Croatia For the Second Time: How to Choose Your Next Cruise

There are many reasons Croatia warrants a second visit. On your first trip, you’re likely to visit the most popular tourist destinations like the cities of Dubrovnik and Split and perhaps some of the islands such as Hvar, Korcula, Brac, and Mljet. But there’s so much more to see, from the islands further north in the Kvarner Gulf, the Istrian Peninsula with its hilltop villages and dense forests where rare truffles are found, and the Croatia capital of Zagreb with its many museums, including the unique Museum of Broken Relationships. Plus, you’ll have more time to sample the mouthwatering cuisine, with each area of the country offering its own specialty dishes that can be complemented by local or regional wines.

Taking another cruise also brings the chance to experience a different cruise ship. If you cruised on a larger ship, this is a great time to try out a more intimate vessel that can bring you to smaller ports in enticing hidden gems. The difference is like night and day, typically providing a more authentic excursion that often includes tours led by local guides in the destinations visited. While there may not be stages hosting Broadway-style shows, most have spacious sundecks with loungers and many include Jacuzzis. Even if you have taken a small-ship cruise, each vessel has a unique “personality” of its own, and perhaps you’ll stay in a VIP cabin with a balcony for an extra-special second trip.

If you start or finish your cruise in Split or Dubrovnik, you can choose to spend additional time in either city, perhaps adding a few more nights, to explore the many activities and attractions. There’s more than enough to see and do, whether you want to visit filming sites from “Game of Thrones,” uncover more of the historic landmarks, enjoy the many possible outdoor adventures from kayaking to hiking and biking, or all of the above. Or perhaps choose an entirely different route, such as one that visits the northern islands after having visited many in the southern part of the country. Some of our favorites include Rab, Krk, Cres, Pag, and Losinj.

Explore More of Croatia

Why not spend more time in Croatia while you’re already here? You can see other areas of the country before or after cruising, independently or as part of a Croatia private tour. The Istrian Peninsula has a lot to offer travelers of all types, including wineries and vineyards for tasting and touring. You might explore walled hilltop villages like Motovun, one of the most well-preserved. It’s renowned for its truffles that can be enjoyed in many dishes like truffle risotto. You might even join a truffle hunter and expertly trained dogs to learn how they’re found. The capital of Zagreb has a history well worth exploring, dating all the way back to the Romans, along with a wealth of modern delights.

Combine Croatia with Another Country

Or, perhaps extend your Croatia vacation to explore another country nearby. There are enticing options easily accessible to visitors, including Montenegro, a short drive from Dubrovnik. It’s famous for its dramatic coastline, soaring mountains, and historic towns like Kotor. Slovenia is renowned for stunning Lake Bled with an island topped by a church, and its fairytale-like capital of Ljubljana, less than a two-hour drive from Zagreb. Italy is just across the Adriatic from Croatia. You can be in Trieste, with a unique vibe influenced by multiple cultures, in only 80 minutes from Rijeka on Kvarner Bay while Venice is under two hours from there. Or explore the birthplace of Western civilization in Athens, Greece, and perhaps one or more of the Greek islands.

Slovenia

Slovenia lies northwest of Croatia, renowned for its beauty that includes everything from the snow-capped Julian Alps, sparkling lakes, turquoise rivers, and idyllic beaches to fairytale-like towns. The capital city of Ljubljana is hip and progressive as one of the most environmentally friendly in Europe with pedestrianized zones, an extensive network of bike lanes, and numerous green spaces, including lovely parks and gardens. Old Town is especially lovely with a river running through that’s crossed by pretty bridges while Ljubljana Castle overlooks it all from Castle Hill. About a 45-minute drive away is Lake Bled with its stunning emerald waters home to an island topped by Our Lady of the Lake Church with a backdrop of the Julian Alps.

Montenegro

The border of Montenegro is only about a 45-minute drive from Dubrovnik. It offers spectacular scenery and a wealth of outdoor adventures from spending time on sandy beaches, hiking and mountain biking in the Durmitor Mountains to kayaking across remote lakes. It’s also renowned for its history as one of the top spots to explore UNESCO-listed Old Town Kotor. It boasts approximately three-mile-long defensive walls that climb to a St. John’s fortress along with landmarks like the Square of Arms, Clock Tower, and Tryphon Cathedral. Nearby, the tiny town of Perast is home to 16 beautifully preserved palaces and the famous Our Lady of the Rocks. A short boat ride will bring you to this man-made islet with a museum and church.

Italy

One of the world’s top travel destinations, Italy is also within easy reach. There are multiple ferry routes that connect Croatian ports like Pula, Split, and Dubrovnik to Trieste, Venice, and Ancona. Venice is a bucket-list city bringing the chance to cruise through its famous canals in a gondola and visit St Mark’s Square with iconic landmarks like Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Trieste is becoming a popular less-crowded alternative with a waterfront piazza serving as the main square where one can admire Austro-Hungarian architecture and sip Aperol spritzes in one of the many cafes. Or head further with everything from Rome, Florence, and hilltop Tuscan towns to the Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast to explore.

Greece

Greece is another top global destination, ideal for those who want to experience rich culture and history, outdoor activities, and magnificent scenery. There are non-stop flights to Athens from Split, Zagreb, and other Croatian cities, with the Greek capital an ideal place to start. It’s famous for the 5th-century BC monuments on Acropolis Hill like the Parthenon, its world-class museums, and its impressive dining scene. There are 227 inhabited islands to consider too, from Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos in the Cyclades to Rhodes in the Dodecanese, Zakynthos in the Ionians, and diverse Crete, the largest of the Greek islands with everything from sandy beaches edging turquoise water to rugged mountains and fascinating historic sites like the Minoan Knossos Palace.

Wonders of Croatia, Slovenia & Montenegro

This three-in-one itinerary starts in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana bringing the opportunity to stroll alongside Ljubljanica River while marveling at the city’s fairytale looks. You’ll take a guided tour of Lake Bled that includes a ride on a traditional boat to visit its fabled isle. Crossing the border to Croatia, you’ll explore the enchanting Istrian Peninsula, the stunning lakes and waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park, and tour Diocletian’s Palace in Split, home to some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman architecture. Krka National Park, tranquil Vis Island, sunny Hvar, Korcula with its storybook Old Town, medieval Dubrovnik, and a day trip to Kotor, Montenegro are just a few of the other highlights.

Discover:Wonders of Croatia, Slovenia & Montenegro

Highlights of Venice & Croatia

If you’ve always wanted to explore Venice but Croatia is your primary goal, a cruise of the highlights of Venice and Croatia is sure to be ideal. You’ll start in romantic Venice with a guided walking tour included before heading across the Adriatic to Rovinj for a private luxury wine tasting tour. Travel to breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park where you can marvel at its incredibly lush scenery, including 16 lakes and nearly 100 waterfalls. From there, venture to ancient Split and its Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, see Croatia’s largest waterfall in Krka National Park, and visit unspoiled Vis Island. Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet islands are all visited too, with the trip concluding in Dubrovnik, “The Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Discover:Highlights of Venice & Croatia

Magic of Italy & Croatia

For a good mix of Italy and Croatia, this getaway explores both countries, starting with a tour of Venice and its icons like 14th-century Doge’s Palace, 9th-century St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs. Continue to the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence, to discover works by the likes of Michelangelo and other greats, explore Tuscany’s medieval hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Siena, and the Eternal City of Rome, including the iconic Colosseum and a visit to the Vatican City museums. The second half of this epic trip brings you to ancient Split in Croatia, Hvar and its world-class dining and nightlife, Korcula with its medieval Old Town, tranquil Vis, and the lush island of Mljet before finishing in legendary Dubrovnik.

Discover:Magic of Italy & Croatia

Highlights of Croatia & Greece

If you’ve always wanted to explore Venice but Croatia is your primary goal, a cruise of the highlights of Venice and Croatia is sure to be ideal. You’ll start in romantic Venice with a guided walking tour included before heading across the Adriatic to Rovinj for a private luxury wine tasting tour. Travel to breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park where you can marvel at its incredibly lush scenery, including 16 lakes and nearly 100 waterfalls. From there, venture to ancient Split and its Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, see Croatia’s largest waterfall in Krka National Park, and visit unspoiled Vis Island. Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet islands are all visited too, with the trip concluding in Dubrovnik, “The Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Discover:Highlights of Croatia & Greece