Tag: Croatia travel

Lake Bled
EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Croatia & Slovenia: Spellbinding Panoramas

on February 19, 2020

Imagine the perfect trip that provides a breathtaking snapshot of Europe’s natural splendors. One day, you explore one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities with sweeping views of the glittering sea. Later, you ferry along a rugged shore dotted with more than 1,000 islands. A forested, mountainside wonderland is next, fed by a lush and soothing network of lakes and rivers. These mountains are just a prelude to the soaring Alps that you’ll soon encounter, a snow-capped ring overlooking a pristine, picture-perfect lake. And it’s all a sublime setting for some of the continent’s most enchanting and historic cultures.

There are few places in Europe that encompass such a wide range of natural beauty in such a compact area. But Croatia and Slovenia do—huddled along the Adriatic Sea and brimming with magnificent vistas that have long lured emperors and kings. Discovery Tours is eager to introduce you this spellbinding corner of Europe.

Dalmatia’s Dreamy Seascapes

The red-roofed medieval city of Dubrovnik is a wonder to behold. But half of its beauty can be credited to its spectacular setting on the blue Adriatic. The remarkably preserved enclave juts into the sea on a limestone promontory; temperamental waves lash at its rocky coast and ancient walls. Just 2,000 feet offshore, the long, green island of Lokrum rests like an apostrophe. Its one-third-square-mile expanse hides a lovely Botanical Garden that’s home to a lush gathering of Mediterranean flora.

North of Dubrovnik, the stunning island of Korcula lies off Croatia’s coast. Once you lay your eyes on its lovely medieval town and its stunning Adriatic setting, you have to wonder why Marco Polo wanted to leave his home island to embark upon a quarter-century of globe-trotting. But leave it he did.

There is a lot to savor on Korcula, including Renaissance palaces and the resplendent St. Mark’s Cathedral. Stonemasons, shipbuilders, and sea merchants all helped put this island on the map, injecting money and glory into its buildings and institutions. Aside from its rich culture of architecture and maritime endeavors, Korcula and its surrounding islands also boast a proud musical heritage. Its Klape singers, who indulge in a style of a cappella singing, carry tunes that date back to the 1800s.

Hvar is another enchanting island outpost. The island once served as a crossroads for trade between the Adriatic and Mediterranean. Its Old Town and cozy marina are a delight to explore, and its striking beauty of karst landscape, fertile plains, vast vineyards and sprawling fields of lavender has helped earn it a place as one of the world’s most gorgeous islands.

One of Hvar’s neighboring archipelagos, the Pakleni Islands, offers crystalline waters ideal for snorkeling. The islands’ name is typically translated as “Hell’s Islands.” But they are more likely named for “paklina,” the pine-resin tar that was once harvested from their shores to seal the hulls of ships. No matter what you might call them, don’t be fooled: this is a stunningly beautiful series of heaven-sent islets.

Croatia’s Mainland Marvels

Another spectacular locale lies inland. The Plitvice Lakes are among the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. Sixteen lakes terrace their way down a hillside high in the Dinaric Mountains, each one connected to the last via cascading waterfalls, caves, springs and chutes. The highest falls tumble some 230 feet. The string of lakes is almost five miles long, and over their lush course the waters fall a total of 430 feet. They vary in color from one terrace to the next—waters might flow from a turquoise lake into a green-hued pool, then into a gray basin. This phenomenon—created by the angle of the sun and the minerals and organisms in the water—lends a magical air to any visit. Raised wooden footpaths lead you through this astonishing wonderland.

Speaking of magical, Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is one of Europe’s most delightful secrets. To be sure, the main draw of this wedge-shaped chunk of land is its magnificent coastline, hugged by cities whose architecture seems to speak more Venetian than Croatian. Here and there, a classic campanile – or bell tower – pierces the briny sea air, calling to mind Venice’s St. Mark’s Square. Even inland, amidst rolling vineyards and villages perched on hilltops, you would be forgiven if you suddenly believed you had unknowingly stumbled upon Tuscany.

Remnants of past civilizations are everywhere here, from Pula’s incredible 2,000-year-old amphitheater to Rovinj’s Venetian-style cityscape. And in Opatija, lavishly reclining along Adriatic shores near the tip of the Gulf of Kvarner, a seaside promenade tempts you into long strolls with spectacular views.

Slovenia’s Spectacles

Beyond the Tuscan-like landscapes of the Istrian Peninsula, Croatia’s terrain rises into Slovenia and the dramatic heights of the magnificent, snow-capped Julian Alps. Here lies what is perhaps Slovenia’s most splendid vista: Lake Bled. This alpine lake with a glass-like, azure surface enchants. A tiny island rests at its center, crowned by the lovely Assumption of Mary church with its wonderful collection of frescoes. A belfry tower houses the 16th-century “wishing bell,” often rung by freshly-wed couples after the groom has carried his bride up the stairs.

On the lake’s shores, the 11th-century Bled Castle overlooks the waters from a dramatic rocky perch, as moody and stunning as any fairytale abode. Nearby, the resort town of Bohinj serves as a launching pad for alpine treks and other outdoor activities. It is said that when invading Turks arrived at Bohinj, the region looked so primeval that they turned around for fear that they had reached the edge of the world. Not to worry—the dense woodlands and stunning landscapes are endlessly inviting and its farm-fresh cheeses are sublime.

Europe’s most beautiful vistas and most tantalizing medieval cities seem encapsulated in Croatia and Slovenia. And our Discovery Tours small group lets you experience them to their fullest.  We invite you join us and discover them for yourself!

Click here to learn more about our Dalmatian Isles, Croatia & Slovenia trip!

Opatija Croatia
EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Croatia’s Surprising Vintages and Earthy, Fresh Cuisine

on February 17, 2020

Raise your glass and raise your fork to Croatia’s fertile and prolific vineyards and farms.

Raise Your Glass!

Many travelers think of Croatia as a smaller version of Italy, right across the Adriatic. To be sure, this makes for similarly dreamy landscapes. It also means that the climate and earth of Croatia produce similarly dreamy vintages. Not to be left behind its vinicultural neighbor across the sea, Croatia boasts more than 300 demarcated wine districts.

Central and South Dalmatia. The hugely popular Zinfandel is descended from a grape grown here, the Plavac Mali.

North Dalmatia. This region is famous for the Babić grape, a native Croatian varietal that produces inky red wine of considerable tannin and strength. The grape is also found on the island of Korcula.

Istria. In the hillsides and valleys of Istria, Moscato, Trebbiano and Verduzzo grapes flourish.

Slavonia. This is the epicenter of Croatia’s most widely planted vine, the native Grasevina. This fresh, lightly aromatic white wine – sometimes aged in oak casks carved from native oak forests – is reminiscent of a Chardonnay.

Plesivica.  On the steep, rocky slopes of this area, native vines produce Riesling and Chardonnay grapes.

Raise Your Fork!

We said earlier that Italy lies west across the Adriatic Sea from Croatia. Indeed, they share a lot in common, including a homegrown mix of agriculture, mari-culture, and viniculture that combine into a fresh farm-to-table cuisine. On land, fertile farms never stop yielding their bounty … by sea, the country’s fishing villages have long hauled in a generous and delicious catch. Here are some of our favorite Croatian dishes.

Gridele. The “straight off the gridele” preparation of oily Adriatic fish is simply divine. The fish is grilled with olive oil and fresh Mediterranean herbs over the wood from old grapevines or olive trees, for a deeply flavored dish.

Brodet. This light Croatian fish soup imparts the flavors of whichever catch of the day is used to make it – perhaps a whitefish like flounder, John Dory or red scorpionfish, or crab and shrimp. Polenta is often served on the side.

Pasticada. This Dalmatian specialty beef stew is seasoned with bacon and a sauce of herbs and vegetables. Potatoes, gnocchi, pasta, or rice and Swiss chard are often served on the side.

Fuži. Truffles are native to the Istrian peninsula, a luxurious addition to many Croatian dishes. They add a deep earthy flavor to pasta dishes and are wonderfully complemented by local parmigiano cheese.

Zganci. This polenta-like side dish is made from maize, wheat or buckwheat flour. Cooked zganci is crumbled on a plate and served with milk, yogurt, honey, or even the cracklings from bacon.

Scampi Buzara. This common dish from the north Adriatic is simple to cook and messy to eat. Unshelled shrimps are tossed in a light tomato sauce with shallots, garlic, wine and parsley. Grilled bread sops up any leftover sauce.

Prsut. This air-cured ham in Croatia is similar to Italian prosciutto. It makes for a light appetizer or a flavorful enhancement to main dishes.

Istarska Jota. Also known as Istrian stew, this dish gets its heartiness from beans and sauerkraut and showcases the surprising influence of Austria on Croatia’s cuisine.

Pod Pekom. Sometimes referred to as “under the bell” cooking, this traditional method of slow-roasting meat is used in many homes. Poultry, lamb, veal, or octopus is placed atop chopped potatoes and drizzled with various Mediterranean spices and olive oil. Then a sacz, or steel dome lid, is placed over it all so that the ingredients cook in their own juices. It makes for an incredibly tender and flavorful meal.

Zelena Menestra. Dubrovnik’s traditional green stew is mentioned in writings as far back as 1480. This rich and hearty dish is prepared with lots of bacon, sausage, ham hock, potatoes, cabbage and other vegetables.

Palacinke. These thin pancakes are stuffed with different sweet fillings.

Fritule. These donut-like fried pastries are a popular sweet, flavored with brandy, raisins, and citrus zest, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Dubrovnik
EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Take a Walk Around Dubrovnik, Literally

on February 14, 2020

To understand the civilized nature of those who governed the Republic of Ragusa—as the city of Dubrovnik was known from 1358 to 1808—look no further than the city’s motto. In Latin, it read, “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro.” Liberty is not well sold for all the gold.

But the liberty and freedom of Dubrovnik required more than these simple high ideals to protect it from outside influence. It also needed a fortified wall. And so in the 14th century the early founders of the city, fresh off a strained allegiance to the Venetian Republic and recovering from the Black Death of 1348, began work on a barricade that would grow and evolve over hundreds of years. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most complete medieval walls in all of Europe. So solid was its construction that it was never breached. And so perfectly did it help preserve Dubrovnik that George Bernard Shaw, upon visiting in 1929, wrote, “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.”

It’s easy to understand Shaw’s enchantment. His sentiment was likely an appraisal of the city’s narrow byways and incredibly preserved buildings. But perhaps he also should have written a love poem to the wall; after all, it was the skill of its builders that brought Dubrovnik into the modern age virtually unscathed. Even after the walls were complete, city dwellers rebuilt or maintained it as it aged. It didn’t take long for word to spread of the mighty fortification surrounding Dubrovnik; the city soon gained a reputation as unconquerable throughout Europe and—more importantly—in the land-grabbing Ottoman Empire.

History, however, had other plans. Dubrovnik fell to the army of Napoleon in 1806 and later to Austria in 1814. The city remained part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until that kingdom’s dissolution with the 1919 Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I.

The region’s next major conflict, though devastating to the Old Town, tested the strength of the walls like never before. Tragically, almost 70% of the 824 red-roofed buildings within the fortifications were damaged by the Yugoslav People’s Army during the 1991 Siege of Dubrovnik. In retrospect, historians have said that the ancient walls held up better against modern weaponry than the more contemporary fortifications around the modern city. Were it not for the strength of those ancient ramparts, much more of the city would have been lost. Since those dark days, Dubrovnik’s Old Town has been lovingly restored.

Today, visitors can walk the entire perimeter of Dubrovnik’s walls—with magnificent views of the red-roofed, stone-cut city below and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea beyond. The walls stretch for 6,360 feet, just over a mile, boast a maximum height of 82 feet, and feature several towers and bulwarks.

Gazing over the rooftops of Dubrovnik provides a remarkable and enlightening perspective. You’ll have bird’s-eye views of the Franciscan Monastery, the Placa main thoroughfare, the charming Old Harbor, the island of Lokrum just off the coast and of course the rocky shore lashed by Adriatic waves. The smaller details you’ll observe bring the city to life, too: children kicking a soccer ball around a schoolyard, laundry draped high above an alleyway or the clatter of kitchen plates through an open window.

It’s a stroll that gives immeasurable insight into this protective and unconquerable wall. Still today, life goes on within its sheltering embrace as it has for centuries.

Walk along Dubrovnik’s medieval ramparts during our Dalmatian Isles, Croatia & Slovenia trip!