If you're a fan of music festivals, party tours, breathtaking scenery AND you want to travel the world - then you've come to the right place. My week in Croatia with Awake Tours was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. Nothing beats exploring new islands every day, partying all the way through the warm balmy Croatian summer nights and then waking up in a comfy bed on a megayacht on another island ready to do it all over again. I am so glad I took the plunge & committed to this trip, I now have friends who will remain with me for life & a journal full of memories. After countless hours of watching videos, reading Awake Tours reviews, stalking the Awake Tours Instagram aha, comparing my options and seeking advice from those who had experienced a Sail Croatia before themselves, I decided to finally take the plunge. Little did I know that this decision would lead to one of the most unforgettable weeks of my life.
Our Megayacht was HUGE! I knew it would be big but not that big. Each room had its very own shower & bathroom and 2 beds. It was better than a lot of European hotels I have stayed in. There were 36 people on board our yacht, 3 levels, 12 staff members and the top deck was the size of a small soccer pitch aha - our yacht was technically a small cruise ship! Our home for the week was nothing short of a floating palace. We set sail from Split, one of Europe's most picturesque cities.
Each day was a new island and a new adventure and it was impossible to pick a favourite. From the small historical islands we explored to the lively parties we attended, every moment was filled with something new. One day we partied in a cave in Makarska, the next we went to the epic Hvar Beach Party, after this we visited the Fort in Vis and every day I got to tick off another item from my bucket list. This one night we had the best dinner ever in Vis in what looked like an old part of a castle - where the movie Mamma Mia was partly filmed, it was like stepping back in time & experiencing authentic Croatia. The thing I enjoyed the most was the fun we had on the top deck of the yacht, the DJ party at sea & generally just being with a bunch of legends. Every day the yacht would set sail for 1-3 hours depending on where we were going, most of the time you just woke up to the boat moving or on the new island. I'd wake up, have breakfast - then head up to the top deck to see what the others were doing. We always had a swim stop and stopped in secluded bays or beaches - then we'd have a 3-course lunch! Usually after lunch we'd raft up and explore the island or have an event or party to attend. Every single day we were doing something epic on each new island.
Our yacht was very comfy & had everything you'd need from a hotel. Each room had power points, a beautiful bathroom with hot water & easy access to all decks. There was wifi on board also which was awesome, tv's a fully stocked bar & so many people willing to help at all times. I thoroughly appreciated an air-conditioned cleaned room after a day of tanning and exploring!
Croatian cuisine is a hidden gem. Fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours and local delicacies were all on the menu and don't even get me started on the wine. Croatian wines are a must-try. The food on the Awake Tours yacht was amazing! Every lunch we had a 3-course chef-prepared lunch, it was different each day & absolutely amazing!!! They catered to my dietary requirements also which was really lovely. Every morning we had breakfast prepared for us also – although I'll admit I think I made it twice as I slept right through it ahah.
At lunch, we had an entree, main & dessert. Chef was like a Croatian grandma to us all & loved to see us all eat her beautiful meals every day. The food was on par with any fancy restaurant around the ports. The food was such a highlight, I have never eaten that well on a holiday before ( new meals every day with fresh produce from the island the day before.)
Packing for a week at sea is no joke, and I admit I overpacked the first time around. Here's a list of essentials to ensure you're fully prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.
My time on the yacht was nothing short of amazing. I had saved up all through university for my euro trip & was so nervous about which company I was going to pick. I am so, so glad my friend suggested Awake & I am still in awe over how beautiful our boat was & how much this made my time at sea so much more enjoyable. The daily games, the crew nights out, the all inclusive group fun & just everything could not have been any more perfect. Honestly if you're looking for an unforgettable adventure that blends the best of Croatia's natural beauty with the pulsating beats of music festivals, Awake Tours is your ticket to the time of your life. From the moment you step aboard the deluxe mega-yacht to the last note of music you hear on the islands, you'll be hooked.
So, when Awake Tours becomes available again, don't hesitate like I did. Book your spot, pack your bags, and get ready for the best yacht week ever and the adventure of a lifetime. You'll return home with unforgettable memories, a new group of friends and a longing to sail Croatia all over again. Croatia, the music, the parties, and the people will leave a mark on your heart, just as they did on mine.
