New health requirements
Visa not required for US citizens
Despite being a member of the EU, Croatia is not part of the visa-free Schengen Zone. So you won’t be able to travel to most other European countries since they are not currently allowing US residents due to the high rate of Covid-19 infections in the US. If you are a US citizen, you won’t need a visa, but will have to comply with the new Covid-19 travel requirements above.
Dubrovnik – #1 tourist destination in Croatia
The walled city of Old Town Dubrovnik attracts a million tourists each year. It is truly an amazing city to visit. Built with massive stone walls in the 16th century, the city was heavily attacked in 1991 by Yugoslavia during the Croatian war for independence. Scars from the war can be seen in the local museum but the city has proudly brought back most of the damaged buildings which were rebuilt based on their original building plans.
Off the main plaza are smaller paved alleyways leading up the hills to homes and shops. Be sure to explore these and taste the local cuisine at cafes that have been run by the same family for generations.
If you feel particularly active, pay a few Euros and walk full circle on top of the walls. If you have a fear of heights, it is best to gaze up at the walls from down below. Either way, you’ll have amazing views.
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is October through April. The temperatures are cooler and the large cruise ships have moved on. The summer months can be uncomfortably hot and the streets are crowded especially when two or three large cruise ships carrying up to 3,000 passengers each are docked.
Beyond Dubrovnik
While Dubrovnik is the best-known city in Croatia to Americans, the country is full of destinations rich in their own history and beauty. One of our favorites are the coastal cities of Hvar & Stari Grad. Hvar is an old city and playground to the rich jet-setters during the summer months. On the other side of the island is Stari Grad which dates back to between 3500 and 2500 BC. Read more about Stari Grad here.
In the interior of Croatia, you’ll find the hilltop town of Motovun. Like many towns in Croatia, Motovun is built in the Venetian colonial architectural style. The 14th century stone lions, symbols of the Venetian rule, stand over the town’s gates. The water cisterns in the town square date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Surrounding the town are vineyards producing Motovun’s fine Teran and Malvasija wines. In the surrounding forests you’ll find Istria’s prized white and black truffles.
These are just a few of the many must see destinations in Croatia. If you have questions, just give us a call.
So how to choose the right vacation for you?
Vacations are an investment! With literally thousands of options, choosing the right vacation and the best value is difficult to sort through. That’s where I bring my 12 years of travel experience and expertise to do this right, and get you the best value for your money. With the backing of the largest travel consortium behind me, we have options you can’t find online. Plus our work just gets started once we book your dream vacation. Chat with us to learn more.
The world awaits you and we look forward to assisting you in choosing the exact right adventure on the waters or land for you and your companions!
