From Trogir to Dubrovnik in Seven Days

Croatia is one of the few European destinations to which the sea has given more than a thousand islands, islets and reefs, an indented coastline of more than six thousand kilometers, hidden coves, historical cities under UNESCO protection and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Mediterranean. That is why the question arises: how to experience the best that the Adriatic has to offer in just seven days? A car will take you from place to place, but it will also expose you to traffic jams, ferry lines, daily unpacking and repacking of suitcases. Large cruise ships connect the Adriatic with European destinations, so you do not see Croatia in its entirety.

That is why more and more experienced travelers are choosing the third option - the popular luxury small cruises that combine the comfort of a boutique hotel with the intimate experience of exploring the Croatian coast. On such ships, there are no long lines or a feeling of mass tourism; there are fewer than 40 passengers on board who, just like you, enjoy exploring destinations - from big cities and untouched parts of nature to swimming in bays characterized by crystal-clear sea far from overcrowded beaches, after which you will explore the destinations and take an evening walk through the stone streets.

One of the greatest advantages of luxury small cruises is the diversity of itineraries. Everyone is given the opportunity to choose the place of departure, the direction of travel and the region you want to explore - from Kvarner through central Dalmatia to the Dubrovnik area. However, there is a route that many consider one of the most beautiful in the entire Adriatic. It connects Trogir and Dubrovnik and, over seven days, leads to the exploration of the most famous Croatian islands, national parks, natural phenomena, and gastronomic destinations that together form a perfect cross-section of everything Croatia has to offer.

The journey begins in Trogir, one of the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic cities in Europe. Its stone streets, palaces and narrow alleys immediately create the feeling that the holiday has begun in a special rhythm. The first island stop is Brač, the largest Dalmatian island known for its white Brač stone, from which some of the world's most famous buildings were built. In addition to its impressive nature and charming towns, Brač, with the port of Bol, also boasts one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world - Zlatni rat. Brač is followed by Hvar - an island that has been known for years as one of the sunniest Mediterranean destinations.

But Hvar is not just glamour and luxury yachts. It is an island of centuries-old olive groves, vineyards, the scent of lavender, Venetian architecture and picturesque squares that become the stage for Mediterranean life during summer evenings. When you are on Hvar, be sure to experience the island through an eno-gastronomic story. One of the most popular gastronomic addresses in the old town is the Passarola Restaurant with the Le Specialità concept, which offers a unique fine dining concept of combining local ingredients, Italian style of serving paired with local wines carefully selected by sommelier Sabina Čakš.

The third island on the route is Vis, one of the most authentic Croatian islands. Due to its military past, it was closed to foreign visitors for decades, thanks to which it has preserved its exceptional nature and indigenous way of life.

It is precisely this lack of mass tourism that makes it one of the most special places on the Adriatic today. Its picturesque bays, stone houses and crystal clear sea have also won over the film industry, so a large part of the Hollywood hit Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was filmed here, which introduced the beauty of Vis to millions of viewers around the world. The island of Vis also has its own eno-gastronomic story. The streets of Vis smell of freshly baked traditional Vis and Komiza pogača, and its intoxicating aroma leads all the way to Vis's flower, owned by Mirela Blagojević. While enjoying savory snacks, end your visit to this gastronomic corner with Vis's flower, an indigenous dessert made from simple ingredients and hand-shaped into a flower.

Along with Vis pogača, you should also try 'Viš wine' on Vis. The journey will take you to the Vislander winery for a wine tasting, where you will toast the day with sparkling wine, and then with a chilled elegant Vugava, an indigenous variety that has become the trademark of Vis, as well as Plavac Mali. While you taste the intoxicating wine in this winery, you will also hear the story of the centuries-old wine tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation on the island. From Vis, you will head towards one of the greatest natural phenomena of the Croatian coast - the Blue Cave on the islet of Biševo. The sun's rays that create an unreal blue light through the underwater opening transform the interior of the cave into a scene that looks almost unreal.

Unreal scenes will accompany you a few hours later when your ship sails into Korčula, one of the most beautiful medieval towns on the Croatian coast. Due to its impressive stone walls, narrow stone streets and preserved historic core, many call it a little Dubrovnik for a reason. The city, which is proud of its rich maritime heritage and the legend of Marco Polo, lives with a special rhythm during the summer, and among the most interesting events is certainly the traditional Polo welcome to the New Year's Eve on June 30, when the old town center turns into a large stage filled with masquerades, music, dance and joy.

Korčula is equally famous for its rich eno-gastronomic offer. It is interesting to note that almost every kilometer of the island there is a family farm, which speaks of hardworking people who have been nurturing vineyards, olive groves and traditional food production for generations. That is why a visit to the island is an opportunity to taste top-quality wines made from indigenous varieties such as Pošip, Grk and Plavac Mali, homemade olive oils and OPG Komparak honey, which many travelers consider the healthiest souvenir.

If you are staying in Korčula, experience a specially created dinner at the 7 Seas restaurant, located in the elegant Aminess Younique Korčula Heritage Hotel, where local ingredients and traditional recipes are combined into real small masterpieces on a plate. After cultural heritage, there is an encounter with nature - Mljet National Park. The green island, known for its dense pine forests and two salt lakes, is often described as one of the most peaceful corners of the Mediterranean, and when you are in this National Park, what you must visit is the island of St. Mary with the Dominican monastery of the same name.

Ston, known for one of the longest defensive walls in Europe, captivates with a combination of rich history, cobblestone streets and authentic Dalmatian atmosphere. After a walk along the impressive walls and the old town center, from which you can also peek into Solana, the gastronomic stop Konoba Baća is an unmissable stop, a favorite place of domestic and foreign guests that is open all year round. Many return precisely for the legendary green and red risottos, prepared according to recipes that have been delighting lovers of top-notch Dalmatian cuisine for years.

Dubrovnik is a magnificent end to a journey along the Adriatic. Its monumental walls, stone streets of Stradun and impressive historic center under UNESCO protection leave every visitor breathless. The city where history, culture and the Mediterranean way of life intertwine perfectly rounds off a week filled with unforgettable experiences on the Croatian coast, which is dot on the 'I' by the port of Gruž. While waiting for a transfer from here to your destinations, use the time to explore Gruž - take a peek into the creative district of TUP with the Red History Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to everyday life in the second half of the 20th century, and Maritimo Recycling, an inspiring story about recycling plastic from the Adriatic. Round off your visit at Gruška Placa, where local producers offer authentic flavors of the Dubrovnik region and additional souvenirs from this trip.

When it comes to luxury small cruises along the Croatian coast, one name has held a special place for more than three decades – Katarina Line. Today, it is one of the largest receptive agencies that shows foreigners the best of Croatia, but also the leading Croatian specialist for small cruises on the Adriatic. It all started back in 1992 in Opatija, in the midst of one of the most challenging periods in recent Croatian history.

While tourism was still looking for a way to recovery, Katica Hauptfeld made a bold decision and founded a travel agency with a simple but powerful vision – to show the world Croatia through a special experience and authentic experiences. At first, the agency organized hotel accommodation and land tours, but it quickly became clear that Croatia's greatest wealth was located at sea. Thus, in 1993, the first cruise was organized on a traditional wooden ship, which was actually the beginning of a concept that would become one of the trademarks of Croatian tourism over the years.

One of the greatest values ​​of Katarina Linea is the fact that it is a family business. Founder Katica Hauptfeld is still actively involved in the business today, while the new generation is represented by her children - Anamaria Hauptfeld Schweitzer, in charge of the cruise department, and Daniel Hauptfeld, who leads the brand's marketing development. It is this team that strengthens the special travel concept every year.

Unlike large cruise ships, trips of this type allow you to dock in ports that are inaccessible to large cruise ships with a small number of passengers and an individual approach, and thus experience Croatia in a special way. Over the years, Katarina Line has developed an impressive fleet that includes traditional wooden ships, premium cruisers, and modern Deluxe and Deluxe Superior yachts such as the Ave Maria, built in 2018 (accommodating just 38 passengers in 19 elegant cabins, creating the atmosphere of a private yacht). The company's development has taken on a new dimension -2024 with the opening of the Keight Hotel Opatija, Curio Collection by Hilton. Located in the very center of Opatija, just a few steps from the sea. Guests can start or end their journey through Croatia there, extending their vacation experience before boarding or disembarking. In this way, the journey does not end when you disembark from the ship, but continues in the city that is considered the cradle of Croatian tourism.

foto: Nikola Zoko i promo