concierge, Author at VisitCroatia.com - Tasteful Croatian Journeys

Laura & Nancy – Spring, TX

Dear Wanda,

We had a fabulous trip to Croatia. Your notes and advice were very helpful. I loved seeing so much of the country. We were able to get all of our accommodations and tours booked on short notice. We were lucky that it was near the end of the season. The weather was fantastic and we even enjoyed a couple of dips in the Adriatic.

Thanks again for your help.

Laura S. & Nancy L. – Spring, TX, USA
October 29, 2024

Suzan Garabedian – Baltimore, MD

Dear Wanda,

I loved this trip – everything about it. The hotels were stunning with the exception of the hotel in Saravejo. Perhaps that was the best hotel in the city, however, in comparison to all of the other hotels, it was very commercial – the staff was distant and we made no connection with any of them. The restaurant seemed more like an establishment designed for a business traveler. Since the other hotels were so inviting and their atmospheres were warm and comfortable, the difference was jarring.

The drivers were extremely professional and were delightful to have conversations with during the drive. They gave us tips about the next location we were visiting and helped us understand the culture and history.

The restaurants recommended were great and ones that left a lasting impression.

My favorite places were Trieste, Slovenia and Croatia – I would go back to them again. While I was very interested in seeing Bosnia Herzegovina and being there had an impact on me, I am not that interested in returning.

The people were amazing and were helpful to us and interested in our enjoying their city/country.

Tasteful Croatian Journeys is truly first class – I have already recommended my trip and your travel services to several friends.

Thank you very much for arranging such a fabulous travel experience.

Suzan Garabedian – Baltimore, MD, USA
October 20, 2024

Phil & Hannah Steinberg – New York, NY, USA

Dear Tasteful Croatian Journey Team,

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding service you provided during our honeymoon in Croatia. Hannah and I had a truly memorable experience, and the countless memories we created will remain with us forever.

Your team’s dedication and attention to detail did not go unnoticed, and we appreciate all the effort that went into making our trip special. We will gladly share our positive experience with friends and family and highly recommend The Tasteful Croatian Journey to anyone planning a visit to Croatia.

Thank you once again for everything.

Warm regards,

Phil and Hannah Steinberg – New York, NY, USA
October 10, 2024

Lawrence Platt – Racine, WI, USA

Dear Wanda,

We had a truly amazing vacation planned by Tasteful Croatian Journeys.

We spent one week along the Dalmatian Coast, and it was something that we had been looking forward to since before COVID.

In spite of this long term planning, the weather did not cooperate, and the part of the trip on the water had to be changed on the fly. In spite of this, Mirela, our local contact, always made sure that we were taken care of. We were able to change plans with minimal disruption or stress, and without losing anything significant.

We loved the private yacht for a day-snorkeling and lunching in Korcula.

Would recommend skipping Krka Falls and doing the private ebike tour around Dubrovnik instead. Both feature a working mill but the bike tour was more authentic, there is a great lunch included, and it is much less crowded.

Thanks for everything!

Lawrence Platt – Racine, WI, USA
October 9, 2024

Randy & Mary Kay Pearce – Minneapolis, MN

Hello, Wanda

My family and I just returned from a fabulous trip to Croatia as my wife and I celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary. This was our first time the six of us have visited this beautiful country and we leave with memories that will last a lifetime!

The landscape and sea are beautiful, the country has an interesting and rich history, city buildings and ruins are unique and fabulous, people are friendly and helpful, and the food and wine was outstanding! Even the weather cooperated! We could not have asked for more.

Our itinerary took us to several cities and islands, including Split, Sibenik, Korcula, Hvar, Orebic, Ston, Cavtat and Dubrovnik. With this came a great deal of necessary travel planning and coordination — flights, hotels, transfers, guides, a yacht and water taxi. In addition, the hotels selected were fabulous – great locations, clean and beautiful views! I want you to know that we clearly selected the right organization to help us — Tasteful Croatian Journeys. Our trip went flawless and we couldn’t have done it without the expert planning and assistance of your team.

As a business owner, you know that the people who work for you are the face of your company in the eyes of the public. Wanda, you have assembled an outstanding team of people, and I would specifically like to recognize both Tia and Mirela. The two of them were instrumental in designing and executing our wonderful Croatian travel itinerary. They are insightful, communicative, prompt to respond and extremely helpful in offering suggestions. They were both truly wonderful to work with!

In addition, the on-the-ground team Tia and Mirela assembled in Croatia were top-notch and a joy to work with during our trip. We would especially like to recognize several of these people, as their competencies, communication skills and sense of humor set them apart:

• Ajlin – our witty and entertaining guide for the Split city tour
• Iliana – our guide when touring Krka National Park
• Damir – our driver from Split to the National Park who had a great sense of humor
• Josip – our wonderful driver in Korcula and Orebic, who also has a beautiful signing voice!
• Toni and Cherry – the captain and energetic first mate on our yacht from Split to Korcula
• Fr. Simon – the Franciscan Fryer who performed our wedding vow renewal
• Niko and Paulina – our gracious hosts for a lovely Garden to Table lunch experience
• Nikola – our knowledgeable Game of Thrones specialist guide for the Dubrovnik city tour

Our trip was awesome — only filled with highlights! Once again, Wanda, we want to thank you and your team for helping to design and execute a terrific trip!! We will be certain to recommend your company and team to people we know who may be traveling to Croatia in the future.

All the best,

Randy and Mary Kay Pearce – Minneapolis, MN, USA
September 14, 2024

AFAR, August 26, 2024 – Make the Most of Croatia’s Many Charms – Without the Crowds

Full article here

August 26, 2024

Avoid the summer crowds by traveling in May or October—shoulder season is no longer June and September, especially in Dalmatia. “September has become the most popular month to visit Croatia, as our travelers see it as the first chapter of autumn,” says Wanda S. Radetti, founder of Tasteful Croatian Journeys, a pioneer in Croatia travel with more than 30 years of experience.

John Pattillo – Dedham, MA, USA

This is the second time we have used Croatian Journeys. On both occasions, their assistance has been thoughtful and their execution superb. They understood and carefully implemented our wishes. Although both trips were centered on Croatia, their addition of the magnificent Austro/Hungarian Trieste was an inspired treat and not to be missed.

John Pattillo – Dedham, MA, USA
July 15, 2024

The Pleasures of Wellbeing When in State of Wellness

“Welcome to ‘Au Naturel,’ where wellness embraces both body and soul. It’s a haven not for the trendy, bustling city enthusiasts but for those who find solace in the sea’s embrace, the warmth of the sun, and the serenity of silence. Here, the symphony of nature reigns supreme – from the delicate flutter of butterfly wings to the morning serenade of roosters and the soothing lullaby of sheep. It’s a place where the caress of the Maestral wind at dusk is etched into memory, and where travelers seek refuge in secluded coves, far from the chaos of the world.

Our wellness retreat takes you on a journey aboard a private yacht, gently gliding through the enchanting ‘girotondo’ in my dreams of the Adriatic Sea’s Garden of Eden. As we navigate the pristine waters, we find solace and rejuvenation amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Croatia’s Kornati National Park on the Dalmatian Coast. Here lies a precious collection of islands, each a masterpiece crafted by the whims of the wind, suspended like jewels in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. It’s a landscape so surreal, it feels otherworldly.”

WSR

Time flies! Memories of adventures, travel pleasures and friends light up our hearts forever…

Friday, March 22, 2024
New York, NY

Thank you, Condé Nast Traveler!
2006-2024
Celebrating 18 years of awards for excellence in the art of luxury travel.
Wanda S. Radetti – World Top Destination Specialist for Croatia & Slovenia.

Thank you, team VisitCroatia.com – Tasteful Croatian Journeys
Extraordinary, elegant travelers, trusted partners, colleagues, service providers, and dear friends.
1994-2024
Celebrating 30 years of travel pleasures, adventures and the wonderful people.
“Travel is all about the people!”

Today, you make my “special” birthday a delightful and
forever treasured celebration.
Here is to many more years of travel, pleasures, adventures,
and unforgettable moments together!

Grateful for the friendships and all the kindness.

Wanda S. Radetti &
Team VisitCroatia.com – Tasteful Croatian Journeys

Traditional Croatian Textiles

As a first generation American of Croatian descent, the souvenirs I bring back from Croatia hold a special significance that goes beyond mementos of my travels. They are tangible connections to my roots. My childhood home was filled with Croatian art and cultural artifacts such as my mother’s tablecloths stitched in traditional Croatian patterns and my father’s cap from the Lika region from which his ancestors hail. From woven wool table runners to lace pillow covers, I enjoy showcasing my culture in my home.

When I travel to Croatia, I enjoy selecting handmade one-of-a-kind home accessories and textiles reflecting the country’s culture and traditions inspired by the artistry and beauty of Croatian embroidery (Vez) and lacemaking (Cipka) traditions.

Silk embroidery (poprsnica) and woven textile patterns from the Konavle region of Croatia feature symmetric and geometric patterns primarily in red, black, and dark green with yellow/golden borders stitched in silk thread. The production and rearing of silkworms in the Konavle region dates back to the 11^th century. To purchase truly unique gifts of Konavle embroidery and woven textiles visit Kokula Art and Craft Shop, Đorđićeva 6, Dubrovnik, Croatia or AR Atelier 20215, Gruda, Croatia founded by artist Antonia Ruskovic Radonic a native of Konavle.

Croatian lacemaking, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is concentrated on the Dalmatian islands of Hvar and Pag and the town of Lepoglava in Northeastern Croatia. Hvar lace, made with threads of the agave leaf has been made in a Benedictine monastery since finding its way to the island by seafarers from Tenerife Spain in the 19^th century. To purchase unique gifts inspired by traditional Croatian lace making, visit Takemehome for homewares featuring Croatian lace and other unique handmade products Tomićeva 4, Zagreb or Chypka for streetwear with a unique Croatian lace flare, located in the Hotel Jagerhorn, Ilica 14, 10000, Zagreb or visit Sopar Collection the brainchild of two sisters from the island of Pag, for women’s fashion featuring handmade lace from Pag. Purchase online or by appointment +385919703065 at their showroom Šestinska cesta 19a, 10 000 Zagreb.