Ever since we started planning Shashwat and Swapnil’s Europe trip, I knew I wanted to use the opportunity to finally visit Croatia. It had been on my list for the longest time—and for good reason. Rishi had gone there with his friends back when we were still in the “talking” phase. I still remember that moment when he video-called me from Dubrovnik, showing me a breathtaking sunset over the Adriatic. Since then, Croatia has kept coming up in our conversations—always topping the list whenever we talked about the best beach vacations. Over the years, Rishi and his friends would keep reminiscing about their trip to Croatia (and Montenegro, which they visited with family), and every time, their excitement was infectious. I couldn’t help but get more and more hyped myself. So when the chance came to join Shashwat and Swapnil in Montenegro and then road-trip through Croatia, I didn’t think twice.
Day 0 – 6 September 2024
The day we were flying out was special for more than one reason—it also happened to be Teej, a Bihari festival where wives fast and pray for their husbands’ well-being, offering prayers to Lord Shiva. So, before I could even think about travel outfits or airport checklists, I had to shift into festive mode. Usually, I wear a saree for the puja, but with a flight to catch and time running tight, that wasn’t happening. Thankfully, I had a brand-new Indian outfit tucked away—simple, festive, and perfect for the occasion. I quickly got ready, gathered all the ingredients, cleaned up the puja space, and performed the rituals as efficiently as I could without compromising the essence of it. It felt like a meaningful start to the day, even in the midst of all the travel prep chaos.
After finishing my puja, I quickly changed into my travel outfit, double-checked my checklist, and we headed to Schiphol Airport. Since I was fasting for Teej, we didn’t have to worry about food that day, which actually made the travel feel a bit lighter. The flight from Amsterdam to Split was smooth and fairly short. As we started descending, I looked out the window and saw the coastline stretching along the Adriatic—crystal blue waters, little red-roofed houses, and rocky green hills hugging the shore. It looked like something out of a postcard, and I could already feel the excitement kicking in. We were finally in Croatia.
Just as we were getting into vacation mode after landing in Split, our car rental plans threw us a curveball. We realised that the pickup location we had booked wasn’t at the airport—it was in the city. That meant dragging our luggage onto public transport and taking a 30–40 minute journey to get to the rental office. Not exactly the smooth start we were hoping for. Once we finally got there, another issue popped up. There was a problem with the credit card limit while making the payment, so Rishi had to call the credit card company in India to get it sorted. That whole process took some time, and by the time everything was approved and the paperwork was done, we had already spent nearly an hour at the rental desk. To top it off, while chatting with the guy at the counter, we found out we could have actually picked up the car directly at the airport itself. It would’ve saved us the hassle of travelling with our luggage across town. Now that we had picked it up from the city, we had to pay €30 more to change the drop-off location. It was one of those “ugh, if only we’d known” moments.
After finally sorting out the car rental chaos, we began our drive from Split to our hotel in Herceg Novi. Shashwat and Swapnil had shared a few articles suggesting alternate border routes used by locals to avoid long queues, but since we started late and it was getting dark, we decided to take the main route instead. Luckily, that worked in our favour—there was barely any line, and the border crossing into Montenegro was smooth and quick. From there, it was a short drive to our hotel. We arrived close to midnight, completely exhausted, and went straight to bed, ready to start fresh the next day.
Day 1 – 7 September 2024
We woke up in Herceg Novi to the most beautiful surprise—our bed and balcony had a stunning view of the sea. The soft morning light, the sound of waves, and that view instantly set the tone for the day. Since I still had to complete my Teej puja, I got ready, lit a candle as a diya, and pulled up an image of Lord Shiva on my phone. I did a quick but heartfelt aarti, feeling peaceful and ready to begin the trip. Afterwards, we headed to the rooftop for the complimentary breakfast. We found a cosy spot in the corner with a perfect sea view. With the sun warming our faces and the sound of the ocean in the background, it felt like the perfect start—not just to the day, but to the entire trip.
Perast was our first stop of the day, and though it’s a small town, finding a parking spot turned out to be quite the challenge. After a few loops and some near misses, we finally managed to park and made our way down a narrow path into the town. We wandered around aimlessly, taking in the charm of the place—narrow cobbled streets, old stone houses, and quaint little churches tucked into every corner. It felt like stepping into a postcard. But the sun was intense that day, and after a while, the heat started getting to me. I felt a bit dizzy and had to sit down on the side of the street while Rishi went off in search of cold water. Once I felt better, we made our way to the spot where the boat ride departs and waited for our turn.
Finally, our boat arrived, and we set off toward Our Lady of the Rocks. The ride was short but beautiful, with a light breeze and scenic views all around. Along the way, we passed a tiny private island with just one house on it—secluded and picturesque, like something out of a movie. As we reached Our Lady of the Rocks, we noticed a wedding was taking place, so we weren’t allowed inside the church. Guests were already gathered, and we watched as the bride and groom arrived separately in their own boats—it was such a charming and cinematic moment. I was genuinely impressed by how everyone was dressed in full suits and tuxedos despite the sweltering summer heat. Since we couldn’t enter the church, we spent our time exploring the structures around it, soaking in the views, and clicking photos. Even without going inside, the visit had a magical and memorable feel to it.
After the boat ride, we set out for the famous Kotor Bay viewpoint. The drive up the hill was steep and winding, with lots of sharp turns and stretches of narrow, one-way traffic. Combined with the heat and the tiredness from the day, the drive started to feel a bit overwhelming. Halfway through, we decided to skip the full climb and head back to the city for lunch instead. But on our way down, we made a couple of quick stops wherever we could safely park and enjoy the view. Even though we didn’t make it to the top, the glimpses we got of the bay were stunning—layers of mountains wrapping around the sparkling blue water. It might’ve been even better from above, but honestly, the views we caught were more than enough to take our breath away.
For lunch, we stopped at Konoba Roma in Kotor. The food was just okay—not bad, but nothing memorable either. Portions were on the smaller side, and we actually left still feeling a bit hungry. What stood out more than the food, though, was the awkward moment at the end. The waiter directly demanded a tip from us, which took us by surprise. Tipping isn’t the norm in most of Europe, the way it is in the U.S., since waitstaff here are generally paid fair wages. It felt a bit off, especially because the service hadn’t been particularly great. We realised this might be a growing trend due to the influx of American tourists, leading to an expectation of tips from everyone. But the way he pushed—bringing up U.S. tipping culture and trying to guilt-trip us—made things uncomfortable. We politely told him we were from the Netherlands, where tipping isn’t standard practice, and didn’t give in. It wasn’t the best dining experience, but at least it gave us something to talk (and vent) about afterwards!
After lunch, we headed into Kotor Old Town to explore. The town was a maze of narrow, stone-paved streets lined with charming buildings, little shops, and cosy cafes. We wandered around aimlessly, soaking in the medieval vibe and stumbling upon a few old churches along the way—including the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Later, we decided to climb up and walk along a portion of the old city walls. The views from there gave us a new perspective of the red rooftops, the bay, and the mountains surrounding Kotor. It was a nice, slow-paced afternoon of wandering and discovering hidden corners of this ancient walled town.
Since the heat was still intense, we decided to skip any more sightseeing and just relax at the beach right across from our hotel—Zmijica Beach. We later found out it’s actually a pretty well-known spot, though we hadn’t realised it at first. We spent the evening cooling off in the water, swimming and floating around until sunset. As the sun dipped lower, the sky turned shades of pink and orange, casting a beautiful glow over the bay. It was peaceful and the perfect way to wind down the day. After sunset, we walked back to our hotel.
After returning from the beach, we weren’t quite ready to head back to our room. Since we were already in our swimwear and still feeling refreshed, we decided to spend a bit more time at the hotel’s swimming pool. The sun had just set, so there was still a soft glow in the sky. It wasn’t completely dark yet, and the atmosphere around the pool felt calm and quiet. We floated around, relaxed, and enjoyed the peaceful vibe until the evening gently faded into the night. Once it got dark, we finally headed back to our room to shower and get ready for the rest of the night.
By the time we were ready again, Shashwat and Swapnil called us to join them at Tivat Marina. They had already been in Montenegro for a couple of days and wanted us to meet up for dinner and enjoy the evening vibes there. When we arrived, Swapnil told us they had been to the marina the night before and caught an amazing live show. This time, the setup was a bit smaller with local bands playing, but the atmosphere was still buzzing. We grabbed some food and drinks from nearby restaurants, found a nice spot, and just relaxed—chatting, laughing, and soaking in the music and waterfront views. It was the perfect end to our first full day in Montenegro.
Day 2 – 8 September 2024
On our last day in Herceg Novi, we joined Shashwat and Swapnil for a special tour of the old town. Swapnil had a close friend, Milan, from her residency days in Gujarat, and her main reason for visiting Montenegro was to reconnect with him and meet his family. That day, Milan and his sister became our unofficial tour guides, giving us a local’s perspective of their hometown. They walked us through the charming old town of Herceg Novi, a coastal gem full of stone staircases, hidden courtyards, and historic buildings. As we strolled through the narrow alleys, they shared stories about the town’s history—wars, occupations, and how the city had evolved over the centuries. We passed by the Clock Tower (Sahat Kula), an iconic 17th-century structure built during Ottoman rule. What made it even more special were the personal anecdotes. Milan pointed out spots where he and his friends learned music, hung out after school, and shared childhood memories. He even took us down to the docks, where they used to spend countless evenings just sitting by the sea. Navigating the town meant lots—and lots—of stairs. Milan joked that no one living in Herceg Novi could ever get obese because every basic errand involved a workout. His sister chimed in with a few classic Montenegrin memes and jokes about the laid-back lifestyle and local laziness—making the tour both educational and hilarious. Exploring a historic place with someone who grew up there brought a whole new depth to the experience. It was easily one of the most memorable parts of our time in Montenegro.
When it was time to leave Montenegro and head toward Dubrovnik, we decided to be a little smarter about the border this time. Since it was broad daylight, the line at the regular crossing was massive—we couldn’t even see the border patrol booth from where we were. So, remembering the tip from Swapnil and Shashwat, we chose to take the alternate local route that avoids the main traffic. This time, we felt more confident. It was daytime, visibility was good, and even if we ran into issues, we had Swapnil’s friend Milan nearby who could’ve helped if needed. Thankfully, the alternate route worked like a charm—we reached the smaller border post and crossed over into Croatia with minimal wait. A little detour saved us a lot of time and stress.
Our first stop in Croatia was the stunning Old Town of Dubrovnik, enclosed within its iconic medieval stone walls. As we stepped through the city gates, it felt like entering a different era—narrow cobbled streets, polished stone pathways, orange rooftops, and centuries-old buildings surrounded us at every turn. Even though I’ve never watched Game of Thrones, I was well aware of how significant this place was for fans of the show. We visited the famous Jesuit Stairs, instantly recognisable as the setting for Cersei’s “walk of shame.” It was fun watching fans recreate the scene and spot familiar locations from the show. We also walked through parts of the Old Town that doubled as King’s Landing—the fictional capital in the series. We wandered past the Rector’s Palace, the Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the Church of St. Blaise, each adding layers of historical charm to the city. The Onofrio Fountain near the entrance of the Old Town was also a lovely, shady spot to catch our breath for a minute. One quirky stop I was excited for was the Stone of Madness—a small carved face on a stone ledge along one of the walls. Legend says that if you can stand on it facing the wall without falling, it brings good luck. I managed to stay on for a few seconds (wobbling included!), so I guess that counts! All in all, exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town was like walking through a living museum—filled with legends, stunning views, and stories around every corner.
After wrapping up our visit to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, we drove along the beautiful coastal road to Drvenik, where we had booked a ferry to Sućuraj, a small port town on the island of Hvar. The drive offered stunning views of the Adriatic, and by the time we reached the port, we were ready to unwind a bit. We loaded our car onto the ferry and set sail for the island. The ride across the calm, blue waters was incredibly scenic. A cool breeze swept through the deck, which was a welcome relief after a hot day exploring Dubrovnik. Once we arrived in Sućuraj, it was a short and easy drive to our accommodation, which was conveniently close to the dock. We checked in, settled down, and cooked a quick dinner before calling it a night—ready to start our Hvar adventure the next day.
Day 3 – 9 September 2024
Our day in Sućuraj started off much slower than planned. We had originally hoped to explore more of Hvar Island, but heavy rain changed our itinerary. With grey skies and steady showers outside, we decided to stay in and make the most of a lazy morning. We cooked a warm brunch in our accommodation and curled up to watch Netflix while we waited for the weather to clear. It wasn’t the adventure we had planned—but in a way, it was the perfect little pause we didn’t know we needed.
As soon as the rain let up, we looked up nearby beaches and decided to check out Plaža Perna. The drive there was a bit tricky—the narrow, uneven road had taken a hit from the rain and was quite bumpy. But eventually, we made it. The beach was peaceful and completely empty—likely thanks to the earlier downpour, which made it feel like our own private little spot. The water, though crystal clear, was freezing. Swapnil and I just dipped our feet in, while the boys braved the cold and got in. Despite the chill, the quiet seclusion and calm surroundings made it a lovely post-rain escape.
After leaving Plaža Perna, we still had some beach energy left in us and wanted a spot that felt a bit easier and safer to get into the water. So we headed to Česminica Beach, a more popular and accessible spot. This time, there were quite a few people already swimming, which gave us the little push we needed. Swapnil and I finally decided to brave the cold and join the boys—determined to enjoy the beach holiday like we were meant to. It felt refreshing and well worth the initial chill!
After our beach adventure, we headed back to the hotel, took warm showers, and got into fresh clothes. Since it had been a slow morning, I had already prepped some pasta earlier in the day. So lunch was easy—just a quick reheat, a bottle of wine, and some music playing in the background. It was a relaxed, comforting meal, perfect for recharging after the beach.
Later in the day, we decided to finally head towards Hvar town. But the road turned out to be much more dangerous than we expected—narrow, steep, and full of blind turns with barely enough space for two cars to pass. To make things worse, the weather took a sudden turn with thunder rumbling and flashes of lightning lighting up the sky. Halfway through, with the storm intensifying and the road conditions getting riskier, we decided it wasn’t worth pushing ahead. We turned back and made our way carefully to the hotel—slightly disappointed but glad we played it safe.
Day 4 – 10 September 2024
It was time to say goodbye to the island, and I couldn’t help but feel a little sad about missing out on exploring Hvar town the evening before. Still, the ferry ride from Sućuraj to Drvenik lifted my spirits a bit—it was just as breezy and beautiful as the first time. The sea shimmered under the morning light, and the calm ride gave us a moment to soak it all in before hitting the road again.
After the ferry ride, we hit the road from Drvenik to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The drive was long but scenic, with lush green landscapes unfolding around us. Along the way, we stopped at a gas station for a quick breakfast—just some light snacks and coffee to fuel up for the journey ahead. The road continued winding through rolling hills, and though we were eager to get to Plitvice, the journey itself was pleasant and calm, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the changing scenery.
Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park was hands down one of the highlights of our trip. We took Trail B, which gave us a perfect mix of walking and scenic boat rides. The entire route felt like walking through a fairytale—wooden pathways winding over crystal-clear turquoise lakes, waterfalls cascading from every direction, and lush greenery all around. We passed by both lower and upper lakes, with countless picture-perfect moments—especially the Veliki Slap, the park’s tallest waterfall, which was truly breathtaking. The sound of rushing water and the peacefulness of the forest made the experience feel almost surreal. Toward the end, we took a short boat ride across one of the larger lakes, a calm and serene stretch that gave us time to soak it all in. Plitvice felt like nature at its best—raw, magical, and unforgettable.
After finishing our visit to Plitvice, we began our drive toward Split, where we’d be staying for the next couple of nights. The drive was smooth and scenic, with winding roads, mountains in the distance, and glimpses of the coast as we neared the city. On the way, we stopped for dinner at Restoran Antonio in Posedarje, a small, local place right off the highway. I finally got my hands on some proper seafood, and the grilled squid I ordered was absolutely delicious—tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. It was a satisfying end to a long but memorable day before we continued our drive and reached Split later that night.
Day 5 – 11 September 2024
All of our beach holidays usually include at least one day of relaxing on a catamaran—it’s our favourite way to unwind while enjoying the sea. So naturally, we planned the same for this trip too and even booked a boat tour through GetYourGuide, hoping to give Shashwat and Swapnil a taste of what we usually love doing. But sadly, this one turned out to be a total disaster.
The website mentioned that it was a catamaran tour, but when we arrived at the port, we found a regular tour boat waiting—crowded and cramped with way too many people. Definitely not the calm and relaxing experience we had envisioned. I was already feeling uneasy with the heat and crowd, and soon after we set sail, I started to feel seasick. Thankfully, I somehow managed to find a spot to lie down, which helped a little and saved the rest of the ride from turning into a complete nightmare for me.
Our first long stop was Pakleni Island, and we were excited to finally get into the water and cool off. But to our shock, no life jackets were provided. This was super unexpected, especially because every other boat trip we’d taken across Europe had included life jackets as a basic safety measure. Since neither Swapnil nor I know how to swim, we didn’t feel safe going into the water without them. So while everyone else dove in and had a great time, we just sat on the boat, feeling left out and frustrated, watching everyone else swim in the clear turquoise water.
After Pakleni, we headed to Hvar Town, but unfortunately, it was peak afternoon and extremely hot, which made it really hard to explore much. We tried walking around a bit, saw some nice corners of the town, but mostly just looked for shade and tried to stay cool.
Our last stop was Milna Beach on Brač Island, and by this point, we were too tired and underwhelmed to expect much. But surprisingly, this stop turned out to be the highlight of the day. The beach was peaceful, and the water looked inviting, even though we stayed at the edge. We managed to relax a bit, splash around safely, and enjoy the surroundings before heading back.
In the end, this boat day—which we had so looked forward to—didn’t meet our expectations. It wasn’t the relaxing catamaran experience we’d imagined or the one we had hoped to share with Shashwat and Swapnil. But at least we got a few decent moments out of it and a good reminder that not all GetYourGuide listings deliver what they promise.
After returning from the boat trip, we decided to wind down with a stroll through Split’s Old Town. We didn’t follow a set route—just wandered through its charming limestone streets, soaking in the vibe, grabbing some gelato, and letting the evening unfold on its own. One of the first things we came across was the Mural Judita: Opsada Betulije, a striking piece of art depicting scenes from Croatian literary history. Not far from there, we stopped briefly at the Pirja Fountain, a small but elegant stone fountain that once served as a public water source and now blends quietly into the historic surroundings. We also passed by the Silver Gate, one of the ancient entrances to Diocletian’s Palace, which still holds a grand, time-worn presence in the old town. Toward the end of our walk, we strolled along the Riva Promenade, enjoying the coastal breeze, lively atmosphere, and views of the harbour, before calling it a day. It was a simple but peaceful end to a long and eventful day.
Day 6 – 12 September 2024
Our return journey to Amsterdam from Split started with dropping off our rental car at the airport, where we had to pay an extra €30 charge. Once we were done with check-in and security, we boarded our flight—only to find out that it was delayed. But instead of getting restless or frustrated, we ended up having a surprisingly fun time. The pilot made an announcement inviting passengers to visit the cockpit while we waited. Rishi and I went up, and one of the pilots even gave up her seat so that both of us could sit in the pilot chairs together. She was super friendly and even clicked our pictures inside the cockpit. It turned into such a unique and memorable experience that it completely made up for the delay. Not a bad way to end the trip at all!
