For Tara, travel has always been more than just a vacation; it’s been a lifelong passion. From childhood road trips across the United States to building a 20+ year career as a travel consultant, Tara has always been driven by a curiosity to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create unforgettable memories around the world.
With years of firsthand travel experience across destinations including Europe, Asia, Australia, Fiji, Peru, and beyond, Tara knows that the best trips come from combining expert knowledge with a traveller’s personal dreams and interests.
Recently, Tara returned from an incredible two-week adventure in Croatia, experiencing the destination in two different ways: first through a G Adventures tour and then with four days of independent exploration. We caught up with Tara to hear about her favourite moments, must-see spots, and why Croatia should be on every traveller’s radar.
Q&A with Tara
What inspired you to choose Croatia for your recent trip?
Croatia had been on my travel bucket list for years. It all started with photos of the stunning lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, followed by the beauty of Dubrovnik and its ancient city walls. Like many travellers, watching Game of Thrones only made me more eager to visit. In July, I finally had the opportunity to spend two weeks exploring Croatia, and it did not disappoint!
Can you give us a quick overview of your itinerary and the places you visited?
I experienced Croatia on G Adventures’ “Croatia Adventure”, beginning in the vibrant capital of Zagreb before making our way along the spectacular Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik. Along the journey, we explored some of Croatia’s most iconic destinations, including Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Šibenik, Krka National Park, the island of Zlarin, Split, Makarska, and Ston. The itinerary offered a wonderful mix of stunning natural landscapes, historic towns, coastal charm, and authentic local experiences. 
What was your favourite destination or experience in Croatia, and why?
One of the absolute highlights of my trip was Plitvice Lakes National Park. We hiked approximately 8 km through the park, winding our way around its crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls. The scenery was simply breathtaking. The lush greenery combined with the incredibly vibrant turquoise water created a landscape unlike anything I had ever seen before. Although the park was popular with visitors, it still felt remarkably peaceful, making it easy to appreciate its natural beauty.
I also absolutely loved Dubrovnik and was so glad I added extra days to my itinerary. Having that additional time allowed me to truly immerse myself in the city instead of rushing through the highlights. I spent hours wandering the charming streets of the Old Town, walking the ancient city walls, exploring historic buildings, and visiting several Game of Thrones filming locations. Hiking to the top of Mount Srđ for panoramic views and watching the sunset from the summit was unforgettable. I also enjoyed a unique Sky Bike experience and spent a relaxing afternoon exploring the beautiful island of Lokrum.
Although our stop in Split was brief, it quickly became another favourite destination. We began with a guided tour of the historic city centre and the remarkable Diocletian’s Palace. I especially enjoyed watching the changing of the guards and learning about the palace’s fascinating history. There was so much more I wanted to explore, but I chose to hike Marjan Hill instead, a decision I didn’t regret. The trail rewarded me with spectacular panoramic views over Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands.
Another memorable experience was our free day in Makarska, where we joined a jet boat excursion to the nearby islands. The day was filled with unforgettable stops, including snorkelling in the stunning Blue Lagoon and swimming inside a Blue Cave. We also visited the beautiful island of Hvar, often referred to as the “Little Venice” of Croatia, where I couldn’t resist trying the local lavender ice cream, a delicious and uniquely Croatian treat. 
What was the biggest highlight of travelling with G Adventures?
One of the things I always appreciate about travelling with G Adventures is how effortless they make the entire experience. They take care of all the logistics, from transportation and accommodations to the countless details that can make planning a trip overwhelming. Many meals are included, and for those that aren’t, G Adventures offers optional group dinners, allowing travellers to enjoy a meal together. On our tour, the majority of the group joined these dinners, making them a wonderful way to connect and share stories from the day’s adventures. I especially love this aspect for solo travellers, as it provides a welcoming and social atmosphere where no one has to dine alone.
The CEO (Chief Experience Officer), G Adventures’ name for their tour leader, truly elevates the experience. Our CEO, Karla, was exceptional. Her passion for Croatia was evident in everything she did, and she genuinely wanted us to experience the very best her country had to offer. From the start of the trip, she created a WhatsApp group where she shared helpful information and remained available to answer questions throughout our journey. Even after the tour officially ended, she happily answered my questions during my extra days in Dubrovnik, which I greatly appreciated.
One of the most memorable experiences came when we visited Makarska, Karla’s hometown. It was clear how proud she was to share it with us. For our optional group dinner, she took us to her family’s restaurant, where her sister is the owner. We received an incredibly warm welcome, and it was obvious that everyone on the staff knew and adored Karla. Throughout our stay, she also introduced us to her favourite cafés, restaurants, and local shops, many owned by friends, which gave us an authentic glimpse into local life that we never would have discovered on our own. These personal connections transformed our visit from simply seeing a destination to truly experiencing it.
What makes G Adventures different from other tour companies?
One of the things I love about G Adventures is its commitment to ensuring that tourism has a positive impact on the destinations it visits. Whenever possible, G Adventures partners with locally owned hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and tour operators, helping to support the communities that welcome travellers.
Each trip is also assigned a Ripple Score, which shows the percentage of a traveller’s spending that remains within the local economy. It’s a meaningful way to demonstrate how responsible tourism can directly benefit the people and places you visit.
G Adventures also created Planeterra, its non-profit foundation dedicated to helping local communities develop sustainable, tourism-based businesses. These community projects create employment opportunities while protecting local environments, preserving cultural traditions, and improving livelihoods. When a Planeterra project is located along an itinerary, travellers have the opportunity to visit, meet the people behind the initiative, and see firsthand the positive impact tourism is making.
On our Croatia tour, we visited Maritimo, Planeterra’s community project in Dubrovnik. The organization is dedicated to cleaning Croatia’s beaches and oceans by collecting discarded plastic and transforming it into useful products such as sunglasses, tabletops, and even fencing materials. It was inspiring to see how an environmental challenge was being turned into an innovative and sustainable solution that benefits both the community and the coastline.
Another initiative I appreciate is G Adventures’ commitment to planting one tree for every traveller, every day they are on tour.
What did you enjoy most about travelling independently afterward?
After my G Adventures tour ended, I extended my stay in Dubrovnik, and I’m so glad I did. I moved to a charming boutique accommodation located right in the heart of the Old Town. Full of character and history, it was the perfect place to experience the city. Staying within the ancient walls made it incredibly convenient to head out early and wander the quiet streets before the crowds arrived, then return to relax, freshen up, or change before heading back out to continue exploring.
Having those extra days allowed me to truly immerse myself in everything Dubrovnik has to offer. I walked the famous city walls, joined a Game of Thrones filming locations tour, and visited several fascinating museums, including the historic Rector’s Palace. I also spent a relaxing afternoon on Lokrum Island, a beautiful nature reserve just a short ferry ride from the city, where I enjoyed peaceful walking trails, stunning coastal views, and a refreshing swim.
Another unforgettable experience was hiking to the top of Mount Srđ. While there, I took part in the unique Sky Bike experience before settling in for a picnic as the sun began to set. Watching Dubrovnik transform from the warm glow of daylight to the rich colours of dusk, and finally as the city began to twinkle below. Seeing the city from that vantage point at different times of day was absolutely magical.
Did you discover any hidden gems that you would recommend?
One of the places I would highly recommend visiting in Dubrovnik is Buza Bar. It was recommended to me by a friend before my trip, and my Old Town hotel concierge also suggested it as a must-visit spot.
Built directly into the cliffs outside the city walls, Buza Bar offers a truly unique setting overlooking the Adriatic Sea. While seating is limited and prices are slightly higher than some other spots in town, the experience is well worth it. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink, watch adventurous visitors cliff jump into the crystal-clear water, or simply relax and take in one of Dubrovnik’s unforgettable sunsets.
What was the food like? Any must-try dishes or restaurants?
One of the things I loved about travelling through Croatia was discovering how regional the cuisine is. Each destination had its own specialties, flavours, and traditional dishes, making the food experience just as memorable as the landscapes and historic sites.
Zagreb
In Zagreb, the cuisine is more influenced by Central European flavours, with hearty meat dishes and comforting stews being popular. One dish I was told was a must-try was Zagrebački odrezak (Zagreb Steak), a Croatian twist on a classic schnitzel. It is similar to a combination of schnitzel and Cordon Bleu, with a delicious filling inside the breaded meat.
Zadar
While visiting Zadar, I had the opportunity to try the traditional Zadar cake, a delicious dessert made with almond, orange, and chocolate flavours. Zadar is also a great place to sample one of Croatia’s most famous coastal dishes—black risotto. Popular throughout the Dalmatian Coast, this unique risotto gets its distinctive colour and flavour from cuttlefish ink. We enjoyed it as part of our Zadar food and walking tour, and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was.
Šibenik
Šibenik had several memorable culinary highlights. One traditional dish to try is Skradinski rižot, a veal risotto that takes hours to prepare. Everyone in our group who tried it raved about it. During my time in Šibenik, I visited Konoba Centar Šibenik, where I sampled a few local specialties, including cinnamon sausage (served in a traditional soup) and pašticada s njokama. This classic Dalmatian dish features beef that is marinated for 24 hours, slow-cooked, and served with gnocchi. It was absolutely delicious.
Makarska
In Makarska, we had dinner at Restaurant Point, a family-run restaurant owned for generations by our CEO Karla’s family. We enjoyed a fantastic surf and turf pasta with truffle sauce paired with a local Dalmatian wine. The combination of flavours and the warm hospitality made it a memorable dining experience.
Hvar
When visiting Hvar, one local treat that should not be missed is lavender ice cream. Since lavender is widely grown on the island, this unique flavour is a fun and distinctly Hvar experience.
Dubrovnik
Throughout Croatia, another popular food to try is burek—a pastry traditionally filled with meat, although other variations are available. I was told this was a must-try, and while in Dubrovnik, I visited Holy Burek, where they serve their burek in a convenient stick shape. It was the perfect lunch option while wandering through the Old Town.
And of course, no trip to Croatia would be complete without enjoying some ice cream! Croatian gelato shops offer handmade ice cream with countless flavour options. In Dubrovnik, the two places most often recommended to me were Peppino’s and Gianni’s, both popular stops for a sweet treat.
Another Croatian specialty worth trying is cherry brandy, a traditional drink enjoyed throughout the country. It was surprisingly delicious and a wonderful way to finish off a meal or toast to an incredible Croatian adventure. 
What kind of traveller do you think Croatia is best suited for?
I would say Croatia is a destination that appeals to a wide variety of travellers. Whether you are looking for adventure, history, incredible food, or unique cultural experiences, Croatia offers something memorable for everyone.
Active Travellers
Croatia is a fantastic destination for those who love to stay active while travelling. There are countless opportunities to hike scenic trails, climb to breathtaking viewpoints, and explore the outdoors. Highlights include walking through the stunning landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, hiking mountain trails, exploring Dubrovnik’s famous city walls, and simply wandering through the charming (and often stair-filled!) streets of the historic Old Towns.
For those who enjoy water activities, Croatia’s spectacular coastline provides opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, and boat excursions through crystal-clear waters and along beautiful islands.
History Lovers
For history enthusiasts, Croatia is a dream destination. Nearly every city and town has layers of history waiting to be discovered. From ancient Roman ruins and medieval fortifications to beautifully preserved Old Towns, the country offers an incredible opportunity to step back in time. Whether you are exploring Diocletian’s Palace in Split, walking the walls of Dubrovnik, or discovering historic coastal towns, the stories and architecture are everywhere.
Food and Wine Lovers
Croatia is a wonderful destination for foodies, especially because the cuisine changes from region to region. Travelling through the country allows you to experience a variety of local specialties—from quick market stops and casual cafés to family-run konobas (traditional restaurants) and upscale dining experiences.
The Dalmatian Coast is particularly known for its wines, offering a variety of local reds and whites. Because many wineries are small, family-owned operations, some Croatian wines are not widely exported, making this a unique opportunity to taste wines you may not find anywhere else.
For craft beer enthusiasts, Zagreb has a growing craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and craft beer houses to explore. Dubrovnik is also home to Dubrovnik Beer Factory, which has a taproom conveniently located inside the Old Town, even though the brewery itself is located outside the city centre.
Game of Thrones Fans
For fans of Game of Thrones, Croatia is an incredible destination. The country served as a filming location for many iconic scenes, with some of the most recognizable locations found in and around Dubrovnik.
Visitors can explore filming locations throughout Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the fortress just outside the city walls, gardens, and the nearby island of Lokrum, which features the official Iron Throne and a Game of Thrones museum. There are also filming locations around Split and other areas along the coast.
The Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik is especially fascinating because it goes beyond simply visiting the locations; it shares behind-the-scenes stories, filming details, and interesting facts about how the city was transformed into King’s Landing. Even for casual fans, it provides a unique way to experience Dubrovnik’s history and scenery. 
What are a few must-do experiences or places you think every visitor should add to their itinerary?
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This is an absolute must-see and one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited. The combination of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests creates a landscape unlike anything else you will experience. It is a destination that truly needs to be seen to be appreciated.
Dubrovnik
Although Dubrovnik can be very busy, especially during July and August, I still believe it deserves a place on every Croatia itinerary. The ideal length of stay will depend on each traveller’s interests, but I would recommend spending at least one or two days here to experience the magic of the Old Town, walk the historic walls, enjoy the incredible views, and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere.
Outer Islands
While the historic cities and stunning national parks on the mainland are incredible, I would highly recommend including at least one island visit in your Croatia itinerary. During my trip, we explored Zlarin and Hvar, and both offered a wonderful contrast to the busier mainland destinations.
The islands provided a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing us to slow down and experience a more relaxed pace of life. They offered a glimpse into the everyday rhythm of island living, with charming villages, beautiful coastal scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are looking to unwind, enjoy the beaches, explore local culture, or simply take in the views, Croatia’s islands are the perfect place to relax and recharge. 
What advice would you give someone planning their first trip to Croatia?
If possible, I would recommend avoiding July and August. These are Croatia’s peak travel months, which means the most popular destinations can become extremely busy, especially on days when cruise ships are in port. The summer heat can also make sightseeing more challenging, particularly in the historic stone cities where there is limited shade. During my trip, daytime temperatures ranged from 29–35°C.
If you’re planning to visit Croatia’s beaches, I highly recommend packing water shoes. Unlike the sandy beaches many of us are used to, Croatia’s coastline is mostly made up of pebbles and rocks, and in some areas, sea urchins can be found on the sea floor.
I packed water shoes after researching before my trip, and was so glad I did. I was the only person on my tour who brought them, while many others struggled to get in and out of the water—or ended up buying expensive pairs during the trip. It’s a small item to pack, but it will make enjoying Croatia’s beautiful beaches much easier.
It is also important to know that Croatia is not a budget destination. While it offers incredible experiences and excellent value in many areas, prices can be higher than expected, especially in popular tourist areas and during the peak summer season. July and August typically see the highest rates for accommodations, dining, and activities.
For fewer crowds, more comfortable temperatures, and better value, I would recommend travelling during the shoulder seasons, April through early June or September and October. These months offer a wonderful balance of pleasant weather, easier sightseeing, and a more relaxed experience.
Finally, be prepared to walk a lot! Croatia is best explored on foot, but that means not only covering longer distances but also navigating plenty of stairs, hills, and uneven cobblestone streets. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and the effort is rewarded with incredible views, historic sites, and charming streets waiting to be discovered. 
Croatia is a destination that truly offers something for every type of traveller, from historic coastal cities and charming villages to breathtaking islands, incredible cuisine, and unforgettable experiences along the Adriatic Sea.
After exploring Croatia firsthand, Tara can help you plan a trip that fits your travel style, whether you’re looking for a guided adventure, a relaxing getaway, or the perfect combination of both. With her years of experience, destination knowledge, and passion for creating meaningful travel experiences, Tara is here to help take the stress out of planning and bring your dream vacation to life.
Ready to start planning your own Croatian adventure? Contact Tara today and let her help you create an unforgettable journey.
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