The magical Dalmatian Coast of Croatia

Dear Slow Travellers...

Living in Sydney 6 months of the year, I come across a lot of would-be travellers, dreaming of far away distant lands, day-dreaming of escaping from their everyday working lives, or those who are retired and need the excitement of travel to quell their somewhat uneventful days.
 
Many mature women particularly, now living on their own like myself, crave for variety of scene, the opportunity to make new friends, and that 'buzz' that keeps us young at heart and feeling positive about ourselves.
At dinner parties and luncheons the conversation often turns to my Slow Tours in Croatia and Italy.
Many ask me, "What is a Slow Tour?" Is it for 'old' people that can't move at a faster pace?
 
These questions always bring a smile to my face.
 
Slow Tours are designed for those who want more from a tour other than travelling from place to place without really having time to savour and explore their surroundings.
 
  • A slow tour offers the discerning traveller a more personalized itinerary with attention to detail.
  • Time to really feel and taste the environment, meeting the locals, time to slow down and enjoy
  • Visiting hidden places of beauty and special interest, off the beaten tourist track
  • Food and wine Tours, Cooking Schools in private homes in Regional Croatia.
  • We meet the winemakers, the locals, the Artisans, we share their culture and immerse ourselves in their way of life, enjoying and indulging in Croatian warmth and hospitality
  • Wine, Good Friends and Song

This coming 2011 season in Croatia is  promising to be one of the best.
I am looking forward to escorting a number of tours from the capital Zagreb down through the Plitvice Lakes, the central city of Split and then sailing through the stunning Dalmatian Islands, Montenegro, and ending in beautiful Dubrovnik.

Biokovo Mountain Range

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  OneOne One of the things I love to do is taking a group of like-minded guests on a Slow Tour of secret and hidden places. One of my favourite day tours is a visit up to St.Jure, the highest peak on top of the majestic Biokovo mountain range. From here you can enjoy the splendid  180 degree views out across the Islands of Hvar,and  Brac, with Korcula and the Peljasac Peninsula in the distance. On a clear day, the Italian Coastline is visible across the Adriatic.
 
On the way down the mountain, we stop at a cosy  little lodge for a slow lunch. Local specialities are beautifully prepared, roasted meats over the coals, local wines, and heaps of hospitality to make  the visitor feel welcome and at home.
 
Below the majestic Biokovo, is the Makarska Riviera, with many picturesque  villages nestling in the bays and coves. One of these villages is Podgora, 6km south of Makarska. My name is Vulinovic, and this is the home of the Vulinovic's. The pebbled beaches are crowded during high summer, July and August, but I prefer the month of September, when the sea is still warm, the extreme summer heat is not so fierce, and many tourists have headed towards home, leaving the Makarska Riviera more peaceful, yet still the days are excellent for swimming and coffee-shopping!
 

Cherries and Strawberries at their freshest and sweetest!Pretty Flower Box in old olive oil stone container

 
June is the time for cherries and strawberries, July and August the figs are plentiful and so sweet and juicy, then September in the  vineyards the grapes are being  harvested and the wine-making begins, and finally around All Saint's Day at the end of October, the olives are ready to be picked and pressed.
Following the olives, the citrus fruits and pomegrantes flourish. Podgora is said to have the best tasting pomegrantes, and they are in real abundance. Rosehips are plentiful also, and the women make a variety of delicious jams and preserves throughout the summer and autumn months.
 
sailing and slow cruising the Dalmatian CoastRomantic Cruises take you to magical places along the Dalmatian Coast
 
Sailing around the Dalmatian Islands is so delightful.
Swimming and snorkling in the azure  jade green crystal clear waters of the Adriatic is also something  not to be missed. The Dalmatian waters are very crystal clear, clean and healing.
There is a huge range of yachts, timber gulets, and cruise boats to suit all budgets, from the more simple and inexpensive  to the mega supa yachts and motor cruisers at super prices.
 
There are a number of  boats that I personally love and can very happily recommend to my clients. The important thing is to not only choose a beautiful vessel, you also need a great crew to take good care of you.
 

So many to choose from!

Smaller boats can be hired for day trips to the islands, or simply to do a spot of fishing along the shoreline.
At night, the locals fish near the rocky shores for squid with lamplights on their little row boats.
It's a pretty sight with all the lamps bobbing on the calm evening waters.

Love this little boat

 
So my dear friends, If there is anything you would like to know about Croatia, please give me a call, or email me. I would be delighted to help you with any question that you may have.
Kindest and warmest regards,