Autumn Rambling, Oysters and Wine?

Ever in pursuit of an endless summer, don’t dive into your winter woolies yet! Combining two sundry locations Croatia City and Coast, a marvelous mode of travel, ancient ramparts, fine dining, and beach solitude. For now, the concept of a Grande Tour may not be on everyone’s datebook. These summer favorites easily glide into autumn, it’s not too late to plot! A new Travel Recipe Series- multiple locations to savor!

Dubrovnik Old Town

Montenegro, Portonovi and Dubrovnik. Five-star hotel choices add an exceptional enticement: Villa Dubrovnik and in Montenegro – two superb choices Aman and the new One & Only in Portonovi. The summer crowds have moseyed home, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy day trips to islands near Dubrovnik.

Ston

Croatia by yacht is the ultimate in grande tour, but for fall, meandering cobbled streets and a day hire boat will be just peachy. A combination of culture, relaxation and stunning scenery. Bordering Slovenia, Hungary, Herzegovina and Bosnia, Croatia is a picturesque country with long stretches of coast and dotted with over 1000 islands. History, culture, and gorgeous views blur with pristine waters and pebbly coves. Dubrovnik is known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’ and despite earthquake damage in 1667, it has managed to preserve its old town of beautiful Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance churches, palaces, and fountains. A major UNESCO restoration program ensures the medieval buildings, stone ramparts, and the cobblestone streets will be enjoyed for ages. Approximately 7.2 hours of sunshine warm the city every day, the city of Dubrovnik is the Eastern European Paradise. It is sort of what Hawaii is to North America.

Dubrovnik

You won’t want to miss exploring the Elaphite archipelago just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. Soak in the amazing scenery, enjoy wine tasting and fresh seafood at small coastal cafes. Among the hidden gems is food at Bowa on the secluded Sipan Island, tables perched over the water or for a group reserve a cabana for lunch! The restaurant specializes in seafood and has several local wines and beers available. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the crystal-clear water for swimming or just reading a book in the sunshine on the lounge chairs along the beach. Close your eyes and think of Mediterranean. Imagine the bluest sea, and beautiful untouched islands with old olive, fig, cypress and orange trees… Imagine the sunlight on your face and the smells, the sounds. Imagine the secured bays, secret beaches, the forest. Welcome to Sipan, the largest of islands near Dubrovnik, a place where Mediterranean culture shaped lives and culture since the Roman times. At the secluded reached by water only, Bowa restaurant – a simple motto: A Passion for Food. The menu is simplicity itself: the daily catch of fresh fish; hand-picked vegetables; fruit from the garden; island olive oil. What they catch that day is what is served. A nostalgic tribute to the days when the three owners spent summers with their grandparents. It is very traditional, plain Dubrovnik cuisine – but fresh, and the best!

Korcula Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. Korcula Town, the ancient city is perched on a small peninsula and wrapped in defensive stone walls. The town’s pedestrian-only streets were designed like a fishbone; the main thoroughfare runs through the center with angled side streets branching off each side. The layout was thoughtfully planned to welcome the summer breeze and limit and the winter wind. If you are a history buff, it is not to be missed. Home to ancient sites, stunning coastline, local wineries and considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. People say that the Silk Road started from this island; Korčula has good reason to be proud to be home to Marco Polo’s house, a stone’s throw from Lešić Dimitri Palace. The building’s history dates back to the 17th century, when the Lešić family, rich property owners and merchants combined a number of semi-detached houses to create a palace worthy of that name. The island gem foodie scene is within the Relais & Chateaux 17th-century Lesic Dimitri Palace. And within, a foodie palace, Michelin Restaurant LD, curated by chef Marko Gajsk.

1 - Marko Sitar - Les?ic? Dimitri P alace - HD Landscape Cover photo
Lešić Dimitri Palace.

A gastronomic tour can include several different wineries and an oyster farm in Ston. You’ll learn how to farm oysters and enjoy the most delectable lunch on a private island. Traces of oyster farming in the Mali Ston Bay have existed since the period of Roman rule in this area. The first written documents on shellfish hunting date from the 16th century, and on breeding from the 17th century, records from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic.

And where to stay? Five-star luxury waterside hotel on the Lapad peninsula, the resplendent Hotel Dubrovnik Palace! Sea views from every room, within walking distance to most attractions in the Old Town, yet very secluded, hugging the shoreline of the Adriatic. Fifty-five modern rooms with a world class spa and four restaurants.

Mosey an hour north to unwind in Montenegro and explore the picturesque Sveti Stefan island by boat, stop for fresh caught seafood on sunny restaurant balconies hovering above the placid turquoise seas.

Portonovi – the new Riviera Destination, the gateway to Boka Bay an idyllic Mediterranean-style village set amid the wild beauty of Montenegro’s Boka Bay. This is one of Europe’s most spectacular coastlines, a breathtaking region famed for its history, culture and wild natural beauty, mountain roads sweep through ancient towns and every turn holds another discovery. From days on the water to sun-filled afternoons spent exploring the ancient towns of Perast and Kotor, there’s no limit to the experiences to be relished.

Bringing refined luxury to the heart of Boka Bay, this is the first-ever European location from renowned brand One & Only. The property sits resplendently at the entrance of Boka Bay, a fjord-like idyll on Montenegro’s Adriatic Sea, a jewel sitting on Europe’s most fashionable new riviera. Slip into a glamorous nautical lifestyle, exploring rugged coastlines lapped by Adriatic waves and decorated with charming historic palaces. A palatial Adriatic resort on 60 lush acres overlooking a dramatic coastline of mountain vistas and calm waters. Definitely a destination hotel, with fine dining, a world-renowned spa and private beach. With a sheltered location on spectacular Boka Bay, the resort is the perfect base from which to explore the dramatic Montenegrin coastline. Rent a super yacht for an afternoon, hire a sailboard, or simply spend the day on the private white-sand beach, soaking up the scenic wonders of Boka Bay.

In summer, the place to be is at Aman Sveti Stefan. Within a country famed for its beauty, Montenegro’s most iconic destination is the tiny islet of Sveti Stefan. Overlooked by Villa Miločer, a graceful stone residence set on a pink sand beach. The former summer residence of Queen Marija Karađorđević, Villa Miločer offers several elegant suites, while the island provides accommodation in 15th-century stone cottages. Together they comprise the unequalled Aman Sveti Stefan. NB: Aman Sveti Stefan has closed for the 2021 season.

Endless summer with seven hours of sunshine a day guaranteed! Živjeli – A very common phrase in Croatia will be met with a shot of Rakija. This is the local drink of choice and used in every social gathering. Živjeli is pronounced “ji vo li” with the meaning of cheers!

The ABC of Croatia – a unique guide to Croatia customs, folklore and history.

Yachting? Oh Captain! Croatia Cruising

Yachts rarely make the credits in a movie, but boats have held leading roles on the silver screen for eons. Our roster of superb charters have included Regina, a stunning sailing yacht featured in the James Bond ‘Skyfall’ film. Charter areas have migrated from Turkey and are now dotting the shores of  the most popular seas off of Croatia. Croatia is one of Europe’s most stunning sailing grounds with more than 1,200 islands off this part of the Adriatic coast. From a base in Dubrovnik, Trogir, Zaton and, new for 2018, Pula, you can explore the Kornati and Krka national parks with their waterfalls, lively ports, uninhabited islands and protected coves. One of Europe’s most fascinating countries, Croatia’s thriving cities, ancient monuments, stunning national parks and distinctive gastronomy are attracting increasing numbers of tourists to this incredible destination.

Aman Sveti Stefan Hotel

We would suggest arriving at Tivat and soaking in the luxury of the Aman Sveti Stefan Hotel for several days in Montenegro. Located south of Budva, this stunning Aman resort sits along Montenegro’s magnificent stretch of coastline and overlooks the Adriatic Sea. An atmospheric peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, Aman Sveti Stefan is a place of complete beauty and escape, set amid the natural splendor and historical riches of Montenegro. There isn’t a dock at the hotel, but we have the yacht anchor out off the hotel, and our crew will motor in and fetch you from a small tender dock at the hotel, begin the Journey in utter style and comfort!

Once you have boarded your luxury yacht, cruise for 5 – 7 days, enjoying the chic highlights of southern Croatia. Need more? Why not cap off your week with a quick flight to Venice where we will reserve the Dogaressa Suite at the Cipriani, a veritable oasis in the heart of Venice, as you benefit from the refreshing pool. It is a suite fit for a Queen, with a classic vista of the basin of San Marco, captured like a Canaletto painting and framed in floor-to-ceiling gothic windows. Or perhaps you yearn for a very special private palazzo in this ultra-chic city? We have many exceptional properties, many of which are not available to the less than discerning visitors. And did I mention the remarkable private touring options while in Venice?

With an Adriatic coastline of more than 1,750 km and 1,246 islands and islets, incorporating some truly breath-taking beachscapes, Croatia is a wonderful place to explore by luxury yacht.

Grad Hvar

The Dalmatian Islands in Croatia are among the most famous in the Mediterranean region. Wild, rugged, and mostly uninhabited, many are protected as national parkland and offer a varied and diverse cruising ground for an Agana yacht charter vacation. The cruising is splendid, encompassing long and short passages to charming anchorages amid rocky islets, ancient villages steeped in history, and translucent waters.

It might come as a surprise, but Croatia is a well-known destination for foodies –year after year, fresh seafood and excellent wines exceed the expectations of those who come to this little corner of the eastern Mediterranean. Our Captains have resourced the most exclusive shell farms for on the spot oyster tasting direct from the docks or reserve a table at a local restaurant near the best oyster farm bay, where the oysters are prized for intense flavor. Anchor out and pluck oysters from the shell over a sizzling grill over a wood fire and to accompany these tasty morsels, a refreshing Croatian white wine.

Dubrovnik

Oysters are considered one of the delicacies on offer and what is so special about the ones cultivated in Malostonski Bay is that they belong to an almost extinct species called the European oyster. Visitors are fascinated by the fact that it’s possible to eat them straight from the sea — the waters of the Adriatic are that clean! The Dalmatian coast has a very long tradition of mariculture. Written chronicles dating back to ancient Roman times mention oyster farming in the area, using a more primitive version of the way it is done today. Records from the 17th-century provide details about the collection and sale of oysters, while companies dedicated to oyster cultivation started developing at the beginning of the 19th-century.

An Agana yacht charter typically focuses on the more than 30 islands off the central Dalmatian Coast near the city of Split, including lovely Solta, Hvar, Vis, and Brac. The Kornati National Park lies to the north, with a mostly barren landscape. So many small and large islands are in the park it has been likened to a maze of unparalleled natural beauty. Pristine beaches, lively nightlife, fine cuisine, secluded coves, fascinating historic sites, and an unspoiled natural setting make an Agana yacht charter an unforgettable adventure on the water.

And of course, you can rely on our private guides in every port to share local history, provide a list of the hottest Hvar nightlife locations, and reserve loungers and dinner at the chic beach clubs – dance till dawn if inclined and welcome the sunrise!

An Agana yacht charter features a wonderful blend of the historic and the natural, with ancient cities and towns situated in beautiful harbors fronting islands with sandy beaches and lush vegetation. Serene anchorages far from the crowds or bustling towns with boutiques, restaurants, and bars are all attractions of the central Dalmatian Coast, where wildlife abounds, the snorkeling is excellent, and history is ever present. A Croatian luxury yacht Journey is a voyage into some of the prettiest offshore channels in the Mediterranean region, a sojourn to remember on the Adriatic Sea.

Ports of Call:
The main square in Dubrovnik Old Town is alive at night with many outdoor restaurants and cafes.  If weather allows, the yacht can anchor in the bay near Old Town and access all town activities by ship’s tender. Culture Club Revelin is a snazzy nightclub in the Old Town Fortress walls.  Banje Beach is outside Old Town, and usually has a tender dock to deliver the guests by ship’s tender. The Sky Bar next to Pile Gate, Cele, outdoors in the main square. Where can you find monarchs, Jedi, spies and dragons? Dubrovnik has hosted a captivating array of worlds recently from Sherwood Forest stand-ins to Game of Thrones filming locations. Its historical beauty, cobbled roads, and ancient buildings, the city is now Hollywood’s newest filming location of choice, let us help you visit the film locations during your cruise!

Social life on the island of Hvar centers on Hvar Town, and the Pakleni Islands bordering Hvar Town Harbor.  Hvar Town Harbor is a large protected harbor, with very calm water, and is a great location to be anchored for several days if desired. Social life in Hvar Town begins with sundowner cocktails at Hula Hula Bar, reachable from the yacht by ship’s tender, festivities continue in the main square, and at midnight, Carpe Diem nightclub opens on the harbor front. Carpe Diem beach in the Pakleni Islands is open from 10:00am to 5:00am and is a grand location at night. The ship’s tender can deliver guests right to Carpe Diem Beach, or the yacht can anchor during the day right off of Carpe Diem Beach. Nightlife is vibrant in Hvar Town with many popoular bars and restaurants.

Our experienced Captain and crew know the best spots and will assure you the best off yacht tables. Coupled with our on the ground luxury team for ports of call touring, why isn’t Croatia on your list this summer?