Dear Wanda,
Now that we are back home, I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the trip you helped us plan to Croatia and Montenegro. We really loved each of the places and all the hotels we visited, and all the guides, drivers, and excursions were outstanding. Thank you so much for all your efforts. I hope that you had an equally enjoyable holiday! Iva was also very helpful to us with some last minute details and adjustments. We would like to give her a gratuity for her help. Thank you again for putting together a really unforgettable trip!
Kind regards,
Irene & Mario Ponce – CT
August 14, 2014
Hello Wanda,
I was hoping to contact you about our trip earlier but family issues got in the way. Just back home and received your letter. We had a wonderful time in Croatia. Everything was good but we certainly had highlights.
The Esplanade and Zagreb were perfect in every way. Maja Polic in Zagreb went above and beyond as our guide. She was with us much longer than scheduled and what an interesting person, such a delight. She introduced us to friends that owned a gallery/coffee bar in Gornji Grad. We finished our tour with delicious ice tea and carrot cake supplied by the proprietor. Zagreb was fantastic with all it’s summer music festivals. It is such a wonderful city to walk. We highly recommend Trilogija located in the wall for dinner. We actually ate here twice and it was very, very good; no printed menu, chalk board with daily specials. Also had a wine tasting at Bornstein and so educational and a real treat. Another recommendation is pastries from Dinera consumed with coffee or beer at the Archaeological Museum cafe Lemon.
We understood the importance of Verazdin and it was beautiful but it was 95 degrees in the shade that day and the city was empty. We saw everything in about an hour. The church was closed by the time we arrived and wouldn’t reopen until we were gone.
Villa Astra and Lovran were a real highlight for us. Actually all of the Istria segment was incredible. We ate at the Villa one night and the young waiter Slovan helped make the night memorable. He actually bought us wines he recommended and delivered them on his day off. The swimming area in the gulf and the path around the water to Lovran were wonderful, Restaurant Kukuriku and the view exquisite. We also ate at Nejade and quite impressed with the platter of fish we were offered to choose our dinner (as well as complimentary after dinner brandy). Istria guide Ondina Pifar and the driver (Cedomir?) were outstanding. What a fantastic day! Veli Joze for lunch perfect. So glad we saw that whole area with our guide and driver.
We had the same wonderful driver the next day on our way to the park. We enjoyed Plitvice and the Etno House. We did the long walk and the lakes are really spectacular; so different than anything else we have seen. The morning we were to depart we definitely needed to leave earlier. Etno does not have anywhere to sit and wait for the driver. They needed us out of the room by 11:00 and the driver was scheduled for 1:00. They allowed us to sit in the dining room but not very comfortable. It poured that morning so we couldn’t go outside. No lunch available either. Really not a big deal but wanted to let you know for your next planned trip. Even if it had been sunny we would have liked to leave earlier. So much to see and the swimming pool area just okay. (You spoiled us at the Villa!)
Enjoyed Split and our guide (Ajlin?). Diocletian’s Place one of the most interesting tours we had. The Marmont Hotel was a perfect location and very nice. Ate on the steps at Figa which was good food and people watching. Most restaurants booked but hotel got us into Tinel which was delicious and fun with lots of celebrations and singing. Enjoyed wine at Paradox as well.
Korcula a real treat. Loved the Lesic Dimitri Palace and their restaurant wonderful. Weather was iffy or we would have explored the island. The concierge offered and we would have loved to have seen more. Visited Seba Design and did purchase one of their larger filigree balls to hang on our Christmas tree, beautiful!
We had another excellent driver from the ferry to Ston and Dubrovnik. No wine tasting but Bota Sare was a nice long lunch with Josip?. (I am sorry I can’t remember all the driver’s names so lifting off of the itinerary. Hope they are the right drivers)
Villa Dbrovnik!!!!! We had a room with a view of the city which I am sure you arranged. Some favorite highlights were drinks at Buza at the end of the day, Tavern Sesame, Konoba Rozario (the waiter gave us samplings of his home made brandy), Lokrum Island, War Photo Museum, and the coral workroom and store located above delicious Buffet Skola . Weather iffy so boat from hotel to city only ran one day but a really nice touch. Easy to walk to the city.
We want to thank you for this great itinerary. We hope to get back someday and spend more time on some of the islands and see more of the country. The scenery, history, food and people were all incredible. Hope this very long review is helpful. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Again Thank You!
Bruce & Deborah Nelson – Clyde Hill, WA
August 2014
Dear Wanda,
You have been in my thoughts and I would have written before now, but, as you know, we returned via London for a couple of days, and then on my return I made a quick trip to Louisiana for a funeral. I am just back. We are brimming over with enthusiasm for our wonderful trip, and appreciation to you for your expert arrangements. Our last day was in Dubrovnik and we found a charming little sidewalk cafe called Wanda’s on a shady street and drank a toast to you.
Let me count the ways that we are grateful! To begin with, the hotels were all terrific, as were their staffs, from the Ambassador in Opatija, the Vestibul in Split, to the Villa Dubrovnic. The Villa’s staff even suggested and followed through with a send off breakfast for our family at 3:30 in the morning! Amazing! Bob and I didn’t even get up that early!
You were also absolutely right about Croatia being a foodie’s Mecca. Particular favorites were Meneghetti (one of the best meals I have ever had), Plavi Podrum where we had the most delightful birthday dinner for Bob, Kukuriku where all enjoyed a special meal, and Lambik in the Island of Hvar which was a highlight. It was also such a relief that every restaurant was careful about our little Caroline’s serious allergies and we had no problems at all.
Your guides were also excellent…Sandra in Pula, Nada in Split, Zrinka in Hvar, Lea in Korcila, and Marina in Dubrovnik. They were all so knowledgeable, articulate and charming. We learned and enjoyed the tours.
I think I have already expressed our appreciation of the captain and crew. We knew we were in good hands. They were the best! The drivers were also first class.
Incidentally, we had a very nice lunch in the fascinating port town of Ston at a little restaurant called Bakus. I can’t believe I had never heard of the walls of Ston. Extraordinary!
If I could offer any suggestion it would be that if any of your future clients are flying in or out of Venice and staying at the Europa and Regina, that the hotel can arrange for a water taxi to pick them up at the Marco Polo airport. You just roll your suitcases down to the marina and boat across the Lagoon and up the Grand Canal to the hotel’s dock. It eliminates the transfer from airport to bus, drive via Mestre, and re boarding of a water taxi at the Canal. Of course this works in reverse as well. We did this two years ago and it worked well.
We are still reveling in our memories of our Croatian vacation. The accommodations, warm welcomes, capable staffs, historic sites (colosseum, palace, walled cities, etc.) dramatic scenery, clear blue water, and cuisine were all perfect. We and our family thank you again and again.
Let’s have dinner at Felidia’s soon!
With warmest regards,
Carol – El Prado, NM
July 2014
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