Barb's Birthday Trip to Croatia & Montenegro

Jul 27 – 29, 2024: Split (2 nights)

• Hotel Ambassador

Jul 29 – 30, 2024: Hvar (1 night)

• Palace Elizabeth

Jul 30 – Aug 2, 2024: Herceg Novi (3 nights)

• One & Only Portonovi

Aug 2 – 5, 2024: Dubrovnik (3 nights)

• Hotel Excelisor

If you need any urgent assistance while traveling, or need to make adjustments, reservations, or cancellations during your trip, you can contact the following local contacts:

Croatia: Our local team will be your main contact while traveling:

Local Contact Croatia: A local representative | +385 91 612 6058

Important: Due to the time difference, for small day-to-day things like touring and dining reservations - or emergencies that need immediate assistance - it will be most efficient to use the local contacts as they are in the same time zone.

WhatsApp: If you don’t have WhatsApp on your phone, we strongly encourage downloading it for free as it makes contacting our local team easier.

Scenset
Scenset Emergency Line: +1 415 941 0027

In Croatia & Montenegro over the month of July expect daily high temperatures of around 86°F/30°C, rarely falling below 78°F/25°C or exceeding 95°F/35°C, and with low temperatures rarely falling below 60°F/15°C or exceeding 73°F/23°C.

Euros are the main currency in Croatia, and people there mainly pay for everything in cash.

It is highly recommended to have cash at hand while traveling in Croatia.

Here are some of our recommendations of what to pack for your trip:

• Lightweight Clothing: T-shirts, blouses, and long-sleeve shirts for layering.
  
• Bottoms: Shorts, skirts, and lightweight pants or jeans.
  
• Sweater or Light Jacket: For cooler evenings or windy days.
  
• Swimwear: Beaches in Croatia are beautiful, so don’t forget your swimsuit.
  
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: For exploring cities and historical sites.
  
• A Dressy Outfit: For nicer dinners or evenings out.
  
• Light Rain Jacket or Umbrella: May can have occasional showers.
  
• Swimming shoes: Most beaches in Croatia are pebble beaches.

🕶️ Accessories:

• Sunglasses and Hat
  
• Waterproof Bag: For beach days or boat trips.
  
• Daypack: For day trips and carrying essentials.

🔌 Other Essentials:

• Sunscreen
  
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring.
  
• Travel Adapters: Croatia uses Type C and Type F plugs.
  
• Camera: Besides your phone, for capturing the beautiful landscapes.

Here are some helpful Croatian phrases for your travels:

• 👋 Hello: Dobar dan! (DOH-bar dan)
  
• 🌞 Good morning: Dobro jutro! (DOH-bro YOO-tro)
  
• 🙏 Please: Molim. (MOH-leem)
  
• 🤗 Thank you: Hvala. (HVAH-lah)
  
• 👍 Yes: Da. (dah)
  
• 👎No: Ne. (neh)
  
• 🍻 Cheers! Živjeli! (ZHEE-vyeh-lee)

Forget what you've heard about French bakeries—when in Croatia, a visit to a local bakery is a must.

With one seemingly on every corner and many open late into the night, they're ideal for post-party or beach snacks. Indulge in pastries and burek —a flaky, phyllo-pastry delight filled with savory options like cheese, meat, or spinach. It's not just a snack; it's a cultural experience you won't want to miss!

Restaurants, Bars & Cafés: In Croatia, it's customary to leave a tip in restaurants, cafes, and bars. The standard amount to tip is 5-10% of the total bill, depending on the level of service. Tipping is voluntary, and you should only tip if you feel that the service was good. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so be sure to check before leaving an additional tip.

Guides & Drivers: For a half-day tour, a good guideline is to tip around €10-€20 per person, and for a full-day tour, €20-€30 per person. For drivers, you can tip around €10-€20 per day. Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service, and it's always up to your discretion.

Split

• Split Summer Festival(ongoing until mid-August): This festival features a wide array of performances, including theatre, music, and dance, all set in various historic locations around the city, including Diocletian’s Palace.

Hvar

• Hvar Summer Festival (ongoing until October): A cultural festival featuring music, theatre, and other performances across the island. Key events include Fisherman’s Night in Milna and the Dormouse Festival (Puhijada) in Stari Grad.

Herceg Novi

• Herceg Novi Film Festival (August 1-7): A well-regarded film festival showcasing international and regional films.
  
• Music and Art Events: Various concerts and art exhibitions, reflecting Herceg Novi's rich cultural scenset. Specific events include the "Summer in the Park" concert series and art exhibitions throughout the city.

Dubrovnik

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival (ongoing until late August): This renowned festival includes a mix of drama, music, and dance performances held at historic sites throughout Dubrovnik. It's one of the most significant cultural events in Croatia, attracting international artists and audiences.

U.S. passport holders are allowed to travel to Croatia & Montenegro for Business or Tourism without visa requirements.

Official entry requirements can be sourced here:

• Croatia
  
• Montenegro

These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

As you head to Croatia, we hope you'll embrace the local vibe of laganini. It’s all about taking it easy and enjoying the moment, whether you’re hanging out with loved ones, savoring a delicious meal, or just chilling by the sea.

This laid-back lifestyle is a big part of the culture here, thanks to the beautiful scenery and great weather. So, relax, soak it all in, and enjoy the slower pace of life on the Croatian coast.

Upon arrival at Dubrovnik Airport, you will meet your driver in the arrivals hall for your private transfer to Split and your first hotel.

• Meeting Point: Arrivals hall, your driver will be holding a sign with your name on it
  
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact the provided number.

Booked By Scenset.

Check into your hotel, settle in and get ready for your tour. This afternoon is to explore the city.

Please note that an early check-in for your room has been requested. If it is not available upon arrival, you can leave your bags with the front desk until your room is ready.

• Split City Museum: Located within the opulent confines of a family's ancestral home. Unravel over two millennia of urban heritage as you traverse through time.
  
• Archaeological Museum: Rooted in a collection with a legacy spanning two centuries, this museum showcases remarkable artifacts that paint a vivid portrait of the region's rich heritage.
  
• Sv Frane Church & Monastery: A sanctuary steeped in history and spiritual significance. Constructed by Franciscan monks atop the grounds of an ancient Christian enclave, this sacred site holds the revered tomb of St. Felicia, a relic dating back to the era of Diocletian
  
• Riva: Split's bustling waterfront promenade, seamlessly merges history and modernity, offering a vibrant gathering place adorned with charming cafes, where cultural events and celebrations flourish against the backdrop of the city's storied past.
  
• Fish Market: Known by locals as the Peškarija, Split’s fish market has been in place since the late 1800s.
  
• Dicoletian's Dream - a VR experience where you can enter the realm of the Roman Emperors.
  
• Check what's on at the Croatian National Theatre.

Suggestions only, no bookings have been made.

Start your morning by exploring Split, a unique 1700-year-old town centered around the living monument of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A guided walk reveals layers of history at every step and showcases magnificent landmarks.

The majestic Peristil Square rises above the mysterious Substructures of the Palace. Pretty Venetian palazzi encircle lively squares, while the colorful green market and relaxing waterfront promenade create a cozy living room for the locals.

Next, transfer to historic Trogir. Enclosed within medieval walls, Trogir’s old town features well-preserved Romanesque and Renaissance buildings that have also earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Wander through the labyrinth of cobblestone streets to the lovely waterfront promenade and admire its imposing landmarks.

• Meeting time: Afternoon
  
• Meeting point: Hotel Lobby
  
• Duration: 2hrs

If you cannot locate your guide, please contact will be provided.

Booked By Scenset.

Here are some of our favorite restaurant recommendations in Split:

• Zoi: is comfortably lounged on a terrace overlooking the Split harbor, ideal for indulging in a glass of a rare wine and a gentle summer breeze. It creates an unforgettable experience through their delicious fusion foods, which combine an authentic mix of rich Mediterranean cuisines infused with a taste of history. To make the kitchen more honest and to generate the finest tastes they chase the best local products and obediently follow the seasons.
  
• Sug: is a charming local restaurant. Here you get food cooked with heart and a lot of love. If you are looking for top quality food with a homey traditional atmosphere, Sug is a place to be.
  
• Makarun: is hidden behind the stone walls of the old palaces Makarun is a peaceful oasis offering the finest flavors of Dalmatian cuisine and a superb gourmet experience.
  
• Articok is a fun little restaurant located just on the edge of Varos historical neighborhood, right down the lane from Matošića Street, one of the more popular spots of Split’s foodie scenset.
  
• Perivoj: is within the charming labyrinth of Split's Old Town, housed in a meticulously restored 1900s villa exuding art-deco elegance, where renowned chefs tantalize taste buds with authentic Croatian cuisine
  
• Konoba Matejuska: is located within the walls of a quaint 19th-century Dalmatian house, Konoba Matejuska emanates rustic charm, offering a cozy retreat for seafood enthusiasts. With only a handful of tables tucked into its below-street-level dining area, early arrival or reservations are highly recommended. Delight in their renowned black risotto and peruse a tantalizing menu boasting local delicacies complemented by a selection of refreshing wines.
  
• Uje Oil Bar: is an elegant tapas-style restaurant situated right in the heart of Split, opened a few years ago by local olive oil retailers and delicatessen specialists.

These are recommendations only - let us know if you'd like us to make any bookings for you. Locals usually have dinner in the evening.

1x Superior King Room with Sea View

• Breakfast included

Booked By an individual.

Meet your guide and driver this morning for a private tour of Krka Waterfalls National Park & Sibenik.

Stretching along the majestic Krka River canyon, the national park covers a vast area of waterfalls and gorges.

Take a pathway into the lush nature and immerse yourself in a real-life fairy tale with pristine scenery, gushing rivers, and stunning waterfalls. Then proceed to the historic town of Sibenik. This medieval town was initially created as a castrum, a fortification beneath St Michael’s Fortress that still dominates the town.

Discover its most famous monument – the glorious 15th-century Cathedral of St James, a UNESCO-protected Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece. Built for over a century, it is entirely made of stone, which is unique in European architecture.

After some time at leisure return with your guide and driver.

🎒 Please bring swimwear, towels, sun protection and comfortable shoes.

• Meeting time: Morning
  
• Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  
• Duration: Approximately 6 hrs

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact will be provided.

Booked By Scenset.

Hotel Ambassador
1x Superior King Room with Sea View

• Breakfast included

Booked By someone.

Your driver will meet you at the lobby of the hotel for your transfer to the port, where you will meet your crew for today's boat experience.

• Meeting time: Morning
  
• Meeting point: Hotel lobby

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact will be provided.

Booked By Scenset.

Hop on board and enjoy a private motorboat cruise to the Pakleni Islands, ending in Hvar.

Spend the day cruising around the Pakleni Islands, a chain of eleven picturesque islets near Hvar port. With its pristine nature and sapphire waters, this breathtaking archipelago is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Lunch: Don’t miss out on a delicious local meal—ask your skipper for recommendations, as many fine little restaurants are scattered around the islands.

End your journey in Hvar, where you will spend the evening.

Upon arrival in Hvar, the boat staff will assist you with your luggage for the short walk to the hotel.

• Important: 🎒 Please bring swimwear, sun protection and we recommend an extra change of clothes!
  
• Duration: 8hrs

Booked By a scenset.

Check into your hotel and settle in. The afternoon is yours to explore the city.

Tonight you will dine at Stajun Hvar, located in the center of Hvar, offers Dalmatian cuisine and local wines to drink on the terrace.

• Time: Evening
  
• Number of people: 2
  
• Location: 5 - minute walk📍Google Map Directions Link

To cancel or make any changes to your reservation, please visit or call your hotel concierge or front desk.

Booked by scenset via hotel concierge - paid locally.

1x Premium Room, Sea View Balcony
Comfortable double rooms with king or twin beds with a spectacular view of the harbor and town square. All rooms have a sea view and some have a partial view of the historic clock tower.

• Breakfast included

Booked By a person.

Meet your guide after breakfast for a short walk to Hvar port, and embark on a public speedboat voyage bound for Korčula.

• Meeting time: Morning
  
• Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hrs

If you cannot locate your guide, please contact a representative.

Booked By Scenset.

The luggage porters will assist you with your luggage up to the port. From there, you will board the speed ferry independently.

Upon arrival at the Korcula port, a driver will help you disembark and transport your luggage to the vehicle.

Your luggage will remain with the driver until you reach the hotel, where the porters will take over.

The only times you will need to handle your luggage are when boarding and disembarking the ferry.

Upon reaching Korčula Island, you'll have some time to explore independently.

Korčula, is renowned as the birthplace of a famous explorer. With over two millennia of history, this former Greek colony, often called "Black Korčula," stands as a living monument characterized by its laid-back atmosphere and a wealth of cultural treasures.

Meander within the city walls to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of St. Marko, a fusion of Gothic and Renaissance architectural brilliance.

Rejoin your driver for a ride to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula, where your private driver will be awaiting your arrival for a transfer to the mainland.

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact will be provided.

Booked By Scenset.

Visit the small coastal town of Ston. Once an important military fort of the Dubrovnik Republic, it features impressive 5 km-long medieval walls and 4000-year-old saltpans.

The Mali Ston bay is also famous for its scenset European delicacy – succulent oysters! Enjoy a private oyster farm tour with a local farmer, learn how the oysters are grown, and taste them fresh from the sea!

Booked By someone.

This afternoon, you will visit one of Croatia's premier wine-growing regions.

The rugged terrain and rocky coastline provide a dramatic backdrop for the cultivation of centuries-old vines in what is often referred to as the "Croatian Napa Valley."

In the village of Ponikve, you'll explore a family-run winery. The charismatic owner, passionate about their craft, produces some of Croatia's finest organic wines using traditional methods.

Enjoy an engaging tour of the vineyards, followed by a tasting of their exceptional local wines.

Booked By Scenset.

Continue your journey until you reach Montenegro.

• Duration: 2hrs

Booked By someone.

Your driver will assist you with the border crossing.

• Please have passports ready for the border crossing between Croatia and Montenegro.

Check into your hotel and settle in. The afternoon is yours to relax.

• SABIA at One&Only
  
• TAPASAKE CLUB at One&Only
  
• LA VERANDA at One&Only
  
• Ribarsko Selo: Ribarsko selo is a restaurant located on Lustica Peninsula, between the popular beaches of Zanjice and Mirista. Each day around midday, fishermen bring fresh fish and seafood, making it a unique experience. The restaurant has its own vegetable production.
  
• Konoba Feral: Konoba Feral is a tavern with a long history, working hard to preserve traditional food.
  
• Forza Mare: Forza Mare is a restaurant located in Dobrota, on the shores of Kotor bay. This restaurant is formal with a relaxing atmosphere, serving imaginative and creative food based on fresh fish and local products.
  
• Galion: Galion is a restaurant located on a waterfront platform just outside of the Old Town of Kotor. The view over the Old Town’s walls and the port is unique.
  
• Catovica Mlini: Catovica Mlini is a family-owned restaurant halfway between Kotor and Herceg Novi in Morinj, Boka bay. ’’The Catovic’s Mills’’ marks the place where a family has been using their mills for over two hundred years to make flour.
  
• Stari Mlini:Nestled in a picturesque seaside setting, Stari Mlini has been a cherished family establishment for nearly five decades. Their garden yields fresh produce, while neighboring families provide other organic ingredients. Rooted in preserving culinary history, each dish offers a taste of their heritage.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at Sabia.

• Time: Evening
  
• Booked under name: will be provided
  
• Number of people: 2
  
• Dress Code: Smart casual
  
• Location: One&Only

Reserved by scenset. Payment to be made locally on site.

One & Only Portonovi
1x Portonovi Room
Marvel at mountains skimming the sea as you relax in an environment inspired by the views and rich heritage. With inventive design affording utmost seclusion and the perfect balance of indoor-outdoor living, each room features a foyer and a balcony or terrace, with direct access to the manicured garden for ground floor rooms.

• Breakfast included

Booked By a Scenset.

Make your own way to Chenot Escape for this afternoon's treatments.

• Afternoon - 50-minute couples massage (with female therapists)
  
• Afternoon - 50-minute facial

We recommend you arrive at Chenot Espace reception 30-45 min before your booked appointment in order to be able to complete a Chenot Consultation form and discover the facilities, including indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, relaxing room and Gym facilities.

• Kindly note that the dress code for each treatment is a bathrobe and slippers, which you may find in your guest room.
  
• We kindly advise that you arrive on time so that the spa can guarantee you a whole Chenot experience for your enjoyment.
  
• If you wish to cancel your appointment, please be informed that cancellation is free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellation within 24 hours from the scheduled appointment is subject to a charge, depending on the time frame.

Reserved by Scenset - to be paid locally.

Enjoy a hair wash and blow-dry appointment after your spa treatment.

• Time: Early evening
  
• Please arrive 15 minutes beforehand
  
• Cancellation policy: If you wish to cancel your appointment, please be informed that cancellation is free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellation within 24 hours from the scheduled appointment is subject to a 25% to 100% charge of service, depending on the time frame.
  
• Amendments: To cancel or make any amendments, please speak to the hotel directly

Reserved by a guest, paid locally.

Tonight, enjoy a celebratory birthday dinner at Verige65.

Please make your own way to the restaurant.

• Time: Evening
  
• Booked under name: will be provided
  
• Number of people: 2
  
• Dress Code: Smart casual
  
• Location: 20-minute taxi from your hotel

Reserved by Scenset. Payment to be made locally on site.

One & Only Portonovi
1x Portonovi Room

• Breakfast included

Booked By a Guest.

Meet your guide and driver for today's tour of Boka Bay.

Montenegro, with its soul-stirring mountains and awe-inspiring seaside settings, is a small country rich in natural and cultural treasures. Journey through pristine landscapes where mountains plunge into the sea in fjord-like surroundings.

Explore the sleepy town of Perast, known for its charming baroque architecture shaped by a strong local naval tradition.

You will take a public boat and visit the picturesque artificial islet of Our Lady of the Rock, where you can listen to local legends about its creation and enjoy breathtaking views.

Then, discover the historic town of Kotor, a true Montenegrin gem, nestled among dramatic rock formations and encircled by ancient city walls, offering a unique and stunning panorama.

👟 We recommend wearing a pair of comfortable footwear today!

• Meeting time: Morning
  
• Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  
• Duration: About 5 hours

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact will be provided.

Booked By Scenset.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and relax in the lavish Chenot Espace spa at your resort.

Spa facilities that are complimentary for hotel guests:

• Indoor pool
  
• Steam room and sauna
  
• Relaxation pavilion
  
• Signature Chenot herbal tea

If you would like to make any reservations at the spa, we recommend booking in advance. Here is the spa menu. Please get in touch if you'd like to make a booking.

Treatments are not included and must be paid for on-site.

One & Only Portonovi
1x Portonovi Room

• Breakfast included

Booked By a travel agent.

Your private English-speaking driver will greet you at the lobby of your hotel to transport you in a luxury vehicle to the next trip destination, Dubrovnik.

The transfer is just over an hour of driving time, but we'll break it up with a worthwhile pitstop for an authentic taste of Croatia.

• Meeting time: Morning
  
• Meeting point: Hotel lobby

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact will be provided.

Booked By Scenset.

Take a step away from the tourism and grandeur of Dubrovnik, you'll get to really sink into Croatian traditions of the Konavle Valley through food.

You'll stop at a family farm in a gorgeous setting and join your hosts to prepare a typical dish: Peka. The word peka comes from peći, which means to roast or bake. Over an open wood fire you will prepare your own peka, a blend of vegetables and meat drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs, and then baked to perfection under a bell-like dome.

Share this unforgettable meal with your host family at a beautiful table on the estate.

Booked By Scenset.

Arrive in Dubrovnik and check into your hotel. You will arrive in Dubrovnik in the early afternoon.

Please note that we have requested an early check-in for your room. If it is not available upon arrival, you can leave your bags with the front desk until your room is ready.

Hotel Excelsior
1x Superior Partial Sea View Room

• Breakfast included

Booked By a guest.

Famed for its sheer beauty, glorious history of a one-time republic, and majestic ramparts, Dubrovnik righteously bears the title of the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Admire famous landmarks that make it an open-air museum and a UNESCO site. Quaint Franciscan monastery hides Europe’s oldest pharmacy; Rector’s Palace honors the mighty dukes of Dubrovnik and the baroque Church of St Blaise celebrates the town’s patron saint. No visit to Dubrovnik would be complete without a walk around the city walls, one of the best-preserved ramparts in the Mediterranean. The uninterrupted flow of walls, almost 2 km in length, offers a glance of the old town from a completely different angle and spectacular views of the shimmering Adriatic.

• This is a Game of Thrones Tour of Dubrovnik. We invite you to enjoy the views of the city and learn about its history, together with information on the shooting locations of the famous series.

👟 We recommend wearing a comfortable pair of shoes today!

• Meeting time: Morning
  
• Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  
• Duration: 5hrs

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact will be provided.

Booked By scenset.

Tonight, dinner at Posat.

• Time: Evening
  
• Booked under name: will be provided
  
• Number of people: 2
  
• Dress Code: Smart casual
  
• Location: 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi from your hotel. 📍Google Maps Link

Reserved by Scenset. Payment to be made locally on site.

Hotel Excelsior
1x Superior Partial Sea View Room

• Breakfast included

Booked By a guest.

After a short transfer to the port, meet your skipper for a private motorboat tour of the Elafiti Islands. This breathtaking archipelago of thirteen islands is blessed with lush woodland and white rocky outcrops that enhance the deep blues and greens of the Adriatic. Cruise around the isles' many coves, bays, beaches, and authentic fishing villages while sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

• Snorkels available on board
  
• Meeting time: Morning
  
• Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  
• Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours
  
• Includes Colnago 35, boat crew (2), bathroom, music system, Wi-Fi, cabin, fridge

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact will be provided.

Booked By Scenset.

Hotel Excelsior
1x Superior Partial Sea View Room

• Breakfast included

Booked By a guest.

Your driver will greet you at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to the airport of Dubrovnik for your flight out.

• Meeting time: Morning
  
• Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  
• Duration: 30 mins

If you cannot locate your driver, please contact will be provided.

Booked By Scenset.