Croatia road trip: The Adriatic Coast meets glamping

The big day is finally here! On the plane to the Adriatic, you can't think of anything but your upcoming adventure, and time literally flies by. When you land in Dubrovnik, you pick up your hire car and make your way to your accommodation. Check-in? Done! Suitcase? In the room! Time to get going.

Dubrovnik isn't called The Pearl of the Adriatic for nothing, and you're off to see for yourself. The city is just waiting to be explored from head to toe! The best way to start is with a stroll through the beautiful Old Town. Somehow, it looks strangely familiar to you. And no wonder, as it was the setting for series such as Game of Thrones! In the evening, you sit down in one of the many restaurants right by the water and indulge in traditional Croatian cuisine and watch the sun slowly set over the Adriatic. Dobar tek!

A must-do as you explore Dubrovnik is a walk along the 1.2-mile-long city wall (optional, payable on site). With the imposing city on one side and the Adriatic Sea glistening on the other, it's a fantastic way to stretch your legs. You begin at the Pile Gate, which is right at the main entrance to the city, and when you see the old fortifications, you can't help but feel the spirit of the past. Another item on your bucket list: Dubrovnik Cathedral and Sponza Palace. Between the many narrow alleyways, you feel like you're in a whole other world. And when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you head just below the city walls to Buza Beach, a natural rocky shoreline with access to the crystal-clear sea. You take a dip, enjoy the fantastic view of the vast sea and some of the offshore islands and relax in total bliss!

You take one last look at Dubrovnik in the rear-view mirror then set off on the next chapter of your Croatian adventure, fully hyped about what's to come. Your route soon takes you over the impressive Pelješac Bridge, and only as you reach the other side do you realise that you've just crossed the peninsula of the same name. Back to the mainland and on to Drvenik! When you get there, you change to a ferry that takes you to the sunny island of Hvar in a flash. The final stretch leads you across the island through fragrant pine forests and cute villages until you finally arrive in the port town of Hvar. That's right, it has the same name as the island itself!  In Hvar, you slip right into your swimwear and answer the call of the sea. You dive into the crystal-clear water, feel the sun on your skin and simply get lost in the here and now. Back on shore, you grab a delicious smoothie, bury your feet in the soft sand and continue enjoying the perfect summer day. And things get even more magical in the evening as the sun dips into the sea and makes your surroundings glow in warm golden light. It doesn't get better than this! 

After a delicious breakfast in one of the cosy cafés at the harbour (optional, payable on site), you're ready for your self-led city tour. First stop: St Stephen's Square, the largest square in Dalmatia and, with St Stephen's Cathedral, a real eye-catcher! Then you continue through the narrow streets, past small boutiques, where that perfect souvenir just might catch your eye. A detour to the Franciscan Monastery and its garden is an absolute must in Hvar, so you walk over and enjoy a well-deserved break. But the highlight of the day is yet to come: a visit to the Fortica Fortress! High above the city's Old Town, you have a next-level view across the city, the glittering sea and the small islands in front of it. So, you take a beat and soak up the moment then whip out your phone and snap a few epic pics.