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adventurescroatiaca · 5 months ago

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The Ultimate Guide to Discovering Croatia: Insights from Local Travel Experts

Croatia is a country of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From its picturesque coastline and enchanting islands to its historic cities and lush national parks, Croatia offers an unforgettable travel experience. To help you make the most of your Croatian adventure, we’ve compiled insights from local travel experts to guide you through the best that Croatia has to offer. Click here for more information adventurescroatia

1. Experience Croatia’s Diverse Landscapes

Coastal Beauty

Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian Coast is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and charming towns. Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a must-visit for its well-preserved medieval walls and stunning views. Split, with its ancient Diocletian’s Palace and lively promenade, offers a vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the stunning beaches of Makarska and the scenic beauty of the islands like Hvar and Brač.

Istria

Istria, a peninsula in the north, is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and truffle-rich cuisine. Visit the historic town of Rovinj with its picturesque old town and beautiful harbor. Pula’s Roman amphitheater and the medieval town of Motovun are also worth exploring.

Historic Cities

Zagreb

Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, is a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Explore the medieval Upper Town, stroll through the colorful Tkalčićeva Street, and enjoy the local cafés. The city’s museums and galleries provide a deep dive into Croatian culture and history.

Rijeka

As Croatia’s third-largest city, Rijeka boasts a rich maritime heritage and a lively cultural scene. The city’s architecture ranges from historic buildings to modern structures, and it serves as a gateway to the beautiful Kvarner Gulf.

Natural Wonders

Plitvice Lakes National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its cascading lakes and waterfalls. The park’s wooden walkways offer stunning views of the lakes’ vibrant turquoise waters and lush surroundings.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is known for its stunning waterfalls and natural beauty. The park’s swimming areas allow visitors to cool off in the crystal-clear waters beneath the falls. Explore the picturesque town of Skradin, the gateway to the park.

2. Immerse Yourself in Croatian Culture

Traditional Cuisine

Taste Local Dishes

Croatian cuisine is diverse and regionally distinct. Sample local specialties such as Peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables), fresh seafood, and homemade pasta. Don’t miss out on the famous Croatian wine and olive oil, which are integral to the country’s culinary heritage.

Visit Local Markets

Local markets are perfect for experiencing Croatian food culture. Markets in cities like Split and Dubrovnik offer fresh produce, artisanal products, and local delicacies. Engage with vendors and try regional specialties.

Cultural Festivals

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival features a rich program of music, dance, and theater performances in the historic setting of the city’s old town. The festival runs from July to August and is a highlight of the Croatian cultural calendar.

Zagreb Advent

If visiting in winter, the Zagreb Advent festival is a must-see. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with festive markets, ice skating rinks, and holiday lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

3. Navigate Croatia Efficiently

Transportation Tips

Public Transport

Croatia’s public transportation system is efficient and well-connected. Use buses and trains for travel between cities and regions. Ferries are ideal for island hopping, with frequent services connecting the mainland to the islands.

Car Rental

Renting a car offers flexibility, especially if you plan to explore rural areas or off-the-beaten-path destinations. Ensure you’re familiar with local driving laws and parking regulations.

Accommodation Choices

Hotels and Resorts

From luxury hotels and resorts to boutique accommodations, Croatia offers a range of lodging options to suit all preferences and budgets. Coastal cities and islands have numerous beachfront properties with stunning views.

Vacation Rentals

Consider vacation rentals for a more personalized experience. Rentals in historic buildings or countryside homes provide a unique stay and a chance to experience local life.

4. Prepare for Your Trip

Travel Essentials

Packing Tips

Pack lightweight clothing for the summer months and layer up if traveling in the cooler seasons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cities and natural sites. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.

Currency and Payments

The Croatian kuna (HRK) is the local currency. While credit cards are widely accepted, having some cash on hand for smaller purchases and local markets is advisable.

Cultural Etiquette

Local Customs

Croatians value politeness and respect. Greet people with a friendly "Dobar dan" (Good day) and follow local customs in religious sites. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, with a tip of 10% being customary in restaurants.

Language

While Croatian is the official language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Croatian phrases can enhance your interaction with locals.

Conclusion

Croatia is a diverse and captivating destination offering a wealth of experiences from its stunning coastlines and historic cities to its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. By following these expert tips and insights, you can uncover the best of what Croatia has to offer and ensure a memorable and fulfilling travel experience. Embrace the country’s beauty, savor its cuisine, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture for an unforgettable Croatian adventure.

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savvytravelers · 7 months ago

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Luxury Wine Cruises

Unforgettable Wine River Cruises: Experience The Perfect Blend Of Wine Culture And Luxury

We celebrate wine and treat our guests to a wonderful selection of regional wines across all of our river cruise itineraries – however, many guests wish to take their passion for wine a bit further. Is there a winery whose bottles dominate your dinner parties? If so, you may be able to travel along with their wine club on one of our exclusive Celebration of Wine River Cruises with Savvy Travelers.

Sip, Savor, and Enjoy

Savvy Travelers offers over 70 annual Wine Cruises through Europe’s iconic winemaking regions. Each cruise is hosted by a wine professional who brings “New World” bottles for you to enjoy. Experience curated tastings, visit historic cellars, and compare wines from different regions.

Choose Your Ideal Wine Experience

Our Celebration of Wine River Cruises are guided by enthusiastic wine professionals. They lead tastings, accompany you on shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and curate special food and wine pairing dinners. Discover the perfect blend of travel, wine, and cuisine.

North American Wine Host Sailings

Sample European wines in their native regions and compare them with selections from a North American winery. Enjoy tastings of New World and Old World wines while exploring the history and culture of the area.

European Wine Immersion Sailings

Immerse yourself in the local wine culture with an expert in European wines. Learn about the region’s history and varietals, and get insider tips on local delicacies and must-visit spots.

Epicurean Experiences

Premier Vineyards and Cellar Tours

Visit unique vineyards and wineries like France’s Château de Montaigne and Austria’s Burg Clam. Taste the history and heritage of these storied vines.

Authentic Encounters

Connect with artisans and vintners. Learn to pair chocolate with wine, discover the process of making olive oil, and enjoy Austria’s Wachau Valley apricots.

Food and Wine Pairing – A Unique Art

Experience dinners with wines perfectly chosen to complement your meal. Enjoy pairings like rosemary-crusted lamb with Châteauneuf-du-Pape and oysters with a Loire white.

Regional Wines

Our Celebration of Wine River Cruises feature an extensive selection of regional wines. From Bordeaux's robust reds to the crisp whites of the Rhine, each glass tells a story of its terroir, complementing the culinary traditions of each region.

Bordeaux, France: BlendsBordeaux is famous for its blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Enjoy complex and balanced wines with notes of dark fruit and spice.

The Seine River, France: Champagne and CalvadosEnjoy the sparkling luxury of Champagne and the rich flavor of Calvados, an apple brandy from Normandy.

The Rhone River - Provence, France: Rosés, Hermitage, and the "Pope's Wine"Savor refreshing Rosés and robust Hermitage reds, including the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The Douro River, Portugal: Port Wine and Vinho VerdeExperience rich, fortified Port Wine and the light, slightly effervescent Vinho Verde.

The Upper Danube River - Wachau Valley, Austria: Grüner Veltliner and RieslingEnjoy crisp, aromatic wines like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from the Wachau Valley.

The Lower Danube River - Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria: Szekszárd, Tokaji, Plum Brandy, and SeherezadaTaste Hungary’s Szekszárd reds, sweet Tokaji wines, traditional Plum Brandy, and Seherezada from Serbia.

The Rhine River, Germany: Rieslings, Crémant d'Alsace, and Kölsch BeerEnjoy versatile Rieslings, sparkling Crémant d'Alsace, and refreshing Kölsch beer.

The Moselle River, Germany: RieslingsSample some of the world’s finest Rieslings with bright acidity and fruity notes.

The Main River, Germany: Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and RauchbierDiscover Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and the unique smoked beer, Rauchbier, from Bamberg.

Book Your Celebration of Wine River Cruise Today

Join Savvy Travelers on a Celebration of Wine River Cruise and explore Europe’s finest wine regions. Reserve your spot today and get ready to sip, savor, and enjoy an unparalleled wine adventure!

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bbumtravel · 7 months ago

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The romantic island region located in the Adriatic Sea.

Hvar: Croatia's Island Gem

Introduction

Hvar is an island located in the Adriatic Sea, off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Known for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, Hvar has become a popular destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Geography and Climate

Hvar is the fourth largest island in the Adriatic Sea, measuring approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) in length. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

History and Culture

Hvar has a rich history dating back to ancient times, influenced by Greek, Roman, Venetian, and Croatian cultures. Key historical sites include:

Hvar Town: The island's main settlement, known for its picturesque harbor, 13th-century walls, and Gothic palaces.

St. Stephen's Square: A historic square in Hvar Town surrounded by Renaissance buildings, including the Cathedral of St. Stephen.

Fortress Fortica (Španjola): Perched high above Hvar Town, offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding islands.

Natural Beauty

Hvar is renowned for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters:

Pakleni Islands: A group of small, wooded islands located just off the coast of Hvar, perfect for boating, swimming, and snorkeling.

Lavender Fields: Hvar is known as the "lavender island," with fields of lavender in bloom during the summer months, filling the air with a delightful fragrance.

Beaches: Hvar boasts numerous beaches, from secluded coves to lively beach clubs. Popular beaches include Dubovica Beach, Palmižana Beach, and Stipanska Beach.

Activities and Entertainment

Hvar offers a variety of activities and entertainment options:

Water Sports: Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and sailing are popular activities due to the island's clear waters and abundant marine life.

Nightlife: Hvar Town is known for its vibrant nightlife, with beach clubs, bars, and restaurants offering live music and DJ sets until the early hours of the morning.

Cultural Events: Hvar hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Hvar Summer Festival, featuring music, dance, and theater performances.

Cuisine

Hvar's cuisine reflects its Mediterranean location, featuring fresh seafood, olive oil, and locally grown produce. Visitors can enjoy traditional Dalmatian dishes, along with international cuisine, at restaurants and taverns throughout the island.

Conclusion

Hvar captivates visitors with its combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and lively atmosphere. Whether exploring ancient fortresses, lounging on beautiful beaches, or dancing the night away, Hvar offers a memorable experience that showcases the best of Croatia's island lifestyle.

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yogaretreatcenter · 1 year ago

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Discover Harmony and Wellness: Exploring the Five Elements in Croatia

Embark on a journey of balance and rejuvenation as we delve into the serene world of the "Five Elements" in the breathtaking landscapes of Croatia. Drawing inspiration from ancient philosophies, the Five Elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether – come alive in this Mediterranean paradise, offering a unique and holistic experience for those seeking harmony and wellness.

1. Earth: Grounding in Istria's Olive Groves

Begin your elemental journey with the grounding energy of Earth in Istria, Croatia's picturesque peninsula. Surrounded by vast olive groves, indulge in outdoor yoga sessions that connect you with the earth beneath your feet. Immerse yourself in the local culture by partaking in olive oil tastings, a symbol of Istria's rich and fertile soil.

2. Water: Coastal Bliss on the Adriatic Sea

Shift your focus to the soothing element of Water as you explore Croatia's stunning Adriatic coastline. Participate in beachside yoga sessions, allowing the rhythmic waves to enhance your sense of flow and flexibility. Discover the underwater wonders through snorkelling or simply unwind on pristine beaches, letting the cleansing power of water wash away stress.

3. Fire: Sunset Yoga in Dalmatia

Experience the fiery essence of the setting sun in Dalmatia, igniting your passion and vitality. Engage in fiery sunset yoga practices overlooking the Adriatic, where the warm hues of the sky create a mesmerising backdrop. Connect with the element of Fire by embracing the vibrant nightlife, savouring local delicacies, and feeling the pulse of Dalmatia's lively energy.

4. Air: Breathwork in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Journey inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park, where the element of Air takes centre stage. Engage in mindful breathwork amidst cascading waterfalls and lush greenery, filling your lungs with the pure, crisp air of this natural wonder. Explore the park's trails, allowing the gentle breeze to invigorate your senses and promote mental clarity.

5. Ether: Stargazing in Hvar

Conclude your elemental adventure with the ethereal element of Ether on the island of Hvar. Experience the vastness of the night sky through stargazing sessions, connecting with the infinite possibilities of the universe. Let the tranquil atmosphere of Hvar inspire moments of reflection and inner peace, creating a perfect balance to complete your five elements croatia journey.

In Croatia, the convergence of nature's beauty and ancient wisdom creates a harmonious sanctuary for those seeking to align with the Five Elements. This holistic experience not only nurtures your physical well-being but also fosters a deep connection with the elements, leaving you refreshed, balanced, and in tune with the natural rhythms of life.

#five elements croatia #Five Elements Retreat Center

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tideandseektravel · 2 years ago

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10 reasons why you will fall in love with a tour of Croatia

Croatia, located on the Adriatic Sea, is a stunning country that has been capturing the hearts of travelers for years. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and welcoming people, it's no wonder why Croatia has become a popular tourist destination. Here are 10 reasons why you will fall in love with a tour of Croatia.

Natural Beauty: Croatia boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe, from the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea to the majestic peaks of the Dinaric Alps. You will be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, and Paklenica National Park.

Stunning Architecture: Croatia is home to a wide range of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau. You will be awed by the intricate details of the Diocletian's Palace in Split, the Saint James Cathedral in Šibenik, and the Dubrovnik City Walls.

Rich History: Croatia has a rich and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. From the Roman Empire to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Croatia has been influenced by many different cultures throughout its history, which is evident in its architecture, art, and traditions.

Delicious Food: Croatia is known for its delicious and fresh seafood, as well as its hearty meat dishes. You will have the opportunity to try traditional Croatian dishes such as pasticada, cevapi, and burek, and taste local wines and olive oils.

Friendly People: Croatians are known for their welcoming and friendly nature, and are always eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

Vibrant Culture: Croatia has a vibrant culture that is celebrated through music, dance, art, and festivals. You will have the opportunity to experience traditional Croatian music and dance performances, and attend festivals such as the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and the Split Summer Festival.

Beautiful Beaches: Croatia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings. You will have the opportunity to visit popular beaches such as Zlatni Rat, Punta Rata, and Stiniva.

Island Hopping: Croatia has over 1,000 islands, each with its own unique charm and beauty. You can take a ferry or a private boat to explore some of the most beautiful islands such as Hvar, Korčula, and Vis.

Adventure Activities: Croatia is a paradise for adventure lovers, with activities such as kayaking, hiking, and rafting available in many of its national parks and nature reserves.

Value for Money: Croatia offers excellent value for money, with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options. This makes it a great destination for budget-conscious travelers.

In conclusion, Croatia is a beautiful and welcoming country that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you're interested in natural beauty, rich history, delicious food, or adventure activities, a tour of Croatia will leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.

#croatiatour #travel #adventurestour #croatiaholiday

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fuckyeahjeremyclarkson · 5 years ago

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When I was a small boy, we’d eat out once a year, always at the Berni Inn in Doncaster. The choices were not extensive. To start, it was either grapefruit juice or pineapple juice, and then it was breaded plaice or steak. Mind you, customers were able to choose how they’d like their meat cooked. For an hour. Or for much, much longer. The vegetables, meanwhile, went into the pot when you booked the table.

I knew this was wrong, even when I was only six, because my dad was a fanatical cook. He would cook for people all day. He cooked for the postman. He cooked for the women who worked for my mum in the barn at the bottom of the garden. And when he ran out of people to cook for, he’d make elaborate cakes for the birds.

He would rise at six so he could start cooking and I still yearn for some of the things he made. Tripe in a simple milk sauce, especially. And his roasted heart was one of the cornerstones of my childhood. Alongside Mungo Jerry, being bullied and the hedgehog-print jeans my mum made for me because Levi’s were too expensive. And which were the root cause of much of the bullying.

Later, in my teens, he would take me to London occasionally, and we’d go to a restaurant at 235 King’s Road, which was called 235 King’s Road. Or an Italian place on the Earls Court Road called Il Palio, where Bruno the owner and his chef would have furious rows all night long. And then at lunchtime, he’d take me to a place he knew in Marylebone for a salt beef sandwich.

Later, as my mum’s business started to become more successful, we’d go to San Lorenzo in Beauchamp Place and Odin’s, which belonged to Peter Langan. And I didn’t like the food they cooked because it wasn’t plain. It wasn’t simple. It wasn’t tripe in a milk sauce. It wasn’t roast heart.

Much later, AA Gill did his best to make me understand food and cooking. He would take me to places where the rabbit tasted like bacon and the pigeon like ham, and he would swoon and kiss the chef on the mouth. And I’d stare wistfully at my pigeon, thinking, “If I’d wanted something that tasted like ham, I’d have ordered ham.”

This is why I despise all provincial restaurants today. And please don’t write to tell me about a place your daughter-in-law has just opened in Penrith, because I won’t like that either. In restaurants outside London, it’s always about the chef’s ability to create a visual taste sensation. No one’s allowed to talk. You are expected to sit there in reverential silence, marvelling at how the single piece of cress is a perfect accompaniment for the bubbles in the broth.

And it’s bollocks. When I go out to eat, it’s because I can’t be arsed to do the washing-up. I want exactly what I’d make at home, only without the faff of making it. Shepherd’s pie. Spaghetti bolognaise. Lamb chops with new potatoes. And no effing sauce. I also don’t want a new concept, where I order 876 little things and then share them all with the people on the table by the loo. Or plates made from wood, or metal. I swear to God, restaurants that do this always provide cutlery that you can’t hold properly, so you can’t stab the waiter.

What a whopper: Clarkson lovingly cradles a marrow grown in the new kitchen garden at his 1,000-acre farm in Oxfordshire

What I hate most of all, though, is travelling with film crews. Because when we are abroad, they treat food as fuel. Which means we never walk the streets looking for the sort of restaurant that does home cooking well. They just eat whatever is provided at the hotel, which is almost always like the sort of food you get in Birmingham.

Nicola Formby — aka the Blonde made famous by AA Gill’s reviews — is always suggesting little places in back streets that do great gnocchi on a bed of lightly killed rattlesnake, but I don’t want that. I want simple. I had roast grasshoppers in Cambodia and Burma and they were terrific. I had a trout, plucked from the stream next to my table in Croatia, and then grilled. And that was even better. But the absolute best food I’ve ever eaten was a bruschetta in Bologna. Bread. Olive oil. Tomatoes. Basil, probably, and maybe some balsamic vinegar. I can’t be sure because after smoking half a million cigarettes, my taste buds have the sensitivity of steel. All I knew is they were really good tomatoes on a really nice piece of bread.I can add another couple of things to this list of culinary triumphs. The chicken pho by a chef called Ms No at the Six Senses Con Dao island resort off Vietnam. And the Denny’s breakfast experience in any of those Reacher towns in the red bits of America.If you break a perfectly poached egg, and in Denny’s the poached eggs are always perfect, onto their hash browns, I swear you end up with a taste sensation that would stop Jesus in his tracks. I have searched the world for hash browns made the Denny’s way, but when they’re offered, the chef has always suffused them with his own twist. By which I mean “ruined them”.

I have a similar global quest to find a better eggs benedict than the one I was given at the then Regent Hotel in Hong Kong, back in 1988. So far, it’s no dice. No one gets the simplicity right. Simplicity is always the key to my enjoyment of food. It’s why, when I cook, I never use cheese unless what I’m making is cheese on toast or a cheese sandwich. This is because cheese is a powerful flavour that sits in the pan like the Russian president sits in a room full of diplomats from former Soviet states. It’s the same story with bacon. Pop that into the mix and what you always end up with is something that tastes of bacon.

“Are you not getting the delicate hints of pomegranate?”

“Nope. Just bacon.”

All of which takes me back to my dad’s roast heart. I sometimes look online for how this might be made and what I get is “roasted ox heart stuffed with a mushroom duxelle” or “beef heart braised in wine” or “lamb’s heart stuffed with lemon thyme and streaky bacon”. No. And then no again.

And nor can you serve them with a Dover sole so you have the chance for a jokey “Heart and Sole” offering in the menu. I just want heart. I like the taste of it as it is. I like the texture and all I want added is a spoonful of mashed potato to mop up the blood.

I’ve just started an internet thing called FoodTribe, on which people can share thoughts and ideas on food. And I’m going to be sharing this quest for simplicity a lot. I may even go further and start turning the stuff I grow on my farm into straightforward food that I can sell in my simple, straightforward, unheated shop.

As I write, I have three sheep that are due to go “down the road”. I feel sad in some ways, but I’m cheered by the fact that I can have their hearts. And even more cheered by the fact that I’ve accidentally grown 20 tons of potatoes. It’s going to be a supper that makes me feel young again and it will be the first I’ve grown entirely by myself.

Yes. I started a kitchen garden earlier this year and have spent the past few months taking a weird pride that the spring onions, and the carrots and the peas and especially the golden beets, all of which were grown by my own . . . ability to tell girlfriend, Lisa, and gardener, Josh, exactly what I like.I don’t know why we enjoy eating vegetables that we’ve grown ourselves more than those grown by some disinterested Mexican on minimum wage. Maybe it’s because we know we haven’t urinated on them. Or because we know that no carbon was burnt in their trip from the soil to our table. But whatever the reason, we do. And I cannot wait to do that with meat as well. It’s simplicity in its purest form.

Jeremy’s recipes will be added to the next post to avoid this one turning into an enormous monster

#Jeremy Clarkson #Sunday Times Magazine #food #foodtribe

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gulet-broker · 4 years ago

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Gulet Rental in Turkey: Top 10 Places to Visit when renting a yacht

Gulet Charter Croatia : Yacht rentals in Turkey have been a popular way to get this beautiful country for the past three decades. The richness of Turkish culture attracts people from the remotest parts of our planet. It is a unique world where the West meets the East and meets in colorful flavors.

Sailing in Turkey and exploring coastal recreation is a way to heal the mind and soul. Ancient cities, ruins of ancient civilizations, isolated coaches and fishing villages, delicious Ottoman food, warm people - this is what you should expect when renting a gulet in Turkey.

GULET Travel Specialists share with you some of the most interesting places to see in Gulet Charter Turkey while on vacation.

UMARMARIS

Marmaris is the most popular base of the yacht charter. Most gulet cruises start or end a tour of this vibrant summer city. It is located about 90 miles [90 km] from Dalaman International Airport, so it is easy to reach. Many travelers come here to enjoy sunny days, fresh air, and delicious food. Marmaris is not rich in historical ruins or important landmarks, but it is blessed with amazing natural beauty. In the city you should enjoy some shopping in the mall, visit an old palace, and stop at Bar Street, famous for its nightlife. Besides Marmaris, there are also great places to enjoy swimming, skiing, skiing and other water sports activities.

BODY

Bodrum is like Ibiza in Spain, Saint-Tropez in France, Mykonos in Greece, or maybe - a good mix for all three of them.

When renting a yacht in Bodrum, you choose to meet the cosmopolite side of Mediterranean delights. Visit the authentic local bazaar and shops in Bodrum where you will find the breathtaking scent of various spices, fruits and vegetables.

Go to the carpet or traditional pottery shops. When the night is a little better in the city, it's time to have a good night's sleep at the famous Bodrum nightclubs. Bodrum is full of summer celebrities who come here to celebrate life.

DATCA

Datca offers the best Turkish anchors. The city's condition is almost untouched. It has no industry at all, and people who follow eco-style and lifestyle enjoy this place immensely. Take a trip through the city of Datca to shop and see the places where they live. Maybe take a short trip to "The Olive Farm" - Datca's largest farm, where you can try many types of olive oil and vinegar.

And don't miss Eski Datca (Old Old Datca), a small quarter of the city famous for its cobblestone cobblestone streets of ancient Greece. It is a refuge for the craftsmen.

THE DALYAN RIVER

It is a popular spot to see if you are on a cruise ship between Gocek and Marmaris. Navigating a small wooden boat along the Dalyan River to the ruins of ancient Caunos is truly a unique experience. It's all about beautiful views, nature, and peace in this part of Turkey. Both adults and children love this river trip.

HISARON

Hisaronu bay is one of the most beautiful seas in the Eastern Mediterranean. Although it is very popular for ships to sail here, somehow you do not feel cramped in this part of Turkey. In addition - you experience a unique private walk between the rugged mountains and the unspoiled plains of Hisaronu bay. It is a wonderful place where you can relax your body and mind away from the noise of the modern world. We recommend visiting places like the Selimiye and Orhaniye valleys, as well as visiting D Maris Bay, one of the most luxurious hotels in Turkey. It features amazing restaurants and several sandy beaches where shelf workers often enjoy spending the afternoon. We can also book a spa procedure that you can enjoy while on vacation.

KEKOVA

The Kekova harbor stop is one of the most exciting. The most attractive thing here is the sunken city you can see clearly because the water here is very clear. One way to enjoy Kekova is to climb a steep hill to reach the ancient fortress of ancient Simena. A magnificent view is guaranteed.

KAS

Kaş is one of the main reasons why you will sail in this part of Turkey. A small seaside town with whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillaea blossoms where local people and visitors enjoy a relaxed life span. Art stores, souvenirs, authentic restaurants and fine restaurants make this little place look and feel like the most romantic city in the Eastern Mediterranean.

FETHIYE

Fethiye is the home of many Turkish gulets. It is located near Dalaman International Airport. That is why many yacht cruises start in this beautiful city because it is so easy to get to this place if you are from abroad. You can rent a boat in Fetiye and set up a boat bound for Gocek, Marmaris, Bodrum, and many other exciting summer destinations in Turkey.

Nature in Feature is a real magic. Everything is green here. There are majestic rugged mountains around some of the most beautiful harbors in the world. You will love it if you like the historical ruins, ravines, valleys, and authentic villages found nearby. Areas to see in this area are Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley, Saklikent Canyon, Kayakoy ghost town.

OLUDENIZ

Oludeniz from Turkey means «Dead Sea». This is a lake with long and long white cans. Oludeniz aerial photographs are iconic and became a symbol of Turkey's Southeast summer climate. It is most famous for paraglide from a mountaintop near the lake.

Gocek YACHT chart

Gocek and "Skopea Limani" are one of the most famous cruises in Turkey. Gocek used to be a small fishing town town and is now a small luxury town full of margarine superyachts, cafe rooms and art shops, chic mansions and fashion venues. Despite all the luxurious life here, Gocek has managed to keep its true beauty and tranquility. Everyone will feel comfortable and welcome in this place.

Gocek is also a popular port for a yacht in Turkey. Dalaman airport is located just around the corner.

Skopea stands or harbor located just outside Gocek is dotted with twelve islands and is rooted in history. And it is a necessity for sailing in Turkey. Just look at these pictures, and you will understand what they mean.

#Gulet Charter Croatia #Gulet Charter Turkey

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qqueenofhades · 5 years ago

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Ahem. As discussed, a prompt my good lady...Lucy and Flynn + fake married in Dubrovnik + the inevitable shenanigans...

Okay SO. On the plane over, there was something in the magazine about a website where tourists can go to Amsterdam and fake-marry a local for a day, so their new “spouse” can take them around the non-tourist parts of the city, and then they go their separate ways at dusk and it’s fun etc. I immediately decided that this needed a Garcy AU, for obvious reasons.

Lucy Preston wasn’t really planning on going to Croatia. In fact, she wasn’t exactly planning to go anywhere. But it’s been a rough few months to say the least – tenure meeting cancelled at Stanford, breaking up with Noah, Mom has to go back to the hospital for more tests and it isn’t looking good – and in a fit of late-night frustration, she decided to just fly somewhere over Thanksgiving break and forget about the clusterfuck that was her life for a bit. Somewhere warm, she wasn’t picky. She suggested that Amy go with her, but Amy had work and couldn’t get away, and by then, Lucy had already booked a ticket. She’s heard that Dubrovnik is beautiful, there is a university and a state archive there so she can theoretically disguise it as a research trip, and when she was running through the apparently deeply cursed Frankfurt airport to catch her connecting flight, a text popped up from Amy. Something that she thinks Lucy should try, just for shits and giggles. Some kind of app called Untourist.

Lucy took a look at it and decided that it was basically Tinder for tourists, even if the premise tried to be more classy than that. In short, you can pick a European city from the list (More Locations Coming Soon!, promises the popup), fill in some brief preference Q&As, and be matched with a local, who will fake-marry you in a ceremony complete with photos and then take you on a “honeymoon” for a day in the city. The idea is that you get to have a personal guide, explore places off the main drag – and presumably, if you hook up at the end, that’s a nice bonus, but not one that the app strictly advertises. It sees itself as promoting intercultural connections and lived experiences, rather than anything so ignominious as arranging casual sex with a hot foreigner. Apparently it got its start in Amsterdam, though, so this would not be surprising.

The split with Noah is still raw, and Lucy isn’t planning to use the app for that purpose – or indeed, at all. But after she has landed at the surprisingly tiny airport and has boarded the bus for the drive along the coast road to the city, she downloads it on a whim that she shouldn’t think through and decides it might be fun to have someone to travel with, even briefly. After she’s signed up, created a profile, and filled in her details, she is given two options to match with, and ends up going for the latter: Garcia from Dubrovnik. She thought about Marko from Zagreb, but his profile says that he’s a Dinamo Ultra, and she decided that she didn’t want to spend the day getting a crash course in the finer points of Croatian football hooliganism. Garcia it is, apparently.

Dubrovnik is insanely beautiful, with crystalline turquoise water lapping at towering medieval city walls (souvenir shops every few streets will proudly remind you that they filmed Game of Thrones here), palm trees, red-tiled roofs, old golden-stone buildings, winding side alleys, and sunlight that pours down as rich as olive oil. Since it’s November, it’s not quite as hot as in high summer, and the tourist rush is somewhat dimmed. Lucy sleeps late at her Airbnb high on a very steep side street, as the city is spread out over several hills on the side of the tall blue mountains that rise out of the water, and almost forgets that her fake wedding is today. She jumps out of bed, puts on some makeup (just because she’s not actually marrying the guy doesn’t mean she has to look completely trollish), grabs her bag, and heads down into town, following a winding alley of staircases that are probably going to be a pain to climb back up. She hopes this was a good idea. It was mostly to appease Amy, anyway. Can she cancel, or would that count as leaving Garcia at the (fake) altar?

What the hell, she’s here now, and maybe if she shows that she’s receptive to new experiences, the universe will give her a break. Lucy trots along the palm-treed square above the city walls, finds the door with the Untourist logo by the bell, and steps inside. “Dobro jutro,” she says, which is about all the Croatian she speaks, and most people have been happy to use English anyway. “I’m Lucy Preston, I have an appointment today?”

The slick Unreceptionist greets her, gives her a waiver to sign (bad experiences and/or unsatisfactory spouses are not their fault, any meeting beyond the day is done on personal terms, etc) and they await the arrival of her dashing groom-to-be. It is twelve minutes past their scheduled start time, and the Unreceptionist is making apologetic noises, when the door opens with a bit of a crash and a man who must be Garcia ducks in. He’s tall, dark, and craggy-handsome, probably in his forties, wearing aviator sunglasses, and clutching a takeaway coffee. He addresses the Unreceptionist in rapid Croatian, looks up, sees Lucy, and nods shortly. “Ah,” he says, switching to English. “Right, you’re here. Let’s go.”

“Sir,” the Unreceptionist says, looking as if he’s wondering if Garcia himself read the details and/or the release forms before signing up. “You’re supposed to…?”

“What?”

“You’re supposed to have the wedding ceremony first?”

“I’m supposed to have the what?”

At that, Lucy winces. Feeling as if this might be an opportune moment to interrupt the conversation, and wondering if it’s too late to switch to Marko from Zagreb and risk dying at an Eternal Derby game, she stands up. “Hi,” she says. “I’m Lucy Preston?”

“I know.” Garcia glances at her briefly, up and down, and then away. “What’s this about a wedding?”

“That’s the whole point of the app,” Lucy says pointedly. “Fake-married, take me to places that aren’t touristy, then at the end of the day, go our separate ways?”

Garcia looks briefly pole-axed, then seems to decide that right, well, this is on him for failing to read the terms and conditions. “Fine,” he says impatiently. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”

Lucy’s cheeks sting. Making a mental note to give him a zero of five stars on any feedback form that she might have to fill in to rate her experience today, she follows him into the back, where they are joined in a very non-legally-binding ceremony, have their photo taken (Garcia looks like this is a real funeral rather than a fake wedding) and finally are released into the wild, as Garcia (who is a good foot taller than her) strides ahead without waiting. When Lucy runs to catch up, he says, “Nobody told me there was a wedding involved.”

“Did you even read what they wanted?” Lucy’s tone is slightly waspish, but then, he isn’t exactly showering her in that supposedly famous Slavic hospitality. The sweet lady at the Airbnb was much nicer than this. “It was right there in the entire premise. If you don’t want to spend a day taking me around the city, fine, but maybe next time, try to actually – ”

“No,” Garcia says abruptly. “You’re here now. Let’s go.”

With that, he strides off toward the gate in the towering walls, down into the Stari Grad. Lucy thinks the view from up there must be spectacular, but she’s not actually going to get a chance to find out, because Garcia derides them as too touristy and refuses to pay 200 kuna to go up them. (This is something like $30, so it clearly is a lot, but the city sees no reason not to profit off all the Game of Thrones fans.) Nor does he think much of the main drag, the cathedral square, the rector’s palace, or any of the other usual sights. He says that Lucy can call him Flynn, but doesn’t explain why. She thinks it’s his last name, but honestly, she can’t be sure. He has the social skills of a broken-down dump truck.

Finally, since there isn’t much of Dubrovnik, at least the old town, that isn’t touristy, Lucy persuades Flynn to let them go up the walls, though by the face he makes at the cashier as he pays for their tickets, the poor man might be found floating face-down in the ocean later. They climb up to the winding ramparts, gazing out over the Adriatic to one side and the crowded, tiled roofs on the other, and on one steep section, Lucy loses her footing and nearly falls. She wouldn’t have gone over the edge, there are plenty of barriers, but Flynn flashes out a hand and steadies her. It’s the first remotely human or non-dickish thing he’s done, and she raises an eyebrow. “Thanks.”

Perhaps sensing by her acerbic tone that he has not been the world’s most satisfactory fake husband to date, Flynn has the grace to blush, or at least look somewhat chagrined. “I’d definitely get in trouble if you died.”

“Thanks,” Lucy says again, even more tartly. “Guess it’s a good thing for you that you have good reflexes?”

“I fought in the Homeland War.” Flynn glances away. It’s the first personal thing he’s shared about himself, in a casual, offhand way that makes it sound no more remarkable than getting milk from the store. “Come on, let’s keep moving.”

Lucy glances at him. He’s made it clear that he’s not here for the fake marriage, let alone small talk, but she paid a decent amount of money to be here with this tall idiot and he can just suffer it. “Are you from Dubrovnik?”

“I was born in Šibenik.” Flynn doesn’t break stride, obliging Lucy to trot to keep up with him. “Lived a few places around the country. It was Yugoslavia back then, though. War started in 1991.”

“I know,” Lucy says. “I mean, I’m a historian, so I was recently doing some work on 1989 and the U.S. response to the dissolution of the Iron Curtain. Technically, Yugoslavia wasn’t Soviet, right?”

“No,” Flynn says, with a sort of grim pride. “Tito and Stalin hated each other. It was…. sort of an in-between place, I suppose. We didn’t need exit visas, there was a certain amount of social freedom, and Tito liked to market it as neutral, a third country between East and West, combining the best of both and the worst of neither. Of course, he was a dictator, but supposedly a benevolent one. Most people liked him. My childhood was – ” He stops. “Well, my mother was American, anyway. Maybe that was what drew her here. Running away.”

Lucy glances up at him. She has a sense that Flynn doesn’t often talk much about his past, and decides that since they are, after all, only fake-married, she doesn’t need to pry. However, since the subject of his mother has arisen, she holds back as best she can, not wanting to dump the fraught subject of Carol Preston on a strange man who has only just met her and treated her one step above gum stuck to his shoe, but finally needs to talk about it with someone who isn’t Amy. She still isn’t sure Flynn gives a damn, but too bad for him. She mentions that it’s been hard, with the Stanford legacy and the cancer and the expectations that she would accept Noah’s proposal, and she just – well, she doesn’t know. Maybe Lucy understands a bit of Flynn’s mother, whoever she was, whyever she came here. Maybe she too was, or is, running away. Even if she has to fly all the way back to San Francisco at the end of this week, some part of her would be more than happy to fling all her responsibilities to the wind, move into some picturesque old flat in one of those tiny streets, and stay.

They descend the walls after completing their circuit, and Flynn deigns to buy her lunch at a small cafe where the menu is only in Croatian and a sign informs customers that they don’t take euros, only kuna. Lucy allows him to order something for her, and they sit there eating in semi-awkward silence. Then Flynn says, apropos of nothing, “Maria.”

“What?”

“My mother’s name.” He shrugs. “It was Maria Tompkins. She was from Houston. She moved to Yugoslavia in 1970, after the death of her first husband and son. She was traveling through Europe, I don’t know that she intended to stay here, but she met my father, so she did.”

“Oh.” Lucy wonders what it would have been like here in the seventies. Probably still beautiful, though much less developed. So Maria Tompkins fell in love, that was what made a young American woman go Red, a move that must have been regarded dimly by her friends and family back in Texas. With that sort of tragedy shadowing her past, maybe it was easier to cut all ties, to get a new passport, to learn a new language, and never look back. Lucy feels a sudden pang of sympathy with this other woman, this unknown fellow traveler, who too found herself in this corner of the world wanting to leave it all behind. Lucy has responsibilities at home, not least her job (even if they didn’t give her tenure, or at least it’s very much in academic bureaucracy limbo), her sister, her sick mother, all the encumbrances and trappings of real life. She can’t do what Maria did, no matter how much she wants to. And for some reason completely unknown to her – it certainly isn’t the pleasure of Flynn’s company – she does.

They finish lunch and head out. It’s warm enough for November that Flynn suggests they can go for a dip, though he gives her a no-clearly-not look when Lucy naively thinks this will be at Banje Beach, the main spot just south of the walls. He leads her up to the street, where they find his car and get in. It’s an Audi, and she wonders what exactly he does for a living. He has a habit of scanning their surroudings, casually flicking his gaze at passersby, in a way that she doesn’t think stems from his military service alone. In fact, she’s starting to wonder if he joined the Untourist app to case the city and/or scope out people without it being too suspicious. Maybe it’s better for everyone if she doesn’t ask about his job. He might have to suffocate her and bundle her up in a black plastic garbage bag in the boot.

Flynn, it transpires, drives like a bit of a maniac, a habit he shares with most of the other road users (especially the scooters and motorcycles). Lucy has already noticed that Croatians seem to have a rather laissez-faire attitude toward personal safety, as evidenced by their tendency to stand outside guardrails overlooking steep drops, walk the wrong way along busy highways, dart across roads in front of oncoming traffic, and jury-rig anything that isn’t actively falling apart. When she mentions this to Flynn, he shrugs. “Slavs are like that,” he says matter-of-factly. “Especially Croatians. Though if you think we’re bad, you should meet the Poles.”

Lucy laughs despite herself, since that’s the first time Flynn has loosened up to flash any bit of actual humor. Well, that’s not quite true; he is remarkably sassy, has a sarcastic comment for most occasions and especially anything involving a tourist making a fool of themselves, but this is the first time that his humor has seemed gentler, more like he’s actually enjoying himself and poking a bit of self-deprecating fun rather than lashing out at the world. They drive along the cliff road for several miles in silence, until Lucy asks, “When did you move to Dubrovnik?”

“About…” Flynn hesitates, and she senses that there’s more riding on the answer to that question than he wants to let on. “Well, I lived in Zagreb until 2014.”

“And you moved here after that?”

“More or less.” Flynn adjusts the rearview mirror, which doesn’t really need it. After a long pause he says, “My wife and daughter died in 2014. I came here for – well, I didn’t want to stay there anymore.”

“I’m….” Lucy feels taken aback, almost guilty that she’s been so derisive of his inability to read app terms and conditions, his clear aversion to the whole fake-married part. Not that they’ve really been acting like it, anyway, but still. She can imagine it wouldn’t be easy for her, if that ever happened, to stand up and play-act some stupid charade for an American tourist hiring you like a beast of burden, not when you’d had the real thing, not when it was gone. “Garcia,” she says, the first time she’s used that since he told her to call him Flynn. She has a sense that he prefers that, that Garcia is some place too personal where he doesn’t let people go, not any longer. “I’m sorry.”

He glances at her, and for a moment she thinks he’ll snap at her, but he doesn’t. He keeps his eyes on the road, navigating the tight turns with ease, until at last he says, “I’m sorry I haven’t been very much fun.”

Lucy opens her mouth by polite reflex to say that he has, and settles for a noncommital hum. Flynn seems to sense that while he might have worked his way up from zero stars, he’s still a way off from five, and parks the Audi in a pullout. They descend a narrow cliff path to the sea, he reaches out to catch her arm when her feet skid again on the pebbles, and Lucy decides she should probably warn him that she’s clumsy before she really does accidentally kill herself. But if she fell into the sea from here, she has an unaccountable sense that he’d dive in after her, no matter how odd and brusque and grumpy he is. It’s less clear whether this is because he’s starting to like her a little, or because it would be an insult to his professional competence. Maybe he’s in the Mafia.

They reach a small quay where a catamaran is tied up, Flynn strides to it and produces two life jackets, and once Lucy has climbed aboard, he swings on, undoes the ropes, and angles the sails out into the wide blue water, endless as a reflected sky. It must be a busy harbor in summer, and there’s still a decent boat traffic now: ferries, jet-skis, a few sailboats and pleasure yachts. Lucy holds on tight as Flynn carves an expert white wake. “Is this your boat, then?”

“No,” Flynn says. “But I borrow it from time to time.”

“Did you – ” Lucy gives him a very narrow stare. “Did you steal this boat?”

“No!” Flynn looks miffed that she would ask. “I know the owner, he lets me use it when I want to. What kind of man do you think I am?”

Lucy opens her mouth, starts to answer, and stops. Truth is, she isn’t sure. An hour ago she would have said a raging, self-absorbed dick with no social skills and possibly black-market employment, and parts of that are still true, but the rest, well… she can’t say exactly. He keeps letting slip these odd, vulnerable parts of him, almost in spite of himself. His past in the war, his mother running away from her old life, his dead wife and daughter, everything else. She isn’t certain what she thinks of him, exactly, but she isn’t wishing that she picked Marko from Zagreb anymore. If nothing else, Flynn is complicated, and challenging, and oddly easy to talk to, and he hasn’t told her to shut up about the family/work/life drama that she occasionally returns to venting about. Lucy thinks she’ll take that, at least.

She looks at his hands, large and sun-brown and expertly pulling and tying the knots to trim the sail, as he pulls them to a bobbing halt in the sparkling water and asks if she wants to swim. Lucy didn’t put on her bathing suit under her clothes, but she doesn’t want to go to the bother of making him drive all the way back to the Airbnb. So she strips off her shirt and jeans, and, in just her bra and underpants (hey, they’re married, even fakely), she dives in.

The water is chillier than she expected – this is the southern Mediterranean, it’s never cold no matter the season, but it is November, and she splutters and gasps as she bobs to the surface. Flynn, observing from the high-and-dry comfort of the catamaran, smirks at her, and Lucy gives him the finger. “You dick,” she shouts. “You could have warned me.”

Flynn shrugs, apparently utterly untroubled either by this accusation or by her attitude; indeed, he grins as if he appreciates this feistiness, her willingness to talk back at him and tell it like it is. Lucy spends so much time biting her tongue around absolutely everyone else that this reaction is both unexpected and deeply liberating, and once she’s swum around the catamaran a few times and adjusted to the water temperature, she takes a deep breath and dives down under the pontoons. Then she surfaces on the far side, reaches up, and just as Flynn senses danger and whips around, she grabs him by the back of the shirt and jerks him backward.

He’s wearing a life jacket, of course, so he doesn’t go too far under, but the expression on his face is worth every penny that she paid to the stupid app. He shakes his wet hair like a dog as he surfaces, and she has to say, he looks really good while doing it. “Excuse me,” he says, in a tone of deep umbrage. “Who told you that it was a good idea to start a marriage off by throwing your husband in the drink?”

“Maybe if I’m drowning you for the life insurance,” Lucy shoots back, before she can stop herself. She has no idea who this woman is, who has gone from being exasperated and shut off with Flynn to – well, she did in fact just throw him in the ocean, but there’s definitely something different about their dynamic now. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call it flirty, whether or not this is listed in Untourist’s terms and conditions (and as well established, Flynn did not read them anyway). “After all, I think we can say that you deserve it. Tragic boating accident?”

Too late, she wonders if this is a bad idea to joke about, since she doesn’t actually know how his wife and daughter died (she hopes it wasn’t that, anyway) but Flynn actually laughs, and it transforms his whole face. They spend a very enjoyable forty minutes swimming around, splashing each other, and hanging onto the side of the catamaran and letting their legs sway in the current. They’re close alongside each other as they do, Lucy is conscious of only being in her wet underwear (it’s not like he can see anything while she’s submerged, but still), and something passes between them as their eyes meet. His throat moves as he swallows, and after a moment too long, he looks away.

They climb back on the boat, Flynn looses the sail and steers them back toward land, and they disembark, Lucy once more watching for investigative purposes as he ties up. They dry off and she pulls on her damp clothes, as Flynn decorously turns his back and waits until she is done. Then they tramp up the bluff to the car (Lucy was thinking about retiring here, since it’s warm and sunny and beautiful and all that, but if she is elderly, all the climbing might be too much) and drive back toward the town center. The sun is getting low, her paid-for day is almost done, and despite the total disaster that was it starting out, Lucy is oddly reluctant for it to do so. As Flynn pulls up in front of the Untourist office, she says convulsively, “Maybe we should… I don’t know. I think they’re closed, anyway. You don’t have to drop me off here.”

Flynn glances at her, then considers it. He could offer to just take her back to her Airbnb (those streets really were not designed for sane drivers, and Lucy can see why tiny Smart cars are popular around here, but Flynn would absolutely not fit into one) and he still might. Then he says, “Well, technically, the day isn’t over. Do you suppose I could take you out for dinner?”

“You….” Lucy coughs. “I suppose you could.”

They find parking, and walk down into the old town, as the moon is rising over the walls, the towers are floodlit, the city gleams in the cooling dusk like its nickname, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and they find another cafe where the clientele is mostly local. They linger late over dinner, and Flynn says that he will in fact drive her back when they’re finally done, and as she’s about to undo her seatbelt and get out, Lucy hesitates. Then she screws up her courage, leans over, and kisses him very fast on the cheek. “Thank you,” she says. “I had – I really did have a great time.”

Flynn looks as surprised as her to hear it, but somehow and shyly gratifeid as well. A fugitive smile plays at the corner of his mouth, tentative, tender. For a moment, she thinks he might be about to kiss her back for real, but he clears his throat and holds out his hand instead. “Er,” he says. “Thank you, Dr. Preston.”

Lucy hesitates, fighting her disappointment, and shakes it back. Then she steps out of the car and unlocks the door of the apartment, as he waits to see that she gets inside without random Ragusan fiends materializing from the shrubbery. Even when she does step in, the car idles a few more moments, and she glances back, wondering – or perhaps it’s only hoping – that he’s chastising himself for letting her walk away. Then the car starts again, she can see his dark figure sitting too stiff and straight at the wheel, and she watches until the taillights vanish around a steep turn, and fade into the night.

#lucy x flynn #garcy #garcy ff #croatia 2k19 #extasiswings #ask

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adriaticpulse · 3 months ago

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Wine tasting in Lumbarda

Lumbarda, located on the eastern tip of Korčula, is renowned for its rich vineyards and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for wine lovers. Famous for its sandy soil, Lumbarda is home to the indigenous Grk grape, which produces a unique and flavorful white wine. The area also boasts a variety of red wines, predominantly made from the Plavac Mali grape, a variety that thrives in…

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frankluders-blog · 5 years ago

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Holidays to Istarska | Explore the Incredible Region in Croatia

Istarska or Istria is the largest peninsular region in the western part of Croatia. And this beautiful region is just a couple of hours ferry ride away from Venice in Italy. This Croatian region has become a popular holiday destination due to its close proximity to Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Furthermore, the serenely looking hilltop towns, picturesque coastline dotted with beautiful bays and quaint villages lure many to go on Holidays to Istarska. Besides, the Romans, the Venetians, and the Austro-Hungarians left rich traces of history for the pleasure of history buffs. And also, they can marvel at the 27th century BC Temple of Augustus and at the sixth largest amphitheater in the world.

Above all, the Istrian olive oil and Istrian Teran red wines taste deliciously divine. However, a visit to the markets filled with local produce and a stroll on the beautiful cobbled streets and rappelling in caves imprint memories for life.

Rovinj – The city modeled on Venice

A rendezvous with the walled city of Rovinj on Istarska Holidays exudes romance, charm and seaside bliss. This fishing town was once the primary seat of the region. In fact, this town looks like a postcard-perfect setting with beautiful cobbled streets, local markets, tiny boats, and a bell tower. This exuberant city modeled on Venice has regular boat trips from the city of Italy. Indeed, this city is a perfect destination for romantic couples and also for families and friends.

Enjoy the Casanova Tours of Vrsar

Located between Rovinj and Pulas, Vrsar is a unique city to explore the spectacular beaches, stunning promenade and rich culture. In fact, Giacomo Casanova who visited the city in the 18th century has put it that this is a city of good wine and beautiful women. So, there are Casanova tours to offer the ecstasies of life on Istarska All Inclusive Holidays. And also plane tours to fly over and explore the region completely.

Motovun – The well preserved Medieval city

Sitting pretty on a mountain, one has to climb 1052 steps to reach the city of Motovun. The medieval walls, 13th century Bell Tower, 17th century Church and incredible views of the surroundings make the climb a worth on Cheap Holidays to Istarska. In fact, this is one of the most well-preserved cities in Croatia.

Visit the Croatian National Park on Brijuni (Brioni) Islands

Located close to the coast of the Istrian Peninsula and on the northern part of Adriatic Sea, the group of 14 islands is called Brijuni or Brioni Islands. Mali Brijun, the second largest island in the group houses Croatian National Park. These islands became famous with 1991 Brioni Agreement. And now, these have become the most glamorous holiday resorts with spectacular scenic wonders.

Do Rappelling in the Baredine Cave

Located at 6 km northeast from Porec, Baredine Cave is a wonderful spot to hit on a holiday to experience the thrills of Rappelling. In fact, this speleological locality is opened for the visitors in 1995. This is a spectacular sight to climb down and climb up the rocks through rappelling or abseiling. Indeed, these climbs up and down the caves provide mysterious and unique experiences on Affordable Holidays. Furthermore, the history buffs can peak into the rich past of Porec at the Unesco designated site on a holiday.

#holidays to istarska #istarska holidays #cheap holidays to istarska #istarska all inclusive holidays

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daisy-pl · 5 years ago

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First impression of Croatian immigrant

What do you think about you mention Croatia? The location of Game of Thrones, the piano music played by Maksim Mrvica, or the "Golden Legion" that burned the entire summer with unremitting fighting in the 2018 World Cup.

Sunshine Coast, holiday paradise

The wonderful of Croatia is much more than that. There are famous sunshine coasts and more than a thousand islands all over Europe. It called natural resort with the quality beaches.

Geographic location

Croatia belongs to the southeastern region and located to the north of the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. It is the most developed and rich country in the Balkans.

Hospitality

The immigration policy is relatively conservative in Croatia. There are very fewer immigrants. The locals are mostly cheerful and friendly. Do not be afraid about somebody take you to there when you ask for directions. This is a normal behavior. Please do not be surprise when the village people call you have drink homemade wine, taste smoked ham and pickled olives. This is the most common way to welcome guests from afar.

Happiness country

Croatia is a country with a high happiness index for residents, and mutual trust and love between people. The locals maintain a traditional slow-paced lifestyle, prefer to sunbathe, drink coffee and chat. They focus on the quality of life and feel that it is more important to enjoy life, be close to nature and enjoy spending time with their families much more than work. Croatian love grow their own fruits, make honey, olive oil and make wine. Many families have their own boats, and the family goes to the beach for vacation in July and August every year.

High English popularity

Croatia’s English penetration rate is high, only some older people do not speak English at all.

Notes in Croatia:

1. Croatia has strong sunshine from April to October, and special attention should be protection.

2. The roads of the old city (especially the old town) are basically blue stone roads. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes when you walking for visit.

3. There are no limited for tips in Croatia. You can pay total consumption of 5%-15% tips depend on you.

5. There are coffee shops everywhere. The coffee is delicious and cheap.

6. There is direct drinking water in Croatia.

Advantages

1. Perfect welfare;

2. No language requirements*;

3. No education requirements;

4. Perfect living environment;

5. No stay requirements*;

Requirements

1. Non-criminal record;

2. Have domestic property related information certificate.

Why choose us: WZ&P is the expert in residence and citizenship planning. There are hundreds of clients and advisors rely on our expertise and experience. Our highly qualified professionals work together as one team worldwide.

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#immigration #passport #residence permit #permanent permit #citizenship #settlement permit #EU permit #European immigration #green card #work permit #passports

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winesocialclub · 6 years ago

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Istria Croatia

It was Harvest time, when I was invited to join dear friends and excellent winemakers from Friuli, the Butussi family, on a visit to some family in Istria.. Istria forms the western-most peninsula of Croatia. We started off in an area that is so often compared to Tuscany, Momjan and its soft rolling hills, Cypress trees and gorgeous oak forests are certainly reminiscent of the Tuscany I know and love. Istria is famed for it’s tourism offer with charming seaside towns and hilltop villages, the region produces notable wines, olive oils and truffles along with abundant fresh seafood and I was lucky enough to taste all of these on day one. The area is also famed for its outdoor adventures, sailing, paragliding, mountain-biking which draws many visitors to this beautiful region.

Some Geography

The geographical features of Istria include the Učka mountain ridge, which is the highest portion of the Ćićarija mountain range; the rivers Dragonja, Mirna, Pazinčica, and Raša; and the Lim bay and valley. Istria lies in three countries: Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. The largest portion (89%) lies in Croatia. "Croatian Istria" is divided into two counties, the larger being Istria County in western Croatia. Important towns in Istria County include Pula/Pola, Poreč/Parenzo, Rovinj/Rovigno, Pazin/Pisino, Labin/Albona, Umag/Umago, Motovun/Montona, Buzet/Pinguente, and Buje/Buie. Smaller towns in Istria County include Višnjan, Roč, and Hum.

The northwestern part of Istria lies in Slovenia: it is known as Slovenia Istria and includes the coastal municipalities of Piran/Pirano, Izola/Isolaand Koper/Capodistria, and the Karstic municipality.

North of Slovenian Istria, there is a tiny portion of the peninsula that lies in Italy, This smallest portion of Istria consists of the comunesof Muggia and San Dorligo della Valle, with Santa Croce (Trieste) lying farthest to the north.

Central Istria (Pazin) has a continental climate

The northern (Slovenian and Italian) coast of Istria (Ankaran, Koper, Izola, Muggia) has a sub-Mediterranean climate.

The western and southern coast (Piran, Portorož, Novigrad, Rovinj, Pula) has a mediterranean climate

The eastern coast (Rabac, Labin, Opatija) has a sub-Mediterranean climate with oceanic influences.

The warmest places are Pula and Rovinj while the coldest is Pazin

Precipitation is moderate, with between 640 and 1,020 mm (25 and 40 in) falling in the coastal areas, and up to 1,500 mm (60 in) in the hills.

Winemaking

The four princes of Istrian wine are:

Teran a tannic, robust red with high acidity that has surprising complexity.

Borgonja

The ancient grape famed beyond Croatian borders, Malvazija ,which Istria is justifiably proud of. Grown here for centuries, its pale golden yellow colour with elderflower on the nose and a refreshing aroma.

Then the sweet Muscat from Momjan used for those dessert wines.

Most of the larger estates also cultivate international varieties such as Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot and Cabernet Franc for their wine range.

Our first stop was at Winemakers the Markezic family, who have been making unique terroir wines here since 1891, at Kabola Winery at Momjan on the Istrian wine route. Their property is a dream with ancient sprawling oaks around the property that stand guard over the traditional stone homestead, featuring an excellent cellar, the wine shop, tasting room, and a small museum dedicated to wine and wine making process. Rolling hills with vineyards 270m above sea level, nestled between indigenous forests.

Kabola Winery use amphorae buried underground for fermenting the Malvaziaj wine. The perfect combination of soil, climate and winemaking passion. Wonderful hospitality and there were so many amazing wines, from sparkling whites to muscley reds and right through to orange wines. I took away their excellent Amfora Malvazija 2009 wine. An excellent start to my trip in Istria.

The Momjan area makes for an excellent vantage point, on a clear day you can see both the glistening Adriatic Sea and the nearby alps. Cool nights and distant sea breezes make for some really delicious wines.

For Winery visits. Kanedolo 90, Momjan Buje t: +385 99 7207 106. [email protected] Closed on Sundays.

Close by is the charming winery-centered village of Brtonigla where I was staying over for a few days to explore the area. The local boutique hotel is of a high standard and all the winemakers have a relationship with it., making my job of tasting all the wines I wanted to experience but didn’t have time to visit, a lot easier.

Second visit was to Veralda a large modern winery with a substantial production, 33 hectares of vineyards and 5 hectates of olives located on the sunny hills of Buje, that is sent all over Croatia. Owned by the Visintin family the wines are well known in the region Here I tasted the whole range including the intense reds and was fortunate to be invited by the winemaker’s family to join them for a fresh truffle pasta freshly prepared with the fortunate pairing of the Veralda Rose which was a Decanter winner of which the winery was justifiably proud. Notable was the red Istrian made from the indigenous Istrian variety Refosco. Intense deep red colour with violet hints with raspberries, dark chocolate tobacco and cinnamon with a good expression of round, velvety tannins and long finish.

For Winery visits, Krsin 4, 52474 Brtoniglia

The Kozlovic winery located in stunning scenery in Buje with a unique architectural style to the modern winery, is a well-known winery with a tradition of making unique wines that stand for quality and the particular twist of Istrian wines. Later Over dinner, we sampled their flagship Malvazija and the excellent Teran. Paired with local fish and steak respectively.

For Winery visits: Vale Momjan 78 52460 Buje

Day three saw me visit a Long-standing family winefarm and winery, Cattunar near Brtoniglia . The Cattunar family have been flying the flag for Istrian wine where Father Franko and his son, with the hospitality assistance of their wives and extended family, run an excellent winery and offer regular tastings of their wines of autotonous grapes also and international varieties in an elevated position 5kms from the sea. I tasted my way through their wines looking out over the 56 hectares they farm carefully and with transparence. Istrian grapes like Malvazija, Teran, Muskat Momjanski and Muscat rose and also have substantial international vineyards.

Catunnar Wines.. here its hard to choose but certainly the standouts were the 4 soils Malvazija wines, each one grown on different parcels and vinified separately so the red soil, the white, the black, the grey each with a particular something, all so very drinkable, with a mineral quality and white flower finish but so fresh and vivid with layers of complexity.

Franko Cattunar also makes a lovely sparkling with his chardonnay which we started on and then lead up to the stunning multi-layered Teran with its nicely firm but integrated tannins and then Cabernet and also beautifully made Merlot, which was a surprise.

This visit to Cattunar was a highlight and as I sat later that evening in the sailboat dock in the nearby town of Novigrad with my feet in the gently lapping waves watching the sunset with an array of local wines and a few orange wines on offer, I knew I had only scratched the surface and that I would be back to explore more of this amazing place and its unique terroir wines.

For winery visits: Nova Vas 94 52474 Brtonigla [email protected]

Recommended visits.

Roxanich winery in Motovun are pioneers in the unfiltered, unadulterated long-macerated wine scene, Mladen Roxanich was producing natural local wines and orange wines long before it was trendy and each year at Raw in London I made sure to visit them. The Super Istrian 2009 is simply amazing.

Bruno Trapan is the new generation of winemakers in a style all their own, and making big waves along with Damjanic wines. Robi Damjanic near Porec is one of Istria’s youngest winemakers leading the charge into the future. Then Matosevic and his pioneering aging of Malvazija in acacia rather than oak. I can’t give an exhaustive list of the superstars and their stories, but these must be visited.

Dobravac Winery in the Rovinj region they produce a range of wines again from sparkling to dessert wines.

Near Umag in the north CUJ wines are produced by the Kraljevic family in the village of Farnazine.

Pilato’s winemaking tradition goes back to 1934 and the family winery in Istria is well known.

Degrassi produces some amazing wines too and I was surprised by the blend of Malvazija, chardonnay , sauvignon blanc and Viognier.

These are some, there are many others.

Novigrad, Rovinj and even the smaller towns all have numerous wine bars where you can stop over and taste the wines paired with local cold cuts and cheeses. There is also so much for the taster’s family to do, shopping in fascinating cobblestone towns and villages, layers and layers of interesting wine and food culture. On offer, is sailing, windsurfing, fishing, boating, and relaxing on beaches with refreshing and delicious chilled wines and seafood at hand. The third weekend in September is the festival of grapes in Buje.

The Istrian peninsula and those unicorn wines call me back.

Donna Amanda Jackson

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nvlynnae · 6 years ago

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I actually received my Ancestry.com results a couple of days ago, but I have been so busy with life in general as well as making new discoveries of new cousins. I may even be close to breaking down a wall in my mom’s maternal great-grandma’s branch! It’s exciting to say the least! There is a cousin who is certain that we meet up there through her 90 year old father with a surname I have never heard of in our history. She is supposed to be getting me some information soon.

I have to say, I am already starting to meet some amazing people from both sides of my family tree through Ancestry and 23andMe. Many of my cousins on there are very similar to the ones I have grown up knowing: super caring and seem to be really fun to know!

It’s honestly a bit easier to find out your joint family history and also about these individuals as a whole through Ancestry. I did, however, already meet a handful of great individuals through 23andMe. I am totally pleased with my decision to do both tests.

Which Test Do I Recommend

If you are looking to do your own DNA testing and don’t know which to do, here are my basic recommendations:

If you know both sides of your family and you are more interested in genealogy, then go with the one at Ancestry.

If you know both sides of your family and are more interested in the health, the more science-y side of it, your haplogroup(s), and actually seeing in cool graphics where your identical DNA strands match with other people, then definitely go with the 23andMe. By the way, my maternal haplogroup is V7. It showed me that Benjamin Franklin is also part of the V group and therefore somehow related through our female ancestors. In my experience so far, connections on 23andMe are less likely to respond (or respond knowing much about their extended family history) than those on Ancestry. This is likely because many do the 23andMe for the health results and the big events they do in some cities trying to get a lot more people tested. They did this awhile back in the Reno area and it was HUGE! Many who I personally know that did it then actually have no interest in genealogy. Some of the connections I have found through 23andMe have been really helpful, though!

If you don’t know one or both of your sides and can afford it (I bought both of mine during amazing sales, which they often have around big family-related holidays, especially)… then I recommend both. A big reason for this is because you will have a much larger pool of connections since most people only do one or the other. I wouldn’t have found a potential first cousin if I hadn’t done the 23andMe. I also wouldn’t have found the amazing (likely about 3rd or 4th) cousins that I have found and who are trying to help me crack the code if I hadn’t done Ancestry.

One of my super helpful new-found cousins also told me about GedMatch where you can connect with people who have only done one of the three main DNA tests. There is also one called something like Family Finder.

GedMatch takes raw data from each of these and blends them together. You have to submit one, but it’s relatively easy to do. They recommend if you have done more that one test to choose the test to upload raw data from in this order (you only upload one no matter what… also remember to NOT unzip the file before uploading. I did that incorrectly the first time I tried): The older 23andMe test (I believe they said by or before 2014 testing), then Ancestry, then the newer 23andMe, and finally the Family Finder one. This is mostly due to something the test companies do or don’t do that can cap off the information available even in the raw form. I uploaded from my Ancestry test.

Gedmatch is also great, because at least one of the tests I did caps it off at a certain amount of connections it will show you. What if one that they don’t share is actually important to your search? Well, if he or she also did GedMatch, you can now find out about them! Too cool!

My raw data is still being crunched on GedMatch, but I am looking forward to checking out all that they have to offer, too. Apparently they have some cool tools that the other two don’t. Yes, I have now been researching that, too. You know me. 😉

How Do My 23andMe and Ancestry DNA Results Differ

This chart from Ancestry.com differs a bit from my DNA test from 23andMe, but that is because they sampled and grouped their findings differently.

Here is a side-to-side comparison:

The Ancestry one lumps more into the Great Britain category than 23’s British and Irish. The Scandinavian on Ancestry is more defined than 23’s Broadly Northwestern Europe (which would include that and more).

They both show 100% European, so yes… I’m still disappointed. LOL Believing all my life of a generous amount of Native American blood and loving that part of my history… I was truly hoping that 23andMe somehow doesn’t have it all defined or something…. I know, wishful thinking. BUT, I just discovered something the other day on there. You can change the “confidence level” from 50% to 90% which is much more conservative and not as speculative.

When I do that, my European goes down to 98.8%. Interesting….

British and Irish from 60.6% to 13.7%… huge difference. So they are assuming quite a lot when they are guesstimating that it’s all from Britain and Ireland in the usual confidence level they use. It does by the way (in the regular confidence view) show both of these nationalities, but British is about twice as much as the Irish in their estimation on there.

Scandinavian from 4.4% to 0.6% (but we are quite sure of this being in our family on my mom’s side).

French and German from 20.8% to 0.3%.

Broadly Northwestern European from 13.9% to 70.6%. I have to say, if I had seen this percentage meaning that they pretty much don’t know what I am… I would have been even more disappointed. This is likely what ate up my Iberian, too.

Broadly European 13.7% – new category for me. This is basically even more “who knows what you are”. This is probably where much of my Scandinavian and French/German went.

Unassigned 1.2% – new category for me. Hmm… I wonder what this could be.

As far as the Iberian on 23 (which I have definitely determined to be on my bio father’s side due to about one third of my connections over there having at least a trace)… the Europe West category on Ancestry includes the far eastern part of Spain with it.

I was actually REALLY getting into maybe being a bit Portuguese, especially when I started checking out recipes for my new-found nationality “group”. A lot of their recipes are very similar to how I love to cook, so I thought I was onto something. I might still be, but it’s muddied up a bit now. Either way, I am going to be trying some new recipes soon!

My Desire to be Part Basque

BUT… I’m thinking that this area that Ancestry shows might be where the Basque people are from. I already absolutely LOVE Basque culture, food, etc.

Living for the last 21 years in northern Nevada has taught me all about the Basque. Hubby, “Buddy”, and I LOVE going out to a couple of Basque restaurants (when we can afford it….lol). It’s SO worth the money when you go to the right ones.

Our favorites are The Star in Elko, Nevada (a few hours away) and then J.T. Basque in Minden, Nevada (a little over an hour away). There is also a fave of ours that is a bit closer and in Carson City. Villa Basque Cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch, so they don’t do the whole family dining experience. They do have some amazing Basque breakfast dishes, though. So amazing that I have yet to try any of their lunches. You can also buy Basque chorizo, tamales, Portuguese Olive Oils, deli meats and cheeses, dry cod (never tried), a variety of pepper jellies, a whole slew of goodies imported from Spain, and some of their homemade sauces to take home. We do this often and Hubby even gets orders from a couple of people to pick some up for them when he goes. There is nothing like handmade Basque chorizo! The best in my opinion. Carson City is about an hour away from us, but we do go there quite often.

Does the Reno area have any good Basque? (We live in a valley outside of Reno.) Depends on who you ask and (as far as I can tell) how familiar they are with REAL Basque dining. 😉 The ones who have experienced places like The Star and JT’s are definitely not so impressed with the Reno area’s offerings. We totally did not like the most popular one in Reno. It wasn’t that good for any type of cuisine (not just comparing to Basque) and the service was horrible. Condescending and minimal to say the least. Trust me! It’s worth the drive to JT’s. 😉

Anyway…..lol Suffice it to say that I would LOVE to find out that I have Basque ancestry!

The Breakdown of Categories on Ancestry DNA

Great Britain 80% – Includes England, Scotland, and Wales.

Scandinavia 9% – Includes Sweden, Norway, and Denmark (Finland is elsewhere; see below).

Europe West 6% – Includes Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.

Finland/Northwest Russia 3% – Includes Finland and Russia (northwest).

Europe East 1% – Includes Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Russia, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, Croatia.

Ireland/Scotland/Wales <1% – Just includes Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. These nationalities are partly included in Great Britain above.

What’s Next

So, what’s next for me?

I’m waiting to see what I can discover on GedMatch when my results are all analyzed etc. By the way, GedMatch is totally free, but they also take donations because it is totally volunteer. It’s not as flashy as the other two when they give you the results and matches and all, but they have SO much that they do differently. They totally add to the experience by connecting all of the testing sites’ results together. Pretty cool what they are doing!

I am totally looking forward to getting to know my new-found cousins! One even mentioned an upcoming reunion. I know that I cannot afford to attend it, but would love to in the future sometime. One said that we have the same cheeks and smile, but I haven’t seen a picture of her, yet. It’s great to imagine looking like someone else (in addition to my children). My grandma always told me that I looked JUST like her grandma. Problem is… the only picture she had was with her face looking down since she was blind. I do, however, think that I somewhat have my grandma’s smile. It mostly looks like hers during her teen years. Regardless, I honestly do love my smile. Some have told me that it’s too big…Not! 😉 But, I especially love it because both of my children also share it! ❤

After discovering that I am somehow related to a family line with a particular surname, I saw a picture of who is likely some degree of great-uncle (very slight chance direct line, but probably not). He appears to also have my cheekbones and nose.

My nose is a bit on the small side… My sister used to tell me things like God forgot to give me a nose when he was handing them out and asked how I breath through it…. honestly, not too well….lol Besides being smaller, it’s been broken… 😉 But this guy (at least from the front) appears to have a small nose, too.

I’m truly hoping to get more information about my potential first cousin. I now believe that I am the bio daughter of her father’s brother. I came to this conclusion partially since her maiden name is the same as a whole lot of my connections.

The search continues…

My Ancestry DNA Results Are In I actually received my Ancestry.com results a couple of days ago, but I have been so busy with life in general as well as making new discoveries of new cousins.

#DNA Testing #Genealogy

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