Tips for Enjoying a Peaceful Experience in Croatia

With its stunning azure waters, unspoiled beaches, gourmet delights, historic walled cities, and archaeological treasures, Croatia offers a chance to indulge in local luxury and genuine hospitality far more easily than in Europe’s more famous destinations. Picture the magic of Venice without the crowds, or Rome free from smog. Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Islands,' Croatia shines even brighter when you let Ker & Downey, an experiential travel specialist, guide you through a series of incredible adventures.

This is your opportunity to savor that rare ‘all to yourself’ experience in a nation that feels like a living history book, where extraordinary service and unique experiences, coupled with a sophisticated lifestyle, remain integral to daily life. In a country that achieved independence just three decades ago, you’ll uncover the hidden gems of this compact Balkan nation at the crossroads of central and southeastern Europe.

From Split to Istria, savor the flavors of Croatian cuisine

Although Croatia may not be widely known, this culinary haven stands out for its gourmet offerings. Renowned for its innovative food scene and long-established winemaking traditions, it is a dream destination for food enthusiasts. Travelers can enjoy a variety of local specialties and engaging food experiences curated by the travel experts at Ker & Downey. On the island of Split, famous for dishes like pašticada (tender beef marinated in prošek, a local dessert wine), the delightful chard-and-garlic pie known as soparnik, and the hearty stew peka, visitors have the opportunity to participate in a workshop led by a Master Chef winner to learn how to prepare these traditional recipes.

The country is also famous for housing the world’s largest white truffle, discovered decades ago in the beautiful Motovun forest of Istria. During a unique truffle-hunting excursion, guests can join an expert to search for this delectable underground fungus, followed by a lesson on how to pair this rare delicacy with wine, cheese, and honey. Wine lovers will create lasting memories at Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel in picturesque Istria, where they can taste wines made from local grapes and even pick some themselves to craft their own bottle of wine.

For seafood lovers, Croatia is a paradise with its expansive coastline kissed by glimmering seas, where the renowned Mali Ston oysters, also known as the “Queen of Oysters,” are harvested every March. With Ker & Downey’s exclusive oyster experiences, you can venture out to sea with a local oyster farmer to discover the art of shellfish farming, then indulge in a delicious platter of mollusks paired with a refreshing glass of wine back on shore.

Discover unforgettable experiences in Vukovar, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and beyond.

For adventurous travelers seeking unique experiences, Ker & Downey offers the chance to explore Croatia’s hidden gems. History enthusiasts can take a helicopter tour to witness the battlefields from the Croatian war of the 1990s. During this exhilarating flight with a former general who played a crucial role in the war, guests enjoy breathtaking views while hearing personal stories, flying over the river port city of Vukovar and the stunning medieval walls of Dubrovnik.

Car lovers will want to embark on a private tour of Rimac’s electric car factory located in Zagreb. Renowned for crafting electric supercars, this state-of-the-art facility is where the Concept One, the world’s fastest-accelerating electric vehicle, was born. Thrill seekers can even take the wheel and test drive one of these incredible cars, capable of going from zero to over 62 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds.

If you prefer life at sea, Ker & Downey’s exclusive island-hopping experience aboard a private yacht allows you to explore untouched islands, relax on hidden beaches, and uncover secret coves.

Experience romance in breathtaking locations.

With its breathtaking views, charming islands, and tranquil cities, Croatia draws discerning travelers in search of sensory experiences that whisk them away to another realm. Engage with nature on a private guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Whether traversed on foot or experienced via a guided quad bike adventure, the park’s shimmering lakes, stunning waterfalls, and rich wildlife promise to captivate.

For the past eight centuries, Dubrovnik’s ancient walls have embraced the city in their honey-colored stone, providing a stunning backdrop for Ker & Downey’s exclusive sunset dining experience. A section of these walls, closed to the public, becomes your private dining area, free from crowds and offering breathtaking views just for you. The atmosphere is filled with romance as your Croatian chef presents a delectable dinner paired with wine while the sun sets in vibrant scarlet over the walls of this city known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic.' Guests can also step back in time to dine like nobility at Trakošćan, a medieval castle overlooking a tranquil lake, where staff in traditional attire serve exquisite regional dishes in an elegant hall adorned with antique decor.