Dear Wanda, Tia and Mirela,

Now that we are back home and have had a little time to deal with all the usual re-entry rush after such a long trip, Nancy and I want to say thank you for all of your efforts. We had a fantastic trip. All of the arrangements worked perfectly. Hotels were all wonderful. You were right about the Esplanade in Zagreb. Spectacular. We also really enjoyed our time in Zagreb – and we did get to attend the opera and see “Ero from the Other World”. Even though it was with a house full of grade-school students, it was still an incredible performance. All of the guides and drivers were also great. We especially want to mention Livio Karavanic in Istria and Asmir Piralic in Bihac. Livio not only was a wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable guide, but when he heard about Nancy’s family roots in Skočaj, he went out of his way to uncover some online information about the village and translate it from Croatian.

Of course, the highlight was our visits to Skočaj itself. Asmir had done a great job with preliminary research. He was also an amazing bridge to the villagers there, who were incredibly welcoming. Within a few minutes of our arrival, a woman walking by offered to get a key to the church so we could go inside. Then we found ourselves invited to a rakija distilling party nearby. Asmir had already visited and located a couple of people with Tićac connections (we found the name generally spelled that way and not Tičać as in the old records we had found). And, when word quickly spread about our arrival, another woman who was born a Tićac surfaced. All were incredibly hospitable and invited us into their homes and shared coffee, cake and rakija with us. We also found a number of Tićac gravestones in the cemetery. On Sunday, we were able to attend mass in the Skočaj church, which led to an invitation into yet another home with no apparent family connection.

While no one’s memories were long enough to establish a direct connection with Nancy’s grandparents, we are sure it exists. At Asmir’s suggestion, we intend to contact the Diocese of
Gospić–Senj to see if they have any records. The church in Skočaj was burned in the Homeland Wars, but we were told that any records were earlier moved to Gospić. We were surprised to find no gravestones in the cemetery predating 1900. Apparently, they have all been replaced by more recent burials.

Thanks again to you and Tasteful Croatian Journeys for making our visit to Croatia so memorable! It was an incredibly memorable experience and we hope to return. And of course we will recommend you highly to friends or anyone who wants a first-hand review. Again, our thanks and appreciation.

Sincerely,

Richard & Nancy
 

Richard & Nancy Wines – Jamesport, NY, USA
November 10, 2024

For anyone planning to visit Croatia, Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia or Slovenia for the first time or wants to return for a deeper and more meaningful discovery of those countries, you must work with Tasteful Croatian Journeys! My first trip to the region was back in 2003 when Wanda Radetti, the company’s President, prepared an itinerary which included Croatia’s Split, Dubrovnik, and Peljesac Peninsula. Delighted by our first Croatian adventure, we wanted to return the following year and heeded her suggestion to explore Croatia’s islands of Hvar, Korcula, Mljet and Vis. Again, Ms Radetti’s team executed superbly. Our transfers from air to land to sea were seamless and the captain and crew made our day sailing and island hopping comfortable and exciting. This summer we reached out to her again. We visited Croatia’s Istrian region and its neighboring Italian city of Trieste. We savored the local dishes and wine, reveled in Istria’s Tuscany-like scenic beauty and Venetian-like hilltop and seaside towns as well as Trieste’s Liberty style architecture. But it was the insight we gained, from her passionate and well-informed professionals, into the region’s contrasting and fascinating historical context which made the trip extra special.
 
Louise Belulovich – New York, NY, USA
October 30, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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