLECTIVE, co-founded by Newport Beach resident Staci Barrett. They offer the perfect travel size option and a lip balm. Their sunscreen products are 100% non-nano zinc oxide-based with a formulation that applies clearly on the skin without the white overcast that can be seen with many other mineral-based sunscreens. It is also reef-friendly, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and paraben & GMO-free. (www.lasolcollective.com)

I also purchased a travel/beach bag from PREEN & CO, a locally-based company founded by Sunita Urie. The Altitude tote and Heat Defense Cosmetic case were the perfect pairing for this particular trip.

The activewear tote comes with a small essentials case for your valuables, a removable base to pack the bag flat when traveling, and wide shoulder straps for maximum comfort. The large tote is spacious to fit your essentials.

It is constructed with premium dense neoprene and a contrasting sulfur mesh interior. The Heat Defense case is crafted with an internal insulated lining, helping to preserve the bag's temperature and protecting cosmetics from over-exposure to heat. Comes in a variety of colors. (www.preenandco.com).