Croatia Travel Guide

Croatia Travel Guide: Where to Go, What to See, and How Long to Stay Croatia has quietly become one of Europe’s most romantic honeymoon destinations. Picture medieval stone towns, crystal-clear turquoise waters, secluded islands, breathtaking waterfalls, and sunsets that seem almost too beautiful to be real. Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing by the Adriatic Sea, exploring centuries-old cities, or island hopping by ferry, Croatia offers the perfect balance of adventure and romance. If you’re planning your honeymoon in Croatia, here’s our guide to where to go, what to see, and how long to stay. How Many Days Should You Spend in Croatia? For most honeymooners, 10 to 14 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to experience Croatia’s historic cities, visit a few islands, and enjoy some downtime without feeling rushed. If you’re combining Croatia with another European destination like Italy, Greece, or Slovenia, 7 to 10 days is still enough to experience the country’s highlights. Dubrovnik: Croatia’s Romantic Gem (2–3 Days) Often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most iconic destinations—and for good reason. Spend your days wandering the marble streets of the Old Town, climbing the medieval city walls, and enjoying waterfront cafés tucked inside centuries-old buildings. In the evening, stroll hand-in-hand as the city glows under soft lights before settling in for a romantic seafood dinner overlooking the sea. Best Time to Visit Croatia Don’t miss: Walking the historic city walls Riding the cable car for panoramic sunset views Exploring Lokrum Island Taking a sunset cruise along the Adriatic Split: History Meets Coastal Charm (2–3 Days) Split offers a wonderful mix of ancient history and modern coastal life. The heart of the city is Diocletian’s Palace, where Roman ruins blend seamlessly with lively restaurants, boutiques, and wine bars. Spend your mornings exploring the narrow alleyways before relaxing along the Riva promenade with a glass of local Croatian wine. Split also serves as an excellent base for island hopping. Hvar: Croatia’s Most Romantic Island (2–3 Days) For many honeymooners, Hvar is the highlight of their Croatian adventure. Known for its lavender fields, luxury yachts, beautiful beaches, and lively harbor, Hvar feels effortlessly glamorous without losing its authentic charm. Spend your days: Swimming in secluded coves Exploring charming villages Visiting vineyards and wineries Watching unforgettable sunsets from hilltop fortresses Couples looking for boutique hotels and upscale dining will find plenty to love here. Korčula: A Hidden Honeymoon Favorite (2 Days) If you prefer quieter destinations, Korčula is an excellent alternative to Hvar. Often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik,” this enchanting island offers medieval streets, beautiful beaches, excellent wineries, and a slower pace that’s perfect for couples looking to unwind. Rent bicycles, enjoy wine tastings, or simply spend the afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear Adriatic. Why Croatia Is Such an Incredible Honeymoon Destination Plitvice Lakes National Park (1 Day) Even if beaches are your priority, Plitvice Lakes deserves a place on your itinerary. The park’s cascading waterfalls, emerald lakes, and wooden walkways create one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. It’s a wonderful stop between Zagreb and the coast or as part of a road trip through Croatia. Rovinj: Istria’s Romantic Escape (2 Days) Located on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, Rovinj feels distinctly Italian with its colorful waterfront buildings and winding cobblestone streets. This region is famous for: Truffle hunting Olive oil tastings Local wineries Fresh seafood Luxury boutique hotels If you’re food lovers, don’t skip Istria. Best Time to Visit Croatia The best months for a honeymoon are: May and June: Warm weather, fewer crowds, and blooming landscapes. September: Warm sea temperatures, pleasant weather, and a more relaxed atmosphere after the summer rush. Early October: Mild temperatures and lower prices, though some island services begin winding down. July and August bring beautiful weather but also larger crowds and higher prices. Getting Around Croatia Croatia is surprisingly easy to explore. The country has an excellent ferry network connecting many of the islands, making island hopping simple and scenic. Rental cars work well for exploring Istria or visiting Plitvice Lakes, while buses provide affordable transportation between major cities. Many honeymooners choose a combination of ferries, private transfers, and occasional car rentals depending on their itinerary. Suggested 10-Day Croatia Honeymoon Itinerary Days 1–3: Dubrovnik Explore the Old Town, walk the city walls, enjoy a sunset cruise, and relax at seaside restaurants. Days 4–6: Hvar Take the ferry to Hvar for beach days, wine tasting, and romantic evenings overlooking the harbor. Days 7–8: Split Discover Roman history, stroll the waterfront promenade, and enjoy Croatia’s vibrant culinary scene. Days 9–10: Plitvice Lakes or Rovinj Choose breathtaking waterfalls and nature or finish your honeymoon with gourmet dining and charming coastal streets in Istria. How Many Days Do You Really Need for a Trip to Croatia? Why Croatia Is Perfect for Honeymooners Croatia offers something many destinations struggle to balance: luxury without feeling overly commercial. You can spend one day exploring centuries-old cities, the next swimming in secluded turquoise bays, and the evening enjoying fresh seafood with waterfront views—all without the crowds often found in other Mediterranean destinations. Whether you’re celebrating with a boutique island escape, an unforgettable sailing adventure, or a relaxed coastal itinerary, Croatia creates the kind of honeymoon filled with moments you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home. If Croatia has been on your travel wish list, your honeymoon may be the perfect reason to make it happen. Planning your honeymoon? At Remarkable Honeymoons, we specialize in designing customized honeymoon itineraries that match your travel style, budget, and dream destinations. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Croatian escape. 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Best Time to Visit Croatia

The Best Time to Visit Croatia: A Month-by-Month Guide Croatia is one of those destinations that seems to have it all: beautiful islands, historic cities, turquoise Adriatic waters, excellent food and wine, and dramatic coastal scenery. But when is the best time to visit Croatia? The answer depends on what you want from your trip. If you want long, sunny days and warm water, July and August are hard to beat. If you prefer comfortable sightseeing temperatures and fewer crowds, May, June, September, and October can be wonderful. And if your main priority is finding the lowest prices, the winter months generally offer the best value. For many travelers, the sweet spot is late May through June or September. These months can offer beautiful weather, plenty of outdoor activities, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the height of summer. How Many Days Should You Spend in Croatia? The Quick Answer When Is the Best Time to Visit Croatia? Best overall weather: June through September Best weather with fewer crowds Late May, June, and September Best time for swimming and beach vacations July through early September Best for sightseeing and exploring April through June and September through October Cheapest time to visit Croatia Generally November through March Best balance of weather, crowds, and value May, June, and September The most popular coastal destinations—including Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and other islands—are busiest and most expensive during July and August. Croatia in January, February, and March The first three months of the year are part of Croatia’s quiet winter low season. Along the coast, the weather is generally cool and can be rainy, while inland areas and the mountains can be cold and snowy. Many seasonal coastal hotels, restaurants, and activities operate on reduced schedules. That said, this can be an appealing time for travelers interested in Croatia’s cities, history, food, and culture rather than beaches and swimming. Zagreb, for example, offers museums, restaurants, cafés, and cultural attractions year-round. Best for: Lower prices, quiet cities, cultural travel, and travelers who don’t need beach weather. Croatia in April April brings the beginning of spring, with longer days and increasingly pleasant weather. This is a particularly good time for exploring historic cities, walking, visiting national parks, and enjoying Croatia’s food and wine. The Adriatic will generally be too cool for most travelers to consider it a beach vacation, but the lack of summer crowds can be a major advantage. If you are more interested in exploring Dubrovnik, Split, historic towns, and Croatia’s natural beauty, April can be an excellent choice. Best for: Sightseeing, hiking, national parks, and avoiding summer crowds. Croatia in May May is one of my favorite months to consider for a trip to Croatia. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, without the intense summer heat. The days are increasingly sunny, outdoor dining is enjoyable, and the landscape is beautiful. The Adriatic may be warm enough for swimming, particularly later in the month, although water temperatures can still feel cool depending on the year. May is also attractive for travelers who want to experience Croatia before the crowds and prices of July and August arrive. For a honeymoon, it can offer a lovely combination of scenery, comfortable temperatures, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Best for: Sightseeing, outdoor activities, early beach season, and value.   Croatia in June June is one of the best all-around months to visit Croatia. The weather is warm and sunny, the days are long, and the Adriatic is becoming increasingly inviting for swimming and boating. Most seasonal businesses and transportation services are fully operating, making it an excellent month for island hopping. If you want to combine Dubrovnik, Split, the islands, sailing, swimming, and outdoor dining, June is a wonderful choice. Best for: Beaches, sightseeing, sailing, island hopping, and honeymoons. 7 Beautiful Places in Croatia Croatia in July and August July and August are peak summer in Croatia. These months offer some of the warmest weather of the year, the warmest sea temperatures, long sunny days, and the fullest calendar of events and activities. They are also the busiest and most expensive months to visit. Popular destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar can be extremely busy during the height of summer. Hotel rates and demand are typically at their highest, and popular accommodations can sell out well in advance. That said, July and August can be fantastic if your priority is a classic Mediterranean summer vacation. The sea is warm, sailing conditions are appealing, and the entire coastline feels lively and energetic. If you are traveling during these months, consider incorporating smaller towns or less-visited islands into your itinerary for a more relaxed experience. Best for: Swimming, sailing, beach vacations, nightlife, and the full summer experience. Croatia in September September is one of the best months to visit Croatia. The weather is often still warm and sunny, the sea remains inviting for swimming, and the intense summer crowds begin to thin out. This is a particularly appealing month for couples and honeymooners. You can enjoy the beautiful Adriatic coast and islands without experiencing quite the same peak-season atmosphere as July and August. September is also excellent for combining beach time with sightseeing, food, wine, and outdoor activities. For many travelers, September offers one of the best combinations of good weather, warm water, fewer crowds, and better value. Best for: Honeymoons, swimming, sailing, sightseeing, food and wine, and a more relaxed experience. Croatia in October October is a beautiful but more variable month. The weather is generally cooler than September, particularly later in the month, and rain becomes more likely. However, there can still be plenty of lovely days along the coast. October is particularly appealing for travelers who are more interested in exploring Croatia’s cities, countryside, food, wine, and culture than spending every day at the beach. The fall atmosphere can be especially enjoyable in areas known for food and wine, including Istria. Best for: Food and wine, sightseeing, cultural travel, and lower-season value. Croatia in November

Let’s Touch Grass

Happy Friday! This week’s newsletter is dedicated to the myriad ways it’s possible to soak up the great outdoors: in Scandinavian urban oases, U.S. national parks, and the wild Peruvian Amazon. Keep reading for more alfresco travel inspiration. Where to Find Stockholm’s Best-Kept Secret Inspired by similar community gardens in other parts of Europe, including Denmark, England, and Germany, Sweden’s first garden associations were established on what were then the outskirts of Stockholm. But many, including Barnängens Koloniträdgårdsförening – the one my dachshund and I explored in Vitabergsparken – are now nestled in residential areas, like my neighborhood on Södermalm, an island in central Stockholm. READ MORE Traveling to a U.S. National Park Soon? Here’s What to Know The mystery of Old Faithful, the wonder of the redwoods, the glory of the Grand Canyon: Awe drives any trip to a national park. But in the wake of proposed budget cuts to the National Park Service, as well as significant staff layoffs, some park lovers are nervously anticipating the fallout from program reductions, whether they mean closed visitors’ centers or overflowing trash cans. READ MORE There’s a New Way to Chase Thrills in the Peruvian Amazon The Amazon rainforest is addictive. You don’t come here for monotony. In this expanse of more than 2.5 million square miles, home to some 4,000 miles of river systems and millions of animal species, every moment feels like a promise – that just beyond the next bend or behind a rustle in the trees, something extraordinary is waiting. READ MORE It’s Go Time: Three Ways to Soak Up Canada’s Great Outdoors This June and July, Toronto, Ontario, and Vancouver, British Columbia, will step into the global spotlight as cohosts of 13 World Cup matches. While the stadiums beckon die-hard soccer fans, Canada’s post-game thrills extend far beyond each city’s limits. READ MORE Chef Nargisse Benkabbou, author of Casablanca: My Moroccan Food and the newly released Madaq, shares what she’s been loving lately. Packing: I always bring a notebook for ideas and recipes, and a cashmere wrap, which doubles as a blanket on flights. Watching: Chef’s Table: France. The cinematography is beautiful, and the level of craft is inspiring. Admiring: I love how contemporary Moroccan visual artist Bouchra Boudoua plays with textures, colors, and raw materials. Her work feels instinctive and grounded. Planning: I’m heading to Oaxaca next, and I’m really excited to eat through Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez Market. The first book to celebrate Fire Island’s rich art history is a Pride Month must. Bottega Veneta’s latest fragrance drop bottles summer in Italy. The 100th James Turrell Skyspace opens in Aarhus, Denmark, next week. This Spanish bar-napkin archive is a treasure trove of fun design. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote

Summer in Greenland

Into the Tundra “You might be the first person in history to set foot on that particular place,” veteran mountain guide Phil Wickens told passengers on a recent Quark Expeditions cruise as they prepared for a helicopter excursion to a Greenland ice sheet. Our sustainability correspondent, Jen Rose Smith, was there to chronicle the entire adventure, including a campout in the wilderness. Make for the Arctic at the link below, or, if beach clubs are more your summer speed, scroll on for this season’s hottest. Setting Sail on a Cruise with No Fixed Itinerary Seen through a helicopter’s wraparound windows, the Greenland ice sheet was the world. It blurred into a creamy sky on the distant horizon; its sinkholes and crevasses puckered to cerulean depths. As tiny figures waved us in toward a landing, I recalled the previous day’s briefing for this flight, which took me from the decks of the 199-passenger .. READ MORE From Bali to Italy, the Cabanas Are Calling Claim a sunbed, order that bottle of Whispering Angel, and let the sound of lapping waves – mingled with ambient DJ sets, of course – carry you into an afternoon of beachside bliss. Today, every seaside luxury hotel worth its weight in seafood towers has its own beach club. The best offer more than a perch by the water – they’re showing off buzzy fashion collaborations, menus from Michelin-fêted chefs, and immersive art installations. Below, nine compelling reasons to pack your swimsuit. READ MORE Tee Off in the World’s Next Great Golf Destination Traveling pulls me out of my usual routine, so I try to arrive somewhere with no agenda and give myself time to actually settle in. (I also always pack at least two books that I won’t end up reading.) Last December, my boyfriend and I spent New Year’s Eve in Fortaleza, Brazil – we took a dune buggy to an all-night party out on the beach. READ MORE This Soon-to-Debut Cruise Ship Is Made for Family-Friendly Getaways Fresh off the maiden voyage of the new 3,565-passenger Norwegian Luna in April, Norwegian Cruise Line is already gearing up to raise the bar. Next summer, the 3,879-passenger Norwegian Aura becomes the line’s fifth Prima Class vessel – and its largest. It will set sail in the Caribbean with a triple-deck amusement complex and superlatives aimed to please families, including more waterslides than any other Norwegian ship. READ MORE Where to Brunch, Bird-Watch, Swim, and Play in the Cayman Islands In the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands beckon visitors with sun, sand, and sparkling sea. Beyond the postcard-worthy beaches, there’s more to experience in this tropical paradise: Grand Cayman and its Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are home to buzzing restaurants, dramatic seaside cliffs, biodiverse coral reefs, and remote bird sanctuaries. READ MORE A Long Weekend in Istria, from the Wineries to the Sea In the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands beckon visitors with sun, sand, and sparkling sea. Beyond the postcard-worthy beaches, there’s more to experience in this tropical paradise: Grand Cayman and its Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are home to buzzing restaurants, dramatic seaside cliffs, biodiverse coral reefs, and remote bird sanctuaries. READ MORE Greenlandic chef Miki Siegstad shares what he’s been loving lately. Photo by Gajan Balan/Quark Expeditions. Packing: I usually bring two Fjällräven jackets: one for nice weather, and a water-repellent option. Listening to: Avicii for adventures, Caamp for chill vibes, and Blink-182 for all situations. Watching: Yes Theory on YouTube. I like their philosophy that a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. Planning: I have a five-week trip coming up, to Reykjavík, Paris, Georgia, Armenia, Albania, Montenegro, and probably North Macedonia and Kosovo too. I’m looking forward to trying Georgian khinkali and khachapuri. Everyone is getting in on summer soccer prep. Even more hotel beach club news . Milan Design Week lives on at Marni x Cucchi through July 15. Ponant and The Ocean Agency just released a captivating polar image series . You deserve Neapolitan pizza at home Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote

Go Wild

For our May Virtuoso, The Magazine cover story, writer Aaron Gulley and photographer Jen Judge spent time with 16-year-old eagle hunter and bona fide badass Aymoldyr Dayanbek, who became the second woman ever to win Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival in 2023. Their ten-day exploration of the country set the tone for our adventure issue, an edition full of expedition cruises (and what to pack for them), art-centric overnights, and more. Traveling to Mongolia Is a Steppe Back in Time Decked out in a snow-white Spyder hoodie with red webs stitched across the shoulders and faux-fur platform Crocs, 16-year-old Aymoldyr Dayanbek flicks through her Instagram feed and rapid-fire messages with friends, seemingly oblivious to the backdrop of western Mongolia’s glacier-licked Altai Mountains. But asked about falconry, the tradition of hunting with eagles practiced in these highlands for centuries, she ditches her phone and lights up. READ MORE Add Some Sparkle to Your Next Expedition Sailing In Svalbard, time loosens its grip. Under the midnight sun, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 198-passenger World Voyager circumnavigates the islands round-trip from Longyearbyen in 11 nights, charting a course for glacier-carved fjords where polar bears roam and Arctic foxes dart across the tundra. Wildlife sightings and shifting ice guide shore landings and Zodiac safaris, while life on board revolves around lounge-hopping and the rooftop pool deck. A precision timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre is practically a necessity here: READ MORE Tee Off in the World’s Next Great Golf Destination Pebble Beach? Been there. St Andrews? Done that. The world’s most iconic golf destinations are worthy of repeat pilgrimages, but few places pair marquee courses with off-the-green diversions like Southeast Asia does. Over the past several years, many of the game’s greatest architects have designed and helped open new courses across Thailand and Vietnam, from seaside links to jungle-hugged layouts and pristine parkland stunners. READ MORE This Soon-to-Debut Cruise Ship Is Made for Family-Friendly Getaways Fresh off the maiden voyage of the new 3,565-passenger Norwegian Luna in April, Norwegian Cruise Line is already gearing up to raise the bar. Next summer, the 3,879-passenger Norwegian Aura becomes the line’s fifth Prima Class vessel – and its largest. It will set sail in the Caribbean with a triple-deck amusement complex and superlatives aimed to please families, including more waterslides than any other Norwegian ship. READ MORE Where to Hike, Bike, and Kayak in 2026 Our take: The scenic route is always worth it – especially in the fall, when Alpine summits and pastoral valleys greet travelers with crisp temperatures and vibrant foliage. Backroads’ small-group and private hiking, cycling, and multi-adventure tours fully immerse travelers in the world’s most desirable locales, from the Canadian Rockies to Thailand’s tropical beaches. READ MORE Jimmy Millán, one of six artists-in-residence at Almanac Barcelona, shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing: Black and red Sharpie permanent markers, along with a notebook for sketches. You never know where creativity is going to come from. Reading: The biography of Archer Milton Huntington, the founder of the Hispanic Society of America. Listening to: Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, along with a mix of Latin fusion and jazz. Dreaming of: The U.S. is at the top of my list. I want to experience New York City’s energy, the creative spirit of Los Angeles, Chicago’s architectural presence, the cultural depth of New Orleans, and the atmosphere of San Francisco. This summer, Napa celebrates 50 years since the Judgement of Paris. Leaky concealer has stained its last suitcase. The NYC subway symphony. A Schiaparelli deep dive is on at London’s V&A through November. The new La DoubleJ x Belmond Villa San Michele collection is pure Florentine decadence. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote

Spotlight On

Welcome to a special South Korea-focused edition of our newsletter. I’m just back from a week in Seoul for Virtuoso’s annual Symposium, a luxury-travel-industry meeting of the minds. My first visit to South Korea’s megacity – population 10 million! – was an immersion in K-beauty (top find at Olive Young, the country’s answer to Sephora: Round Lab Birch Juice sunscreen), street food (I loved the hodugwaja, walnut cakes with custard filling), and gracious hospitality. Highlights included a morning run along the Han River, a traditional 18-step head spa session at a Park Jun salon (my scalp is glowing), and wandering through shops and cafés in the 600-year-old alleyways of Jongno-gu near Gyeongbokgung Palace – a spot-on recommendation from Conrad Seoul chief concierge Chloe Kim, who shared her hometown insider’s picks. City Guide: Next-Gen Seoul South Korea’s capital keeps leveling up its cool factor. These days, Seoul draws travelers seeking the viral Rejuran (salmon DNA) facial’s lit-from-within glow, post-treatment skincare products recommended by bubbly staff at any of the city’s hundreds of Olive Young branches, READ MORE How to Spend a Day in Coastal- Cool Busan Take Seoul's cosmopolitan energy, buzzing markets, and epic shopping, throw in some balmy weather and gorgeous beaches, and you’ve got Busan. South Korea’s second-largest city, which sits on the southeastern edge of the Korean Peninsula, pairs street food with seaside breezes, traditional artisan shops READ MORE Four Must-Visit Cocktail Bars in Seoul For a long time, Seoul’s bar scene was dominated by beer, Korean spirits soju and makgeolli, and etiquette such as receiving drinks with two hands. Then, in 2015, Speakeasy Mortar opened in the city’s glamorous Hannam-dong neighborhood, marked by all the usual trappings (discreet address, robust whisky selection, no-photos-allowed policy). The bar quickly captured the attention of a younger, more creative generation of entrepreneurs eager to rewrite the nightlife norms in their hometown. READ MORE Soohyang Kim , founder of Korean home fragrance brand Soohyang , shares what she’s been loving lately. Photography by Ninevon Studio. Packing: Korean surprises – the best way to make instant friends abroad. Reading: Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra – one page at a time, for years now. Watching: Drive to Survive , the Netflix Formula 1 documentary Dreaming of: Darjeeling, India. I want to watch tea-leaf harvesting under a full moon. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote

Ready, Set, Go

Sports lovers have long known that cheering on their faves IRL is an instant vacation upgrade. Our new feature series dedicated to sports travel goes all in on the fandom – the Virtuoso way. Whether it’s securing a posh Grand Prix perch, picking up a racket at one of the world’s best resorts, or planning a getaway to an unexpectedly great golf destination , we’ve got you covered. Where to Eat, Drink, and Play in Eight 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Cities The FIFA World Cup is a sporting juggernaut, an event so globally entrancing that even those who have no idea what “offside” means might find themselves swept up – shouting “Goooooooooal!” and passionately defending Norway’s chances in the “group of death.” READ MORE What Does Responsible Travel Mean to You? READ MORE These Hotels (and Cruises) Have the World’s Best F1 Views The in-person vibe at an F1 race can’t be beat: thunderous engines, dirty pit lanes, supermodel-handsome drivers, and glamorous parties thumping on all weekend. The 2026 Formula 1 calendar spans 24 Grand Prix races across the globe. Every track on the schedule has its own perks, from Melbourne’s festival-like atmosphere to Miami’s kitschy vinyl marin.. READ MORE A great hotel makes guests feel like they’re authentically experiencing a destination – and a reverence for celebrating a distinct sense of place is one of Regent Hotels & Resorts’ many strong suits. While some hotel brands deliver a consistent aesthetic from one city to the next, each of Regent’s 11 global properties embraces the one-of-a-kind character of its … READ MORE These Kempinski Hotels Connect Travelers to Local Legacies and Traditions Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels has spent more than 150 years establishing its cred: opulent properties in historic buildings, a concierge team with a cache of authentic experiences, and elegant suites and coveted restaurants in which to begin and end days of exploration. READ MORE Tennis pro Jannik Sinner, who recently helped develop an onboard wellness program for Explora Journeys, shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing: My PlayStation. I like to bring it on tour so I can play with my team – we’re all very competitive and it gets pretty loud. Craving: When friends go to the Dolomites, where I grew up, I tell them to try canederli di pane, the typical dumplings from the region. And the area’s white wines are among the best in Italy. Dreaming of: Cruising to Asia is high on my wish list, especially Tokyo and Osaka. The stadium-friendly clear bag, but make it fashion . Souvenir-magnet collectors know the stakes are high . Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz’s extensive collection of Black American and diasporic art is on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego starting this weekend. Did you see this year’s list of James Beard Awards finalists? Tamba, we’re coming for you Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote

Balearic Bliss

The vision I had in mind hinged on a scooter – hands holding Sam’s chest, chin resting on his shoulder as he drove us toward the lighthouse. Instead, while I guard our luggage near a ferry terminal and he makes our case to the rental attendant, my fantasy begins to fray at its edges. “I just need to know how to turn it on,” Sam says, tinkering with the bike, his confidence waning ever so slightly as this gatekeeper to our adventure shakes his head and grumbles, something about foreigners and scooter safety. For a Bygone Mediterranean, Head to This Tiny Spanish Island The vision I had in mind hinged on a scooter – hands holding Sam’s chest, chin resting on his shoulder as he drove us toward the lighthouse. Instead, while I guard our luggage near a ferry terminal and he makes our case to the rental attendant, my fantasy begins to fray at its edges. READ MORE What Does Responsible Travel Mean to You? READ MORE The Best Luxury Resorts in Costa Rica Viridian rainforests, thermal springs, cloud-streaked highlands, coffee and cocoa farms atop rich volcanic soil, and the beaches, of course, with sand in shades of pink, black, khaki, and white. Costa Rica isn’t a large country, but it wildly overdelivers in natural beauty and ecological diversity. READ MORE These Small-Group Tours Make Vacation a Breeze Witnessing the northern lights in Finland. Watching lion cubs wrestle while on safari in Kenya. Moments like this are meant to be shared, and for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends looking to make group-chat plans a reality, Virtuoso travel advisors turn to Collette’s small-group Exploration tours. The family-owned travel company has spent over a century cultivating on-the-ground relationships and connections around the world, so travelers can feel like locals wherever they roam. READ MORE Josie Sexton, a senior editor at Virtuoso, The Magazine, shares what she’s been loving lately. Packing: Summer Hours’ Le Week End (a clean citrus scent) and Sofie Pavitt Face’s Omega Rich Moisturizer, my go-to winter and shoulder-season face cream. Watching: Ryan Gosling absolutely nailed his solo-man-in-space role in Project Hail Mary. Less appealing: Louis Theroux’s take on the manosphere in his latest Netflix documentary – it made me squirm, but I loved it. Coveting: I first visited Formentera a few years ago on a yoga retreat and noticed some of the yogis there wearing Pascale Monvoisin jewelry. Ever since, I keep an eye on the Parisian designer’s artifact-like pendants and signet rings. Dreaming of: Tanzania and Mozambique. This season’s hottest download: the MyTSA app , which tracks security wait times in U.S. airports. Director Yorgos Lanthimos’ absurdist photography is on display in Athens through mid-May. L’Objet’s oh-so-pretty Grand Tour line takes design cues from sketches and collections made by nineteenth-century travelers. If Outlander ’s final season has you eyeing the Scottish Highlands, we’ve got you covered . Bookmark this sunset-quality predictor for upcoming summer vacations. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote

Hot on the Scene

Two hotels recently opened their doors along Venice’s canals, in time to welcome the well-heeled set flocking to the upcoming Biennale. We’re eyeing Airelles Palladio, Venezia and Orient Express Venezia for Euro summer this year, and elswhere, a Ritz-Carlton that’s camouflaged in the Riviera Nayarit jungle and Faena’s theatrical NYC debut. Catch up on the new properties we’re loving below, and take a moment to share what traveling sustainably means to you in our (short!) survey. The Best New Hotels of 2026 (So Far) With the April opening of Orient Express Venezia, two emblems of cross-cultural contact – the fabled sleeper train and the floating city – finally meet. The 47-room hotel’s home is Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a fifteenth-century noble residence built under the supervision of Filippo Calendario (mastermind of the Doge’s Palace), and gently ushered into the twenty-first century by Aline Asmar d’Amman, the designer behind the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant. READ MORE What Does Responsible Travel Mean to You? Take our 12-question survey. Take The Quiz City Guide: Silver Lake’s Indie Spirit Quiet bohemian enclave no longer, Silver Lake reigns as Los Angeles’ vintage-wearing, music-loving life of the party. Despite its popularity, Silver Lake – five miles north of downtown – keeps its east side independent streak alive. Long-standing boutiques such as Broome Street General Store and Rockaway Records share walkable hillside streets with a beloved, twice-weekly farmers’ market and some of the city’s most coveted modernist homes. READ MORE How to Spend a Sun-Soaked Week on Antigua The Caribbean is synonymous with beautiful beaches, and Antigua has some of the most (and best) of them – one for every day of the year, to be exact. It’s possible to spend an entire week languishing on just the island’s west coast, where one of its most pristine stretches of white sand, Galley Bay, forms a gently arcing crescent, sheltered by verdant bluffs at either end. READ MORE This Los Cabos Resort Takes Dining Seriously Food-truck fish tacos, garden-to-glass cocktails, pristine Pacific-sourced sushi – Los Cabos’ diverse dining scene spoils travelers. They can access it all across the six restaurants (plus two bars and a Champagne terrace) at the 112-room Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Nestled within one of Cabo San Lucas’ most prestigious neighborhoods – fronting a boulder-framed private beach where the ocean meets the Sea of Cortés – Waldorf Astoria reopened last fall after a multiyear renovation. READ MORE Étienne Petitpez, general manager at Airelles Palladio, Venezia, shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing : My Whoop band and Ethical Nutrients magnesium tablets to help manage travel fatigue. Reading : Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. Dreaming of : A safari at Singita Sabi Sand. Vote for Virtuoso, The Magazine in the American Society of Magazine Editors Best Cover contest! Just “like” your favorite cover: samba in Rio is here , and Lake Como’s Passalacqua is here . Chicago fine-dining icon Alinea celebrates 20 years with a Las Vegas residency this spring. NYC’s contemporary-art hub, New Museum, reopens tomorrow after a two-year closure and expansion. A for your next car trip. Pianist Max Richter’s pieces inspired by Krug Champagne have us ready for a stroll in the French countryside. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote

Just Add Water

Spring forward with the latest Virtuoso, The Magazine. We’re beaching it in the Adriatic, highlighting the joys of small-ship cruising, and catching up with chef Curtis Stone for his Playa del Carmen recs. Scroll on to take the plunge. This Cruise Was the Best Way to Get a Taste of My Croatian Heritage At a wooden table inside a restaurant near the trailhead at Kamacnik Canyon, I shared platters of local cheese, deer salami, and fresh vegetables with my fiancé, Mak; about a dozen of our fellow travelers; and our guide, Smila, who declared the canyon “the greenest place on earth.” READ MORE Take on Japan, the Med, and More, Small-Ship Style Fishing boats bearing colorful banners waved us into Uwajima on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s major islands. Our ship, the Abercrombie & Kent-chartered Soléal, docked in the port city, which rarely sees cruise calls, for an architecture tour in the nearby towns of Ozu and Uchiko. READ MORE Packing a Sketchbook Helped Me Travel Deeper By the time the bartender slid my amaretto sidecar onto the marble counter, I’d sketched a few outlines in my notebook: pink granite, a buttery bit of seaweed, a lonely-looking pine cloaked in pale lichen. That morning, I’d walked through spruce forest on Ship Harbor Trail to a rocky headland in Maine’s Acadia National Park. READ MORE AmaWaterways Adds New Ships, Sailings, and Programs in 2026 As the largest cruise line devoted exclusively to plying the world’s major rivers, AmaWaterways has long set the standard with its elegant fleet, diverse onboard programming, immersive shore excursions, and expert-led specialty itineraries. This year, it continues to raise the bar. READ MORE What to Expect on an Expedition Cruise to Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago There are beautiful coastlines and ancient history, of course, but it’s what’s on the plate that makes the Mediterranean’s most alluring destinations truly appetizing. Luxury small-ship cruise line Silversea celebrates the Med’s gourmet cachet through S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), its comprehensive culinary program that brings an authentic, locavore focus to onboard dining, cooking classes, shipboard talks, and exclusive shore excursions. READ MORE Curtis Stone, the chef behind Woodend at Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing: Timekettle translator earbuds. I don’t need to do much prep; I just speak into them, and the earbuds translate in real time. Reading: Dish magazine from New Zealand, and I read The New York Times online every morning. Referencing: The Italian app Osterie d’Italia highlights restaurants focused on natural, local, and slow food. I’ve found some incredibly authentic places through it. Dreaming of: Korea! I’ve never been and would love to go. I’d also love to take my wife back to Cartagena, which is a beautiful place. Beach season is coming – prep with a Ritz-Carlton x Kilometre Paris bag . Singapore’s acclaimed 1,300-bottle gin bar, Atlas, has launched its own version of the spirit . California may be in for a superbloom this spring. A global history of macaroni and cheese? Yes, please. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote