Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

 Enchanting Croatia -  experience it now

“After all, you don’t travel to arrive, but to travel” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what!

 

Central Europe, natural & refined, folksy & cultured, the combination of mountain rusticity & old-world style with its teutonic half-timbered villages, graffiti-decorated Renaissance Squares, medieval walled towns,captivates those looking for old-world appeal,

 

If your Mediterranean fantasies feature balmy days by sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns, Croatia is the place to turn them into reality. So, come……experience with us… Croatia's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, stunning views, world-renowned beaches.

 

Europe’s almost unmanageable wealth of attractions is its biggest single draw: the birthplace of democracy in Athens, the Renaissance art of Florence, the graceful canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendour of Paris & the multilayered historical & cultural canvas of London.

 

Less obvious but no less impressive attractions include Moorish Palaces in Andalucía, the fascinating East-meets-West brew of İstanbul in Turkey, the majesty of meticulously restored imperial Palaces in Russia's former capital St Petersburg & the ongoing project of Gaudí's La Sagrada Família in Barcelona.

 

There is a huge diversity of natural scenery: rugged Scottish Highlands with glens & lochs; Norway's fabulous fjords, seemingly chipped to jagged perfection by giants; the vine-raked valleys of the Loire & the steppe-like plains of central Spain. If you are looking for beaches, a circuit of the Mediterranean's northern coast reveals one gem after another. Or strike out to lesser known, yet beautiful coastal regions such as the Baltic & Black Seas. Mountain lovers should head to the Alps: they march across central Europe taking in France, Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy & tiny Liechtenstein.

 

Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what is left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that is what! Who wouldn't want to snack on pizza in Naples, souvlaki in Santorini or even haggis in Scotland? But did you also know that Britain has some of the best Indian restaurants in the world; that Turkey's doner kebab is a key part of contemporary German food culture; and that in the Netherlands you can gorge on an Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table)? Once again Europe's diversity and global reach is its trump card.

 

Europe has some of the best nightlife in the world. Globally famous DJs keep the party going in London, Berlin & Paris, all of which also offer top-class entertainment, especially theatre and live music. Other key locations for high-energy nightlife include Moscow, Belgrade, Budapest & Madrid, while those hankering for something cosier can add Dublin's pubs or Vienna's Cafes to their itinerary. Continue to party on the Continent's streets at a multiplicity of Festivals, from city Parades attended by thousands to intimate Concerts in an ancient Amphitheatre.

 

Central Europe - it is at once natural & refined, folksy & cultured: the combination of mountain rusticity with old-world style captivates. Teutonic half-timbered villages, graffiti-decorated Renaissance squares, medieval walled towns…if you are looking for old-world appeal, this is the right place.

 

Nourishing yourself is more fun in a great atmosphere & Central Europe's abundance of outdoor Cafes & Coffee Houses offer just that. When the temperatures rise in spring, outdoor tables proliferate along with the daffodils & tulips.

 

Beer Gardens across the region offer an opportunity to enjoy hearty food, a convivial atmosphere & a good brew alfresco. Once the weather cools, move inside to a boisterous Beer Halls. Or, for something a little sweeter, try a cake at a Coffee House or Pastry Cafe. The most famous are in Vienna & Budapest, but there are many options - & other interesting places to eat & drink - all across the region. Enjoy a plate of pasta while admiring the Slovenian coast, nosh pierogi (dumplings) on a Polish cobblestone street or dip into fondue lakeside in Switzerland.

 

With mountains covering so many Central European states, it is no wonder that the outdoors holds such an attraction in the region. The Alps rise to their highest in Switzerland, with jagged, Toblerone-like peaks such as the Matterhorn, & march on through southern Germany, across Austria & south into Slovenia.

 

Wander the darkly Gothic alleyways of Prague, admire the baroque excess of Salzburg or take in the colourful old-Venetian influence on the Slovenian port of Piran. Poland & the Czech Republic seem to have more than their fair share of medieval masterpieces, but you can find narrow lanes and quaint townscapes throughout the region – from Bern, Switzerland to Bardejov, Slovakia. Smaller gems such as Bamberg, Germany are often far from the tourist radar. On mornings when the mists lie heavy and crowds are few, you might imagine yourself in an earlier century.

 

And now let us talk about to Croatia - natural & refined, folksy & cultured, the combination of mountain rusticity with old-world style.

 

Old-World Appeal   | Edge of Empires   | Cultural Feast

Republika Hrvatska (Croatia) at the crossroads of Central & Southeast Europe, famed for its scenic pebbled beaches, beautifully lapped by crystal-clear waters along the Adriatic coastline, is a country where you can drive around for several hours & discover the diversity of landscape, climate & culture of almost the entire Europe & its urban destinations, from the green central European north to the sunny Mediterranean south, that are just as intriguing & eclectic.

 

Rocky mountains & terracotta-roofed towns plunge spectacularly into crystal-clear waters of Adriatic Sea & the crowded Beach Resorts on Croatia's myriad Islands provide some nooks of quiet seclusion.

 

Precariously poised between the Balkans & central Europe, this land has been passed between competing Kingdoms, Empires & Republics for millennia. If there is an upside to this continual dislocation, it is in the rich cultural legacy that each has left behind. Medieval walled cities where Venetian Palaces snuggle up to Napoleonic Forts, Roman Columns protrude from early Slavic Churches & Viennese Mansions face off with Socialist Realist sculpture. Excellent Museums showcase treasures that cover the gamut of European history, from the pre-historic to the post Communist, telling a story that is in equal parts fascinating & horrifying.

 

Unique in so many ways, Croatia has roots extending from ancient times & a great cultural wealth which tells of its turbulent history, from the Roman era to the Renaissance & Baroque periods, Ottoman conquests, right up to the present day.

 

This cultural wealth is exceptionally appealing to all those who visit the country. If we then include in this, the amazing natural beauty which attracts visitors throughout the year, the 8 forested National Parks, 11 Nature Reserves, sleepy Islands, secluded Coves & the numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, each influenced by its past Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic & Viennese Rulers, Croatia can truly be called a country of incredible magnetic attraction.

 

From the world’s smallest town, ancient cities settled in ancient times, all the way to modern centres brimming with life, as well as cultural & culinary treats, Croatian urban destinations are the key to discovering the way this country ticks & the identity of its citizens.

 

Croatia's extraordinary island-speckled coastline is indisputably its main attraction. Spanning most of the Adriatic Sea, you are never too far away from the coast when traveling here, the Land of a Thousand Islands. With piercing turquoise seas & fairy-tale architecture, there is no denying Croatia is breathtakingly beautiful.

 

The first thing that strikes you is the remarkable clarity of the water. When it is set against a dazzling white pebbly beach, the water sparkles with a jewel-like intensity in shades of emerald & sapphire. There are long sandy & shingly stretches too - perfect for lazy days spent lounging & devouring trashy holiday novels. If that all sounds too relaxing, there are water-based activities at hand to lure you off your sun lounger - snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing & sailing, just for starters.

 

Shift your gaze for just a moment from the glittering waters & chances are an almighty mountain will loom into view. The Dinaric Range, which stretches all the way from Italy to Albania, hugs much of the coast.

 

And even if it is not pretty beaches you seek, stone Castles & magnificent Waterfalls await travelers of all kinds. The limestone karst has bequeathed a wonderland of craggy Peaks, Caverns, River Canyons & ridiculously picturesque Lakes. Head further inland & things flatten out again into rolling farmland.

 

Croatia is still undiscovered in many ways! Not only does it have picture perfect baroque buildings, a Cafe culture to rival Rome & beautiful unspoilt beaches, Dubrovnik is now a UNESCO World Heritage site & Split was one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones! Croatia is one of those countries that offers diversity, history & cultural contrasts whilst still being convenient & charming.

 

If you are lucky enough to cross the tourist/guest barrier & be invited into a local's home, you will soon become acquainted with the refrain 'Jedi! Jedi! Jedi!' (Eat! Eat! Eat!). Sharing food & drink plays a big part in the culture here, which speaks both to the nature of Croatian hospitality & to the quality of local produce.

 

Simple, homestyle cooking is a feature of family-run Taverns, but increasingly a new breed of Chefs are bringing a more adventurous approach to the table. Meanwhile, Croatian wines & olive oils are making their mark on the world stage, garnering top awards.

 

And last but by no means least - the Croats themselves! The Croatian people & their kindness are a magnet that keeps drawing tourists back. Sometimes the hospitality of the locals will make you wonder whether you are in your own home or simply - on holiday in Croatia! So, come……experience with us… Croatia's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, stunning views, world-renowned beaches.

 

We are in the process of updating our Offerings of experiential journeys to Croatia. Please contact us in the interim if you want to explore options & we will be happy to offer suggestions based on your personal preferences… 

Come…be inspired & discover the World with us