04 Jun 2025
Tags: Adriatic Luxury Hotels, Hotel Excelsior, Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known for its dramatic medieval architecture, UNESCO-recognised heritage and awe-inspiring Adriatic coastline, Croatia continues to soar in popularity as a must-visit destination, ranking among the top 10 most Googled destinations of 2024 (Conde Nast Traveller), with Dubrovnik also receiving special recognition in Wanderlust's prestigious 'Good to Go 2025' list.
Croatia continues to enchant travellers with its breathtaking scenery alongside its rich cultural heritage, where age-old traditions thrive through the work of skilled artisans. In this curated 48-hour itinerary, timeless craft meets modern charm, offering cultural explorers a truly unique, year-round destination.
Offering the perfect setting to call home with magical views along Dubrovnik's waterfront, the 5* Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Excelsior as part of Adriatic Luxury Hotels impress visitors with not only its dramatic architecture, culinary flair, and design but by developing new, transformative experiences that truly immerse guests into the DNA of the region.
Image info here.
Day 1: Exploring the Old Town and its Artistic Treasures
- Dubrovnik Walls Tour: Walk along the historic walls surrounding the Old Town - built between the 13th and 16th centuries, the picturesque architecture has served as a backdrop for iconic productions including Game of Thrones and No Time To Die, a James Bond favourite.. just to name a few.
- Visit the Rector's Palace: The 15th-century building, once the residence of the ruler of the Republic of Ragusa now houses the Museum of Cultural History. Together the architecture of the palace, with its mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, is a work of art in itself.
- Lunch at Prora Restaurant: Found just steps from the Old Town at Hotel Excelsior, the beachfront restaurant carved into a cave of the original 1913 offers light and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dishes using local ingredients
- Exploration of the The Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik: Just a two-minute walk from Hotel Excelsior, the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik is a must-visit cultural landmark showcasing an impressive collection of works by renowned Croatian modernists such as Ivo Dulčić, Antun Masle, Tina Gverovic, Duro Pulitika, and Vlaho Bukovac, one of Croatia's most celebrated painters. In addition to its focus on local talent, the museum also houses iconic pieces by international legends like Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso, offering visitors a striking dialogue between Croatian creativity and global artistic movements. This year celebrating 80 years with a special exhibit.
- Indulgent Spa time: Reserve a place within the luxurious sanctuary of Hotel Excelsior's Spa and enjoy a signature full-body renewal massage (80 min / £160) or refresh the senses with a dip in the sea water open-air swimming pool before unwinding in the spa's traditional hammam and sauna.
- Drinks with a view: Enjoy sunset hour atop the Abakus Piano Bar terrace at Hotel Excelsior, boasting panoramic sea-views, accompanied by live music and signature cocktails such as the Excelsior, a mix of ginger beer and Tanqueray or the Royal Mojito - a Croatian classic.
- Dinner at Sensus Fine Dining Restaurant: At Senus, choose to dine under the stars or step into the main restaurant, offering tasting menu with wine pairing set at a menu (£150) featuring scallops, chicken liver and a selection of fresh root vegetables. Alternatively, choose for yourself from seafood pasta dishes to fresh fish and meat cooked to perfection.
Day 2: Immersion in Local Crafts
- Clara Stones: An artisanal jewellery brand, renowned for crafting unique pieces that blend traditional craftmanship with contemporary design. Stones' collections are inspired by imagination and wonder, and visitors can watch the meticulous process of transforming raw red coral into exquisite jewellery, reflecting the city's rich coral heritage.
- Lunch at Nevera: Set inside an atmospheric cave – Hotel Bellevue, some of the best Mediterranean delicacies are served matched with Croatia's most exclusive wines.
- Exploring Silk Production in Konavle: Just 30-minutes from Dubrovnik, arrive in the rural region of Konavle, where the centuries-old craft of silk production - an art deeply rooted in Croatia's cultural identity continues to thrive. Founder of the programme, Antonia, warmly welcomes guests into her own home, to share this tradition through interactive workshops and non-for-profit workshops, all driven by her love of her community and past. Tours can be arranged with the concierge at all Adriatic Luxury Hotels - for detailss and pricing, contact info@alh.hr.
- Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra Concert: Enjoy a unique musical experience with the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, which offers concerts in various historical venues in the city. 'For year-round programming and pricing, see event calendar.
- Dinner at Vapor Restaurant: Located in Hotel Bellevue, this Michelin Guide rated restaurant offers a fine dining experience with stunning views, capturing the beauty and seaside charm of the Dubrovnik lifestyle, and newly designed space with sleek design. The chef performs magic with locally sourced herbs and spices, tailoring to anything the guests wish. From white Adriatic fish fillet, or Iberica dark pork fillet, and many options in-between, this isn't one to miss out on.
Further Ideas…
- Exploring Cavtat and its Art Scene: This postcard-perfect seaside village is a tranquil retreat from the bustle of Dubrovnik's Old Town and just a 30-minute drive away. Stay at Hotel Supetar for uninterrupted sea views, stroll through its charming cobblestone streets and bay dotted with bobbing boats, and explore SupetART in Residence (hyperlink) programme – a monthly curated pop-up-gallery that shines a spotlight on emerging local artists, giving them a platform to showcase and sell their work to an international audience.
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Adriatic Luxury Hotels present some of the most luxurious hotels and villas in Croatia, ideally located in magnificent settings in Dubvronik, Cavtat, and on the island of Mljet, and include Hotel Excelsior, Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Dubrovnik Palace [Dubrovnik], and Hotel Supetar and Supetar Residence [Cavtat].
URL: adriaticluxuryhotels.com/hotel-excelsior-dubrovnik/
Rates: From €450 per night (approx £374) for a Standard Room, including daily breakfast
Imagery: here
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
URL: adriaticluxuryhotels.com/hotel-bellevue-dubrovnik
Rates: From €300 per night (approx £250) for a Standard Room, including daily breakfast
Imagery: here
URL: adriaticluxuryhotels.com/hotel-dubrovnik-palace/
Rates: From €200 per night (approx £167) for a Standard Room – including breakfast?
Imagery: here
