Discover the Beautiful City of Dubrovnik

Discover the Beautiful City of Dubrovnik

by Wen Croatia

Ancient City Walls

It took us half day to walk the whole way round the walls. This was where you took postcard-like pictures! Beautiful views of the old town and harbor. It was truly an inspirational and unique place. Absolutely my favorite in Dubrovnik. I LOVE IT!

There was so much to look at! Breathtaking views everywhere! Strolling along the wall you can get amazing views of the beautiful coastline, the views towards Cavtat bay, Mount Srd, and the historical buildings of the old town. 

The Konavle Embroidery

I like this lady. She was very happy to introduce her embroidery work to us in a pleasant way. We bought something from her and it reminded me of this place. 🙂

Absolutely stunning views of the city!

Dubrovnik Ancient City Walls 1/1/2016

The Pucic Palace

Breakfast!

Shopping day

Stradun street was pretty much dominated by restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. Lots of alleys off the main street. Prijeko street was fun to walk around, this narrow winding cobble stoned street has lots of old charm shops and restaurants. I can't help it...got myself a plush dog. 😀

Kamenice

We stopped here for lunch before our flight to Vienna.  It was in a square in the old town. We had langoustines, mussels, oysters, and deep fried Whitebait. Lots birds on the roof!

New Year’s Eve Celebration in Dubrovnik

New Year’s Eve Celebration in Dubrovnik

by Wen Croatia

New Years Eve Dubrovnik

We arrived Dubrovnik from Zagreb on the last day of 2016. It's finally the day that we've been waiting for! People from all around the world celebrate the New Years Eve in Dubrovnik. Tens of thousands of people gathered in the old town. Holiday lights, live music (performance from Croatian pop singer), and fireworks above the old city's wall. The performance of the legendary band and never more spectacular fireworks at midnight will ensure an unforgettable night!

“Dont’ wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.” by Zoey Sayward

2016 New Years Eve Dubrovnik Countdown

Pile Gate

This was the main gate into the old town. It consisted of inner and outer gates connected by a stone bridge. Felt like we have entered a world of the past after crossing the bridge. 

Trattoria Tezoro

Looking for a place to have an evening meal before the new year countdown celebration. We found this restaurant completely by chance. It was located in a narrow alley just off the Stradun (the main street).

We got the white shrimp risotto, grilled vegetables, carpaccio, and black risotto.

Dalmatino

Drinks+2nd dinner before the new year countdown!

Plitvice Lakes National Park | UNESCO World Heritage

by Wen Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice National Park is located in the center of Croatia. This place is recommended by friends from Slovenia. Thanks to them we visit this amazingly beautiful place. This is the largest national park in Croatia with 16 spectacular lakes to view. We plan on a solid 4-5 hours to see the highlights. The Plitvice Lakes National Park should be in your Croatian bucket list!

We had a 20 minute boat trip across the large lake.

Best Time to Visit

Plitvice Lakes National Park is popular year-round for its changing looks. Summer time (high season) is usually crowded in Croatia. Visit during low seasons (Spring, Autumn, and Winter) or in the early morning are the best way to avoid crowds.

We visit Plitvice Lakes National Park in late December (temperatures below zero). It is not crowded at all. The park has not covered in snow yet. It is freezing cold but so pretty!

Stunning Nature and Beautiful Landscapes

The water was roaring over the falls. The views of the lakes and waterfalls are extraordinary. Be prepared to take hundreds of photos! 

There are a series of lakes and waterfalls going through a spectacular gorge.

I love walking on the wooden walkways but not so much on climbing steep stone stairs. Don’t wear high heels when hiking! Especially in Plitvice Lakes, it gets wet and slippery. Definitely wear something comfortable. There are 9 recommended trails, which take between 3 and 12 hours.

Wow! crystal clear water. Waterfalls of various shades of blue and green, with various sizes and lots of fishes. This place is truly God’s wonderful creation. We are having so much fun here. The Park has done an amazing job of building the pathways that allow a very close up experience. I would LOVE to visit again! Tomorrow we are heading to Dubrovnik for the new year's eve celebration!

Restaurant Zigante, Livade

by Wen Croatia Travel

If you like truffles, you should not be disappointed with this restaurant. We came here for lunch after truffle hunting in the nearby forest. While in truffle heaven, we made sure to add fresh white truffle to each dish. 😛

Bread

Appetizer

White Truffle!

Riblji filet

Tartare with White Truffle

Risotto

Ravioli

Chocolate Souffle

Ice Cream

The owner is the Guinness record holder for finding the largest white truffle (weight 1.31kg) in the world. Also they were awarded a 15 point rating (with 20 highest) on the Gault Millau restaurant guides.

Livade

by Wen Croatia

Truffle Hunting

Our tour guide Nikola took us to the forest with his dogs (Nero, Biba, and Nellie) to search for the truffles. Nikola explained everything about the region, the truffles, and truffle hunting to us. We had so much fun watching the dogs dig up truffles and learning everything about it! 

Hiding and planting truffles for the dogs to find. They found it! 

Truffle Seasons

In this region, white truffles are in season from September to early January and black truffles from May to September. 

Bye! Nikola, Nero, Biba, and Nellie. This was truly the best possible way to see Croatia! 

Zigante

If you like truffles, you should not be disappointed with this restaurant. We came here for lunch after truffle hunting. While in truffle heaven, we made sure to add fresh white truffle to each dish. 😛

Bread

Appetizer

Tartare with White Truffle

Risotto

Ravioli

Riblji filet

Chocolate Souffle

Ice Cream

The owner is the Guinness record holder for finding the largest white truffle (weight 1.31kg) in the world. Also they were awarded a 15 point rating (with 20 highest) on the Gault Millau restaurant guides.

Konoba Mondo, Motovun

by Wen Croatia Travel

Konoba Mondo

Konoba Mondo was located halfway up the hill in the main street of town. We had a delightful dinner here. The minute we walked into the restaurant I knew this place will bring us great memories that we could talk about it over and over again. We even received 3 umbrellas as souvenir from the restaurant before we left!

Bread

White Truffled Polenta

Vegetable Soup

White Truffle Carpaccio

Being in the truffle country, we had to take advantage of it. We pretty much ordered everything with white truffles. Back home it would cost a fortune to have the fresh white truffles so generously placed on each meal! 😀

White Truffled Gnocchi

Steak with White Truffle

Grilled Vegetables

Pnana Cotta with White Truffle

 Loved everything with shaved truffles on top!

Motovun

by Wen Croatia Travel

Motovun

Surrounded by a medieval wall, this medieval hill town was built on a 1st century Roman site. We stayed here for one night. To be honest, we went there especially to go to the restaurant Konoba Mondo (Thanks to Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations). 😛

Konoba Mondo

Konoba Mondo was located halfway up the hill in the main street of town. We had a delightful dinner here. The minute we walked into the restaurant I knew this place will bring us great memories that we could talk about it over and over again. We even received 3 umbrellas as souvenir from the restaurant before we left!

Bread

White Truffled Polenta

Vegetable Soup

White Truffle Carpaccio

Being in the truffle country, we had to take advantage of it. We pretty much ordered everything with white truffles. Back home it would cost a fortune to have the fresh white truffles so generously placed on each meal! 😀

White Truffled Gnocchi

Steak with White Truffle

Grilled Vegetables

Pnana Cotta with White Truffle

 Loved everything with shaved truffles on top!

The Motovun Film Festival

If you are a cinema lover, you probably know about the international film festival here. The Motovun Film Festival is held in Motovun in late July or early August every year. It will be great to visit during summer.

The view on a foggy day....

We were supposed to be able to see the view on a nice day. Too bad! However we enjoyed the nice romantic walk around the walls and historic stone buildings. 

Zagreb

Zagreb

by Wen Croatia

Jelacic Square (City center and hub of Zagreb)

We spent a few days in Zagreb. Jelacic Square was the central point for tourist activities in Zagreb. The Ban Josip Jelacic Monument (statue of Ban Jelacic on his horse) was an ideal meeting spot. This was a great place to start your exploration of the city.

Jelacic Square at night

We visited during the Christmas markets were on.  There was a huge Christmas tree in the middle of the square covered in fairly lights, a center stage, and live concerts. Definitely a must visit during this time of year. 

Zrinjevac Park

Zagreb Cathedral

Beautiful cathedral in the center of Zagreb. We spent some time walking around the inside and enjoying the calm and peaceful atmosphere.

vinodol restoran

Caffe Bar Atrij

Got tired of walking, we stopped into a local cafe and it was great! Now bellies were happy, we may continue our exploration.

Breakfast at Hotel Jägerhorn

Loved the buffet style breakfast at this hotel. Today was our second day in Zagreb, we were going to visit Dolac Market after breakfast and eat more! hahaha

Dolac Market

It was located behind Jelacic Square. The place was alive with vendors, local shoppers, and tourists. There were lots of stalls selling vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked goods, souvenirs, and various other local produce. So much color and life!

Tržnica Dolac

This is Croatia’s largest daily farmer’s market.

Tkalciceva

Tkalciceva was lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. The place was so vibrant. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed.  We enjoyed walking and observed everything around us.

Ivica i Marica

The restaurant was on Tkalciceva Street. We stopped by here for desserts and coffee. 

Left: Međimurska gibanica (made of puff pastry and 4 fillings: nuts, cheese, poppy seeds and apples)   

Right: Kremsnita (vanilla and custard cream cake)

Funicular Railway

We walked to the lower station after dessert at Ivica i Marica. This was the world’s shortest cable railway. This short journey linked lower town with upper town and took just a minute. Only 4kn each way.

It has been in action for over 100 years! Still in pretty good shape.

Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Glad we chose the cable car up! There were nice views when we exited the cable car. The center part of upper town was Zagreb's most photographed St. Mark's church on St. Mark's square.  It was charming with lots of history and easy walkable.

Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

We spent a good part of the day in the Upper Town. Plenty of interesting buildings and markets abound in upper town. The old town was very picturesque and easy to walk around. 

Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

One of the major attraction in Upper town was Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata). A small passage with a chapel of Our Lady. It was the only surviving medieval city gate. We walked through silently to respect worshippers. 

St. Mark's Church

Located on the top of the hill. You can easily identify St. Mark's church from its beautiful colored roof tiles with Croatian crest and Zagreb coat of arms. 

Museum of Broken Relationships

It collected break-stories from around the world.  We spent maybe half an hour reading some stories in the gallery. Those stories ranging from the humorous, to the sentimental and tragic. Some stories were really touched. 

Zagreb Christmas Market

Zagreb Christmas Market

by Wen Christmas Market Croatia

Zagreb was voted Best European Christmas Market in 2015 and 2016. It offers a special atmosphere which simply must be experienced by yourself. Christmas market in Zagreb have traditional look and it’s spread out in numerous locations. 

Zagreb’s Christmas decorations are elegant and classy. As the night falls, the city is at its most magical. If you like ice-skating, you can stop at King Tomislav Park. The Ice Park is very nice, offering fun for all ages.

Zagreb Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption)

You can enjoy Live Nativity Scene near the Cathedral. 

Live nativity scene in front of the Zagreb Cathedral

Zrinjevac offers food and drink stands to warm you up during the cold winter days.  Sausage and mulled wine combination has been a Christmas classic for many years.

Germknoedel (sweet fluffy dough dumplings with jam, vanilla and poppy seeds) served with vanilla cream sauce.