Ivan was very responsive, flexible, and helpful in building an ideal trip for us. We like to stay busy, and Ivan always had quick and efficient ideas to fill the itinerary and maximize our experience. We hit a snag with passport control in Frankfurt that caused us to lose a day, however, Ivan was tremendously helpful in guiding us through our schedule pivot!
Hotel Reviews
Authenticity & Character
The hotel is only about 6 years old, though it was put together for modern convenience with an authentic vibe.
Embedded in Split's old town, we felt were part of the neighborhood. We kept our windows open to enjoy the breeze coming off the adriatic, while enjoying the church bells and neighborhood sounds.
Location
Perfectly located in Split old town just a few steps from excellent restaurants, the palace, and seaside. Know ahead of time (we did) that vehicles cannot drop passengers at the entrance and there is a short walk from the drop off point on stone streets that seems longer on initial impression, though we laughed at its ease once we became familiar. We checked in after hours, though I believe they will meet folks when checking in by a certain time. Worth the steps!
Staff
Renata was super with communication and assistance. We checked in after hours after our rough start traveling. The instructions to enter and retrieve our room access were clear, concise, and simple. Renata greeted us warmly at breakfast; helped us with directions; ATMs; ferry schedules, and just general insights. One other staff member handled breakfast service housekeeping. While I am blanking on her name, she was lovely as well, and prepares a fantastic omelet!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was spacious and well-appointed with a desk, chair, and love seat. We had a corner room that offered windows on tree walls with nice views and fresh air. The room was very clean, and a welcome snack of nuts, fruits, and cheeses was there upon checking (though this may have been a sympathy offer for a rough travel lol). There is a bed and breakfast feel in that there is no staff on duty in the evening or overnight. This was not a problem for us, though in conversation with staff, we learned that some guests have been surprised by this.
Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Hvar
We do not typically choose "resorts" when traveling, so we were a bit nervous about Amphora. Our nerves were calmed once we observed the view of the Adriatic, and checked in to our newly renovated room
Authenticity & Character
The hotel was built as a show piece in the late 60s/early 70's when the country was still part of Yugoslavia, so the authenticity and character is obviously related to that time rather than "old world". The lobby bar is really a gourgeous place to have a drink and relax. The pool is very nice and also overlooking the sea.
Location
Right on the Adriatic, incredible views, and easy walk to everything around the harbor (Ferry, restaurants, historic sites)
Staff
We arrived via Ferry from Split, and were greeted by friendly hotel staff who loaded our luggage into a van for transport, while providing easy directions for a relaxing stroll to the resort. At check-in our reservation could not be located at first (it was filed under our first name). No big deal, easily resolved without delay. However, they considered it a snafu and upgraded us to a seaview room. Totally unnecessary, though very much appreciated!
The hotel was very well staffed with plenty of friendly folks providing quality service at breakfast and poolside
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable, clean , well-appointed room with plenty of storage. The upgraded room with balcony was an added bonus. Honor bar offered juice in water included with the room, and additional bottles of water were delivered every afternoon.
Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa
Dubrovnik
This hotel was the perfect spot to set up our base camp for four days in Dubrovnik. No frills, just a nice, clean and comfortable spot to rest, regroup, and get going again. The people working there were absolutely wonderful hosts!
Authenticity & Character
The hotel is newer and fits in with the feel of the neighborhood around the harbor. We had a nice harbor view from a balcony where we enjoyed a glass of wine each evening while watching the action on the water and the street below.
Location
Arriving by Ferry from Hvar, the hotel is a block up from the harbor. Ivan had a transport arranged, though we easily could have walked.
The Old City is a 30-40 minute walk...do yourself a favor an choose the longer route listed on google maps, the shorter route is less scenic and much steeper for much longer (trust me). Uber ride to old town is 10-15 Euros one way. The bus is the way to go if you want quick, cheap, and easy (stop is right in front of the hotel). Immediately after checking in, we went exploring and were cursing the distance from old town (lol). Though once we arrived to old town, we immediately realized that staying closer would have offered a far greater set of challenges: steps, luggage management, noise, transport pickups etc. Since we were doing much more than just old town while we were in Dubrovnik, The Berkeley was the perfect spot for us. An excellent reason to book with someone who knows what they are doing!
Staff
So kind and friendly. We overslept on our first morning, and they were ready with "to go" coffees for us when we got down stairs to grab our ride, while also jokingly noting how much earlier we were rising each day.
Whoever was occupying the desk gladly served as concierge, bartender or local guide helping us wth restaurant recommendations, reservations, drinks, pool towels etc.
Checking out the morning of our last day, our flight was not until 9pm. The hotel offered luggage storage, pool use, and changing facilities for the entire day prior to our flight. Very much appeciated!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We ran pretty hard with activities in Dubrovnik, and the Berkley was perfect for us to regroup, recharge by the pool, and rest well at night. The room was clean, well-appointed, and we slept quite well!
Activity Reviews
Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Split (stop for oysters and wine on the way)
Croatia
We unfortunately lost this experience when we lost a day of our trip due to passport control delays in Germany.
We were really looking forward to it and very disappointed that we could not enjoy this part of our trip.
Rating this 5-star in order to continue on the page
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Ina met us at our hotel where we began our tour. Diocletian's Palace is the main attraction, and Ina knows here stuff! We also very much enjoyed her insight into daily life in Split while we strolled through the old town and along the Promenade. We highly recommend this activity, and one would be hard pressed to find a guide as knowledgeable, fun, and friendly as Ina!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ina is terrific!
Hike to Lost Villages of Hvar
Hvar
Starting at the top, the hike to the abandoned village was mostly downhill an not difficult at all. As our guide (Marco) described the evolution of the area, he also pointed out the different plants (rosemary, st. johns wort, carob etc.) which have been raised and cultivated there for thousands of years. We made an unadvertised stop at an "inhabited" village where we rested in the cellar of a local family. Vanessa provided samples of her homemade rakija and wine, and showed us soaps and balms that she had made from vegetation foraged by her husband. We also got to meet her father in law and two children. No pressure to purchase (in fact we had to ask to), and a very enjoyable experience.
Lunch in the abandoned village was pre-ordered the day before (we chose octopus) and prepared peka style. All enjoyed with a cold beer in a hauntingly beautiful setting.
The hike finished up on the water in the town of Milna (started when everyone moved off the mountain) where we had another beer while waiting for our transport.
Quality of Experience
Active, fresh air, great views, unique landscape and stories
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Marco, while interesting and knowledgeable, was also quite fun. We did not spend much time with the driver, though he was very engaging as well. As we finished up, they were interested in what we were doing next, and connected us with a taxi driver friend for the off the beaten track restaurant we had found. Much appreciated
Transport
Picked us up at the hotel, got us to the starting point of the hike, and did the same to return. Easy peasy!
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Excellent historical overview of the old town from its founding to the present day. Some Game of Thrones sprinkled in, but not too much (thankfully!)
Quality of Experience
Day one in Dubrovnik. We learned a lot with the added bonus of the learning our way around to make things easier for the nexts several days.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was fun and informative. Just an excellent host. We had dinner plans in Old Town after the tour, and she made sure to point out where that was as we enjoyed our afternoon touring with her.
Day Trip to Mostar
Croatia
Good change of pace day suggested by Ivan getting away from the coast. A stop at Kravica Falls along the way was well worth it. Only need about an hour to take it in. Scenic drive through agricultural areas and Mountains. Unique cultural experience with different architecture and food. A different vibe in a different country
Quality of Experience
Really enjoyed getting away from the coast; learning the history of the converging cultures. We were fortunate to witness a bridge jump. Those guys are nuts!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
-We spent nearly 5 hours in the car with Dora. She was a highly capable driver, and pleasant conversationalist as we peppered her with questions throughout the drive. Her experience in the border crossings certainly alleviated any potential stress that can occur in those situations
-Philip was our guide who met us in Mostar, and he was an enthusiastic ambassador for town and country. Very professional, informative, and lots of fun!
Transport
As noted earlier, Dora was fantastic. We had a rough start to our day when we overslept, however, she was patient and understanding as our start was delayed about 15 minutes. Communicated updated meeting time with our Mostar guide, and kept us on track without missing anything. Very much appreciated!
Dubrovnik Kayaking Adventure
Dubrovnik
Unique views of the the Old Town. Good exercise and fun and refreshing to be out on the Adriatic. Included a swim at a sea cave and a paddle up to Lokrum Island. We lucked out that the wind was down, other travelers we met said it was a lot of work when windy. Highly recommend
Quality of Experience
The efficiency of the guide company was impressive
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Josef was our kayak guide/escort. He shared some interesting and fun facts while focusing on his primary role as escort. He continually made sure he was "herding" the group and circling up with folks individually to check on them.
Private Day Trip to Cavtat & Family Farm Day for Traditional Lunch or Dinner
Croatia
This trip turned out to be more than advertised. We thought our driver, Juraj, was transport to Cavtat and then the family farm for dinner. Little did we know...
First, he asked if we had been to Mt. Sri...we had not..."I'd like to show it to you if you do not mind"...Of course not! Riding to the top, he discussed the history of the Napoleonic fortress, the history of Croatia's independent spirit, and gaining independence from Yugoslavia. He walked us through the highlights of the museum, then we took in the spectacular views of the old town. In Cavtat, he walked us to the Vlaho Bukovac museum...another unexpected treat. Then off to a wonderful schnapps tasting and traditional meal on the farm in Cilipi, then finally home.
We slept well, lol
Quality of Experience
The quality was that the experience entailed much more than expected!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
-Givo was a gracious host on the farm and the food was fantastic
-Juraj was just an absolute delight. Born and raised in the area, veteran of the conflict, and 25 years in the hotel industry. He was full of knowledge, and the more questions we asked, the more stores he shared. We tried to tip him, and he refused: "Absolutely not! Your are my guest!"
Transport
Juraj was a good driver also!
Half Day Boating Excursion to the Elaphite Islands
Dubrovnik
-We like boating, and we loved this trip exploring the island, sea caves, coastal villages, and light house. The skipper had a cooler of refreshments (water, beer, wine) which was a nice touch.
-This was the morning of our last day prior to our 9pm flight, and was a perfect culmination of our trip
Quality of Experience
Loved it!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our skipper, Josef, was highly confident and capable handling the boat. A University tourism student, he is beginning his first season in the role. A super host who was eager to make sure we were happy by giving us many choices: wait at the blue cave v more exploration; swim at sandy beach or just look; stop at small village for walk around; lighthouse. The highlight for us was the cave he took us to where we were the only people there. Josef has a successful career ahead of him if this is the path that he chooses. Well done!
Transport
-We could have easily walked to the boat location from our hotel (15 mins) and were kind of embarrassed that we had a transport, lol.
-We appreciated the flexibility of our driver to drop us off near the old town after the excursion, rather than the hotel
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
