QUEST, The Croatia Travel Guide

THE CROATIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Croatia is one of the most requested destina tions in our worldwide portfolio. The small country sits at a unique crossroads of culture — where the Balkans and Central Europe col lide. For the luxury traveler, it offers beauty, exclusivity, and five-star accommodations. And with the thousand-plus islands along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is ripe for exploration.

This is why we are thrilled to partner with LUXBE: Luxury Beyond, to highlight the highend travel opportunities available in Croatia, not only on land, but the sea as well. In this issue of QUEST you’ll find our brand-new Croatia Island Hopping Tour, which intro duces travelers to the freedom and exclusivity of yachting in Cro atia. To accompany the itinerary, we have outlined our six favor ite yachts and mini cruisers for exploring the Dalmatian Islands, beaches, historic seaside towns, and quaint fishing villages along the coast. You will also find some of our favorite hotels for your land-based explorations, as well as a few options for extending your travels beyond Croatia.

The role of a tour operator is a vital one: ensuring your trav el dreams become a reality. In partnering with LUXBE, we are excited to offer you experiences you can’t book on your own in Croatia. The itineraries you find in this issue are just a sample of what a Ker & Downey designer can create for you.

We look forward to continuing our long legacy of travel around the world with you.

David Marek President

ON THE COVER:

Cruising around Hvar Island, Croatia Photo by Oliver Sjostrom on Unsplash

TAKING AIR TO NEW HEIGHTS

When reserving your custom land arrangements with Ker & Downey, please ask about our incredible airfare rates. Our experts partner with the best to ensure a comfortable and luxurious journey in transit. Forget the hassles: obtain premium seating at great rates, accrue mileage where available, and enjoy the peace of mind of lenient cancellation policies.

HOT SPOTS

City or country? Central or remote? Packed or peaceful?

When choosing the DNA of a vacation, these questions can often haunt trav elers. What if someone wants to see as much as possible but do so without stress? What if another desperately needs to unplug yet also fill their cup?

That is what makes a destination like Croatia ideal: You don’t have to choose.

Remote island paradises pair effort lessly with captivating city streets. Bustling UNESCO sites give way to for ested hills, attractive national parks, and the limitless waters of the Adriatic.

When it comes to finding the balance of place and purpose, however, it mat ters where one decides to settle in and rest their head. The right accommo dation suited to the right traveler can turn a trip into a lasting memory.

In Croatia, luxury hotel options sat urate both the cities and the coun tryside, providing travelers with both central access as well as remote relaxation.

Take Villa Dubrovnik, for example. This modern boutique hotel offers it all: seclusion and privacy, but it is also a short walk from the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the historic heart of the Adriatic. So, not only can you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site at your doorstep — with its narrow streets, small squares, iconic walls, and bustling boutiques and bars — you can also retreat from the buzz of it all in the comfort of your room, which opens onto a private balcony overlook ing Dubrovnik’s red roofed buildings and the endless Adriatic. The sound of the waves, the smell of the century-old Mediterranean pines surrounding the property, and the inspiring panorama combine to whisk you away some where well beyond the city.

Product Manager Elizabeth Frels explains why you really can have it all in Croatia.

Photos courtesy of Villa Dubrovnik

Villa

Perched along the rocky cliffs over looking the sea, the nature of this property reveals a plethora of offer ings. Do you want to escape to the nearby vineyards or sail to the Elafiti Islands to meet the native islanders? Or would you rather visit Montene gro next door or explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town on a private walking tour? Perhaps you would rather go horse back riding through the surrounding villages or kayak along the coast.

Again, you don’t have to choose. All of it is at your fingertips in Croatia.

The same holds true further afield as well. Much more remote yet no less impressive, Villa Nai 3.3 offers a com pletely different pace of life that finds its balance between land and sea. Located in the village of Žman on Dugi Otok Island, this eight-room haven sits at the intersection of beaches, cliffs, forests, and, most importantly, ancient olive groves.

Indeed, the olive remains at the core of the hotel’s identity: the 500-yearold grove produces the Morović fami ly’s world-renowned Nai 3.3 olive oil, which is used not only in the kitchen, but also at the spa.

What makes this hot spot truly unique, however, is its design. The geometric building constructed of excavated stone sits not on top of the earth, but underneath it, thus respecting the terrain in which it re sides. The result is a kind of ecological luxury — the best that nature can offer.

And while this property certainly feels moored to its location, it is its location that makes it so advantageous to travelers looking for the whole package. The Kornati archipelago, the largest and densest island group in the Mediterranean, and Telašćica Na ture Park, the outdoor capital of the region, reside nearby. What’s more, Villa Nai 3.3 sits at the midpoint be tween the city meccas of both Venice and Dubrovnik, placing you within striking distance of two of Europe's most inviting urban centers while still being in the middle of nowhere.

So, the questions remain: Land or sea? City or country? Central or remote? In Croatia, why not choose both?

“The sound of the waves, the smell of the centuryold Mediterranean pines surrounding the property, and the inspiring panorama combine to whisk you away somewhere well beyond the city.”

CROATIA ISLAND HOPPING BY PRIVATE YACHT

Join Ker & Downey on an exclusive weeklong luxury Croatia island hopping tour. From Hvar to Mljet, there is simply nothing like exploring the hidden gems of Croatia by private yacht with the ones you love.

By Elizabeth Frels

Aprivate yacht charter through the Adriatic Sea not only promises blissful relaxation, family fun, and impeccable service from a top-notch crew; it also allows you to customize your pace, experiences, and ports as you wish. This itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Croatia by private yacht. Whether you want to relax in the Jacuzzi, discover a quiet village off the tourist circuit, dine under the stars, or party until dawn, the answer is clear: your yacht, your choice.

DAY 1-2

Brač Island

First begin your discovery of Croatia by private yacht on Brač Island, the biggest island in Dalmatia. You will dock near the Golden Horn Beach in Bol, per haps the best known and most beautiful beach in Croatia. After a celebratory first dinner with the crew, spend the next day exploring the island by e-bike. Climb your way to the top of the Vidova Gora mountain, the highest peak of the Adriatic Sea. This 2,550-foot-high summit offers not only the best views over the island and the Adriatic Sea, but also beautiful nature and a great biking trail sheltered by black pines. End the day with a private olive oil tasting experience.

DAY 3

Hvar Island

Continue onward to Hvar, an ancient town with a rich history on the island with the same name. Begin your explorations by hiking up to Fortica fortress for stunning views over the city. Mingle in the town center and discover one of the most beauti ful squares in Dalmatia: St. Ste phen’s Square. Then embark on a private half-day tour through the centuries-old vineyards on the island. Along the way, pass through the old villages of Brusje and Velo Grablje as well as an abundance of lavender fields. Finally, in Jelsa, stop at the Duboković winery for a taste of the Croatian wine Medvid, as well as local cheese and home made bread in the winemakers’ family house.

Photos courtesy of Colton Jones on Unsplash

Vis Island

After 1945, Vis Island became a major military base for the Yugoslav army. As such, there are more than 30 military sites around the island. Find out why Vis was called the “key of the Adriatic” on a private Jeep tour. After departing from Vis Town, visit Tito’s cave, the island’s highest peak at Hum, the former air force airport, and the cricket field in Pliskopoje. You will also stop at the George III fort, the former military base of Parja, and the secret submarine base “Jastog” (Lobster).

Korčula Island

Korčula Island is undoubtedly an essential stop on any Croatia island hopping tour. While here, explore the island with a pri vate guide. Your first stop comes after no more than five min utes at one of the region’s top honey producers. Here you will learn how honey gets from the beehives to jars, followed by honey tasting. Then head to Lumbarda to taste one of Korču la’s most famous products: wine. The winery you will visit produces the acclaimed and little known (outside of Croatia) white wine, Grk. While at the home of your jovial hosts, you will have the chance to pair your wine with an array of tasty homemade Dalmatian snacks. Later, head to a local restaurant for dinner where you will learn how to prepare the traditional local dish “peka” (roasted meat and vegetables).

DAY 6 Mljet Island

Your private yacht will then whisk you away to the most beautiful and most forest ed island in the Adriatic: Mljet Island. This is an island of untouched nature, olive groves, vineyards, rich forests, and diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy the pristine beau ty of the natural surroundings on a private e-biking tour of Mljet National Park. Indeed, e-bikes are the best way to explore the island, as only bikes are allowed around the lakes.

DAY 7 Dubrovnik

Finally, your private yacht will anchor in Dubrovnik on your final day. For a unique experience, we recommend embarking on a private buggy safa ri outside the city. Your four-person off-roading buggy vehicle will take you through some fantastic landscapes, cruising through pristine countryside, pine forests, and rural settlements. Halfway through, stop in Čilipi to visit some of the town’s monuments. Then continue riding over green hills and climbing the highest peaks of Konavle’s rocky coastline while marveling at the amazing Adriatic Sea on one side and

the mountains on the other. Upon your return, recover from this exciting trip with fresh fruits and drinks.

Your final farewell is one to remember: a private dinner within the walls of Du brovnik. This is an exclusive experience that allows you and your loved ones to have the walls of Dubrovnik all to yourselves. It will no doubt be a dinner that will remain as one of the warmest memories in your life.

Ready to book a private yacht charter in Croatia? Contact a Ker & Downey destination specialist to customize your own itinerary.

Photos courtesy of iStock | Zhivko Dimitrov on Unsplash

To experience Croatia by land and sea is to witness the country’s coastal beauty and jaw-dropping landscape. Let Ker & Downey whisk you off on a Croatia private tour to the country’s most exquisite seaside escapes and blissfully beautiful countrysides, from both the comfort of luxury land-based hotels and a private yacht charter.

BEST YACHTS IN CROATIA

Our favorite vessels to charter in Croatia.

By Haley Beham

Croatia is a destination for every type of traveler. While small, it is bursting with diversity in both geography and culture. Within its ancient walled cities and islands along the coastline, cultural influences from the Balkans and central Europe collide. There’s a wide range of gastronomy to feast upon; however, the mainstay is simple, homestyle cooking with quality, local produce.

Croatia is quickly becoming a hotspot for luxury travelers with an in creasing number of direct flights from Newark and JFK, new property openings, and new marinas along the coast.

There is certainly a wide range of activities and adventures to partake in besides sampling the local cuisine, world class wine, and olive oil. Hiking, whitewater rafting, and even rock climbing are popular among travelers. But off the coast, there’s an array of islands that are remote, uncrowded, and spectacularly beautiful. And the best way to see the 1,200 Dalmatian Islands is by private yacht or mini cruiser.

By chartering a yacht, you can explore the hidden spots of the Adriatic Sea where larger ships cannot go. On board, you can reach historic sea side towns and quaint fishing villages to simply unplug from the rest of the world. And you aren’t beholden to a set itinerary either. Create your own itinerary and customize your experience based on your own prefer ences. For luxury travelers, there really isn’t a better way to see Croatia.

Our Top 6 Yachts & Mini Cruisers

PREDATOR 108

The Predator 108 is a sleek sports yacht packed with features you might expect on a much larger yacht. Think Jacuzzi, oversized deck and bar, and a state-of-the-art audio-visual system. It is built to get you places fast, with a top speed of 33 knots. You can therefore explore more of the Dalmatian Islands on this luxury yacht charter. When you aren’t zipping around, spend time play ing with the water toys onboard, including a jet ski, water skis, SUP, wakeboard, and snorkeling equipment. It sleeps nine people in four lavish en-suite cabins and is serviced by a crew of four.

ALAYA

With five cabins and a crew of nine on board (including a Miche lin-trained chef), the Alalya is the ideal mini cruiser in Croatia for large families and small groups. The Italian-built superyacht has multiple living and entertaining spaces spread across four levels. While the cabins are luxurious, you’ll spend your time on the upper deck with an alfresco entertainment area, dining table, and lounge that leads to the sky lounge — the perfect place to play a game of cards or watch a movie. Pass the sunny days on the sundeck or in the Jacuzzi while discovering the hidden gems of the Adriatic Sea.

“

Create your own itinerary and customize your experience based on your own preferences. For luxury travelers, there really isn’t a better way to see Croatia.”

The MS Symphony is the largest yacht on our list, accommodating 34 people in 17 cabins spread across three decks. It’s no surprise that a yacht this large needs a crew of 12 to service it. The Sym phony has been completely rebuilt for the 2023 season with features like a cinema, gym, sauna, and wellness room. There’s also a spacious sundeck, 10-person Jacuzzi, and plenty of water toys to explore the Adriatic with.

ARGO

Newly built for 2023, the Argo is a luxury hybrid superyacht. It is 180 feet long and has five decks with 13 suites accommo dating up to 26 passengers. Her cutting-edge exterior and clean lines make her one of the most modern yachts cruising the Dalmatian coast. Huge exteri or decks and a contemporary interior make this yacht the perfect choice for a large group of friends or family. There’s space for yoga and sunbathing, plus an outdoor bar, Jacuzzi, and an open-air cinema on this spacious yacht.

DALMATINO

The Dalmatino combines a mod ern look with the comfort and feel of a traditional sailing yacht. Built in 2019 in Croatia’s pre mier shipyard in Blato, Korčula Island, it’s a luxury sailing yacht that exceeds today’s high end traveler’s expectations. It has six guest cabins and a spacious saloon and sundeck. However, one of the Dalmatino’s most remarkable features is her crew. Seven highly professional crew members offer the highest level of service, including a chef that prepares the absolute best inter national cuisine while on board the yacht.

LADY GITA

The sumptuous Lady Gita’s maiden voyage was in 2019. The luxury sailing yacht can sleep up to 12 people in six cabins, all located on the lower deck. However, you’ll spend most of your time on the spacious sundeck. It has a massive sun mattress and lounge zone which is perfect for slow days sailing and taking in the 360-degree views. Relax in the Jacuzzi while sipping a cocktail for the most enjoyable and unforgettable way to see Croatia.

Lady Gita

BEST OF CROATIA PRIVATE TOUR

Ker & Downey’s Best of Croatia tour packs in all the highlights of this beautiful country. Over 12 days, travel from the waterfalls of Plitvice National Park in the north to the islands of Hvar and Korcula in the south. Along the way, your Croatia private tour will introduce you to idyllic seaside towns, expert local guides, and historic hotspots ready for exploration.

EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY

Add one of these four destinations to your next visit to Croatia.

By Haley Beham

Croatia is undeniably a standalone destination. However, combining it with a few days in another country allows you to see more of the world on one trip. Croatia, Slove nia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina all emerged out of former Yugoslavia and are arguably some of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. While they may have been part of the same country at one point, there are striking differences between them, most notably in the culture of each destination. Mean while, Italy to the west shares similarities in both cuisine and culture with Croatia.

Adding Slovenia to your journey to Croatia is a natural fit. While Croatia is becoming a travel hotspot, its neighbor Slovenia remains one of the world's bestkept secrets. Combining the two gives you the best of both worlds.

Slovenia sits nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Its diverse landscape of snowcapped mountains, rolling green hills, and sunny coastline creates a veritable outdoor playground. As such, it is one of the world’s best destina tions for outdoor lovers.

Slovenia is a land of fairytale landscapes with stunning natural scenery. Its most notable land mark is undoubtably Lake Bled, one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by mountains with a castle perched on an over looking crag, Lake Bled is home to St. Mary’s, a 17th-century church which sits on an island in the middle of the lake. It does not get any more picturesque than this.

Another natural wonder, the Soča River, also deserves praise as one of the most impressive rivers in the world. It has a distinctive bright blue hue, and the water is so clear you can see the fish swimming beneath the surface. It’s an ideal river to kayak with class I-II rapids that twist and turn through the Soča valley.

But Slovenia’s beauty isn’t only found above ground. Below the surface, Slovenia boasts a dramatic subterranean landscape of caves, caverns, and underground streams as well. Postojna and Škocjan are two of the country’s most famous caves, but there are tons to explore.

Besides its natural wonders, Slovenia sits at a crossroads of culture. Influ ences from Italy, Croatia, and Austria converge in the small country. You can see the influences in the Venetian coastal towns and Hungarian-style farmhouses further inland. What's more, you’ll find Gothic churches in the Julian Alps and art nouveau in the capital city of Ljubljana.

Another reason why Slovenia is such a natural fit with Croatia is due to their mutual passion for food. Italy, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans all lend inspiration in Slovenian cuisine, which places a strong emphasis on fresh and local produce. Slovenia is an unassuming foodie destina tion, but one of the world's most renowned gastronomic experiences is at Hiša Franko. There, award-win ning Chef Ana Roš prepares an eclec tic meal rooted in the surrounding Alpine landscape’s cuisine. There’s no shortage of great wine in Slovenia either, with a wine tradition that goes back 1,200 years.

Photos courtesy of iStock

MONTENEGRO

Montenegro is tiny but mighty. The small country has a lot to offer in terms of land scape, culture, and outdoor activities. Walled towns dot its shores, and yachts line the ma rinas. Due to its geographic location, you can also find a mix of Orthodox churches, Roman ruins, fortresses, and mosques throughout the country.

The good news is that if you're short on time, Montenegro is an easy day trip from Dubrovnik. From Dubrovnik, you could be at the border crossing in about an hour and a half and then travel around the beautiful fjord-like Bay of Kotar and spend time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotar. Walk the narrow streets and climb to the top of the 14th century town walls for a stunning view of the bay. Kotar is also home to the Maritime Museum of Montenegro which lays out the seafaring history of this region.

However, we recommend staying for longer than a day. One&Only’s first foray into Europe with the opening of Potonovi in 2021 signaled that Montenegro is about to become Europe’s next big destination, ushering in a new era of luxury into the Balkans.

In the town of Porto Montenegro, you’ll also find another luxury offering with the Regent Porto Montenegro. It overlooks the Bay of Kotar and can also be reached by private yacht, with its marina just a few nautical miles inland from the mouth of Boka Bay.

Finally, there is Aman Stevi Stefan, which is located on a small private islet in a 15th cen tury fortified village. Its privacy, serenity, and location near Budva further contribute to Montenegro's luxury offerings and appeal.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

The culture of Bosnia & Herzegovina is a big draw to the country. Here, Otto man and Austro-Hungarian histories meet. While Croatia shares more in common with Italy, in Bosnia & Her zegovina next door you might question whether you are in Turkey. Walking down the shopping streets feels a bit like walking through a Turkish bazaar with hand-hammered copper goods, delicate lace, carpets, and jewelry all made by local artisans. Wineries dot the countryside, which is punctuated by dramatic mountains and medieval castles.

Mostar is the most natural fit to pair with Croatia as it is located only about two and a half hours from Dubrovnik. The charming cobblestone city is sur

rounded by mountains, with the iconic ‘Old Bridge’ over the Neretva River connecting the two parts of the city. The original bridge was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Howev er, it was destroyed in 1993 during the devastating Bosnian War. The bridge was rebuilt as close to the original as possible, using the same materials and Ottoman construction techniques.

Head a little further into Sarajevo, a thriving city with a vibrant café cul ture. In the center of town, you’ll find remnants from the Ottoman era, set within a valley of red-roofed homes. Sarajevo is also a city of multiple faiths. From synagogues to churches and green copper-domed mosques, people of all faiths worship side by side.

ITALY

Italy is one of the most popular European destinations, so pairing it with Croatia, a country on the rise, gives you the opportunity to see two amazing places in one trip. The most accessible Italian destination from Croatia is Ven ice, which is located three hours by car from Rovinj or a quick one-hour flight from Dubrovnik.

The city is celebrated for its engineering marvels, Venetian Gothic architec ture, and its continuing patronage of the arts in all forms. You see it in the elaborate and intricate colors of Venetian glass, hand-crafted on the nearby island of Murano, or in the contemporary art on display during the Venice Biennale. Of course, St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most stunning architec tural accomplishments in the city, with gilded mosaics and an opulent design. Together with its art and architecture, celebrated canals, and tucked away piazzas and gardens, Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. So, why not pair it with one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Croatia?

Photos courtesy of Hotel Danieli

WINE & ROMANCE: SLOVENIA & CROATIA LUXURY HONEYMOON

cities, fairytale castles, and overflowing wine glasses await on Ker & Downey’s Slovenia & Croatia Luxury Honeymoon. These two countries offer

journey filled with wine,

luxury.