Our 2026 trip to Croatia and Montenegro with Tasteful Croatian Journeys was truly unforgettable.
What began as a last-minute pivot from our original travel plans to the Middle East became one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken. The itinerary struck the perfect balance of history and culture, vibrant cities, coastal beauty, nature, and relaxation. We credit Tasteful Croatian Journeys (TCJ) for their exceptional planning, thoughtful customization, and the peace of mind that came from knowing every detail would be handled with care.
Throughout the planning process, our travel planner, Tia, was accommodating, responsive, and flexible. She thoughtfully balanced our preferences as a couple while also catering to Stephanie’s particular appreciation for beautifully designed luxury hotels. Behind the scenes, Tia also helped coordinate Stephanie’s special birthday celebrations with David, which made the trip feel even more personal and meaningful.
From the earliest planning stages until the moment we departed for home, Tia, Wanda and Mirela were the consummate professionals and consistently instilled confidence that our journey was in excellent hands.
We especially appreciated the wonderful balance of nature, elegant hotels, historical exploration, and authentic local experiences — a reflection of TCJ’s deep expertise and many years of experience designing exceptional journeys throughout the region.
Highlights of Our Trip
Some of our favorite experiences included:
Favorite Hotels
Two hotels stood out in particular:
Hotel Katerina in Orebić
This newly opened boutique hotel was truly an interior designer’s dream. Every room featured its own distinct nautical-inspired theme, thoughtfully designed with bespoke details that reflected the owners’ extraordinary creativity and vision. From elegant maritime touches to beautifully curated furnishings, each space felt completely unique yet consistently tasteful and refined. Our only regret was staying for just one night.
One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro
Equally unforgettable in a different way, our final two nights at One&Only Portonovi were the perfect ending to our trip. We loved the breathtaking setting on Boca Bay, the luxurious accommodations, and the sense of tranquility and refinement throughout the resort.
Exceptional Concierge Support
Beyond the accommodations and tours, what we will remember most was the extraordinary service provided by our local concierge, Mirela.
Mirela was incredibly responsive at all hours — day, evening, and weekends alike. Whenever she arranged restaurant reservations for us, we consistently received wonderful seaside tables with beautiful views. Her local relationships and attention to detail truly elevated our experience.
Most impressively, Mirela went far beyond expectations when we encountered an unexpected delay at customs at the Montenegro–Dubrovnik border on the day of our departure.
At 4:00 PM, we were still stuck at the border, and our flight was scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM. Through what felt like a miracle, Mirela coordinated a taxi pickup, communicated with the airport, and somehow helped ensure that we made our flight. We boarded just minutes after the scheduled departure time. What could have become a travel disaster instead became a memorable example of extraordinary customer service.
Wonderful Guides and Drivers
Finally, we were consistently touched by the kindness, hospitality, and national pride of the drivers and guides we met throughout the trip. We especially appreciated:
This was truly an unforgettable journey, and we wholeheartedly recommend Tasteful Croatian Journeys to anyone considering travel to Croatia and Montenegro. We look forward to recommending TCJ to our friends and family for years to come.
Stephanie Joe – San Mateo, CA, USA
May 20, 2026
| Title | Price | Status | Type | Area | Purpose | Bedrooms | Bathrooms |
|---|