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Croatia By Sea An Odyssey Through Time

With 1,777 kilometers of stunning coastline and over 1,200 islands in the Adriatic sea, Croatia is a must visit country for beach lovers and history buffs alike. You can find Ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered across this awe-inspiring country. So join us on an odyssey through time to see some of the most Ancient and historical sites there are to see in Croatia.

One of the best ways to travel through Croatia is by sea of course. Having the freedom and comfort of your own yacht charter can make your journey around the Croatian archipelago that much more enjoyable.

Croatia By Sea An Odyssey Through Time

Croatia By Sea: An Odyssey Through Time


Old Town, Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, or Kings Landing (if you're a Game of Thrones fan like us) is a logical first stop on our journey. Depending on where you're traveling from, you will most likely be flying into Dubrovnik anyway. And you definitely don't want to miss out on this magnificent city.

Before heading out to sea, consider spending a day or two exploring Dubrovnik old town where you can find gorgeous medieval architecture, bustling street life, cathedrals, and amazing views the top of the Dubrovnik walls that fortify the ancient old town. The walls themselves have a history dating back to the 9th century.

Dubrovnik makes for a great place to dip your toes into Croatian history before setting sail for a new location!

Diocletian’s Palace, Split
Croatia By Sea An Odyssey Through Time, Diocletian’s Palace

Traveling north to Split, we will find another city with an even more ancient history. Before we get to the really old stuff, lets talk about Diocletian's Palace.

Diocletian Palace is actually a 30,000 square meter complex that takes up most of Split's old town. The complex was built in the 4th century the Roman emperor Diocletian after he renounced the throne and settling in Split, which was in the Illyrian province of Rome at the time.

Many people still live and work within the complex. You'll find restaurants, shops, and hotels scattered among the numerous ruins and sites such as the Golden Gate, the Temple of Jupiter, and Diocletian's mausoleum.

Ancient Roman City of Salona, Split
Croatia By Sea An Odyssey Through Time

Salona is one of the largest and most significant sites in Croatia and once held a estimated population of 60,000. The city used to be the capitol of the Roman Dalmatian province and is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century. Don't miss out on a trip to this city lost in time.

Trails through the ancient city are easily marked and provide many informational signs. Some of the largest structures include and aqueducts, bath houses, and the remains of a massive amphitheater. As well as many other smaller structures scattered throughout.

St. Nicholas Fortress, Šibenik Channel
Croatia By Sea: An Odyssey Through Time

Just up the coast from Split lies the St. Nicholas Fortress. Built in the 16th century, the fortress is one of four that once protected Šibenik. The St. Nicholas fortress was specifically built on the water to protect the channel from Turkish invaders. It's said that the fortress looked so intimidating that no one every even tried to test it.

Nowadays, people can freely take a stroll inside the massive walls and explore many of the passageways and impressive architecture. You can access the fort by foot on a beach path, but be sure to double check as sometimes it is closed to renovations and the only way into the island is by boat tour.

Pula Arena, Pula
Croatia By Sea: An Odyssey Through Time

Way up north from our other locations in the city of Pula, we will one of the most preserved Roman amphitheaters you can visit. The Pula arena was built in the 1st century during the reign of Emperor Vespasian who was also responsible for the Colosseum. The arena once held up to 20,000 spectators for various brutal tournaments.

Today we can safely visit the arena and takin just how massive of a structure it really is. You can even see a show here if you're lucky. Shows with much less violence of course! It regularly hosts famous artists from around the world. As well as film festivals and even mainstream pop stars. But if you can't make a show while during your trip, it is still more than worth it to visit Pula and see this incredible arena.

These are just a handful of some the the amazing sites to see on your odyssey through time in Croatia. And it wouldn't be much of an odyssey without some time at sea. If you're planning a trip to Croatia I would highly recommend looking into private yacht charters for a part of the trip. They can be more affordable than one may think and nothing beats sailing along the Dalmatian coast in style on your own luxury yacht.

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Picking the perfect place to take your cruise of a lifetime is no easy feat. There’s a lot to consider. And the destination is one of the biggest factors. Some may prefer a vacation through the icy northern waters of Alaska. While others want to dip their toes in the glistening warm tropical waters of the south pacific. There are so many different locations and climates to choose from that even the pickiest of people can no doubt find the perfect place. However, few places can beat Croatia.

Another big thing to contemplate is the cruise itself. From the standard ships that are essentially floating resorts. To sailing your own schooner wherever your heart desires. Understandably, most people don’t own a boat for countless reasons. Therefore, the best option for most is booking a cruise. The only downside to this is that there isn’t much freedom to explore at your own pace. When planning the voyaging trip of a lifetime it is always important to have the flexibility you deserve. And you can find exactly that in Croatia with options to charter your own luxury yacht equipped with a crew, so you can kick back and relax any way you want.

With the freedom, a yacht charter brings you can plan the perfect trip. And with that in mind lets look at some of the best things to do on your luxury Croatian cruise:

Enjoy a Gourmet Meal on a Secluded Island
If you’re anything like me then I bet you appreciate some good food. Now pair that with a gorgeous beachfront view and you have the makings of a perfect evening. You can find exactly that at the Konoba Opat restaurant on Kornat island. And I hope you like seafood because Konoba Opat’s menu is greatly influenced by what the local fisherman bring in each day which usually consists of a variety of fish and shellfish. You couldn’t get any fresher than that if you tried!

There may be many beachfront restaurants in Croatia but what makes Konoba Opat so special is the ability to sail right into the Opat bay and hop on land for a delicious gourmet meal and a great atmosphere.

Take a (deep) dip in the sea

Naturally, one of the biggest perks of being on a boat is having the endless blue horizon right out your front door. And one of the best ways to experience it is to jump in! Snorkeling in the crystal-clear water is thrilling and being on your own private yacht only elevates that. You can jump right in whenever and wherever you want. And you can take it to the next level by diving into deeper waters.

With Croatia’s thousands of islands, you’re never too far from an incredible spot for divers and snorkelers alike. Some of these places include the Blue Grotto, Premuda, Margarina reef, and for the more experienced divers Baron Gautsch. The WW1 Austrian passenger ship that went down in 1914 after hitting one of her own county’s mines. She sunk in minutes and now rests upright on the ocean floor surrounded by wildlife that made her their home.

Search for Secret Coves
Undoubtedly, one of Croatia’s best features are the thousands of islands to be explored. And on those islands, the most beautiful beaches can be found. However, with great beauty comes great amounts of tourists! It’s always impossible to enjoy the scenery when its blocked by a wall of people trying to get the best angle for their next selfie. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but not when you’re on your own boat. You can set sail in search of your own little piece of paradise.

Some of the more popular places among sailors are Lovrečina Bay, Dugi otok, Pomena beach, and the small little Town of Komiža. These places are known to be beautiful. And of course, that means over time they are becoming more crowded as well, but don't worry! There are still many secret spots to be found on your trip from island to island.

Explore Hvar
So far we've looked at things to do with your boat, but instead of swimming and searching for secret beaches lets take a stroll through one of Croatia's coolest cities. The city of Hvar is very old and has a long history as a center for culture and trade in the Adriatic.

One of the best things to do in the city if you have a limited time is to take a hike to the top of the Hvar fortress. On the way up you will be able to experience the ancient architecture the city has to offer, including one of the oldest theaters in Europe. And once on the top, you have an incredible view of the city as well as a military fortress to explore.

These are only some of the limitless possibilities when cruising Croatia. However, these are some of the must do's for a truly life-changing adventure. What would be your dream sailing vacation? leave a comment below!

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As a perpetual traveler I aspire to explore the world in new ways and see it from different perspectives. With that said, it has always been a dream of mine to set sail and experience life on the high seas.

Spending time out on the ocean and hopping from island to island has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. In my research I have found many great places for sailing, but one place was recently brought to my attention is Croatia. I don’t know if it was just me or not, but I was not aware of what a marvelous cruising destination it is.

There are many companies offering cruises around Croatia, but I don’t want to take just any old tourist filled cruise. You can enjoy that resort style comfort anywhere. What really caught my eye were the Gulet cruises. A Gulet (or sometimes called a schooner) is a traditional sailboat from the region. The two masted sailboat makes for a perfect way to explore the thousands of islands Croatia has to offer, at your own pace. Slow traveling like a king.

Here are some of the many places I dream of visiting on my trip to Croatia:


Telašćica National Park (Dugi Otok)
Dugi Otok which translates to “long island” is one of the largest islands in Croatia. However, don’t be fooled by the deceiving name. The island comes in at a whopping 45km long. Dugi Otok has many things to offer including stunning beaches, seaside cliffs, nature parks, and if you’re lucky you might just get to hang out with some of the local donkeys. If you’re planning a trip here it’s also good to know that there are many little villages on the island that all offer their own charms and places to stay. Whether you’re exploring on your skippered yacht charter or via motor boat from the mainland you would want to stay at least a few days. With so much to see I wouldn’t want to miss out.

Telašćica national park has one of the most beautiful natural bays on the Adriatic. Within the Telašćica bay there are six islands and reefs and 70km of gorgeous coast line. The bay being secluded from the wind makes for the perfect spot for sailors and those involved in nautical tourism. And for those who love any beach activities, you’ve come to the right place. Almost anywhere in the bay you can find yourself lounging on the beach, going for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, and the more adventurous things such as snorkeling or even scuba diving around the thriving coral reefs that are full of sea life. And when you get back from a swim or a long walk on the glimmering white sand beach, you can stop by one of the local cafes or restaurants and enjoy some tasty local fish caught fresh every morning.

Zadar
Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. It is the fifth largest city in the nation and has a population of seventy-five thousand. It has been conquered by almost all historical Mediterranean cultures at some point in time, which is noticeable in the diverse architecture all around the city. With the southern part of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast being extremely touristy during summer time, it can be tough avoid the swarms of people. I find that big crowds can often make it difficult to enjoy your surroundings and immerse in the cultural experiences when traveling. Being in the northern region however, Zadar is much less crowded than some of the more popular destinations.

Zadar is full of history and natural beauty. You can take sailing trips out to remote islands and spend time on delightful beaches, walk through the quiet streets and marvel at the ancient architecture. Or you can check out one of Croatia’s coolest attractions that most people don’t know about. The “sea organ” is an art installation was built into the huge concrete steps along the waterfront. There are underwater pipes that lead up into the steps that produce a magical sound as the swells fill the pipes with water. I’m definitely adding this one to my bucket list.

Vis
Vis is the farthest inhabited island from the mainland and was controlled by the Yugoslav army from the 50’s to 1989. They cut off the island to any foreign visitors during that time. Which preserved the development and drove most of the population to find work elsewhere. Since then Vis has become more and more popular among travelers looking for a more remote island to explore.

The island is full of various activities. From relaxing on the beach to exploring the many small coves and sea caves all around the cost. The most famous of these caves is the blue grotto. At only a certain time of year people fill the cave by boat to watch the magical waters light up when the sun reaches the right angle. That alone has me putting Vis on my list. Not to mention the intriguing history behind the island. You can also take a trip to the Archaeological Museum and learn more about the ancient Greek artifacts found on the island.

Game Of Thrones Tour
Dubrovnik is a beautiful city and I’m sure there is much to see there. But I can’t help geeking out over what you can see here. It’s a thrilling thought to see the places where they film Game of Thrones. Of course, this is the favorite show of many around the world. Making it a popular attraction to say the least. Dubrovnik is most famous for its “old town”, but fans may recognize it as King’s Landing from Game of Thrones.

Many companies offer guided tours of all the filming locations in the area. You can follow the footsteps of the Lannister family in the red keep or stand in the courtyard where Arya Stark watched *spoilers* happen in front of her. Anyone who is a fan of the show would have a blast walking through the city straight out of Westeros.

These are just a few of the thousands of things to explore in Croatia. During my time researching for this post I have discovered a whole new list of things I need to do when I’m in this area. And in my opinion the best way to see Croatia’s unbelievable coast is with the wind in your sails. I could spend months out there exploring all there is to see in in this magnificent country.


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For all the Game of Thrones fans out there – this one’s for you! 


Game of Thrones is one of, if not the most, famous television fantasy dramas of recent times. Based on the books by George R.R Martin, Game of Thrones has captivated a huge worldwide audience.

Apart from being hooked on the gripping story lines and characters, we couldn’t help but notice the stunning scenery that appears in the show. Filming has taken place in many parts of the world, but what caught our attention was some of Europe’s most beautiful locations, many of which are Mediterranean cruise destinations.

So today we bring you our Cruise Guide to Game of Thrones locations and where to visit them.

The King’s Landing - Mdina, Malta

Mdina, the former capital of Malta, is a medieval walled city, constructed by the Knights of Malta in
the second half of the 16th century. Mdina is also known as ‘The Silent Town’, due to heavy restrictions on the use of motorized vehicles within its walls.

This historic stone city was the backdrop to the King’s Landing during the show’s first season. The
King’s Landing, the official seat of the Kings of Westeros, is an important location. It’s featured in many episodes and the King’s Landing is where many characters meet – it’s the place to be if you want in on secrets, hidden agendas, and devious plots.

You might also recognize Mdina Gate as being the location of the King Landing’s Gate – this is where Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Cassel ride through to investigate the attack on Bran.

Best Cruise Port: Valletta, Malta
A Mediterranean cruise that visits La Valletta, Malta, provides the perfect chance to visit beautiful
Mdina. Here you can choose between a number of shore excursions to Mdina, such as the Valletta and Mdina half-day tour, or the Rabat, Mosta and Mdina half-day tour.


Dubrovnik - Croatia
From season two on wards, all the scenes in the King’s Landing were shot in Dubrovnik, Croatia – and we can understand why. Dubrovnik’s beautiful old town, surrounded by thick stonewalls, is located on a peninsula surrounded by a dramatic stone cliff – if you watch GOT then you’ll understand why this is perfect.

The House of the Undying, the site of the season two finale, is actually the Minceta Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site along the above-mentioned walls of Dubrovnik. A fortification as well, it was an important defense tower facing the land, symbolizing how unconquerable the city was.

Best Cruise Port: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Diocletian’s Place - Split Croatia
You may recognize inside Diocletian’s Place in Split from the fifth season of Game of Thrones. Within these stonewalls lie many filming locations including Daenerys’ throne room and the streets of Meereen. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this palace complex holds many mysteries!

Best Cruise Port: Split, Croatia

The Wall and Land Beyond the Wall - Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

A filming location from season four on wards, Thingvellir National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (we can see a slight trend here!). Arguably this is one of the most famous locations in the entire series, ‘The Wall and the Land Beyond The Wall’ is located in Iceland. This is where the scenes of Jon Snow’s adventures in the Night’s Watch are filmed.
Aside from breathtaking filming locations, you can also find the rare ‘Dragonglass’ in Iceland –Obsidian a piece of cooled lava, is used in the series to mimic the precious resource.

Best Cruise Port: Reykjavik
Look for a cruise that offers a stunning Northern Europe program, with an overnight stay in Reykjavik in their 2016 Summer Season. Cruise Liners offer full-day shore excursion, such as ‘The Golden Circle’; first stop is Thingvellir National Park! Cruise guests can experience one of the most outstanding sceneries in Iceland; a vast lava plain of green moss and wildflowers. Icelanders actually regard this site as a sacred place and the world’s oldest legislative parliament was founded here.
‘Beyond the Wall’ - Myvatn Iceland

The Myvatn area may look familiar to you – this is because it is none other than the location of the
Beyond the Wall scenes in season three. It’s an area near Akureyri, a popular port of call for cruises,
and the largest town north of Iceland. This is where almost 300 cast and crew were based while filming season three.

Best Cruise Port: Akureyri
Cruises with Northern Europe itineraries include none other than Akureyri, where you can take shore
excursions such as the full-day ‘Beauty and Landscapes of the North’. Here you can visit the unique
scenery of surreal volcanic fields and magical cascading waterfalls that keep us captivated during Game of Thrones.

For those wanting to visit the Myvatn area, the half-day ‘Myvatn Nature Baths’ is the one to choose.
During this onshore excursion, you can literally immerse yourself in the scenery as you take a relaxing dip in the clouds of steam that rise from a fissure deep in the earth’s surface. Never fear, upon your return to Akureyri, you’ll have a photo opportunity, stopping at the Godafoss cascade.

The Water Gardens of Dome - Seville, Spain

Originally built as a wedding gift for Daenerys Stormbom’s namesake, the Water Gardens are adorned with lush gardens and lavish waterworks. Debuting during the fifth season, it is one of the few places where highborn and lowborn children can play as equals.

You can find these gardens in the Alcazar de Sevilla, an ancient medieval fortress built by Moorish
craftsmen – and surprise, surprise, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 12th
century, this historical site has withstood many wars, throughout countless centuries.

Best Cruise Port: Cadiz
Opt for the ‘Seville’ shore excursion on your Mediterranean Cruise, and you’ll visit this beautiful royal palace as well as some of Seville’s other impressive landmarks. The Alcazar is Seville’s biggest tourist attraction, but that doesn’t stop the cast and crew from shutting half of it down to film scenes set in Dorne!


To visit these famous Game of Thrones locations and many other memorable destinations, visit MSC Cruises for the latest cruise deals.


Do you watch Game of Thrones?  Which location would you most like to visit and why?  Tell us in the comments below!

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