Wanda & Tia,

What an amazing job you did in planning the most memorable and perfect 40th-anniversary trip!

There were so many highlights along the way that it’s impossible to pick a favorite.

From the moment our plane landed in Venice until our departure from Dubrovnik, we were treated like royalty. All the drivers were extremely professional and not having to lift a finger in handling our luggage was an absolute delight! Traveling to new places can often cause anxiety, and to not worry about where we had to go to meet our guides, make our connections, or receive the delivery and drop off of our rental car made traveling a breeze.

We were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get around Istria as well as Slovenia, and the roads were in excellent shape with very good signage. Providing us with information about toll passes and parking in advance was also very helpful.

All the hotels you booked us in over our 26-day trip were beautiful and conveniently located. Each one left us a special greeting with a welcome of wine, champagne, appetizer, or both. At the Excelsior Hotel in Dubrovnik, we returned to our room one afternoon and were surprised to find a delicious chocolate mousse birthday cake waiting for Jim!

It was all these extra touches that made our trip so special.

Staying at the Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel in the “Smithy” room in Ljubljana was perhaps our favorite. What history the place held along with the beautiful room, outstanding breakfasts, and friendly staff. We had dinner there as well one evening, and the food was so good that we returned again on our last evening in town.

We are not beach people and loved the private walking tours in each city that you arranged for us instead. All the guides were so knowledgeable and friendly, and we were delighted to see some ancient Roman ruins and learn more about the culture, history, and our guide’s own experiences living there.

We are outdoors people and were astounded by the size of the Postojna Caves! We felt as if we were in an Indiana Jones movie. Hiking around beautiful Lake Bled, the Triglav National Park surrounded by the Julian Alps, and, of course, the waterfalls and aquamarine Plitvice Lakes will always remain as fond memories.

Loved all of the restaurants, cafes, wineries, and side trips you recommended and are very grateful that Mirela booked all our reservations. Having her available to call throughout our travels and her immediate response to our needs was also an added bonus.

Again, we thank you both and wish you continued success!

Chris & Jim Dart

 
Christine Dart – Weston, CT, USA
January 22, 2024