Three years ago we had the good fortune of serendipitously meeting Wanda in Felidia’s in NY. She overheard my dad speaking Croatian with Lidia Bastianich and came over and introduced herself. When Wanda learned my dad’s parents were from an island off of the Dalmatian Coast, she told us about her Croatian travel specialty business and said to contact her should we decide to go to Croatia. The following year well travelled close friends visited Croatia and said we must go!  My husband and I had been discussing going to Croatia in 2015 so that we could share photos and travel stories with my 88 years old dad. That recommendation put Croatia to the top of our travel queue.

Wanda created the perfect trip for us. From the very beginning when we were met at the train station in Trieste by her marvelous driver, Neal, we knew we were in good hands. Wanda made navigating Croatia effortless; the country’s beauty, charm and history unfolded before our eyes. Wanda’s choice of hotels were unique…primarily 5 star; each topped the next. Our itinerary matched our interests- Wanda chose memorable restaurants, wineries and sights — we fell in love with Croatia.

We were particularly blown away by the wines.  Both the reds and the whites are made from varietals not typically grown outside of Croatia. At each winery, the wines were poured by family members. We marveled at the wines’ complexity. But beware- ninety percent plus is consumed in country — so shall we say- drink up? We had carried a few bottles to enjoy during the last leg of trip in Rome.

Wanda arranged for us to go to my family’s island, Pasman, and connected us with cousins whom I had never met. I still vividly remember looking at the coast line from the ferry’s deck as we were traveling back to the mainland with tears in my eyes and saying to myself “I am home.”

Korcula was our favorite. We extended our stay on this beguiling island an extra day. Wanda’s hotel choice – The Lesic Dimitri – was superb. Tony, the hotel’s manager and owner’s cousin of this Relais and Chateaux property profoundly deepened our love affair with Croatia. Toni’s warmth, hospitality and intimate knowledge of his birth place made our trip.

Wanda’s ground crew provides seamless wrap around support. Iva, one of Wanda’s on the ground concierge was always a text or phone call away providing that wonderful peace of mind. Wanda provided us with expert guides and top notch car and drivers.

Many of our friends have talked about visiting Croatia through a cruise … we’ve now given them Wanda.

Lisa & Russell Jones – Mooresville, NC
August 29, 2015