What’s the Best Way to See Croatia? Dalmatian Elegance vs. Adriatic Escape

There isn’t one best way to see Croatia – that’s why we have seven Croatia itineraries traversing lush national parks, historic towns and coastal gems. Today we’re looking at just two of our Croatia trips: Dalmatian Elegance vs. Adriatic Escape.

Why these two trips? Well, for starters Adriatic Escape is our newest Croatia itinerary, taking you across both coastal islands and main cities of Croatia (and onward to Slovenia and Italy). As this is brand new for 2026, expect new exciting experiences across the tour including authentic local dining, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences and stylish hotels to rest your head (more on those below). This is distinctly different to Dalmatian Elegance, which takes you on a stylish nine-day Adriatic cruise from Split to Dubrovnik stopping by idyllic islands including Hvar and Korcula.

So which one is the best way to see Croatia? That depends on what you want from your vacation – let’s compare our trips and find out which is the best for you. 

Sunset over historic Rovinj

How to choose the best way to see Croatia 

Tour length 

Dalmatian Elegance

• 9 days 
• 11 cities  
• 1 country 

Adriatic Escape

• 10 days 
• 11 cities  
• 3 countries (Croatia, Slovenia, Italy) 

Golden hour in Hvar is hard to beat

Distance covered 

Dalmatian Elegance

This tour is classed a ‘Leisurely’, which means each day will typically feature up to 1.6-3.2 km of walking, mainly on flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Adriatic Escape

This tour is classed as ‘Balanced’, with a slightly more active itinerary will feature up to 1.6-4.8 km of walking per day. This might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs (just part of the charm of historic Europe!). 

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Key stops 

Dalmatian Elegance

• Mljet National Park 
• Dubrovnik City Tour 
• Pakleni Islands 
• Hvar 
• Korcula 

Adriatic Escape

• Zagreb  
• Ljubljana 
• Krk 
• Postojna Cave 
• Pula Arena Amphitheater 
• Venice 

Mljet National Park

Ways to travel 

Dalmatian Elegance

Spend 7 nights aboard a Deluxe Superior luxury cruise ship as you sail the Dalmatian Coast. Settle into supreme comfort onboard, whether that’s relaxing in your private cabin with ensuite, enjoying a drink in the ship’s bar or relaxing as you lounge on the sundeck, watching the sparkling coastline change each day. 

Adriatic Escape

From riding the world’s shortest funicular (66m/217ft) in Zagreb to the medieval Upper Town, gliding through the waterways of Venice on a gondola, or taking a traditional pletna boat across the emerald waters of Lake Bled to Bled Island, you’re never short of new ways to travel on your Adriatic Escape. 

Introducing your luxury cruise ship on Dalmatian Elegance

Price 

Dalmatian Elegance

From £3,175 (Reserve with a deposit starting from £100)

Adriatic Escape

From £3,850 (Reserve with a deposit starting from £100)

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Our Croatia itineraries: a closer look 

Want to know more about our itineraries? Below you can find out what you’ll be getting up to day to day on each trip, as well as some of the highlight experiences.

Dalmatian Elegance 

This nine-day cruise will show you the beauty and heritage of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. As you sail in style from historic Split to beautiful Hvar, you’ll have the chance to taste local olive oil onboard, visit a local vineyard, and enjoy a Farm-to-Table dinner in the village of Kuna.

And that’s not all – you’ll also explore the lush Mljet National Park, discover Dubrovnik’s Old Town and take in panoramic views from Mount Srđ. Towards the end of your trips, unwind on the island of Brač before ending in the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir. With swim stops, onboard dining and guided walks through historic towns with Local Experts, this journey offers a seamless blend of cultural discovery and coastal relaxation. 

Dubrovnik’s Old Town

As one of our Easy Pace tours, this is the best way to see Croatia if you want more time in each stop. You’ll stay in each hotel for at least three nights, so you can make yourself at home and really get to know each place. Relaxed starts and days at leisure are also built into the itinerary, for a gentler pace and the opportunity to explore each location in your own way. 

Experiences

Local-led Photography Walk in Korcula: Join passionate local Andrea for a photography walk across the island’s maze of streets and flagstone plazas – keep an eye out for the cultural and natural treasures of the city.  

Pakleni Islands

Swim at Pakleni Islands: Just off the coast of Hvar, make your way to this stunning chain of rocky islets by sea kayak, where you can take a dip in the pristine waters. This is paradise, the Croatian way! 

Grgić Wine Tasting: Discover the underrated pleasures of Croatian wine as you unwind at a local winery, sampling some of the island’s revered wines accompanied by delicious appetizers.  

Stay at: Cornaro Hotel, located in the heart of Split and only a few minutes’ walk from the Riva promenade and Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With panoramic rooftop views, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.  

Cornaro Hotel

Farm to Table dinner: In the village of Kuna, after visiting the local church and monastery you’ll head to a nearby farm for an unforgettable dinner. Your local hosts will treat your taste buds to a typical village feast with a Farm-to-Table dinner of Croatian delicacies, freshly made with their own produce. 

Adriatic Escape 

This isn’t just one of the best ways to see Croatia – you’ll also journey through Slovenia and Italy on our intimate small-group exploration of the Adriatic. Stroll through Zagreb’s historic squares, cruise across Lake Bled in a traditional pletna boat and marvel at the vast formations of Postojna Cave. Discover Istria’s coastal gems, from the Roman heritage of Pula to the Venetian charm of Rovinj, before arriving in Venice where a skilled gondolier will navigate you through the city’s hidden waterways.

Traditional pletna boat on Lake Bled

Experiences 

Watch Venice Artisan Glassblowers at work: The ancient Venetian skill of glassblowing is now practised by a few precious masters – and you’ll have the incredible chance to witness them at work on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Watch and wonder as they create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices, and learn from the master craftsmen as they teach you more about their history which dates back to the 15th century. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Venetian glassblowing master in action

Farm-to-Table Lunch in Krk: Savor a Farm-to-Table lunch at a family-owned winery, where locally sourced ingredients highlight the island’s culinary traditions – paired with Krk’s signature Žlahtina wine, local flavors truly shine. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: At the Cerebral Palsy Association of Slovenia, you’ll meet inspiring people that you’ll never forget. This social enterprise is dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities through meaningful employment and community integration, providing guidance, care and adapted jobs. Members create handcrafted artwork and other unique items that you’re able to take home with you as a souvenir of your time here. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. 

Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa

Stay at: Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa is perched between the charming coastal towns of Opatija and Rijeka, with stunning views of the Adriatic and direct access to a private beach, as well as two pools and a full-service spa. Surrounded by the beauty of Risnjak and Učka nature parks, both relaxation and adventure are just on your doorstep. 

Whatever itinerary you choose, the expertise, local insights and premium style of Insight Vacations is the best way to see Croatia.