Page 29 - Explore Magazine Summer 2018

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In the Slovenian capital of its captivating history strongly influenced we headed to the Dalmatia region for two nights
by Venetian, Roman and Austro-Hungarian
in Zadar, famous for its Old Town of Roman,
Ljubljana, vibrant colours, predecessors. Venetian and Byzantine ruins and beautiful
music, market stalls and a Pula was next with its impressive Roman promenade. The latter is an award-winning urban
space with its art installations Salutations to the
friendly mix of locals and amphitheatre and winding alleyways, followed Sun and Sea Organ.
by the gorgeous old fisherman’s village of Rovinj.
tourists were right outside The famous truffles at Motovun absolutely had to En route to Split we stopped in Šibenik, home to a
our door. be tasted before heading to an Italian-style long stunning UNESCO World Heritage site - St Jacobs
lunch in a traditional Istrian restaurant. We dined
Cathedral. We spent our final evening of the tour
Lake Bled was another standout. Perfect weather on delicacies including handmade fuži pasta with dining on a splendid terrace overlooking the
highlighted incredible vistas of the Julian Alps truffles, gnocchi with meat sauce, carpaccio of Split promenade and Old Town. Mediterranean-
framing the lake and island, coloured in dreamy beef and zucchini, a sensational array of local influenced cuisine included a gorgeous tuna
blues and greens. The Pletna Boat ride to Bled desserts and regional wine. A local olive oil carpaccio, handmade gnocchi and beef grilled on
Island gave us the opportunity to experience producer taught us the craft of olive oil tasting, a wood-fire barbecue.
this form of transportation unique to Bled. As before we had our first dip in the Adriatic Sea and Finally, we set sail on our Small Ship Cruise
with Venetian gondolas, Pletna boats and their relaxed at the beach. A sensational day was also aboard MS Mama Marija, a sparkling new vessel.
operation are a legacy handed down through spent exploring Venice. For the next seven days we blissfully cruised
family generations.
The Istrian region of Croatia along the stunning Dalmatian coastline, island-
Returning to Croatia, we passed through the hopping from Trogir to Brač, Vis, Hvar, Mljet and
impressive subterranean underworld of the has a captivating history Korčula before ending in Dubrovnik. Relaxing
Postojna Caves, one of the largest karst cave strongly influenced by days onboard included swimming in beautiful
systems in Europe. Opened in 1872, the complex bays before arriving at our overnight ports in
infrastructure offers a fascinating underground Roman, Venetian and Austro- the mid-afternoon. Exploring in the afternoon
paradise. We later visited one of the country’s Hungarian predecessors. sunshine gave way to evenings dining in local
most prestigious wineries in the Istria region to restaurants and sauntering through alleyways
taste renowned Malvazija wine, local cheeses, En route to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, we before catching richly-layered sunsets from the
salamis and olive oil, before arriving in Poreč enjoyed a night in Opatija, an ancient playground coast. It was truly the best of both worlds - from
on the coast of Istria for four glorious nights. of Austro-Hungarian nobility. After the diversity of mornings on azure seas to evening sunsets from
Our hotel on the Poreč Riviera overlooked the history, landscapes and cuisine of other regions, different harbours. This dazzling cruise was the
gorgeous Adriatic Sea. Our stay was enriching as it was refreshing to visit the National Park and perfect end to a spectacular experience, never
we engaged in all the region’s offerings, including appreciate its natural wonders. The following day to be forgotten.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SUMMER EDITION