Hello Dubrovnik

Night of Museums

hello — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 23:01:38 +0000

Night of Museums

During one night in the year (usually on the last Friday in January) over 150 museums, galleries and institutions in Croatia open its door to visitors for free.

The “Noć muzeja” – eng. night of museums is an event that seeks to achieve one of the main strategic goals of the Croatian Museum Association: conducting activities to comprehend the museums as heritage institutions and identify them as great stakeholders in the sustainable development of tourism.

When: Friday, 31.01. from 6:00 p.m. until 01:00 a.m.

Where: Museums around Croatia

Dubrovnik cultural institutions Night of Museums 2023

House of Marin Držić
Love Stories Museum
Dubrovnik Museums
Museum of Modern Art Gallery
Homeland War Museum
Dubrovnik Natural History Museum

PROGRAM

In addition to the permanent exhibits, which will be available for viewing, additional programs are also organized, including those for children.

Entrance to museums and all programs are completely free for all visitors. They usually start at 6 p.m. and last until 1 a.m., and the schedule of the public bus transportation (Libertas) is adjusted accordingly. The last bus line from Pila gate leaves at 1:30 a.m.

Visit the museum shop and find unique souvenirs especially Marin Držić books translated into English.

HOUSE OF MARIN DRŽIĆ

It is very lively in the House of Marin Držić. The work on setting up the new permanent exhibition “Držić’s Life Stage” will present the new look of the Marin Držić House on Night of Museums, at 7 p.m.

17:00h Thematic guidance “The Golden Age of Dubrovnik”

19:00h Opening of the new permanent exhibition “Držić’s Life Stage”

20:00h Ensemble Plazarius – Renaissance music concert

On Museum Night 2023, they grant a 20% discount on all items from the House of Marin Držić museum shop.

Love Stories Museum
Address: Od Tabakarije 2 (near restaurant Orhan)
Visiting hours: 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Rector’s Palace
Address: Ulica Pred Dvorom 3
8:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. / 9:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Play for children “Miho Pracat” (according to the text of Luka Paljetka “Three jumps of the lizard”)

The Maritime Museum
Address: Fortress of St. John (Dubrovnik City Walls)
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Workshop for children: “Miho Pracat in tangrams” (suitable for children aged 7 to 10 years)

Ethnographic Museum Rupe
Address: Ulica od Rupa 3
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Costumed professional guidance “Miho Pracat – from bread to clothes”
8:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Thematic guidance and interactive approach to traditional Dubrovnik jewelry

Archaeological Museum Revelin Fort
Address: Ulica sv. Dominika
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Guided tour through the exhibitions:
“Early Medieval Sculpture in Dubrovnik” and “Flower in Stone”
9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Illyrian helmet from Zakotorc

Lazareti, IV hall
Address: Frana Supila, Ploče
8:45 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. / 9:45 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. Professional guidance through the exhibition “Brothers in Arms”

Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik
Address: Put Frana Supila 23
6:00 p.m. / 8:00 p.m. / 9:00 p.m.
Expert guidance through the exhibition Đuro Pulitika (1922 – 2006)
Retrospective on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the painter’s birth
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Museum in the Museum (in the atrium of the Modern Art)

Dulčić Masle Pulitika Gallery
Address: Poljana Marina Držića 1
8:30 p.m. professional guidance through the exhibition Music and Movement – from the collection of the Dubrovnik Art Gallery
9:00 p.m. Piano Duo 62 (Marija Grazio and Stefani Grbić, concert, different styles)

Studio Pulitika
Address: St John Fort (City Walls)
6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. screening of the documentary film “It’s not his fault, he’s the painter” every full hour
(6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m., 00:00 p.m.)

Homeland War Museum
Address: Fort Imperial on Srđ Hill
4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Exhibitions: “Dubrovnik in the Homeland War”, and “Damage of sacred items”

Real and virtual exhibitions “Days of pride – heroic defense of the city in 1991” and “Days of pride – the liberation of the Dubrovnik area in 1992”.

Digitally from 4 p.m. at www.mdrd.hr
“Anno domini 1992”, virtual exhibition

Dubrovnik Natural History Museum
Address: Androvićeva ulica 1
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Workshop “We will discover something new” – LITTLE SCIENTISTS
8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Lecture on genetic method in marine biodiversity research in the light of climate change

Enjoy Dubrovnik visitors and locals.

This blog post is dedicated to all digital nomads living or visiting Dubrovnik.

← House of Marin Držić

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House of Marin Držić

hello — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 11:38:29 +0000

House of Marin Držić

Museums as cultural institutions offer an effective way of acquiring new knowledge in an informal learning environment, and they inspire visitors.

They are among the most popular tourist attractions, so the fact that many travelers are willing to dedicate and spend a certain amount of time there during their holiday doesn’t come as a surprise. What a better way to get to know the culture and history of the country, city, or village you are visiting than exploring the artifacts, arts, and stories shown and told in the museums.

Even if you are not a museum-goer, let us show you why the House of Marin Držić is certainly one of the must-visit museums in Dubrovnik.

Who was Marin?

Let’s start with the story of who was Držić and his importance to Dubrovnik and the world.
Držić was a world-famous 16th-century playwright, poet, and one of the key authors of the European Renaissance comedy. His works abound in clashes of the traditional and the modern, fiction and reality, the comic and the tragic.

Visit the museum shop and find unique souvenirs especially Marin Držić books translated into English.

ŠIROKA STREET, DUBROVNIK

He died when Shakespeare was three years old. Molière was born a whole century after him. A century and a half passed from his death until the appearance of Carlo Goldoni. Držić was a man of great literary talent. His works are an important legacy to the whole European and world comedy scene. However, they were also somewhat controversial at the time as he portrayed current events and political situations through comedy and thus came into conflict with the authorities.

In Držić’s honor and memory, his birth house located in the very center of the Old City, in Široka Street adjacent to the Domino Church, was turned into a museum dedicated to his life and works.

House of Marin Držić, founded in 1989, is not just an ordinary museum through which you will pass and never remember it again. You will find its concept and interior design very thoughtfully designed. Years from Držić’s biography (1508 – 1567) are marked at the staircase, there is a display of his family and genealogical tree and his conspiratorial letters, reconstructions of object collections made based on Držić’s promissory note, references to the author’s theater characters through costumes,… all interpreted by different techniques. There are also portraits of contemporary painters, small-format sculptures, and objects of applied arts.

The management of the House is truly dedicated to maintaining and improving the primary role of the museum, which is to engage and educate the local community, as well as tourist visitors. They aim to become a science and research center for studying Držić’s life and works, so they even created the audio guide about Držić for foreign visitors. Also, through various workshops for children, House of Marin Držić encourages partnerships between schools and cultural institutions, thus contributing to the development of the local community.

Visit this delightful museum, get to know more about Držić and his work, go back in time to the Renaissance, and feel the atmosphere in Dubrovnik in that era.

← Restaurant Taj Mahal-the keepers of the Bosnian culinary tradition Night of Museums →

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Restaurant Taj Mahal-the keepers of the Bosnian culinary tradition

hello — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 23:23:13 +0000

Restaurant Taj Mahal-the keepers of the Bosnian culinary tradition

Taj Mahal Dubrovnik is a culinary brand established in 2004. The two welcoming restaurants celebrate Bosnian traditional dishes by offering tasty morsels and a homely atmosphere.

Their first restaurant serving delicious Bosnian national food was opened in the Old City, in an alley just off the Stradun. The good word of mouth spread quickly, and soon restaurant Taj Mahal became one of the favorite restaurants, for locals and tourists alike. In 2013 they decided to extend their offer and guest welcome area, so they opened a sister restaurant in Hotel Lero.

Bosnia has a reputation of a country where succulent food is served in abundance. The only way to leave the table is to fill your belly to the measure where you can barely utter “I can’t eat another bite!”

As you enter their restaurants you will feel the spirit of the Orient. The vibe is cozy and intimate, and the décor feels very authentic. You will surely notice prominent details like chandeliers, carafes, traditional Bosnian weaving patterns,… all complimented with soft Sevdah music.

The revival of the lost coral craft in Dubrovnik and sharing the red coral passion around the world

STIMULATE YOUR SENSES WITH MOUTHWATERING DRY-AGED STEAK OR THE RICH TASTE OF ĆEVAPI WITH KAJMAK!

Restaurant Taj Mahal’s menu features refined dishes and delicacies based on traditional Bosnian ingredients, such as beef, veal, lamb, sausages, cured meats, cheese, kajmak, roasted, cooked and pickled vegetables, etc.

The meat they use to make delicious meals is sourced from their meat boutique Taj Butcheraj.

However, their menu is designed to cater to even the most demanding palates, so that vegetarians too will find some tasty meat-free dishes. For the perfect taste of Bosnia, especially if you have a sweet tooth, you must taste their special selection of sweets, such as baklava or hurmašica, as well as their liquors. The founders of the Taj Mahal, their creative chefs, and attentive staff have brought imaginative flair to Bosnian gastronomy in Dubrovnik, thus becoming the keepers of the centuries-old culinary tradition.

As the restaurant attracts with its dishes, you can book designed modern accommodation with them in Dubrovnik and Split Lejletul.

← Clara Stones Jewellery & Coral Heritage House of Marin Držić →

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Clara Stones Jewellery & Coral Heritage

hello — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 09:22:07 +0000

Clara Stones Jewellery & Coral Heritage

The traditional jewelry never goes out of style. It is crafted with special attention and love for design and history.

Driven by a passion for jewellery and coral heritage art, in 2007 Croatian-Italian couple Anja Mucić and Vittorio Ceccarini founded their own jewellery brand named Clara Stones. Where did the inspiration for such an idea come from? Well, jewellery is Vittorio’s family tradition, his mother is also a jewellery designer and the brand was named after his grandmother Clara. After being introduced to the fascinating world of precious corals, he dedicated his life to spreading the story of it to the world.

Modern science proved that the red coral is a polyp colony belonging to the genus Corallium, which originated in the Mediterranean sea

The red coral is known as a traditional Mediterranean ornament. It is an organic gemstone – a symbol of vitality and a charm against evil spirits. As such, he was greatly appreciated among people, and it was also deemed a status symbol. It had many purposes: a gemstone, amulet, currency, ornament, medicament, fertilizer, etc.

The revival of the lost coral craft in Dubrovnik and sharing the red coral passion around the world

LUXURY GALLERY, WORKSHOP, MUSEUM, AND A STORE THAT OFFERS A COMPLETELY UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Clara Stones jewellery shop, opened in 2011 in Dubrovnik, is the only store that offers both modern and traditional handmade jewellery with the Adriatic corals. It is one of the last red coral workshops in Dubrovnik where you can see the presentation of jewellery manufacturing. This is a unique opportunity to see how these precious adornments; coral bracelets, earrings, pendants, rings, etc. are made. So, if you want to see how red coral is transformed from raw material to artfully designed jewellery, and learn why red coral is considered one of the most precious materials in the world since antiquity, make sure to visit Clara Stones coral workshop and gallery.

Red coral also had a significant value since the early days of the Republic of Dubrovnik. The local fishermen from Kalamota Island in close proximity to Dubrovnik were specialized in fishing coral. Merchants recognized its value hundreds of years ago and used this precious good for trade all over the world.

Vittorio wanted not only to revive the lost coral craft in Dubrovnik but also to share the red coral passion around the world. Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Dubrovnik and its surroundings, Clara stones jewellery shop was envisioned as a place that offers a completely unique shopping experience. It is, in fact, a luxury gallery, workshop, museum, and a store dedicated to the king of the Adriatic. Trust us when we say that this a must-visit place when in Dubrovnik. You will have a uniquely pleasant experience of buying stunning beautiful jewellery, along with and the story of its making.

When you buy coral jewellery in Clara Stones shop, together with a selected piece of jewelry you will be given a certificate of authenticity. On it, you will find the Latin name of the coral that guarantees the coral is real and not treated or coloured. We think that Clara Stones coral jewellery is one of the best souvenirs you can bring home from your visit to Dubrovnik. So, make sure you put a visit to their coral workshop and gallery on your Dubrovnik to-do list.

← Dubrovnik private boat tours with Rewind Dubrovnik Restaurant Taj Mahal-the keepers of the Bosnian culinary tradition →

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Dubrovnik private boat tours with Rewind Dubrovnik

hello — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 18:39:49 +0000

Dubrovnik private boat tours with Rewind Dubrovnik

Experience endless summer vibes on Dubrovnik private boat tours and explore the Elaphiti Islands in a unique way!

While planning your Dubrovnik summer vacation, you are probably picturing yourself on the beach, sunbathing on the hot Mediterranean sun, swimming in the crystal clear the Adriatic Sea, and visiting new places. If this is more or less your plan, we have an excellent suggestion on how to do all that in one single day!

A private boat tour to the Elaphiti Islands by Rewind Dubrovnik comes highly recommended by many travelers, so we decided to take a closer look at it.

Rewind Dubrovnik is a boating company run by a Dubrovnik born and raised, young yet skilled skipper Lukša. On his Dubrovnik private boat tours, he puts a special emphasis on a personal approach to his guests, making sure they fully and truly enjoy their time. Lukša will show you all the hidden beauties of Dubrovnik’s coastline and islands, as he knows them like the back of his hand.

Wonder off the beaten paths, swim in the picturesque crystal clear waters, and snorkel in the secluded beaches

KICKBACK, RELAX AND ENJOY THE SALTY BREEZE ON YOUR FACE

If you want to experience top-notch boating and touring service, we wholeheartedly recommend booking Rewind’s Elaphiti half-day or full-day boat tour. Lukša will not only be your skipper, but also a knowledgable guide who will share interesting facts and tales about the three Elaphiti Islands you get to visit: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Rest assured you will be treated with the utmost care so you can carelessly enjoy your sea adventure from the start to the very end! Lukša will prepare everything you need for a memorable fun day at the sea: organize pick up and drop off to your accommodation, provide the water, wine, fruits, towels, masks & snorkels, Go-Pro camera, Wi-Fi, and floaties for children.

If you wish, he can make lunch arrangements in top-rated local restaurants, tasting of locally produced wine, olive oil, and liqueurs, or organize a guided tour of the islands.

On this Dubrovnik private boat tour, you will have the opportunity to wander off the beaten paths, visit the Blue cave on Koločep, have fun on the sandy beach Šunj on Lopud island, taste good local food on Šipan Island, swim and snorkel in the turquoise clean sea in the small hidden coves, take stunning pictures,… Also, we would like to emphasize that, considering the current situation with the Coronavirus pandemic, Rewind takes all precautionary measures; they are committed to an enhanced cleaning protocol on all boats, and guests are provided with hand sanitizers.

We wanted to make sure all this really is as good as it sounds, so we booked the Elaphiti Islands tour in the summer of 2020. As you can see from the photos we took, there are more than enough excellent reasons why choose Rewind Dubrovnik by boat. Start your adventure and welcome aboard!

← Croatia: Corona Travel Guide Clara Stones Jewellery & Coral Heritage →

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Croatia: Corona Travel Guide

hello — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 21:12:51 +0000

Croatia: Corona Travel Guide

UPDATED: Aug 20th

Check out our corona Croatia travel guide with the list of the countries who can enter Croatia, and where Croats can go without self-isolation. Residents of all 26 EU member states and residents of the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland cannot travel to Croatia freely.

European countries (EU + Schengen) where is unpossible to travel freely from Croatia:

Cyprus – testing required
Finland – business trips only
Ireland – 14 days quarantine
Iceland – requires two tests
Latvia – 14 days quarantine
Lithuania – 14 days quarantine
The Netherlands – 14 days of self-isolation
Norway – 10 days quarantine
Slovenia – 14 days of quarantine

European countries (EU + Schengen) to which we can travel from Croatia without restrictions:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
France
Greece
Luxembourg
Malta
Hungary
Germany
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

However, in some countries, the situation changes from day to day, so it is necessary apart from this Croatia corona travel guide to check out the rules and restrictions in detail before your trip. This is easiest to do on the EU Re-open page, where detailed information is available for all EU and Schengen countries.

USA Entry

Above all, according to the US Embassy in Zagreb, starting July 1, Croatia is the first EU country to welcome back US travelers. Read more here: COVID-19 information

Travel ideas

Dubrovnik is not overcrowded. There are no cruise ships, so you will have the most memorable vacation of your lifetime. You will enjoy your crowd-free vacation. Moreover, we are bringing you our favorite list of perfect support local businesses:

Meet locals with an amazing city tour with Ivan
Taste Bosnian cuisine with a twist: Taj Mahal Restaurant
If you like cooking on vacation, shop the finest meat selection at Taj Butcheraj
Explore Dubrovnik legacy at the House of Marin Držić
Hop on the Iron Throne and see how it feels like to be the ruler of King’s Landing at the Iron Throne Shop
Visit Dubrovnik can’t go without pure leisure paradise on Banje Beach
Visit the Lokrum island, nature reserve paradise just 10 minutes boat ride
Sweeten your vacation with the delicious premium flavors of Peppino’s ice cream
Buy extraordinary coral jewelry at Clara Stones
Discover magical secluded bays, coves, beaches, and islands around Dubrovnik with Rewind Dubrovnik by boat
Be amazed by the breathtaking views of the Old City of Dubrovnik from above with Dubrovnik Cable Car
If required transfer service, let Dubrovnik transfer serve you like a king
Explore sea kayaking with Laus Travel
Do Thai massage at Icona Thai Spa in the heart of the Old Town
Dine at the elegant sky-high restaurant Above 5 Rooftop
Do craft beer tasting at the Dubrovnik Beer Company
Feel how life felt like under the communist regime of Yugoslavia at the Red History Museum
Feel the harmony at the romantic Forty-Four restaurant
Amazing wine experience with D’vino wine bar
And last, but not least if you want to have a great stay, check out Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, boutique hotel Stari Grad, Forty-Four, or Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel.

The time to travel to Croatia is here again. If you’re planning to visit Croatia, to facilitate your entry and stay in Croatia, all you have to do is fill out an online registration form. In conclusion, if you are desperate for a holiday and you’re not nervous about traveling, we recommend you Dubrovnik.

Enjoy Croatia and stay responsible.

← Travel and the Coronavirus: Slavonia, beautiful part of Croatia Dubrovnik private boat tours with Rewind Dubrovnik →

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Travel and the Coronavirus: Slavonia, beautiful part of Croatia

hello — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 20:40:11 +0000

Travel and the Coronavirus: Slavonia, beautiful part of Croatia

Place where the Dunav river kisses the sky.

Slavonia is agriculturally part of Croatia situated in the east part of the country. If you want to experience nature in all its beauty, this is an unquestionably ideal destination for you!

Here you will come across numerous castles to wide and endless golden centuries-old forests of mighty Quercus robur (English oak). Slavonia pays a lot of attention to the preservation of cultural heritage through customs. In this way, you will get to know the tradition through folklore and music festivals that best present it. Wherever you are, you will feel a warm welcome and friendship from Slavonia and its inhabitants.

Osijek, as the largest city in Slavonia, is our first stop. We are dropping our luggage at the Waldinger hotel.

Slavonia is an undiscovered beautiful part of Croatia.

Hotel Waldinger is the first hotel with four stars in Osijek that enjoys protection as a cultural and environmental monument. The staff is extremely professional and the accommodation is fabulous. It is very close to the city center, and quiet that a man can rest well. Breakfast is abundant and very tasty.

Small villages, wide plains, fruitful field, wine-growing hills, centuries-old traditions, local food, and sincere hospitality make Slavonia – Slavonia.

DIVERSITY

We plan to stay in Osijek and discover Slavonia by car. If you want to explore Osijek, you will notice that everyone is cycling. The promenade is the main pedestrian zone where you will feel the real pulse of the city.

In Osijek you have plenty of activities, so you will enjoy secessionist style (Art Nouveau) while exploring beauties of Osijek’s Tvrdja complex. Take a photo with Father of the Nation, dr. Ante Starčević overlooking the co-cathedral. We love to sugar our afternoon up, and what is better than homemade sweets than Gold by Waldinger? The best part is that it is just across the hotel so it’s very convenient when you get sugar overdose to roll yourself up across the street.

One cannot visit Slavonia, without paying tribute to Nature park Kopački rit. Nature park Kopački Rit is a natural wetlands reserve with a flood area of approximately 17,000 hectares.

The park offers bird watching and photo safaris with expert guidance. To enjoy the unique richness of nature you can choose an attractive tour by eco boat, canoe, bicycle, or tourist train. There are four main fishing areas in the Kopački rit Nature Park, where sport fishing is allowed with a fishing license.

They say that history is made every day. Halfway between Ilok and Vukovar is Mohovo. The village is known for numerous finds of mammoth, rhino, bison, hyena bones… Moreover, for those who would like to know more about war, pay a visit to Vukovar Memorial center of Homeland War.

Do you know where the oldest continuously inhabited town in Europe is? The scene of the famous murder on the Orient Express? Home to the oldest European calendar? The correct answer is Vinkovci. Do your research and go.

As you can see, Slavonia, the whole of Slavonia – offers a handful of unique experiences.

Photo credit: Ivan Vuković Vuka

← Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Zagreb & Hrvatsko Zagorje Croatia: Corona Travel Guide →

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Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Zagreb & Hrvatsko Zagorje

hello — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 21:37:48 +0000

Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Zagreb & Hrvatsko Zagorje

Zagreb is timeless.

It is one of few cities that is developing into a modern metropolis while keeping its historic core intact.

Driving from Istria, we are finally in the capital. Check-in at the Westin Zagreb is going great and smooth. Inside the lobby, you will likely find your favorite hotel looks different. Staff may no longer escort you to — or show you around.

What we love about this business hotel is the central location which gives us amazing ability to go on the foot for our favorite Beer hall “Zlatni Medo” dish. Above all, we love to pack light, stay fit. Especially when Westin Gear Lending helps you keep moving with New Balance workout gear for only 35,00 Kn to stay in the shape while traveling.

Zagreb is within easy day-trip distance of countless sites of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Hrvatsko Zagorje is a must visit!

For instance, we are going to explore the surrounding areas. We start with Kumrovec. It is a place where you can breathe a strange peace and the memory of the presence of Tito. In addition to beautiful landscapes, visitors to Kumrovec are true history experts. They are very well familiar with terms such as the Iron Curtain, Communism, Socialism, Marxism, and all other political terms from the last century.

Did you know perhaps the most iconic train journey of all time, Orient Express is Croatian inspiration moment?

UNIQUE MUST VISIT MUSEUM KUMROVEC

During Tito’s life, Kumrovec was an unavoidable point in honor of his birthdays. After his death, with the symbolic act of planting 88 maples, people from Kumrovec wanted to plant one maple for each year of his life, to preserve lasting memories of Josip Broz Tito.

Fun fact: Josip Broz Tito was born in a place 20 km away from the place where the first Croatian President Franjo Tudjman was born.

The story is inspired by a journey Agatha Christie had on the very train. You can still see the little part of that train crossing through Kumrovec, entering Slovenia, and going back to Croatia.

Near is relaxation zone Terme Jezerčica and Krapina where you can visit Neanderthal Museum. As you are already there, pay your visit to a just of couple km away to the magnificent Veliki Tabor castle. One of the most important cultural and historical monuments of secular architecture in continental Croatia.

In addition to this, are you familiar with Ludbreg? According to local legend, Ludbreg is considered to be at the center of the world. We now approach another interesting spot, Podgarić. Here we see a monument dedicated to the Revolution of the Moslavina citizens during WWII.

After driving on side roads, you can return by highway to Zagreb. We continue our way to discover the place where Dunav river kisses the sky. Slavonia.

Photo credit: Ivan Vuković Vuka

← Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Istria Travel and the Coronavirus: Slavonia, beautiful part of Croatia →

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Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Istria

hello — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 20:34:51 +0000

Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Istria

We have good news! Travel restrictions are easing up! Starting June 15th 2020, destinations in the European countries will reopen their borders to tourists travelling from within the EU.

Today we are travelling to colourful Istria. The heart-shaped part of western Croatia. It’s beautiful, cheap, abundant in tradition, authentic experience with enchanting gastronomy.

Driving from Dalmatia towards Istria will give you the best scenery of the countryside if you take the Adriatic highway. The peninsula is located at the head of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. Until a few decades ago Istria was Italian, with a huge impact in architecture, cuisine and language. Among the highlights is to drive around landscapes surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Istria. Think of it as Tuscany 50 years ago!

You’ll find a wide assortment of hotels from luxury to budget with camping experience option in nature with Maistra Camping. Camping is considered the safest way to holiday in these unfamiliar times as direct contact with other guests is minimised.

Why go to Italy or France when you can find that mix in Istria, the best-kept secret in Croatia?

TRAVEL AND THE CORONAVIRUS: POST-COVID-19 IN ISTRIA

We are starting our journey in Rovinj. Rovinj enjoys an unchanged charm. To fully appreciate it, we are recommending following the five colours guideline.

The white of the pave street stones; the red of the roofs and facades of the buildings; the intense blue of the sea; the dark green of the pine forests that line this Croatian town. And the colour of the hotel Adriatic, located in the heart of Rovinj on the northern coast of Croatia, the oldest and only hotel on the main square.

The feeling is phenomenal when you enter the hotel and see all of the stuff following COVID-19 prevention and control. Check-in runs smoothly as we are taking our luggage to the room as a no-contact policy.

The best part is they serve breakfast till 11 a.m. with a set menu. Tip: sip a mojito at sunset sunk into the cushions of their “Caffe Bar Adriatic” which offers the widest choice of whiskeys in Croatia.

To see and feel Istria, avoid Istrian Y Highway as the works on the construction are underway. Villages to visit and get lost in is a must! As we drive, the beauty of Istria unfolds in front of our eyes. When travelling take the time to see Lim Channel, Vrsar, Novigrad, Motovun, Pula. The vibe is so relaxing as there is almost no one on the road. Rolling hills as far as the eye could see, so much have reminded us of our favourite landscapes such as those of Tuscany, Umbria and Provence.

Did you know the largest truffles ever found weighing 1.31 kg of Guinness World Records fame comes from Istria? Truffles are abundant here and are dug up by hunters and their dogs (traditionally with pigs) fresh in the mornings.

In addition to the sea, nature and characteristic villages, Istria is huge in the gastro scene as winegrowing is in the blood of the local people. In Croatia, however, there are two types of Malvasia – Istrian Malvazia and the Dubrovnik Malvasia. Records from 1424 found in the Dubrovnik Republic show a prohibition of the sale of Dubrovnik Malvasia wine. Visiting Meneghetti winery is a must!

Istria has something for everyone, it doesn’t disappoint. Now it’s time to explore Hrvatsko Zagorje. Croatian fairy tale at hand.

Photo credit: Ivan Vuković Vuka

← Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Dalmatia Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Zagreb & Hrvatsko Zagorje →

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Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Dalmatia

hello — Fri, 29 May 2020 22:32:49 +0000

Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Dalmatia

Tourism is the value of emotions, experiences and stories. We will travel again. For the fourth day this week, there have been zero new COVID-19 cases reported in Croatia, the national crisis management team said in a statement on Friday.

Today we are taking you on our next post-COVID-19 adventure in Dalmatia. It was very awkward to drive through Dalmatia and not to see as many tourists as usual. We will discover some hidden gems along the way you definitely should add to your bucket list as they are very well worth visiting. In this blog, we will travel through Dalmatia, as now is the perfect time for the road trip post-COVID-19 era. At least for now.

Welcome to Igrane, picturesque charming less known village on Makarska Riviera around 2 hours drive from Dubrovnik.

Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Dalmatia. The Mediterranean as it once was. Think of Croatia as Italy 30 years ago

We have met here our good friend Tiho the owner of Apartments Parun, enjoyed typical family-style lunch and explored a typical Dalmatian village of well-preserved stone houses nestled at the foot of Mount Biokovo where everybody knows each other very well. “Igrane” name is tracked back to 1430 and means “The Game” or “To Play”.

Corona hottest free travel destinations are always the best so we spent overnight at isolating friendly Mediterranean stone house underneath Mount Biokovo close to the highway and with beautiful vistas of Adriatic, with the nearby island of Brač.

You have many COVID-19 free activities you can do around this area. Hiking to Biokovo Skywalk glass viewing platform, The Shrine of Vepric, or cycling through the stunning landscapes of the Makarska Riviera.

Support small local business. They care about and are invested in the well-being of your community and its future.

Travel and the Coronavirus: Post-COVID-19 in Dalmatia. How to get to Vodice?

As highways are boring to explore the country, take the old road (Adriatic highway) to Vodice so you can stop by in small cities like Trogir and Primošten along the way. When you approach Vodice you will find its significant landmark Olympia Sky in a cruise ship shape. They did a remarkable job in feeling responsible stay safe during your stay. To provide each guest with maximum comfortwith prescribed measures they are working with 50% accommodation capacity but with 100% staff.

Hotel stuff is serving you breakfast and dinner with minimum contact. Cooperating with local family farms and small fishermen is what they are serving to you.

In Olympia Sky, you can book an excursion to discover history of Vodice, day trips to Vrana Lake Nature Park, zipline Šibenik, panoramic flight, or wine and bike tour. Vrana Lake Nature Park is the largest natural lake and one of the last Mediterranean wetlands in Croatia. It is perfect for a relaxing holiday in nature, fishing and birdwatching with only 20,00kn ticket per person (parking included).

Located 4 km from Vodice is Tribunj, another small Dalmatian fishing town worth visiting. Try their local cuisine at konoba Bepo, a family restaurant first started back in 1978. Šibenik is only 10km away, and with only 1 hour of drive, you are at National park Paklenica. Perfect for walking, hiking, climbing while experiencing the wilderness.

Why go to Andalusia, Spain when you can drive around Vrana Lake Nature Park and have lunch at Maškovića Han, an oriental inn in Vrana, the most impressive and refined monument of Islamic secular architecture from the period of the Ottoman Turks.

Beauty is a hard thing to quantify, which is why you should visit this part of Croatia and stay tuned for our next post-COVID-19 Istria adventure.

Photo credit: Ivan Vuković Vuka

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