Some of the links included may be affiliate; however, everything we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. We never include a venue, vendor, or product unless we believe they have a proper place on InsideWeddings.com. When you make a purchase, we may receive revenue. Thank you for your support!
Following their sunny alfresco wedding at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, Natalie Kratts and Tom Sauer traveled to Croatia and Italy for a romantic honeymoon filled with enriching cultural and epicurean experiences.
Destination: Dubrovnik & Hvar, Croatia
Upon arriving at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik just steps away from the medieval fortress walls of Old Town, Natalie came to the realization that after a busy wedding week and months of planning, it was finally time to relax! “Seeing the glistening Adriatic Sea from our suite, sitting down to enjoy a glass of Champagne, and taking time to be at peace was so welcome in that moment,” smiles Natalie.
Photos by Fabijan Drnas
Known for its historical significance and use as a filming location in HBO’s Game of Thrones, the couple loved exploring the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik with a local guide, taking time to “walk the walls” around the perimeter of Old Town, and dining at 360 Restaurant and Nautika, as well as the cliffside Buža Bar. “Every last corner of Dubrovnik has something beautiful and charming to explore,” adds Tom.
Photo by Fabijan Drnas
Next, the pair set off to Hvar, a gorgeous island off the Dalmatian coast, where the five-star Palace Elisabeth served as home base. A private guide shared a cultural tour complete with wine tastings at two of Croatia’s renowned winemakers, along with visits to ancient ruins, a Benedictine monastery, and a local family estate for a traditional peka lunch.
Photos courtesy of Palace Elisabeth
Highlights of Dubrovnik & Hvar, Croatia
Dining in Dubrovnik at Nautika. “It was rated one of the most romantic restaurants in all of Europe and absolutely earned that designation!”
Taking professional photos. “The dreamy, romantic aesthetic of Old Town was perfectly captured by a local photographer… One of our best souvenirs from Croatia.”
Enjoying a traditional peka lunch. “It was remarkable! The family took us back to their rustic kitchen and then seated us to take in the panoramic views of the countryside.”
Photo courtesy of Palace Elisabeth
Destination: Split & Rovinj, Croatia
Their next stop is best known for the Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, one of UNESCO’s most- celebrated World Heritage Sites. “We were able to tour the palace during a guided walk through the city and experience one of the best-preserved examples of medieval times anywhere in the world,” shares Natalie.
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia offered easy access to shopping and dining at restaurants including Bokeria, and a private driver took the honeymooners to Krka National Park – “one of the most beautiful natural sites in all of Croatia,” remembers Tom, as well as the town of Šibenik where a six-course dinner and wine pairing at Pelegrini awaited.
Photo courtesy of Natalie & Tom Sauer
Their Croatian adventure was made complete at Grand Park Hotel Rovinj on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula. “This was definitely our favorite hotel in all of Croatia!” affirms Natalie. “Neither of us had heard of Rovinj or Istria before, which made it that much more delightful,” notes Tom.
