Arriving back to Split

Posted on May 22, 2012 by

Last week on 10th May, I arrived back to Split. The Croatian Airlines Flight from Rome was spot on time and seemed faster than ever, taking only 50 minutes. It was a great feeling to see those Dalmatian Islands coming into view, surrounded by a shimmering blue Adriatic Sea, late afternoon with a goldensetting sun.

It felt so good to be back in this vibrant and bustling city, and next day I was out walking, taking in all the sights and sounds that I find so appealing….

It wasn’t long before I was off to Cafe Luxor, my favourite place for great coffee, and the very best and freshest homemade apple and cherry strudel.

 The interior oozes with ancient ambiance, walls dating back to the days of the Romans, and the service is great.

Taking a walk around the Palace of Diocletion is always something I love to do….it’s the heart and soul of Split…..then on to Veli Varos, one of the most atmospheric part of the old city….

walking through Veli Varos and up to the Marjan National Park, I came across one of my favourite  little anccient stone churches, St Nicholas.

 Wandering through the narrow streets of Veli Varos…slowly taking in all the sights and sounds, the stone, the steps….

On my way to my friend Natasha’s old stone house that dates back 100′s of years….

Natasha’s Garden is a beautiful place to relax in the heat of summer….

One of my favourite rooms in Natasha’s home is the lounge/library/TV room…we’ve shared many wonderful conversations in this room, a glass of wine (or two) and some great meals.    

Walking down into the centre of town, a visit to the Green Market in the centre is a must…grab some fresh fruit and vegetables, some fresh fish, a bottle of favourite Dalmatian wine, and lunch is on the way….This dear elderly woman is always there selling her fresh greens, rain hail and shine…

Couldn’t help taking a shot of this old doorway…

The Old Green Door in Kamenita Street….

The centre of Diocletion’s Place, a vibrant living city….

Split Piazza by night, a place I love to be…..

Posted in Croatia | 6 Comments

Croatia, a hot holiday destination!

Posted on April 18, 2011 by

Welcome - Dobro Dosli to Cultural Croatia

The recent 2011 holday season in Croatia broke all existing records! during the summer months, more than 10 million visitors from neighbouring European countries poured in across the northern borders, others arrived my boat and ferry, while many travelled from afar by air from predominently USA, Asia, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. The word is spreading about one of the hottest holiday destinations!

The diversity within this small country is astounding! A land of 1000 islands, her magical nature and rich heritage have been ecologically well preserved. From the wondrous city of Dubrovnik in the south of the stunning Adriatic coastline and it’s Mediterranean climate, to the Istrian peninsula near the Italian border in the north, and central Croatia, land of baroque architecure, castles, rich culture, art and history, to the fertile lands of Slavonija in the east where tradition, folklore, and warm hospitality abound.

Each region has it’s particular cuisine specialities, and out tour itineraries always feature the freshest of sea food, olive oil, figs and cherries  along the coast, porcini and truffles of Istria, to the spicier foods of Slavonija, smoked meats, excellent salamis and cheeses, not to mention an exciting range of quality wines. White wines of the north and east,(malvazia, and grasevina) and red wines further south, (Dalmatia) are so enjoyable with the local cuisine.

For the next  season of 2012, some delightful tours are being planned. Some starting from Dubrovnik in the south, and sailing up the stunning Dalmatian Coast, others starting in Split, home of the  ancient Roman Palace of Emporer Diocletian. Here you’ll find a living city within the old walls and narrow walkways, a place I know well and have enjoyed over the years. Sailing south to some of the islands is truly delightful, mooring overnight in the old and atmospheric villages along the way on our journey along the coastline.

The pretty little harbour town of Makarska is protected by the majestic mountain range called Biokovo. I really enjoy taking my guests on an excursion to the highest peak, where the views are breathtaking, followed by a traditional luncheon on the mountain at a little local hunting lodge.

Travelling further north, we’ll visit the famous Plitvica Lakes in the Lika region, through lush green forests of oak and pine, walking through some of the most exquisite pristine environment with water bubbling and cascading from above, below, virtually from all directions.

Plitvica Lakes


The Croatian capital is Zagreb in the north, and is our final destination. This is a city reminiscent of the Austro-Hungarian era, similar to Vienna and Budapest.   There will be time spent exploring the old city and learning a little about the culture, history and most importantly the diversity of Croatian Cuisine.

I’m looking forward to returning to Croatia next year and spending the 2012 season taking care of my guests, sharing my knowledge, and generally having a fun time with like-minded people.

Robyn Vulinovich - Croatian Tour Specialist – Email: robyn@slow-tours.com.au  for further information and enquiries.

Please visit www.youtube.com/croatia

Posted in Croatia, Croatian coast, Makarska Riviera, Split

Croatian History in a Nutshell……

Posted on February 22, 2011 by

MY HIDDEN CROATIA

Croatia is a country of great diversity in many ways. It has evolved over the centuries enduring many invasions from all directions, from the Illyrian tribes, Roman, Byzantium, Greek, Turkish, Venetian, French and Austro-Hungarian Empires, all leaving their indelible stamp of influence upon the architecture, language , culture and cuisine of this amazing country. Croatian history is very complex to say the least.

It was following the disintegration of the Roman Empire that the Croats and other Slavic races headed south from the northern Carpathian Region sometime in the 7th Century.After many wars, invasions, and being controlled by foreign entities, finally in 1991, following the Homeland War for Independence, Croatia became the independent Republic of Croatia.This is a country woven as a tapestry, so rich and vibrant in colour, from the fertile agricultural eastern plains of Slavonia, (not to be mistaken for the Republic of Slovenia) to the Zagorje region north of Zagreb, to the lush fields and forests of Lika, the Istrian Peninsula close to Italy, the northern Coastal Kvarner Region and finally the stunningly beautiful Dalmatian Coast from Zadar to Dubrovnik and all of the Islands scattered magically along the way. So much to explore!

So my dear friends, If there is anything you would like to know about Croatia, please give me a call, or email me. I would be delighted to help you with any question that you may have.

Kindest and warmest regards,
Robyn Vulinovich
Mobile 61 (0) 414385569 Australia
Mobile 385 (0) 998280102 Croatia
Please also visit www.youtube.com/croatia
Posted in Croatian cruises