The Adriatic Sea shimmers with a beautiful magic. Turquoise waters lap at medieval stone walls. Islands hide ancient monasteries and quiet coves. Mountain-backed ports echo with Venetian splendor. Travelers who acquiesce to the Adriatic’s allure discover history, nature, and culture along Croatia’s famed Dalmatian Coast and within the hidden jewels that Montenegro is eager to reveal. I recently explored these waters, for the first time, with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions onboard the National Geographic Orion expedition ship.
Since 2004, the partnership between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions has proven to be very beneficial for adventure-minded travelers. Every expedition offers extraordinarily curated journeys that blend luxury exploration with scientific discovery. Guests enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences guided by world-renowned naturalists, photographers, and experts.
My National Geographic Orion shipmates and I experienced the Adriatic as both adventurers and connoisseurs. We explored landscapes that are as wild as they are refined, tasted wines hand-selected by Food & Wine‘s executive wine editor, and immersed ourselves in centuries-old traditions that define the region.
It was a wanderlust’s pleasure to step aboard the National Geographic Orion. And after some time at sea, I can honestly say that National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is the definitive way to experience the Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro, authentically.
National Geographic Orion, where spacious suites and world-class sustainable regional cuisine give you a lot to look forward to as you spend the day exploring port cities. Photo: Jason Gordon
Life Onboard
Serving as a luxurious base camp, the National Geographic Orion blends exploration with indulgence. With only 102 guests onboard, the experience is intimate yet expansive. For example, there are opportunities to launch a kayak into secluded coves, learn from National Geographic experts in photography and undersea exploration, or unwind with a glass of wine as the sunset over the Adriatic paints the horizon.
Every detail, from transfers and gratuities to hand-picked wines and gourmet dining, ensures guests can focus on what matters most: Discovery, connection, and the sheer beauty of the journey.
The Natural Wonders of Croatia
With one-third of its land designated a national park, Croatia offers unmatched access to nature at its most pristine. On Mljet, one of the Adriatic’s most heavily forested isles, mornings might mean a refreshing swim in the Great Lake or a quiet hike through pine-scented trails, which also includes a boat ride to the monastery on St. Mary’s Island. Further inland, Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dazzles with turquoise gem-like pools connected by cascading waterfalls, while Krka National Park offers serene birdwatching and gentle hikes among its own water-carved landscapes.
Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic
Few places capture the imagination like Dubrovnik, another UNESCO World Heritage site, with its fortified walls and terracotta rooftops that appear unchanged since the Middle Ages. However, in present day, Dubrovnik is famously known as the real-world backdrop for King’s Landing, the capital of the fictional Seven Kingdoms in HBO’s Game of Thrones. The city’s medieval walls, forts, and winding stone streets provided an authentic setting for some of the show’s most iconic scenes, including Cersei’s walk of shame and the battles for the Iron Throne. As a result, Dubrovnik has become a magnet for fans of the series. Guided tours and other experiences connect visitors directly to the fantasy world, while showcasing the city’s rich history and stunning Adriatic views.
Excursion Offerings
Some travelers may choose to walk the ancient ramparts with a guide or try their hand at oystering in nearby Ston before savoring a briny seafood lunch. While others may do as I did and visit a local home for a rural cooking class. I joined some of my shipmates at the family-owned Miloslavic Cooking School in Dubrovnik. We enjoyed a private, hands-on culinary class guided by members of the Miloslavic family.
Peka Time
We learned the time-honored method of preparing the traditional Dalmatian peka, which is a culinary dish and a bell-lidded vessel. We slow-cooked locally-sourced lamb and veal with potatoes in a peka, which was buried in oak embers on a hot stone stove to create rich, layered flavors. The meal also included a refreshing salad, a delicious risotto with vegetables, and a sweet apple tart, which contained vegetables and fruits picked from the Miloslavics’ gardens, where no pesticides are used.
To culminate this experience, everyone gathered into the warm and inviting communal dining space to savor our efforts, which were paired with local wines, making it an authentic immersion into Dubrovnik’s culinary traditions.
Without a doubt, Dubrovnik is both a step back in time and a feast for the senses.
Montenegro’s Medieval Charms
Crossing into Montenegro, the fortified city of Kotor greets travelers with its Venetian palaces, hidden piazzas, and striking backdrop of jagged limestone mountains. Exploration options here range from learning about the centuries-old craft of olive oil production to exploring secret submarine tunnels built by the former Yugoslav Navy. Adventurers may also choose to hike high into the city walls for sweeping Adriatic views, which is a reward worthy of the climb.
I embarked on a very scenic boat tour that explored the dramatic beauty of Montenegro’s Gulf of Kotor, a fjord-like Adriatic inlet framed by towering mountains and medieval stone towns. We sailed past the UNESCO-recognized old town of Kotor before disembarking for a short walking tour of Prčanj’s peaceful waterfront. While there, our group was escorted into the Church of St. Nicholas Franciscan Monastery, where we were treated to a command performance by the highly acclaimed Montenegrins guitar duo, Srdjan Bulatovic & Darko, who enthralled us with several selections from within a church sanctuary.
Islands of History and Indulgence
On Vis, a remote island once closed to outsiders during its role as a Yugoslav military base, history buffs can explore former President Josip Broz Tito’s hidden headquarters and Cold War-era bunkers. Others may simply linger in Komiža, where fishing boats bob in the harbor and history seems to live in every stone. Later, the glamour of Hvar beckons, offering vibrant nightlife, Venetian architecture, and opportunities for kayaking, hiking, or an intimate island tour.
Beyond the harbor of Šibenik lies a maze of stone alleys and steep backstreets that invite exploration alongside local guides. The adventure continues inland at Krka National Park, where wooden boardwalks wind through lush greenery to the thundering cascades of Skradinski Buk. Nature lovers on our sailing sought out migratory birds at Vransko Lake while others hiked scenic trails tracing the cliffs and coves of St. Anthony’s Channel, immersing themselves in Croatia’s striking blend of history and wild beauty.
Another option is a visit to Zlarin, which has a jewelry tradition dating back to the 14th Century as a result of it being an “island of corals.”
Zadar and Beyond
The Dalmatian Coast’s Roman and Venetian past meshes with modern vibrancy in Zadar, Croatia. Here, the Orion‘s guests may visit Plitvice once more, explore the lace-making traditions of Pag, or hike the rugged trails of Paklenica National Park. Each evening, they return to the tier-one comfort of the Orion, where a spa, fine dining, and world-class service await.
For the discerning traveler, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro offer an adventure steeped in history, culture, and natural splendor. Every day, there, presents a choice. Hike or sail, history or gastronomy, indulgence or adventure? However, you won’t have to choose because the National Geographic Orion encourages you to experience it all.
