Christine Dart – Weston, CT, USA
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
S. Schneider – November 22, 2023
Hello Tia,
We were absolutely blown away by the entire trip. We loved every minute of it, and we truly believed it was the trip of a lifetime. Some of the highlights included:
Krka National Park was absolutely beautiful, our local connect recommended “Restaurant Dubrovnik” and it was truly one of the best meals we’ve ever had, and the wine/bike tour in Hvar was worth the trip to Croatia by itself. The lodging in Split and Dubrovnik were magical and refreshing with incredible service, hospitality, and food. Hvar hotel was not bad, but it was not on par with the other two cities lodging. All the tour guides we had were top, top notch. They were super friendly, informative, and welcoming of tourists in their city. I believe the solo/private aspect of the tour played a huge part in this. I would highly recommend people to do this as opposed to a big group. A minor note: we may have spent 1 day too long in Hvar. We ended up taking a water taxi to a random island and having a wonderful day, but looking back, we may have preferred that day spent otherwise. I believe if we were there during heart of busy season, then we may have appreciated that day in Hvar slightly more. Not a complaint by any means, but a footnote to keep in mind for other potential travelers.
Above it all, the people, the views, and the history of Croatia were unlike anything we had ever experienced before. It was a magical place with so much to do and learn about. It is sad to hear stories of Americans not always being welcomed with open arms in foreign places, but Croatia opened its arms and so much more for us!
We would highly, highly, recommend VisitCroatia to anybody looking to experience the everything the country has to offer. It was top notch service and a wonderfully catered itinerary that we would do again in a heartbeat. Cannot say enough kind words about everything. Thanks again for everything!!
PS: The private boat ride was magical and worth every extra penny.
S. Schneider – Roanoke, IN
November 22, 2023
AARP Magazine, Oct-Nov 2023 – Opatija: Winter Getaway
October, 2023
Opatija, Croatia – A Playground of the Past: This town on the Adriatic Sea draws Europeans for its healthy air and waters for more than a century, Says Wanda S. Radetti, founder of visitcroatia.com
AARP Magazine, Oct-Nov 2023 – Opatija: Winter Getaway
Wander in the winter pleasures and delights of Opatija!
AARP, the magazine with an impressive readership of over 38 million in the United States, graciously invited me to share the secrets of an ideal winter escape. As I opened the “treasured memories drawer”, my mind swiftly journeyed to beautiful moments in one of my favorite destinations—from late Autumn to early Spring.
Imagine leisurely strolls along the Lungomare, affectionately dubbed ‘The Emperor’s Walk’ in my heart. Picture the brisk zephyrs, the fragrance of laurel tree leaves, and the mist from waves caressing the shore. The sun’s brilliance reflecting on the Adriatic, coupled with the warmth of roasted chestnuts, gifted by a gentle friend named Zoran (the Croatian male version for Aurora, the goddess of dawn in Roman mythology and Latin poetry) weave a sensory tapestry of cherished travel memories.
Opatija, steeped in history and once the playground of European royalty, is a testament to a bygone era of opulence, grace, and grandeur. Like a cherished necklace, the villas along the Liburnia Riviera exude the charm of a golden epoch.
Nestled in the Gulf of Kvarner in Croatia, Opatija pulsates with life throughout the year, inviting travelers to indulge in its rich tapestry of pleasures and experiences.”
WSR
Happy Thanksgiving 2023 – It is All About the People
“It is about the people – Travel is all about the people.”
Dear friends, family, colleagues, partners and beautiful travelers,
Thank YOU!
As we anticipate celebrating the 30th anniversary of Tasteful Croatian Journeys, I find myself contemplating an extraordinary journey in luxury travel to Croatia and its neighboring countries. Our narrative intertwines with the threads of history, borders where people unite, cultures blend, unique experiences unfold, and an unwavering passion that drives the creation of extraordinary journeys.
In this moment of reflection, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary, kind, and brilliant friends, colleagues, partners, and travelers who have been steadfast companions on this remarkable adventure. Thank you for holding my hand. Your unyielding support, knowledge, and guidance have served as the compass guiding me through uncharted territories, making this journey possible and truly exceptional.
I am thankful for my good fortune and the outstanding Tasteful Croatian Journeys team’s passion, curiosity, patience, and support as they consistently turn my visions into practical realities. More importantly, it is a fantastic team that transforms the dreams of some of the world’s most sophisticated travelers into cherished memories of “A Trip of a Lifetime!”
As we embark on the next chapter, our commitment remains resolute—to redefine travel with a touch of timeless elegance and strive for excellence. Here’s to three decades of setting high standards and to the countless adventures and travel pleasures that lie ahead in travel luxury.
Here’s to the journey itself, the indelible memories, and all the outstanding individuals who have generously extended the gift of kindness to me and my team.
Cheers to the journey, the memories, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence as I carry forward the lessons learned, the fellowship shared, and the spirit of exploration, peace, and kindness that can unite us all.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, filled with Kindness, Gratitude and
PEACE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE!
Thank You, Hvala, Grazie.
Wanda S. Radetti & Tia Lovisa Moreira
&
Mirela Benic
Estelle Motika Loren
Diego Abatte
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Sandy Henderson – October 21, 2023
Hello Tia and Wanda!
I wanted to send you a huge thank you for all your efforts in planning our September trip for our group of 7. During our 12 days of travel I must have heard each of my fellow travelers say, at least once , “I am so glad we had Tasteful Croatian Journeys plan our trip”! They were typically referring to the ease and effortlessness of our trip. Guides and transfers were always on time or early. Hotels and restaurants all greeted us- as if they had been waiting for us to arrive! All this made for an extremely relaxing & fun trip.
Now to my (and I think everyones) best part- Gulet Maske! You were both instrumental in helping us select the best boat charter for our small group. Gulet Maske did not disappoint. We had plenty of room for all of us to gather together or find a comfortable place for a nap, reading a book or quiet conversation. The cabins were very comfortable and I must not forget the delicious food!!! Chef Neven was outstanding -Always varying the menu and sharing traditional Mediterranean foods. Outstanding and accommodating can also be used to describe Captain Marko, Hostess Valentina and crew Carlo. From the time we arrived at the marina to board the boat until the time we gave them reluctant goodbyes, they always had our comfort and needs as their primary concern. We cannot say enough good things about the Gulet Maske and its crew!
On behalf on myself and fellow travelers “Thanks for the memories”!
Best,
Sandy Henderson – Salem, SC
October 21, 2023
Joe Sontz – October 3, 2023
Hello Wanda,
We wanted you to know what a wondertime experience it was for us to travel in Croatia on land and sea under you and your team’s guidance.
Thanks
Joe Sontz – Delray Beach, FL
October 3, 2023
Debbi Wall – October 3, 2023
Hi Tia and Wanda,
Our trip was stupendous!
Thank you and Wanda for all you did to get us all the amazing tours, hotels and special places. We had the trip of a lifetime.
I want to particularly mention how incredibly wonderful each and every tour guide was. These tour guides and drivers were an incredible wealth of knowledge and really enhanced the trip with the historic facts and information, which added an incredible depth to the trip.
I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed Croatia and I can’t thank you and your team enough.
Thank you
Best Regards,
Debbi Wall – Suffern, NY
October 3, 2023
David Ward – July 18, 2023
Wanda,
I wanted to thank you and your staff for the experience they provided in my trip last summer to Croatia. The trip was caste into an adventure by what I felt was a lifetime experience!
The many recommendations and boutique hotel properties I stayed while there made the trip both unique and a delight to see what would be next. Of course the area was beautiful and the people a delight. This added to what I consider the perfect experience.
Thank you again for your help steering through the best options, everyone in your staff made my time most delightful!
Sincerely,
David Ward (Honored Patron) – Houston, TX
July 18, 2023
Mike Gard – July 17,2023
Wanda,
We had an amazing trip and the Tasteful Croatian Journey’s team exceeded our expectations.
Everything was planned perfectly! I highly recommend using Tasteful Croatian Journeys.
Mike Gard – Truckee, CA
July 17, 2023