Exploring Venice, Istria, and the Dalmatian Coast

I’ve just returned from an unforgettable 14-day group trip — and what an adventure it was! ✨ There’s nothing like traveling with friends while meeting new friends and creating relationships you know you’ll cross paths with in the future.

Together, we explored breathtaking destinations, shared meals that turned into hours of laughter, and created memories that will last a lifetime. What made this journey so special wasn’t just the places we visited, but the connections we formed and the joy of experiencing it all side-by-side. Traveling with a group brings a unique energy — there’s always someone to share a sunrise with, toast the evening with, and remind you to live fully in the moment.

Venice: Quiet Magic at Sunrise

Our journey began in Venice with a pre-yacht land tour. If you take away just one travel tip from me, it’s this: wake up early. At 6:00am, St. Mark’s Square and Basilica felt like they belonged only to us — quiet, serene, and bathed in morning light. We strolled across the Rialto Bridge without the usual crowds, capturing that rare, unhurried beauty of Venice.

While our stay was short, we made it count. A food tour gave us a taste of authentic Venetian flavors (highly recommend!), and of course, we couldn’t resist the classic gondola ride — because when in Venice, right?

Hidden Gems on the Way to Croatia

From Venice, we drove through some of North East Italy, and with a little extra time before the Caves, we stopped at Parco del Castello di Miramare near Trieste. This seaside castle with its peaceful gardens and sweeping Adriatic views was the perfect surprise before heading into the caves. This wasn't schedule on the itinerary but because we had some extra time before our cave entrance and two incredible guides they suggested the castle stop which was an added bonus along the way.

Afterwards, near the city of Trieste in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region we explored Grotta Gigante, one of the world’s largest caves. The 500 steps down (and back up!) were no joke, but the sight inside was absolutely worth the effort. If you get a chance, I highly recommend it, especially if you're driving from Venice to Split. It will help break up the drive and get your legs moving. If you look closely, you can see the stairs to get back out from the cave.

Istria: Medieval Charm & Truffle Treasures

Crossing into Croatia, we discovered towns that seemed to grow more charming by the mile. Our first overnight stop was Motovun, a fairytale hilltop town with just 900 residents. Perched high above the Mirna River Valley, it feels like stepping into another time — cobblestone streets, medieval stone walls, and terracotta rooftops that glow at sunset. If you look closely, you can see the red building next to the tower. That was our hotel. Known for its truffle-rich cuisine, Motovun is surrounded by dense oak forests where both black and white truffles are still hunted with trained dogs (and once upon a time, pigs!). The town has even earned the title of the “truffle capital of Istria,” and every autumn it celebrates with the famous Motovun Truffle Days festival.

Wine lovers will be delighted too — this area produces some of Croatia’s most celebrated wines, including Malvazija (a crisp white) and Teran (a bold red once favored by nobility). Local legend adds to the magic: the Venetians, who once ruled Motovun, believed giants had built the town, and if you wander the narrow lanes at night, you can almost feel the myths come alive. I even brought home truffle oil and powder from a small family shop, treasures I can’t wait to use in my recipes. And waking up to sunrise views over rolling hills and endless vineyards? That was pure enchantment.

The next day we visited Pula, home to the Roman amphitheater — the 6th largest in the world. Stepping into this remarkably intact arena felt like traveling back in time. I imagined the roar of 20,000 spectators as gladiators once battled for survival on the sandy floor below. This was the stage for brutal contests of strength and endurance, public spectacles, such as dramatic reenactments of famous sea battles, executions meant as displays of imperial power, and celebrations honoring Roman gods and emperors. Today, the Pula Arena is far more than just a relic of the past — it’s a living stage. Each summer it comes alive with world-class concerts, opera performances, and Croatia’s famous Pula Film Festival, where movies are screened under the stars.

Then onward to Rovinj, a charming coastal town on the Istrian Peninsula, often considered one of the most romantic and picturesque spots in Croatia. With its pastel-colored houses tumbling down to the Adriatic, narrow cobblestone streets, and fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger. I could have easily stayed here longer, wandering the alleys and soaking in the seaside charm, but our journey was leading us toward Plitvice National Park for the night.

While in Rovinj, we visited the town’s most iconic landmark, the Church of St. Euphemia, which crowns the hilltop at the heart of the old town. This baroque church, dating back to the 18th century, is dedicated to Rovinj’s patron saint. According to legend, St. Euphemia’s sarcophagus mysteriously floated across the sea and came to rest on Rovinj’s shores — a story that has been cherished by locals for centuries. Inside, the church is simple yet full of history, while outside, the soaring bell tower — modeled after St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice — offers panoramic views over the red rooftops, the sparkling Adriatic, and the scattering of small islands offshore. Standing there, it’s easy to understand why Rovinj is often called the “pearl of the Adriatic.”

Plitvice National Park: Nature at Its Finest

One of the most anticipated stops for me was Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and untouched forest landscapes, it was easily one of the highlights of the trip. The photos don’t do this park justice — it’s a place you truly have to see for yourself!

Instead of taking the boat ride, we opted for a hike to the park’s highest viewpoint — a trail not often taken by tourists. Our guide explained it’s more of a hidden path that locals use, which made it feel even more special. Standing at the top, gazing over the patchwork of shimmering lakes below, the panoramic views were worth every single step.

What’s fascinating about Plitvice is how the lakes themselves are formed. They’re constantly changing — the tufa barriers (natural dams of limestone deposits) grow year after year, reshaping waterfalls and creating new cascades. In other words, the landscape is alive and evolving, so no two visits are ever exactly the same. Add to that the park’s rich biodiversity — home to bears, wolves, lynx, and over 250 species of birds — and it truly feels like stepping into a living fairytale.

If you're going to be visiting the Lakes, I highly suggest you stay in the National Park and get up early to beat the crowds as it becomes busier in the day.

The Dalmatian Coast by Private Yacht 

Next came the crown jewel of the trip — a private yacht charter along the Dalmatian Coast. Each day brought new discoveries:

• Split: Bustling with life and centered around Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where history and modern life intertwine.

• Brač: Famous for Zlatni Rat beach, where we swam in crystal-clear waters.

• Hvar: Croatia’s sunniest island, offering a mix of glamorous nightlife, lavender fields, and historic charm. Guests especially loved exploring Hvar Town and its fortress views.

• Vis: Remote, authentic, and unspoiled. Our wine tasting in an old military bunker was one-of-a-kind. Though we missed the Blue Caves due to weather, it’s a reason to return.

• Korčula: Nicknamed “Little Dubrovnik,” with medieval walls, Venetian architecture, and Marco Polo legends.

• Mljet: Croatia’s greenest island, where guests biked and swam in the national park’s saltwater lakes.

• Slano: A small coastal village where we savored fresh oysters pulled straight from the sea.

• Ston: Known for its medieval walls, ancient salt pans, and some of the world’s best oysters. I brought home five kinds of artisan salt as souvenirs.

• Dubrovnik: The grand finale — walking the city walls, riding the cable car for sweeping views, and enjoying early morning strolls before the crowds.

Each stop along the way blended history, natural beauty, and a touch of surprise.