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your-dandy-king · 2 months

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Updated 30 April 2024

Greetings my loyal subjects and, ahem, others!

It is I, your Dandy King, Joachim Murat! I have finally decided to make -- what is this called again -- a blog for myself. Isn't it lovely? Lannes seemed to be having so much fun, I just couldn't sit by. Even Soult is enjoying this far more than he lets on. I think you call it FOMO, these days, right?

Anyhow, I've decided to change my mind and opened my inbox for your questions and queries. I was, I admit, a little uncertain of this place when I first arrived but, by the by, but I shall deal with it as it comes! Please drop your questions into "The Royal Inbox." I cannot guarantee I can or will answer everything, but I will try.

I will be making my appearances on the blogs of my friends and colleagues as well, so I shall be seeing you around. Ta!

Here's a handy guide to some of those friends, colleagues, and more.

@armagnac-army: Jean Lannes, Duke of Montebello, my buddy Gascon, the Greatest Gascon, that sheep guy

@askgeraudduroc: Geraud Christophe Michel Duroc, Grand Marshal of the Palace, beloved, Duke of Frioul, and Jean-Baptiste Bessières, also beloved, Duke of Istria, hunnybunkins

@le-brave-des-braves: Michel Ney, Duke of Elchingen, that ginger cannonball, do not taunt happy fun Ney

@murillo-enthusiast: Jean de Dieu Soult, Duke of Dalmatia, don't call him Nicolas, master of baked goods, has nothing to do with spotted dogs

@general-junot: Jean Andoche Junot, Duke of Abrantes, unhinged homewrecker

@chicksncash: André Masséna, Duke of Rivoli, Dear Child of Five-Fingered Discounts

@your-staff-wizard: Louis-Alexandre Berthier, Prince of Neuchatel, eternity's paper pusher

@trauma-and-truffles: Dominique-Jean Larrey, who knew that a doctor is still useful when you're dead

@askjackiedavid: Jacques Louis David, painter, mostly harmless

@carolinemurat: Caroline Murat, loving wife and beloved partner, the Queen of Naples

@generaldesaix: Louis Desaix, the prankster of the Grand Armée

@messenger-of-the-battlefield: Marceillin Marbot, one of Lannes' ADCs with uh, interesting perspectives

@perdicinae-observer: Louis-Nicolas Davout, Duke of Auerstadt, the Iron Marshal

@frencheaglet: Napoleon II, the boy!

@alexanderfanboy: 🤨

Jean-Baptiste Bessières occasionally wanders over from @askgeraudduroc, and his text will appear in green. Like this!

This is a joke RP account run by @phatburd for one of Napoleon's marshals and brother-in-law, Joachim Murat. He's not the only Murat out there in Tumblr RP land, and (I think) he peacefully co-exists with them all. All of them are simply facets and mirrors of Joachim Murat, and he loves nothing better to have more of himself around. We are all Murat.

This blog should be considered a 0% source of historical accuracy.

OOC Ramble 30 April 2024: On our Discord server @askgeraudduroc brought up voice claims for our RPs of various Napoleonic figures. Tiny Media's take on Murat earwormed me awhile back, probably due to having grown up in the American South. So in my head, Murat's been speaking with a Texan drawl this whole time.

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Historically, Bessières had the same accent as Murat, just not quite as thick, so I've been hearing Bessie in my head with a not-as-thick Texas accent. 👀

I don't like writing in dialect, however, and I've been avoiding it due to not wanting to break immersion but with @askgeraudduroc's blessing, I'm going to drop in a few more Texan-isms into their dialogue. And "Hunnybunnkins." That's my Murat's pet name for Bessie. Is he going to Calle Bessie "Hunnybunnkins"? You betcha!

User icon art by @cadmusfly: Murat striking a Barbie pose on his trusty horse!

#the fabulous gascon #proclaimations to the kingdom #joachim murat #rp blog #Youtube

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staycroatia03 · 3 months

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Croatia Uncovered: A Journey Through the Must-See Destinations

Dazzling Dubrovnik: The Jewel of the Adriatic

Croatia’s coastal gem, Dubrovnik, stands as a testament to the country’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Encircled by sturdy medieval walls, the city’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets and charming squares. Visitors can explore the iconic Stradun, stroll along the city walls for breathtaking panoramic views, and immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Nature’s Symphony

Venture inland to discover the enchanting Plitvice Lakes National Park, a haven of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. The park’s network of wooden walkways provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to traverse the lush, vibrant landscapes. From the upper lakes to the lower terraces, the park’s natural beauty captivates at every turn.

Split: Ancient History meets Modern Charm

Split, Croatia travel destinations second-largest city, seamlessly blends ancient history with a vibrant modern atmosphere. At its heart lies Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses a labyrinth of narrow streets, shops, and restaurants. Explore the Peristyle, climb the bell tower for panoramic views, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Split’s waterfront promenade.

Hvar: Island Paradise in the Adriatic

Known for its lavender fields and glamorous nightlife, Hvar is an island paradise in the Adriatic. The town of Hvar boasts a charming medieval core, while the nearby Pakleni Islands offer secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you seek cultural exploration or beachside relaxation, Hvar caters to diverse tastes.

Istria: Truffles, Vineyards, and Coastal Beauty

In the northern part of Croatia lies the picturesque Istrian Peninsula, where lush landscapes meet the azure Adriatic Sea. Istria is renowned for its truffle-rich forests, award-winning wineries, and charming coastal towns such as Rovinj and Pula. Discover the culinary delights and historical treasures that make Istria a must-visit destination.

Zagreb: Croatia’s Dynamic Capital

Wrap up your Croatian journey in the dynamic capital of Zagreb. Explore the historic Upper Town, stroll through the bustling Dolac Market, and soak in the vibrant cultural scene. With its blend of history, art, and modernity, Zagreb provides a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable exploration of Croatia’s diverse and captivating destinations.

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vacationtours23 · 4 months

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Unveiling the Wonders of Sita Tours: Chile Vacation Tours, Colombia Coffee Triangle Tour From USA, and Croatia Land and Sea Tours

In the realm of travel and adventure, Sita Tours stands out as a beacon of excellence, offering unparalleled experiences to wanderlust-driven individuals. This article explores the enchanting realms of Sita Tours, focusing on three captivating journeys: Chile Vacation Tours, Colombia Coffee Triangle Tour From USA, and Croatia Land and Sea Tours.

Chile Vacation Tours:

Embarking on a Chile Vacation Tour with Sita Tours is an odyssey into the heart of South America's natural wonders. Chile, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the arid Atacama Desert to the pristine Patagonian wilderness, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for a memorable vacation.

Sita Tours curates meticulously planned itineraries, ensuring that travelers encounter the best of Chile's attractions. Whether it's exploring the vibrant capital, Santiago, with its rich cultural heritage, or marveling at the otherworldly landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, Sita Tours guarantees an immersive experience.

The tours also delve into Chile's renowned wine regions, offering wine enthusiasts the chance to savor the country's exceptional vintages. From the lush vineyards of the Maipo Valley to the charming wineries of Colchagua, Sita Tours ensures that each moment is a sip of perfection.

Colombia Coffee Triangle Tour From USA:

For those seeking a blend of adventure and culture, Sita Tours presents the Colombia Coffee Triangle Tour From USA. This journey takes travelers to the heart of Colombia's famed coffee region, where lush green hills and picturesque plantations create a mesmerizing landscape.

Sita Tours understands the allure of Colombia's Coffee Triangle and crafts itineraries that showcase not only the process of coffee cultivation but also the vibrant local culture. Travelers get the chance to stroll through coffee plantations, witnessing the journey from bean to cup, and engaging with local farmers to grasp the significance of coffee in Colombian society.

The tour extends beyond the coffee fields, with visits to charming towns like Salento and Filandia, where colonial architecture and colorful facades transport visitors to a bygone era. By blending the aromatic allure of coffee with the cultural richness of Colombia, Sita Tours ensures an immersive experience that goes beyond the conventional tourist trail.

Croatia Land and Sea Tours:

Sita Tours adds a touch of Mediterranean magic with its Croatia Land and Sea Tours. Croatia, with its stunning coastline, historic cities, and idyllic islands, beckons travelers to explore its beauty both on land and by sea.

The itineraries meticulously crafted by Sita Tours blend the best of both worlds. On land, travelers can wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik, explore the ancient ruins of Split, and stroll the charming streets of Rovinj. The sea portion of the tour introduces guests to the mesmerizing Adriatic, with island-hopping adventures and opportunities for water-based activities.

Sita Tours ensures that travelers not only witness Croatia's natural and historical wonders but also indulge in its culinary delights. From seafood feasts on the Dalmatian Coast to savoring truffle-infused dishes in Istria, the gastronomic experiences are as diverse as the landscapes.

See more information

World Tours And Travels

4 Day Greece Cruises From USA

Conclusion:

Sita Tours, with its unwavering commitment to excellence, invites travelers on a journey of a lifetime. The Chile Vacation Tours, Colombia Coffee Triangle Tour From USA, and Croatia Land and Sea Tours are just glimpses into the diverse array of experiences this renowned travel company offers.

For those yearning to explore the world with a touch of luxury and cultural immersion, Sita Tours stands as a reliable companion, turning travel dreams into vivid realities. Whether it's the rugged beauty of Chile, the aromatic allure of Colombian coffee plantations, or the coastal charm of Croatia, Sita Tours weaves unforgettable tales for every adventurer.

#World Tours And Travels #4 Day Greece Cruises From USA #Chile Vacation Tours #Colombia Coffee Triangle Tour From USA #Croatia Land And Sea Tours

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jfvdvelden · 11 months

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New blog online 50 things to do in Istria Croatia

#Istria, #Croatia, #Outdoor activities, #Adventure, #Nature, #Hiking, #Snorkeling, #Kayaking, #Rock climbing, #Cycling, #Horseback riding, #Zip-lining, #Parasailing, #Wildlife, #National parks, #Beaches, #Cultural heritage, #History, #Brijuni Islands, #Pula Archipelago, #Učka Nature Park, #Lim Bay, #Kamenjak National Park, #Rovinj, #Poreč, #Medulin, #Motovun, #Baredine Cave, #Wine tasting, #Olive oil, #Truffle hunting, #Sailing, #Windsurfing, #Stand-up paddleboarding, #Camping, #Photography, #Birdwatching, #Wellness, #Roman ruins, #Golfing, #Stargazing, #Fishing, #Quad biking, #Jeep safari, #Cliff jumping, #Yoga retreat, #Paintball, #Medieval towns, #Sunset sailing, #Olive oil spa, #Gourmet, #Istrian countryside

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tonkiboston · 2 years

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Moves at a relaxed pace

Biking, hiking, and sailing are popular activities in Istria. The region is celebrated for its outstanding truffles, seafood, and olive oil. In fact, Istria was part of Italy until 1947, so some locals still speak Italian. In the northern part of Croatia’s mainland, the Istria region offers coastal communities with Mediterranean flair and hilltop towns reminiscent of Tuscany. However, many of the islands’ larger communities have year-round ferry connections, offering a lifeline to the rest of the country. Though lively in the summer, the islands can be especially quiet during the winter months, when tourists go home and some residents head to the mainland. On many of the islands, vineyards and olive are ubiquitous. Some, like Hvar, have long been popular with the jet set, while others are virtually unknown to North Americans. If it’s island living you seek, Croatia boasts more than 1,000 islands (only a few dozen are inhabited). Similar in size to West Virginia, but, with a staggering array of landscapes, there is something for every taste in Croatia. Part of the former Yugoslavia until 1991, today, it borders Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Hungary. Sailboats glide on the glittering Adriatic Sea and on palm tree-lined promenades, residents sip coffee as lavender and rosemary aromas fill the air.Ī member of the European Union since 2013, Croatia lies in southeastern Europe, across the Adriatic from Italy. Life moves at a relaxed pace in Croatia, not only on the islands, but also on much of the mainland. Croatia: Sunshine and History on the Adriatic Sea

#Moves at a relaxed pace

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samhorine · 6 years

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truffle hunting / medieval towns / rainy days and more - istria, june 2018

#sam horine #croatia #istria #rovinj #europe #summer #secret dalmatia #truffle hunting #truffle #eggs #wine country #mountains

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goodeatsmeets · 6 years

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#Repost @wiiiam.a (@get_repost) ・・・ Incredible day with @prodantartufi in @visitbuzet @croatia_hr #Istria #croatia our furry friends Mel and Pico found 3 truffles today! Check out @capcroatia for amazing culinary journeys and tours of #croatia #foodie #foodporn #truffle #truffles #croatiafulloflife #nikon #dji #aerial #photography #photoshoot #chef #cheflife @shareistria (at Prodan Tartufi)

#truffles #nikon #dji #truffle #photoshoot #croatia #cheflife #foodporn #photography #aerial #istria #repost #chef #foodie #croatiafulloflife

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enjoyincroatia · 3 years

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Hum - the smallest city in the world 🥰 Hum with its 30 inhabitants is formally listed as the smallest town in the world. It is located in the center of Istria region, near the town of Buzet, know as a “town of truffles”. The city which is only 100 meters long and 30 meters wide holds so much of history. According to the legend, Hum was created by accident when the Giants did not have many stones left when building the cities in the valley of the Mirna River, so they decided to build this miniature city. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMt1uEls3ji/?igshid=e7unvu54bws1

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travelwiththefallons · 3 years

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Rijeka & Rovinj

At some point, European adventures start to blend together as if slipping through the space/ time like an overrated Kunrick movie. Where did I wake up? A trendy hotel room. Where am I going? Some place with tiny roads, tinier cars and probably a cathedral to St. Someone-or-another. What are we doing today? Looking at some old stuff, likely Roman, maybe gothic, and probably going to start drinking too early while eating fabulous food. We’ve officially reached that point of the trip. What is the only thing that keeps you grounded in the moment? The food and views, because the wine sure-as-shit doesn’t help.

I will say that besides Amsterdam, Revinj was the first time that I felt like I was living the local culture. In Split and Zadar, I felt like the area was very much catered to tourists, but I think because we are in “shoulder/end” of season, we really got to experience more of a local vibe and it felt good. Better than good, it felt really great. In fact, it reminded me why I love to travel so much. Ultimately, I regretted not spending 3 nights in Rovinj. But I’ve gotten ahead of myself, as we had a bit of an eventful trip there.

We left Zadar for our 4 hour journey to Rovinj. Our plan was to stop around 3 of 4 hours in Rijeka to climb a massive amount of stairs through 3 monasteries to end up at the 4th church next to a “castle.” The plan (as I planned out via Google maps several months back) was to park in a parking lot that was at the bottom of the “stairs” and work our way up. Turns out, Rijeka is loaded with those aforementioned tiny streets and cars with a massive lack of parking and some of the most nerve-racking intertwined streets we’ve ever traversed. We followed the Google Maps directions to the parking lot, missed our turn at least two times, tried to turn into another lot that was complete anarchy and worked off a combination of rules from musical chairs and Mad Max Fury Road, then realized we did not have what it takes to be a driver in Rijeka. At this point we have two options, continue to fight through the insane traffic and hope to bully someone into letting us have their spot OR we can just drive to the top and maybe work our way down.

In an effort to keep my husband from spraying his teeth chrome a la Mad Max style, I chose for us to drive to the top of the mountain. We worked our way up, missed at least one turn that caused us to go a few miles out of the way and parked, maybe in a public parking spot. From there, we walked towards the castle (basically a tower fortification), to decide where we should eat. It was a little after 1pm at this point, one of us had eaten breakfast, and the other hadn’t eaten anything. We saw a few places and I asked Jimmy where to eat, he picked one, we walked in to find that they were only serving coffee and wine… not helpful at this point. So we continued to walk where we found a restaurant that appeared to be in an old soviet administration building with an absolutely stunning terrace called Trsatica.

In all honesty, I thought it was going to be mediocre at best. Any place that has a stunning view doesn’t have to try very hard to stay in business. In my opinion, they really just have to put out edible food and they will survive. We were immediately met by a waiter who told us to sit wherever we wanted. We opted for a table that was partially shaded at the edge of the terrace. This view cannot be overstated and the pictures never stood a chance of doing it justice. He offered to give us a few minutes to view the menu, but after the ride we had (we probably spent a little over an hour battling traffic in the search for a parking spot that was never to be found), I felt like we needed glasses of wine to start! He quickly came back with a house Merlot and was ready to take our order. Because we are in the Istria region we both decided on truffle dishes, I ordered the truffle pasta and swiss chard cooked in the Dalmatian way and Jimmy opted for the steak and truffle sauce with roasted potatoes. I also ordered the mushroom soup to start which was just so delightful!

Our meals came out and every misconception that I could possibly have about Trsatica was completely wrong. The food was fabulous. More than fabulous, Jimmy's beef with truffle sauce was one of the best meals he has ever had. The sauce was so good that it is actually impossible to describe, but just imagine a dozen of the cutest puppies, all with truffle breath, dog piling you with kisses. That’s about the closest way to explain the experience. We said earlier that you were going to hear a lot about truffles, well here it is. That sauce was the perfect balance of truffle, beef, onion, and garlic. It was something that I never had, but if I could put that on everything I eat from now on, I would be completely content and spoiled.

My pasta was great. Was it Jimmy’s steak level of fantastic? No, but it was really good. The swiss chard was probably cooked with truffle, garlic and onion for a month and then introduced to potatoes the last few hours. The pasta was homemade and the sauce made me want to lick the bowl. I loved it all.

Once we finished we had about an hour and a half before we needed to get on the road to our hotel/winery where we had a wine tasting. We wanted to check out the view from the castle (it was really just a smallish fortification) and see how far we could get down the stairs. The fortification was really standard, I say this being from a very privileged perspective. We have seen a lot of castles and fortifications in our travels and this really wasn’t anything special. However, the views were beyond stunning, albeit a little concerning (from a height perspective) at times. The best part was the castle’s sigil which appeared to be a dragon with the head of a rooster. I deeply regret not getting a picture of one of the 10 foot tall statues that adorned the courtyard.

We finished the Trsat Castle and moved on to the cathedral at the top of the mountain. To be honest, the stairs leading to the cathedral weren’t super obvious and we realized we didn’t have enough time to make it down the mountain. Instead we opted to continue to the tallest point of the mountain via more stairs where we were able to follow the story of Jesus via large statues along the path. The views were beautiful and it was obvious that a lot of money was spent on the 20ish depictions that they had.

From there, we had about an hour ride to our hotel for the night, Villa Dobravac. Our entire drive from Rijeka was beautiful. We got to see the fall leaves and drive through several mountains via some impressive tunnels. We pulled up to Villa Dobravac and it was more beautiful than the pictures on the internet. It was a stunning villa that opened up to a beautiful vineyard and a more amazing downtown. At this point, we had about 30 minutes before our tasting and I just needed to go for a run. I donned my running clothes and off I went for a mile and a half. It’s funny, from pictures and even just looking at the downtown area it looks like it must be miles in the distance, but, in fact, it’s only about a half a mile away. I was able to quickly run to town and through the market in time for our tasting.

We had scheduled a 5 wine and tapas tasting. We started off with two whites, moved on to an orange, continued on to a bold red and finished with a dessert wine. The pairings and our “wine guide” were perfect. We learned about the Istrian grape, Terna, which seems to produce wines very reminiscent of a Cabernet Sauvignon. We also had a really nice and really aged orange wine. If you remember, we had one the day before but it was honestly a little too strong and “liquor” tasting for me. This was a bit smoother and felt like it could be enjoyed like a Port.

Once we got wrapped up (and watched the stunning sunset), we made our way towards downtown. Our wine guide/ receptionist gave us a few recommendations that we should watch for. We walked along the old city walls and came across a bar/ cafe that seemed to have a lot of locals. They had a wonderful view of the Sea and a picturesque seating along the cobblestones and Venetian style houses. We decided it was too early for dinner and that we just wanted to sit and enjoy each other's company and the incredible views. I grew up in Atlanta, where there is a ton of light pollution, so I have a pretty serious obsession with seeing the stars. We were able to gaze upon more stars that I have seen in a really long time. The sky was beautiful, the wine was great and the company was wonderful. It’s really hard to ask for more in life.

After a few drinks, we decided to walk towards food but ultimately decide on where to eat based on a few things. 1. Is there a nice view (in this case we walked along the iconic harbor). 2. Are there pictures on the menu/anywhere a customer can see. We figured out early on in our travels that the more pictures of food a place puts on their menu or on signs outside their entrance, the more likely it caters to tourists. We quickly found one of the recommendations (turns out a few were closed - maybe for the season or maybe just for the night) that didn’t have pictures and looked relatively busy. We walked up and were quickly greeted by an older gentleman who gave us a selection of seats outside near a heater.

Sidebar - the weather is super interesting, it feels like high 70’s/ low 80’s during the day and quickly drops to high 40’s at nights. It’s really hard to dress appropriately.

We were seated and quickly given a menu. Again, I won’t bore you with details but they were busy. The older gentleman that seated us (we’re pretty sure he was the retired owner and his son has taken over), quickly got our drink order (IMO always the right call), brought us our bottle of wine and waited for our waiter, his son, to get our order. It was the end of season, and his son was not expecting such a huge crowd. Thankfully, we had our bottle of wine and were happy to wait an hour+ for food. The waiter was very apologetic and was managing the best he could. Even his dad was going around and helping where he could, despite not being able to get around very well.

I ordered a seasonal soup with dumplings and a truffle pasta (obvi) and Jimmy ordered a carbonara. If we are going back to our game of who won, it was Jimmy. 100%. That’s not to say that mine wasn’t great and that I won’t be thinking of it back home, but Jimmy’s was better.

If you find yourself making a similar journey as ours, it's worth it to go a little out of the way to eat at Trsatica in Rijeka, both for the views and food. Do yourself a favor and don't drive down to the motorized hellscape that is their city center.Just stay on top of the mountain watch the anarchy from your safe perch. As previously mentioned, also plan a couple days for Rovinj. I’d also recommend a shoulder season visit. I don’t know if it gets crowded during the summer, but I know that it felt very spacious for our October visit. It’s somewhat small and you can definitely see everything in 24 hours, but you won’t want to. Soak it in, explore the wine shops and galleries along the cliff walls. Maybe don’t walk up the cathedral belltower (more on that next post), but certainly enjoy gazing upon it. Watch the fisherman do their work and enjoy it from a port-side restaurant. Just don’t try to do it too fast, this is one of those coastal towns that is best appreciated when you’re not being rushed.

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alisaueno · 7 years

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Taking a nap under the cherry tree after truffle hunting 🍒😴💓トリュフハントの後はさくらんぼの木の下でがちなお昼寝😴絵本か！w #最高かよ @prodantartufi #truffles #istria #shareistria #istra #croatia #イストリア #クロアチア #トリュフ #trufflehunting (at Prodan Tartufi)

#トリュフ #クロアチア #最高かよ #truffles #croatia #イストリア #istra #shareistria #trufflehunting #istria

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flightbookingworld · 3 years

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Croatia Travel guide, the best places to holiday.

Croatia is one of the most beautiful coastal nations in Europe. It’s a unique blend of eastern and Mediterranean Europe. It has a whopping 5800km long coastline with it’s many islands included. Although there is no shortage of amazing and beautiful sights, There are a whole lot of fun stuff to do in Croatia. Great historical sites and monuments, must visit natonal parks, beautiful beaches, go island hopping, hire a yacht and explore the beautiful coastline.

As a coastal destination, Croatia is well known for having the prettiest beaches on the Adriatic sea. The turquoise blue water and sandy beaches are loved by tourists and photographers alike. However, there are more to this unique location than beaches and seaside villages. We will explore some of the beautiful places in mainland Croatia along with the coastline in this travel guide.

The best places to holiday in Croatia.

1.Dubrovnik We are convinced, that Dubrovnik cannot be left out of the list of the best places to holiday in Croatia. It has one of the most amazing Old Town districts in Europe. Therefore it is no wonder, that most of the scenes from King’s Landing was shot in Dubrovnik.

Along with Trogir, Dubrovnik is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its big old town area has been a popular tourist destination since the early days of tourism. While most locations were discovered quite slowly, Dubrovnik has been in the centre of attention for quite a while when it comes to tourism.

Once you step inside the original city walls, you will be taken into another world. You will feel like travelling right back into medieval ages. Walking on the cobblestone streets, within buildings that feel older than time itself is a unique feeling to experience. Dubrovnik is well connected to all major airports in europe and you can find plenty of cheap flight and hotels if you book early.

2.The Island of Hvar One of the top holiday destinations in Croatia is The Hvar Island, It is a favourite of tourists. It’s located south of Brac island and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia for those who love the beach and the beautiful coastline this is your spot. Hire a yacht and discover the the turquoise blue water and sandy beaches of the Adriatic sea. There are plenty of beautiful sea side cottages and hotels to choose from.

Apart from the beaches, the island is full of old medieval architecture and villages. Most of them survived the test of time quite well. Once the sun goes down it will be evident to you why Hvar is popular especially amongst the younger travellers. The main town on the island, also called Hvar, will transform into a party town, complete with cafes, bars and night clubs that are open late into the early morning.

3. Rovinj Old Town Rovinj is a city less than an hour away from Pula. No surprise that it has had plenty of Roman influence throughout history. To be honest, Rovinj looks like a town from the Venetian coastal region of Italy. It’s just in Croatia. This is a must visit on the list of best places to holiday in Croatia.

Built on a small isle, originally it was only reachable by a bridge. Ever since then the land has been filled up, now the old town has its own tiny peninsula. Surrounded by water, this special medieval town has one of the most charming atmospheres in Croatia. No surprise it is featured on the list of top romantic getaways in Croatia.

Wondering the cobblestone streets of this small old town area, you will be greeted with beauty around each corner. From tiny little sidestreets to grandiose plazas, this old town part has it all, condensed into a peninsula on the Adriatic.

Croatia is also one of the best holiday spots for sea lovers and sailors. We offer one of the best deals when it comes to boutique cruises from our partner Hopa Yachts. A boutique cruise is a unique sailing experience that will take you to places you never imagine on a comfortable home-like ship. Boutique cruises take place on small and medium vessels and therefore accommodate only a small limited number of travelers. Therefore the atmosphere on board is relaxed and the service is exceptional. A boutique cruise ensures a direct connection to nature and maximum proximity to the sea. We offer free cancellation. Just reserve at the lowest prices and pay later. Click here to avail exclusive promo code for our fans.

4. Pula In Croatia, Pula is the main attraction if you are planning to see some Roman ruins. As the centre of administration for the region in Roman times, it has one of the best ancient ruins of any Croatian city.

Not only that but the roman Amphitheatre in Pula, is one of the best-conserved Amphitheatre in the whole world, along with the Colosseum. Better yet, the Amphitheatre of Pula is in use today. You can catch musicals, theatre performances and live music performances here. Attending a live performance in the ancient building of the Roman Amphitheatre is a very unique and memorable experience.

Additionally to the beautiful Roman ruins in the city, the region also has a great history of winemaking and fishing. Whenever visiting, make sure you try some of the local wines and have some local seafood.

5. Motovun This iconic city in the Istria region of Croatia is perfect for an autumn getaway. The town resides on a hilltop and has a charming old town area. The surrounding region has been known for great wine and is perfect for visiting some wineries.

The town is also very famous for its excellent truffle, that is growing in the surrounding woods. As such, we recommend you to try the truffle out in one of the many restaurants and hotels around the area.

Even if you are looking to catch some sun on the beach Motovun is located less than an hour away from the Istrian coast, so you are not missing out on the beautiful shore of Croatia.

6. Trogir Old Town With the city of Trogir, we have our first urban location on the list of best places to holiday in Croatia. Trogir is just west of Split. You can get here with a relatively short drive. The towns most famous attraction is the Historic City of Trogir.

This historic location sits on a tiny island in the middle of the city. Apart from being one of the best-preserved Mediterranean medieval city, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This amazing old town has been shaped by all the great seafaring nations of the past. You will find that the influence of such nations, like the Greeks and Romans, have made the Historical City Centre of Trogir quite a special place.

The fact that it has survived the test of time in such an amazing state is a wonder in itself. We highly recommend visiting this pretty UNESCO site.

7.Brela Beach – Punta Rata It is in an orderly fashion, we start our list of prettiest places in a country known for its breathtaking coastline, on a beach. South of Split, almost halfway to Dubrovnik lies the city of Brela. This particular town is well known for its the beautiful beach the Punta Rata. There is plenty of fun things to do while in brela.

It seems like to us that the water is always crystal clear, and the most beautiful shade of turquoise around here. Along with the beautiful sea, this white pebble beach will provide you with a view even if you turn back towards the land. Right behind you are the mountains of Biokovo Nature Park.

In 1968, this beachside has been named ‘Champion of the Adriatic’. Although it has been a couple of years since 1968, even today, Punta Rata is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic. Brela Beach is definitely among the list of best places to holiday in Croatia. click for more info compare cruise prices

8. Zlatni Rat, Brac Zlatni Rat is one of the most unique beaches of Croatia. Also known as the Golden Horn, this pretty beach has been a symbol of Brac Island.

The white sandy beach and the always beautiful Adriatic Sea could alone make this beach noteworthy. However, its most unique feature is its location. Located on the south side of Brac Island, it is a tiny sand isle extending into the sea. The size of the actual beach will always be dependent on the sea.

It’s not only the beachgoers that love Zlatni Rat. Due to it’s unique geographical location, the sea around it can get windy with great waves. This makes the beach a perfect spot for sailors, sea lovers that love sailing, windsurfers as well.

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tasteatlas · 5 years

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REGIONS&FOOD: Istria, Croatia 🇭🇷 Must-try in Istria: Istarski pršut, Fritaja sa šparogama, Fuži with white truffles, Maneštra at Alla Beccaccia, White Istrian Truffle, and Teran and Istarska Malvazija wines. . ➡ Submit your local food and tag #tasteatlas . #foodventory #foodlovers #foodpic #travelblogger #travel #foodblogger #instafood #food #foodie #chef #tasty #nomnom #localfood #golocal #foodspotting #istria #istra #croatia #fuzistartufima #truffles #fritaja #malvazija #teran (at Istria County) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxRvqc2lF9J/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ccsx57lmmtbj

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chrysaliseuro2019 · 5 years

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ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Friday 26th July so time to think about heading back around to Italy for a poke around Puglia before our flight from Rome to Riga on 5th August.

To get back up through Istria, not a very long journey we went inland to visit Grožnjan a town that came with a high recommendation from the hotel in Fazana. Programmed Narelle but she went rogue as she occasionally does. Instead of finding ourselves in Grožnan we pulled into some backtrack leading to someone’s farm. Both took a deep breath and reset Narelle when the internet was available again. On the new route came across the intriguing ghost town Završje. It has quite the history - first the Romans, then the Venetians, followed by Napoleon rule, the Habsburg, Italy then Yugoslavia and finally Croatia.

We walked through the town with only 2 other tourists looking at several sites. The EU has restored the old school including a very schmick paint job and there were two old churches, a Roman road and the most interesting feature a 22 metre tall bell tower. It was built in 16th century but developed a 40cm lean so in the mid 18th Century had to be fortified with metal rings. I wonder if this technique has been used to stabilise the Pisa tower too but on the inside of the tower to preserve its external integrity. We also saw several cats, a dog, a few chooks and a man. And in seeing the man we saw a 40th of the population according to the information sign re number of inhabitants.

Back in the car trusting Narelle to get us to Grožnan with her second attempt being successful. Parked up a little perplexed by the whizz-bang-solar-powered-multi-buttoned metres. Turns out they weren’t functioning as still in the process of being installed so a relief not to have to try to decipher them.

Grožnan has a similar history to Završje except the Celts got there before the Romans. It is a very picturesque hilltop town with solid stone buildings softened by lots of trees. It is also a city of culture. In 1965 it was proclaimed ‘the city of artists’ and in 1969 was named the ‘Croatian City for Young Musicians’. We passed an area that was set up for concerts but there was nothing happening on the day of our visit. Being cultural it also attracts artist so there were a number of tasteful shops selling screen printed scarves, artisan jewellery and odd bits of art. Down the narrow main street wafted the faint smell of famous Istrian truffles from the stall selling all things truffle including packets of truffle chips.

It was such a pretty and peaceful town to explore with little lanes leading off one another and picture-postcard houses. Meanwhile the temperature was climbing to high 30’s so we headed for an enticing lunch spot on a shaded terrace overlooking the valley. Mine-host was a bit grumpy at the outset, complaining about the heat and generally disgruntled. We ordered some soft drinks and eyeing off a platter another table had ordered one of those too. It was the perfect lunch to share. Mr Mine-Host seemed to relax a bit after a while and very kindly offered to fill our water bottle with ice water for us and keep it cold until it was time for us to leave. Just enough room after the platter for a generous slab of sour cherry cake for us to share. Goodness knows how you’d get through one on your own.

Having run down our Croatian kuna as we were planning to cross the border that afternoon to Slovenia and Italy, both euro countries, we planned to pay by credit card. Problem here as they don’t accept credit cards. Unbelievably Mr Mine-Host happily advised us it was his business and it was okay not to pay. “You pay next time” to which we responded there was not likely to be a next time. “You pay next year. You come next year?” Again we told him that was unlikely. Still he cheerfully insisted we didn’t pay but we felt uncomfortable with this although very appreciative of his kindness and outstanding karma. Chris came up with a solution - pay in euros which we duly did. But it’s so lovely to encounter such kindness and generosity.

Headed to Slovenia and crossed at a different border crossing which unlike the queues we saw coming into Slovenia when we were leaving it several days ago was queue free. Sailed straight through but what you win on the swings you lose on the roundabouts. Hit a 1 kilometre traffic snag due to an accident that slowed progress down by about 20 minutes. Looked for an option to stay in Izola in Slovenia but there was a dearth of hotels and apartments. Called one but booked out and what’s more the town had little appeal. So kept driving into Italy along good flat roads but with an increasingly threatening sky. Plucked out another possible town Caorle just north of Venice. Started googling hotels and found one that ticked price and location requirements so booked it.

Hotel very kindly messaged us information about how to get to the hotel and the parking arrangements. This email arrived at around 7.40pm including the key information that the road in front closes for pedestrian access only from 8pm. This put pressure on us being 15 minutes drive away leaving no margin to error. Fortunately co-navigator Narelle and I were both on our game and driver was in top form even after a 250+ kilometre drive which allowed us to pull up outside the hotel at 7.55. Rain had started but not too heavily so we threw the cases into the foyer and hotel owner got in the car with Chris to direct to the parking spot. And what a brilliant spot, just next to the hotel in a dead end.

Hotel suggested a place for dinner just around the corner. This was our first rain for the holiday so unearthed the Pac-a-Macs (plastic raincoats) and umbrella but needed neither as it had abated. Great choice for dinner and very popular which meant we had to wait 15 minutes for a table. No bother for us. Chris got tempted by the pizza which he enjoyed while I headed for pasta with vongole.

Having been cooped up in the car for the day it was time to walk the 10 minutes down to the old town. The route was down a wide street (now a ‘Zona Pedonale’) flanked by wall to wall shops selling clothes, belts and bags, beach accoutrements of all variety, gelati, cakes, ie everything to satisfy a tourist’s needs.

The old town was a different story. It was made up of whitewashed or brightly painted fisherman’s cottages with the solid and significant Cathedral of St Stephen and accompanying 1048 bell tower. The bell tower was truly stunning and one of the few remaining cylindrical bell towers in Italy. There are many other interesting details about the tower: it has a conical instead of a flat top, it leans, it is most likely a converted watch tower or lighthouse (it looked like both of these) and in WWI the Austrians stole the bells and melted them to make weapons. The current bells were made by fusing Austrian cannons abandoned on the coast of Caorle. What comes around, goes around.

Meanwhile there was a lightening show so we joined a number of others on the breakwater wall watching the storm far out to sea. It was quite the light and sound show with both fork lightening hitting the sea and and sheet lightening lighting the whole horizon. It felt like a mini Aurora Borealis. Couldn’t help but think of those poor sods on the ferry crossings.

Turned out Caorle was a perfect place for a stopover to watch the Italians, Slovenians at play in a town that while catering for the masses had managed to maintain its quaintness and integrity in the historical quarter.

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winesocialclub · 5 years

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Istria Croatia

It was Harvest time, when I was invited to join dear friends and excellent winemakers from Friuli, the Butussi family, on a visit to some family in Istria.. Istria forms the western-most peninsula of Croatia. We started off in an area that is so often compared to Tuscany, Momjan and its soft rolling hills, Cypress trees and gorgeous oak forests are certainly reminiscent of the Tuscany I know and love. Istria is famed for it’s tourism offer with charming seaside towns and hilltop villages, the region produces notable wines, olive oils and truffles along with abundant fresh seafood and I was lucky enough to taste all of these on day one. The area is also famed for its outdoor adventures, sailing, paragliding, mountain-biking which draws many visitors to this beautiful region.

Some Geography

The geographical features of Istria include the Učka mountain ridge, which is the highest portion of the Ćićarija mountain range; the rivers Dragonja, Mirna, Pazinčica, and Raša; and the Lim bay and valley. Istria lies in three countries: Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. The largest portion (89%) lies in Croatia. "Croatian Istria" is divided into two counties, the larger being Istria County in western Croatia. Important towns in Istria County include Pula/Pola, Poreč/Parenzo, Rovinj/Rovigno, Pazin/Pisino, Labin/Albona, Umag/Umago, Motovun/Montona, Buzet/Pinguente, and Buje/Buie. Smaller towns in Istria County include Višnjan, Roč, and Hum.

The northwestern part of Istria lies in Slovenia: it is known as Slovenia Istria and includes the coastal municipalities of Piran/Pirano, Izola/Isolaand Koper/Capodistria, and the Karstic municipality.

North of Slovenian Istria, there is a tiny portion of the peninsula that lies in Italy, This smallest portion of Istria consists of the comunesof Muggia and San Dorligo della Valle, with Santa Croce (Trieste) lying farthest to the north.

Central Istria (Pazin) has a continental climate

The northern (Slovenian and Italian) coast of Istria (Ankaran, Koper, Izola, Muggia) has a sub-Mediterranean climate.

The western and southern coast (Piran, Portorož, Novigrad, Rovinj, Pula) has a mediterranean climate

The eastern coast (Rabac, Labin, Opatija) has a sub-Mediterranean climate with oceanic influences.

The warmest places are Pula and Rovinj while the coldest is Pazin

Precipitation is moderate, with between 640 and 1,020 mm (25 and 40 in) falling in the coastal areas, and up to 1,500 mm (60 in) in the hills.

Winemaking

The four princes of Istrian wine are:

Teran a tannic, robust red with high acidity that has surprising complexity.

Borgonja

The ancient grape famed beyond Croatian borders, Malvazija ,which Istria is justifiably proud of. Grown here for centuries, its pale golden yellow colour with elderflower on the nose and a refreshing aroma.

Then the sweet Muscat from Momjan used for those dessert wines.

Most of the larger estates also cultivate international varieties such as Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot and Cabernet Franc for their wine range.

Our first stop was at Winemakers the Markezic family, who have been making unique terroir wines here since 1891, at Kabola Winery at Momjan on the Istrian wine route. Their property is a dream with ancient sprawling oaks around the property that stand guard over the traditional stone homestead, featuring an excellent cellar, the wine shop, tasting room, and a small museum dedicated to wine and wine making process. Rolling hills with vineyards 270m above sea level, nestled between indigenous forests.

Kabola Winery use amphorae buried underground for fermenting the Malvaziaj wine. The perfect combination of soil, climate and winemaking passion. Wonderful hospitality and there were so many amazing wines, from sparkling whites to muscley reds and right through to orange wines. I took away their excellent Amfora Malvazija 2009 wine. An excellent start to my trip in Istria.

The Momjan area makes for an excellent vantage point, on a clear day you can see both the glistening Adriatic Sea and the nearby alps. Cool nights and distant sea breezes make for some really delicious wines.

For Winery visits. Kanedolo 90, Momjan Buje t: +385 99 7207 106. [email protected] Closed on Sundays.

Close by is the charming winery-centered village of Brtonigla where I was staying over for a few days to explore the area. The local boutique hotel is of a high standard and all the winemakers have a relationship with it., making my job of tasting all the wines I wanted to experience but didn’t have time to visit, a lot easier.

Second visit was to Veralda a large modern winery with a substantial production, 33 hectares of vineyards and 5 hectates of olives located on the sunny hills of Buje, that is sent all over Croatia. Owned by the Visintin family the wines are well known in the region Here I tasted the whole range including the intense reds and was fortunate to be invited by the winemaker’s family to join them for a fresh truffle pasta freshly prepared with the fortunate pairing of the Veralda Rose which was a Decanter winner of which the winery was justifiably proud. Notable was the red Istrian made from the indigenous Istrian variety Refosco. Intense deep red colour with violet hints with raspberries, dark chocolate tobacco and cinnamon with a good expression of round, velvety tannins and long finish.

For Winery visits, Krsin 4, 52474 Brtoniglia

The Kozlovic winery located in stunning scenery in Buje with a unique architectural style to the modern winery, is a well-known winery with a tradition of making unique wines that stand for quality and the particular twist of Istrian wines. Later Over dinner, we sampled their flagship Malvazija and the excellent Teran. Paired with local fish and steak respectively.

For Winery visits: Vale Momjan 78 52460 Buje

Day three saw me visit a Long-standing family winefarm and winery, Cattunar near Brtoniglia . The Cattunar family have been flying the flag for Istrian wine where Father Franko and his son, with the hospitality assistance of their wives and extended family, run an excellent winery and offer regular tastings of their wines of autotonous grapes also and international varieties in an elevated position 5kms from the sea. I tasted my way through their wines looking out over the 56 hectares they farm carefully and with transparence. Istrian grapes like Malvazija, Teran, Muskat Momjanski and Muscat rose and also have substantial international vineyards.

Catunnar Wines.. here its hard to choose but certainly the standouts were the 4 soils Malvazija wines, each one grown on different parcels and vinified separately so the red soil, the white, the black, the grey each with a particular something, all so very drinkable, with a mineral quality and white flower finish but so fresh and vivid with layers of complexity.

Franko Cattunar also makes a lovely sparkling with his chardonnay which we started on and then lead up to the stunning multi-layered Teran with its nicely firm but integrated tannins and then Cabernet and also beautifully made Merlot, which was a surprise.

This visit to Cattunar was a highlight and as I sat later that evening in the sailboat dock in the nearby town of Novigrad with my feet in the gently lapping waves watching the sunset with an array of local wines and a few orange wines on offer, I knew I had only scratched the surface and that I would be back to explore more of this amazing place and its unique terroir wines.

For winery visits: Nova Vas 94 52474 Brtonigla [email protected]

Recommended visits.

Roxanich winery in Motovun are pioneers in the unfiltered, unadulterated long-macerated wine scene, Mladen Roxanich was producing natural local wines and orange wines long before it was trendy and each year at Raw in London I made sure to visit them. The Super Istrian 2009 is simply amazing.

Bruno Trapan is the new generation of winemakers in a style all their own, and making big waves along with Damjanic wines. Robi Damjanic near Porec is one of Istria’s youngest winemakers leading the charge into the future. Then Matosevic and his pioneering aging of Malvazija in acacia rather than oak. I can’t give an exhaustive list of the superstars and their stories, but these must be visited.

Dobravac Winery in the Rovinj region they produce a range of wines again from sparkling to dessert wines.

Near Umag in the north CUJ wines are produced by the Kraljevic family in the village of Farnazine.

Pilato’s winemaking tradition goes back to 1934 and the family winery in Istria is well known.

Degrassi produces some amazing wines too and I was surprised by the blend of Malvazija, chardonnay , sauvignon blanc and Viognier.

These are some, there are many others.

Novigrad, Rovinj and even the smaller towns all have numerous wine bars where you can stop over and taste the wines paired with local cold cuts and cheeses. There is also so much for the taster’s family to do, shopping in fascinating cobblestone towns and villages, layers and layers of interesting wine and food culture. On offer, is sailing, windsurfing, fishing, boating, and relaxing on beaches with refreshing and delicious chilled wines and seafood at hand. The third weekend in September is the festival of grapes in Buje.

The Istrian peninsula and those unicorn wines call me back.

Donna Amanda Jackson

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