⛵️ Sailing

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about the sailing portion of our Croatia trip. And I remember the first time Terry told me about his sailing vacations. Kinda blew my mind. Had no idea you could even vacation this way! I mean chartering is only for rich people right? Wrong!

Normal people can charter a boat with friends too! You can book the trip with a captain and cook if you don’t have your sailing certifications. But if you want to drop the price of the trip even further like we do… we bareboat it. Which means we just charter the boat without a captain, cook or provisions (aka food). Terry has his sailing certification and usually captains the boat when we sail. This trip to Croatia our friends the Powers got their power boat certifications so they captained!

We use a company called the Moorings to charter. They have bases all over the world that you can choose from even domestic locations if you aren`t ready to travel international. We have done Belize, Greece, Tahiti and Croatia. Terry has done a few before we were married as well... Bahamas and BVI.

Normally we have 4 couples on the boat so we get a 4 bedroom, 4 bath boat. Its like a floating hotel. We make an iternerary of stops and map out meals on shore and an on board menu ... the boat has a galley (kitchen). It makes it easier to have a grocery list if you know the menu before hand. That way when we immediately provision the boat when we board. Grocery shopping in other countries always comes with a few surprises. LOL

Hands down, these are some of our favorite vacations. Being able to see so many places in a short time and enjoying the trip to get there.

There is something absolutely magical about hearing the bow cut through the waves, or the sound of the jib going up and then silence, the wind in your face.

Dream a bit and take a peek at chartering.

#sailing #charter #boatlife #moorings #wonderlust #travel #seetheworld #croatia ...

Eats and Sleeps of Croatia

I am not a Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Waldorf type of gal. But if you were planning to gift a stay for my birthday month I wouldn’t be mad at ya. 🤪

The quaint, unique and quirky stays listed on Air BnB are more my jam. And we have had some great ones around the globe.

If you really want to get to know a city then stay in the heart of it where the locals live. 

1️⃣ Why not stay in a 200 year old wine cellar!? I am a sucker for good use of space and especially when its a remodel. Who ever brain child this place did a fantastic job. Everything you would need is already there waiting for you. Including a warm, helpful welcome from Željan. He met us at the apartment and gave tons of recommendations. 

Its situated locally but off the main streets. In walking distance of our favorite breakfast place Ciri Biri Bela, cafes and restaurants.

2️⃣ We also liked this room closer to the Promenade. Still in a quiet tucked away street but you could see the water. 

3️⃣ Our favorite sleep in Croatia was spent on the boat. Its basically a floating hotel that takes you from place to place. You can see places you can’t get to by car. There is nothing like hearing the lapping of the ocean as you are drifting off to sleep. Its magical. (I’ll do a separate post about the sailing trip since so many questions have been asked about it.) 

4️⃣ In Dubrovnik we wanted to be a bit outside the city away from the hustle and bustle but still within striking distance of old town. Easy access with Ubers.

We enjoyed the two porches to hang out and have coffee, while watching the yachts.

Next time we will stay in old town.

#croatia #croatiatravel #sleep #split #dubrovnik #travel #wonderlust #sleepabroad ...

Eats and Sleeps of Croatia

Let’s chat eats first because I legit online stalk restaurants before I go anywhere on vacation and have them listed out at the ready when we get there. If you’re going to put something in your body might as well make it worth while. So, leave your American eating time expectations at the boarder of Croatia. Here, as with most Europe, people know how to relish and enjoy breaking bread with one another. A 2 hour dinner is the norm and they generally eat late 7-9 pm for dinner and 1 pm for lunch. So if you are outside of the tourist areas just know lunch doesn’t start til 1 pm and most places will be closed until then. And by closed I mean the staff is inside the restaurant on break enjoying their lunch before opening.

Specific eat locations in comments.

#croatia #croatiatravel #splitcroatia #dubrovnik #eat #feedmeseymour #yumyum #foodphotography #travel #latergram #travelgram ...

❤️Split ❤️

Croatia’s second largest city and busy port city on the Dalmatian Coast is worth the visit.

Things we loved…

The green market – locally known as Pazar – is located by the east wall of the UNESCO-listed World Heritage site of the Diocletian`s Palace. 

Cappuccino with the little old men locals. Want the best and least expensive cuppa Joe? Then look for the table with the local old men sitting, chatting and sharing their newspapers. This cafe is located at the Green Market kitty corner from St Dominic Church just off the bend of Ul. Stari pazar. Cryptic I know but well labeled streets signs aren’t a thing in Croatia. Made driving interesting. There is a Pekara right next door that has Pita. 9Think of these like a breakfast pizza roll. Where the crusty is more like phyllo dough. Its yummy!

Then take a walk through Diocletian`s Palace. (Or take a GOT walking tour which will take you through the Palace as well.) If you want great pictures without the crowds then go early in the morning just after sunrise. 

Take a stroll down the Riva Promenade and take in the boats, people and sights. Lunch time is bustling there with all the restaurants and out door seating. Evening is the same.

Most beaches in Croatia are pebbled but there is one “sand” beach in Split. Bačvice. If you are expecting the sand of the Carribean or Hawaii dial back that expectation. Its still a great spot for sunbathing and watching people play Picigin. Think of it like an adult hot potato game with a small ball and people being committed enough too launch their bodies through the air to prevent the ball from touching the water. 

Walk though the streets of old town. Eat all the gelato your belly can hold. You will have a plethora of places to choose from or choose a cafe and enjoy a glass of wine. You will have a lot of choices for local Croatian wines. 

In the evening I would highly recommend the light up SUP (Stand Up Paddle board) tour. Even if you a a virgin paddle boarder you can do this tour. Ante was a fantastic guide and super friendly. You can tell how much they love what they do.

#latergram #splitcroatia #croatia #croatiatravel ...

Driving the Adriatic Coast Dubronik to/from Split there are a few recommended stops. 

1️⃣ Take advantage of the fruit stands along Croatia`s Adriatic Coast in the valley of Opuzen. The fresh juices are not to be missed!

2️⃣ As you continue the journey you will find lots of wine stands that over look the valley. Its beautiful picturesque and a nice fresher. 

3️⃣ Mali Ston Bay is the home of copious oyster and mussel farms. Here they cultivate European flat oysters which are vastly different than the oysters here in the US. They are sweet and meaty. Now I was hesitant on eating them since I prefer smaller oysters like Pemaquids, Hog Island, Kumamoto, and steer clear of large gulf oysters but these European flat oysters were heaven. Zero accoutrements but lemon were served with our oysters because they needed none. They stood on their own… absolutely delicious. 

4️⃣ Tour to the salt pools of Solana Ston. Check out the walls of Ston which were built in 1333 and dubbed “European wall of China” measuring 7 km long. 

5️⃣ Stroll through Trsteno Arboretum (Another GOT filming location) just 18 km outside of Dubrovnik. ...

Dubrovnik
This beautiful completely walled 13th-century city and UNESCO world site was once a thriving and bustling port city which was the crown of trade in the Adriatic. Now only 400 people live within the walls.

Fun fact when the walls were being built the cost of entry into the city was a stone and the size of your stone depended on your size. So if you were a larger person be prepared to lug a big stone!

If you are a Game of Thrones fan then you will recognize this town as well as others in Croatia. 10 years of filming really upped the visitor traffic and they happily capitalize on it.

As you stroll along the walls you can take in the red terra-cotta roofs, see the oldest Pharmacy in Europe, stop for refreshments, visit the Maritime Museum, shop local goods and be prepared for lots of stairs. Hello calves!

Inside the city walls is walking only. And parking around the city is bananas! Croatian parking rules … if it fits, it sits. It’s all fair game when it comes to parking. Sidewalks, medians, road sides, cliff sides, street corners and if you have a moped then your parking options got exponentially bigger. Also traffic laws don’t apply to you. Drive between, and around all the cars you like. 😂 But please wear your helmet always.

I’d highly suggest a Tuk Tuk tour by John. He is so engaging, knowledgeable and knows the spots to take great pictures. Also his food recommendation of Taj Mahal was fantastic!!! Don’t let the name throw you because it’s actually a Bosnian restaurant. Completely different food than Croatia due to the Ottoman influence.

Speaking of Bosnia. If you are visiting from Split I would highly encourage taking the 3.5 hour drive along the coast which takes you from Croatia through Bosnia and back into Croatia. Currently a bridge is being built so you won’t have to leave the country but it’s not set to open until next year. ...

➡️Eat with Locals ⬅️

Ya’ll I can not adequately convey how much you MUST do this if you are in Dubrovnik. Marija and Zlatko are such warm, fun and inviting hosts. They open their patio up for 10 guests at night for a 3 hour dining experience. And experience it truly is. You meet other like minded people possibly from all over the world. Our table mates were from the States and 3 couples were newlyweds. The meal begins with aperitifs locally made and then a local charcuterie boards to blow your taste buds. She literally cuts the prosciutto off the hock in front of you. And if you don’t want more I’d suggest not leaving an empty plate in front of you! 😂

Then onto the next course with Peka. A local dish where the meat is picked based on the fresh ingredients available at the market that day and paired with potatoes. For us it was octopus! Which I was delighted to find out as it’s my favorite! The Peka is prepared in an outdoor oven with hot coals piled on top of a lidded oval cooking vessel. So the ingredients cook from the outside inward while maintaining moisture, and marrying flavors together. And served with fresh bread. I basically used the bread as a conduit for the food and juices of the dish to get to my mouth. Hello food boat.

Oh and free flowing white and red wine to boot.

Then pretty much when I didn’t think another thing could fit in my belly fresh made dessert with vanilla ice cream. Fresh peaches, apricots, walnuts and almonds wrapped in a flaky baked dough. Absolutely delicious and we had to be rolled out of their back yard and down the stairs. I might still be full that night as I write this. 😂😂😂

#dubrovnik #dubrovnikcroatia #eatwithlocals #foodcoma #localsourcedfood #freshingredients #localmarket #croatia #experiencelife #buildcommunity #foodunites #foodcultures ...

🐦 Dubrovnik Pigeon Party 🐦

Imagine a scene from the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds (minus the viscous avian attack). That’s pretty much what happens in Gundulic Square where the Green Market happens daily. So if these “flying rats” as Terry called them makes you squeamish steer clear of this area at noon. About 15 minutes prior to 12 pm hundreds of birds start gathering on the roof lines, power lines and restaurant canopies. It seems they have the same internal screaming clock for snack time as my hooligans do. “Feed me Seymour!”

As the bell tolls, flocks of pigeons ready themselves for lunch and greet either Ivo Miletic or Hussein Odobasic who walk through the area pouring feed on the ground for the birds. The feeding frenzy only lasts 3-5 minutes while the beating of their wings create plums of down feathers and wind in your hair. It’s quite an experience to witness.

#dubrovnik #croatia #travel #dubrovnikoldtown #wanderlust #pigeon #pigeonparty #bird #birdphotography #feedmeseymour #wallsofdubrovnik #greenmarket #travelgram #travelbug ...

This beautiful earth made wonder is a culmination of water eroding the bottom of the cave walls allowing light to bounce off the floor and back into the cave creating a blue cavern. Best time to see the cave is between 11-1 pm due to the position of the sun.

You can not take your private boat into the cave and honestly I wouldn’t want to. It takes a serious bit of skill to quickly navigate the tiny opening during in between waves while leaving inches on either side as to not scrape or crash into the opening. Oh and you have to duck into the boat so you don’t hit your head.

Once inside you get about 5-10 minutes to be bathed in the blue light and enjoy the echoes off the walls. If you place your hand in the water your skin looks luminescent blue.

Swimming is prohibited inside the cave but our entertaining guide informed us they stop working at 6 pm. Wink wink.

I can imagine in high season the wait times would be quite long. We booked a tour from Komiza which came with priority tickets. Well worth it.

Around the way is a Green Cave on Vis Island. The light show isn’t vibrant or as large as the green cave. But there is a hole in the cave ceiling that allows a single stream of light to penetrate the water. You can take your own dinghy, swim in the cave and there are tons of fish to look at for snorkeling.

#croatia #croatiatravel #adriaticsea #bluecave #wunderlust #travelbug #naturalwonder ...

Brac 🏝 Island

The town quay is packed and lively with boats coming and going. Which makes for great people watching and long dining experience (well everywhere in Croatia has that). Don’t go to eat and expect to be in and out in 45 minutes unless you are grabbing pizza from a bakery. The Europeans know how to enjoy life!

Then stroll along the Bol Promenade, which takes you along the seashore from the town of Bol all the way to Zlatni Beach. The path to get there is lined with beautiful trees and Brač stone and shaded with sizeable overhanging pine trees and the art of lapidary… never heard of this? Its the technical term for stone masonry. Amazingly, Bol has the only stone masonry school in Europe. And you can admire the works all along the promenade. Rumor has it that the White House is made of these white stone quarried here. 

We went in the summer so it was a bit warm. Which means its a perfect time for gelato! There is no lack for gelato vendors along the way.

If the 15 minute walk isn’t your thing you can take a ferry from Bol quay for 20 kuna or a train ride for 20 kuna to Zlatni Rat Beach. 

Zlatni Rat beach is the most well known on the Adriatic coast. Like most beaches in Croatia it is a pebble beach with crystal clear water. This one juts out into the Adriatic and is dubbed the Golden Horn. Even better it has something for everyone. 
❤️ Love soaking up the rays? Snag a beach chair and umbrella. 
❤️ Love water sports? Sea Kayaking, Kite surfing, paddle boarding, being pulled behind a speed boat on an inflatable, Its all there. 
❤️ Love to hang out and people watch? Take your pick of places to eat, sit and drink. 
❤️ Need to entertain your kids? They have that covered too with outdoor climbing structures.

Enjoy! ...

Hvar Island 🏝 

Hvar Town is definitely a hub to the archipelago of Croatia. So many boats constantly entering and leaving the port and where people come to be seen. 

One of the many Yacht Weeks was happening and the day/night life was in full swing. ❤️ Snag a table beside the water, enjoy a snack or beverage and people watching galore! 

Take a stroll the Fortica as well and its hard to miss as it sits above the port. Be ready for lots of stairs… All. The. Stairs. Y’all. After that its an ascending walk through the pine trees and past gelato stands. Or you can grab a cold beverage along the way too. 

Fortica was originally a 6th Century Byzantine citadel and then reconstructed in 1579. Worth the walk and the views below are outstanding. 


Stari Grad is the oldest town in Croatia and on the opposite side of Hvar from Hvar town. Its surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

If you are looking for something fun to do … rent a convertible VW bugs and trapes around the island! https://www.rapidus.hr/. We had so much fun driving the windy country side roads. And by “we” I mean Terry. 🤪 Also flat ties make for a fun photo break on the side of the road. 🥴

Make sure to add Radojkovic Olive Oil tasting to the to do list. “Radojkovic” means Paradise Garden and is located in Bogomolje. Their tasting room is beautiful and hospitality is fantastic. 

From their 450 Levantinka and Oblica Olives trees they produce some delicious and award winning olive oils. Be prepared for some surprised combinations in their tasting such as vanilla ice cream with orange infused olive oil. So decadent!! 🍊 ...

Stiniva Beach on the island of Vis

The gorgeous photos lured us in but we definitely didn’t read the details on the path to get there. It was described as a 20 minute “goat path.” Which it should have read, “You need to be as agile as a goat to get there!” Also wear sneakers! 

The beach is surrounded with two high cliffs that are 13 feet apart at the closest point. The walls form an amazing unique “sea entrance”.

Heads up, its much easier to get to the beach via boat although you would need a dinghy to get in and you can’t use a motor.

Its well worth the trip to see this pebbled beach! ...