Luxury Travel Advisor recently met with Blue Parallel founder Emmanuel Burgio to learn more about the luxury tour operator's expansion into the Dalmatian Coast.
Much like the company's other tours in the Mediterranean area, Blue Parallel's tours in Croatia and the surrounding region will focus on exclusive experiences that Burgio can arrange through his wide network of contacts and friends. Foodies, for example, can meet with local farmers (ever wanted to try honey straight from the comb?) or head out on a boat to sample oysters straight from the ocean (the tour operator has a dedicated boat for these trips, and for exploring the many caves along the coastline). Thrillseekers, on the other hand, can bike, climb mountains, hike, kayak or snorkel in open water. History buffs can learn about the heritage of the region, which is growing in popularity as a luxury destination following years of political conflicts.
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One notable experience, Burgio said, is a visit to an abandoned mountain village where a local resident will open up a still-working restaurant for private meals. Following a tour and a lesson in the area's history, guests can sit outside on the terrace for an outdoor barbecue with an entire empty town stretching out around them.
Other destinations include:
- Diocletian’s Palace in Split
- Blue Grotto in Biševo Island
- Vis Island
- Pakleni Island Archipelago
- Hvar
- Korčula
- Pelješac Peninsula
- Dubrovnik
- Lokrum Island
- Bay of Kotor
- Perast
- Kotor
- Sveti Stefan
Exclusive, Blue Parallel-only activities include:
- Exclusive tour of the Ivan Meštrović Gallery in Split which houses some of Croatia’s top works of art with the museum curator
- Sea kayaking excursion inside the Blue Grotto in Biševo
- Private luxury motor yacht with expert captain for day excursions around Dalmatian Islands
- Private wine orientation and tasting at a private family run vineyard on the Pelješac Peninsula
- Private oyster tasting and fresh mussels cooked al fresco in a private estate by the sea accompanied by fine local Croatian white wines
- Private opening of a historical palace in Dubrovnik for special dinners or events
- Option to stay in a private estate located on the waterfront in Dubrovnik
- VIP airport assistance