Croatia Is the Trip You Have Been Waiting For: A Guide to Dubrovnik, Split, and Why We Are Going in 2027

12 hours ago

5 min read

There are destinations that look incredible in photographs, and then there are those that somehow exceed your expectations the moment you experience them in person. Croatia is one of those places.

Harbor town with white boats, palm trees, and red-roofed buildings beneath steep gray mountains and a bright cloudy blue sky.

We’re heading to Croatia as part of our Greece 2027 hosted journey, with the cruise portion of our adventure sailing along this stunning coastline. Two of the highlights will be Dubrovnik and Split—two cities with very different personalities, but each offering its own unforgettable glimpse into Croatia’s history, culture, and coastal beauty. If you’ve never experienced either one, let us paint the picture for you.

Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic

Dubrovnik is one of those cities that stops you in your tracks the moment you arrive. The medieval Old Town, encircled by massive stone walls that have stood since the 9th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most perfectly preserved historic cities in all of Europe. Every corner has a story, and every street invites you to slow down and take it all in.

Walk the City Walls

Woman in sunhat walks a stone seaside wall above a blue bay, with tourists, islands, and sailboats under a clear sky.

This is the quintessential Dubrovnik experience—and one you won’t soon forget. Stretching nearly 1.5 miles around the historic Old Town, the ancient walls offer sweeping views in every direction: terracotta rooftops below, the shimmering Adriatic beyond, and the city’s medieval architecture unfolding beneath you.

Go early, before the heat of the day and the crowds arrive, and give yourself time to truly enjoy the walk. Stop often, take in the views, and let yourself appreciate just how remarkable this city is from above.

Explore the Old Town on Foot

Walk through the Pile Gate and step onto the Stradun, the city's wide marble main street. From there, wander into the narrow stone alleys that branch off in every direction. The most charming corners of Dubrovnik are the ones you find by getting a little lost.

Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car

The cable car climbs Mount Srd and delivers you to one of the best panoramic views in all of Croatia. At sunset, when the golden light washes across the rooftops and the Adriatic stretches toward the horizon, it is genuinely one of those views that stays with you.

Aerial view of Dubrovnik’s walled old town and harbor, with orange rooftops, stone fortifications, and boats on deep blue sea.

Just a short walk from Pile Gate, Banje Beach is the perfect place to slow down and take in the beauty of Dubrovnik from a different perspective. The crystal-clear Adriatic waters invite you to linger, but it’s the view that truly steals the show. From the shoreline, you’ll have an unforgettable vantage point of Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls rising dramatically above the sea, with the terracotta rooftops stretching beyond.

Find Buza Bar

Look for a small, unmarked opening in the southern city walls, step through, and you’ll discover rocky cliffside terraces perched above the Adriatic. Order a cold Croatian beer, find a sunny spot, and settle in as the waves crash against the rocks below. It’s one of those only-in-Dubrovnik moments—the kind you stumble upon almost by accident and remember long after you’ve left. Cash only. No bathrooms. And somehow, nobody minds at all.

Split: A City That Lives Inside Ancient History

Split is unlike any other city in the world, and that is not an overstatement. The heart of Split is Diocletian's Palace, a massive Roman complex built in the 4th century where people actually live and work inside the ancient walls. Restaurants, bars, apartments, and shops are woven into the palace itself. History here is not just preserved. It is alive.

Explore Diocletian's Palace

Step inside Diocletian’s Palace and you’re walking through one of the world’s most remarkable living historic sites. Start at the Peristyle, the grand ceremonial square at its heart. Come in the evening, when the stone turns golden and locals gather, and you’ll discover one of Split’s most atmospheric spots. It’s history you can actually experience.

Ferry boats on a Venice canal before old buildings and a church under a dark cloudy sky, with Actv and ROMINA visible.

Walk the Riva Waterfront Promenade

Split’s waterfront promenade, the Riva, is the heartbeat of daily life. Lined with cafés and overlooking the harbor, it’s the perfect place to sip a coffee, watch the boats drift by, and simply take in the rhythm of the city. Slow mornings here are some of the best in Croatia.

Visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum, this cathedral is one of the oldest continuously used cathedrals in the world. Located within the palace walls, it’s worth a visit—and the climb up the bell tower rewards you with beautiful views over Split and the harbor. History, architecture, and a view worth the climb.

Sunlit coastal town with red-roofed buildings, harbor boats, and small islands in a bright blue sea and sky.

Take a Day Trip to Hvar or Brac

Split is one of the best bases in Croatia for island hopping. A ferry to Hvar with its lavender fields and beautiful harbor takes about an hour. The island of Brac, home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach, is another wonderful option. Both are easy and memorable.

Get Lost in the Palace Side Streets

Beyond the main squares and landmarks, the real magic of Split is in the narrow limestone streets that wind through the palace complex. Find a local bakery, duck into a tiny wine bar, or stumble onto a sun-filled courtyard. This is the part of Split that stays with you longest.

A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go

Fall is one of the best times to experience Croatia. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather remains beautifully warm, and the Adriatic is still inviting. Golden light softens the coastline, while the pace slows into something wonderfully easy.

It’s exactly why we chose fall for our journey.

Swimwear stays at the beach. Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar all have laws against walking through town in swimwear. Follow the local lead and dress smartly when you leave the sand.

Croatia uses the euro, making things simple and straightforward for travelers.

Pack a pair of swimming shoes. Most Croatian beaches are pebbly and rocky, and sea urchins hide under the surface. A simple pair of neoprene shoes makes beach days so much more enjoyable.

Tipping in Croatia is relaxed, but around 10% at sit-down restaurants is customary. For tour guides, a few euros is always a thoughtful way to say thank you.

Now, About That Trip

Our Greece 2027 hosted trip includes a cruise portion that sails along this coast, and Croatia is one of the destinations I am most excited about sharing with our group. September was a very intentional choice. The light, the pace, the warmth of the people, and the relative calm after the peak summer season all come together beautifully.

Whether you’re drawn to Dubrovnik’s layered history, Split’s living ancient world, or simply the joy of sailing the Adriatic with people who love to travel as much as you do, this is the kind of journey made for you.

Registration is now open for Greece 2027. You can join us for the land portion, the cruise portion, or both. Spots are limited, and I would love for you to be part of it.

Visit toastabletravel.com/greece-2027 to learn more and save your spot.

Sources:

Novakovich, Mary. "What to Know Before Traveling to Croatia." Lonely Planet, July 29, 2026.

"Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik." Round the World in 30 Days, rtwin30days.com.