After 15 months of being on border lockdown in North America, this vaccinated travel gal packed her bags and headed back to Europe for an intensive scout of Croatia and Montenegro. Some details and snaps below thanks to Pfizer — Elisa
ZAGREB
After a quick layover in Amsterdam, I arrived in Zagreb. Known as ‘Little Vienna’ due to its three centuries under Austro-Hungarian and Habsburg rule, I found Zagreb to be a sophisticated city with imperial architecture, cobble stone streets, a vibrant dining and art scene and lush parks. The city is a cultural lovers paradise as it is host to an impressive array of museums, galleries and theaters.
MAPPS TIP: Don’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art or dinner at Pod Zidom Bistro.
ISTRIA
Istria, the largest peninsula within the Adriatic Sea is one of Croatia's most sought out after regions as it is a true paradise for sun seekers, history buffs, foodies, winos and cyclists. The region’s culture is heavily influenced by their nearby neighbor Italy. We hiked and biked two National Parks… but the true highlight for me was going truffle hunting with the sweetest dogs followed by an epic truffle lunch accompanied by local vineyard wines.
MAPPS TIP: Don’t miss having a picnic lunch at Kabola Winery or dinner at Meneghetti Winery. Both fantastic.
HVAR
The island of Hvar is the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands and the star of summer. Beaches, boat excursions, hiking, nightlife, lavender fields and wine tastings on repeat over here. Added bonus: we got to test out the brand new Masalina Resort and Spa, the newly renovated Hvar Beach Club and had the most divine seafood lunch on the island of Korcula.
MAPPS TIP: Don’t miss lunch at Hvar Beach Club or dinner at Menego.
DUBROVNICK
Last on the Croatia road trip was Dubrovnik, an ancient walled medieval city located on the Adriatic Sea. This UNESCO world heritage site was under threat for years as cruise ships overran the ports with tourists desperate for a photo opportunity as the town was the backdrop for the award winning series Game Of Thrones. One silver lining in this pandemic is there are no cruise ships allowed in at this time which allowed us to explore all it’s beauty without the crowds. We hiked, kayaked, ate oysters and swam in the gorgeous Adriatic Sea. A special thanks to Ivan and the team at Villa Dubrovnik for his incredible hospitality.
MAPPS TIP: Wake up early to beat the crowds and climb to the top of the walled city. Record time is 9 min, average is 90. They said we did in 28… I demand a recount!
MONTENEGRO
For the grand finale we crossed the Croatian border and sailed into Montenegro, a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. There are fabulous hiking trails, vineyards and the nearby medieval village of Kotor is the perfect spot for an authentic seaside lunch.
We arrived just in time for the grand opening of the first-ever European location for the luxury brand One&Only Hotels. The resort is part of the larger Portonovi luxury lifestyle development which features a helipad and a 238-berth D-Marin super yacht marina.
The sheltered location on the spectacular Boka Bay positions guests to be able to explore the dramatic coastline with ease on either a yacht or sailboat.
MAPPS TIP: Nikki Beach just opened, roughly a 20 min ride by boat… a super spot for Sunday brunch or a rose all day lunch anytime.