Derived from the Arabica bean and composed of a very fine grind, Turkish coffee has become famous all around the world for both its strong taste and its special methods of preparation and service. But there’s much more to Turkish coffee’s story apart from its delicious taste, so let’s take a look at all the facts. TURKISH COFFEE A cup of Turkish coffee, remembered for 40 years. With its delicious foam and wonderful aroma, there is no drink quite like Turkish coffee. Served in small but delicious doses, the calorie and caffeine count in a cup of Turkish coffee are moderate, meaning you can enjoy it more often. Turkish coffee grounds, can be read to tell one's fortune. It is the only coffee that can be used to predict the future. The wonderful taste of Turkish coffee has been bringing people together for centuries, inspiring countless works of art and having a profound influence on culture. One of the traditions that should be fulfilled in Turkey is to see the preparation of Turkish coffee and surely taste it. ONE CUP OF COFFEE, MORE THAN A DRINK Turkish coffee derives its name from a specific preparation method; finely powdered roast coffee beans are boiled in a pot also known as cezve in Turkish and served in a cup where the dregs settle. The most distinctive characteristic of Turkish coffee is that only the flavour is consumed, not the grounds. Therefore, this beverage made from Arabica coffee grounds is healthier than most coffee types. Black Pearls: Coffee lovers described the coffee beans as black pearls and Turkish coffee has a flavour worthy of this description. The fine grounds sink to the bottom of the cup and are not for drinking but used by fortune tellers to read the drinker's future. Coffee Fortune: Coffee fortune telling was born out of Turkish coffee and is an inseparable part of the pleasure and conversation associated with coffee. How to Serve: Turkish coffee is served in small cups. Usually, a glass of water and Turkish delight are served with Turkish coffee and they are generally consumed before drinking the coffee. So, do you think you can handle the power of a Turkish coffee? Start each day with a freshly brewed coffee on board our Turquoise Delights tour of the Turkish coastline this Summer and see what all the fuss is about! #drink #turkey #Food #Europe

Enjoy a leisurely day sailing in the crystal clear waters of Gocek Bay and visiting 12 Islands of Fethiye. The breathtaking scenery of 12 Islands really makes you feel as if you are a million miles away. 12 ISLANDS OF GOCEK Yassica Island, Cleopatra Bath, Kursunlu Cove, Yavansu, Bedri Rahmi Cove, Tersane Island, Gobun Cove, Boynuzbuku, Gocek Island, Domuz Island, Zeytin Island and Kizil Island, the sum of these islands is called as 12 Islands. Each island has different beauty. Sovalye Island is a common summer resort for the locals from Fethiye. Tersane Island is the largest island in the Fethiye Gulf. There are two more small islands in Belcegiz Gulf; Gemile and Karacaoren, which are pretty desolate. Also surrounded by historical beauties, the 12 Islands attract hundreds of local and foreign yachts in the summer. Kizil Island, Yassica Island: Kizil Island and Yassica Island are both prime locations for scuba diving or simply enjoying a swim. Zeytin Island: Zeytin Island, the only privately owned island in the area, so called because it is home to a workshop containing an olive oil press remaining from the Ottoman Period. Tersane Island: Tersane Island is the largest island in the bay, old Greek settlement, a stopover spot for day tripping boats as well as boats on blue cruise. Along the shore are small wooden docks and rustic restaurants serving yachts. Domuz Island: Domuz Island is sheltered from the winds. On the south of Domuz Island is the narrow inlet to the Gobun Cove which is an excellent anchorage surrounded by hills covered with olive orchards and pine woods. You can visit rock tombs and ancient remains. Good news for you is that our Turquoise Delights tour starts and finishes in the town of Fethiye. Stick around for a few days after the tour and do some extra exploring of your own! #turkey #Top5list #bucketlist

Boza, Limonata, Salgam, Serbet, Sira. If you want to have a truly Turkish experience while you are in Turkey, don't forget to try these 5 amazing Turkish drinks. Come and enjoy tasting these traditional Turkish drinks in summer or winter. BOZA Boza is a typical Turkish drink made by triturated chickpea, some cinnamon and sugar. Boza is creamy, yellowish color and usually drunk in winter. In summer it is almost impossible to find this drink. Boza is sold by street sellers or cafes in the winter nights. The salespersons walk through the streets screaming boooozaaaa. LIMONATA Try smooth Turkish Limonata, if you love Lemonade. Limonata has a smooth, sweet flavour and bright yellow color. It is prepared by cooking the lemons and rind before chilling. Limonata is one of the most popular flavours of summer months. SALGAM Salgam is a traditional Turkish drink made from dark turnips and purple carrots. It is served cold in large glasses with purple carrot pickles. Salgam is especially served with Kebab dishes. Some people drink it with Raki saying that it removes or softens the effects of alcohol. It has a dark red or purple color and a very strong soar taste. SERBET Serbet is the world's first soft drink. Serbet is a sweet, cold, fruit flavoured drink, comes in a variety of unique flavours, such as lemon, rose, pomegranate and tamarind. Serbet is best enjoyed during warm summer days. SIRA Sira is a drink slightly fermented grape or apple juice. It is a sweet drink due to the high amount of fructose it contains. You can try Sira with your dishes and see if you like it. #Food #drink #Top5list #turkey #Europe

The weather conditions, mountainous terrain and turquoise coasts make Turkey the perfect place for a paragliding vacation. Oludeniz is one of the top paragliding spots in the world. PARAGLIDING TURKEY Paragliding has been recognized with the discover by foreign pilots of Mount Babadag in Fethiye, at the beginning of 1990s, and actively started in university clubs initially. Paragliding is to take off by means of running from a high hill instead of plane with a parachute similar to free style jumping parachute on the first look. Parachute is lied on a inclined and high hill, filled with air with the running of pilot and take off with pilot. Periods of the flights can continue for kilometres / hours in connection with experience of the pilot and performance of the materials used. Although it can be for single person, there is two persons wings. Paragliding parachute wing structure had reached to its appropriate shape for easy to take off, slowly descending ratio and good flying performance. POPULAR FLIGHT ZONES Some of the most popular flight zones for paragliding in Turkey; Oludeniz (Mugla), Pamukkale (Denizli), Kas (Antalya), Egirdir (Isparta), Golbasi (Ankara), Abant Mountains (Bolu), Ucmakdere (Tekirdag), Inonu (Eskisehir), Ali Mountain (Kayseri). Kas: Kas is situated in a fantastic location for paragliding, which can be done any time between April and October. This is where we do our excursion!! So, are you ready for the thrill?! Get your paraglide adrenalin rush on our Turquoise Delights tour this Summer. It is one of our most popular excursions on the circuit and highly recommended for all! To join us this Summer, check out our dates and make a booking enquiry today. #bucketlist #turkey #Photography

We love love love cheese, and lucky for us, on our Turkey Sailing tours we get to eat lots of it! Did you know, Turkey has almost 193 different kinds of cheeses! Here is our list of the top 10awesome Turkish cheeses everyone needs to know. TURKISH CHEESE TRADITION Turkish cuisine is home to many unique tastes, including the varieties of cheese. Cheese plays a leading role in the most flavours of Turkish culinary culture and breakfast table. There are 193 different cheeses in Turkey, with high protein and vitamin values. Just 8 of these cheeses have geographical indication. Then let's learn together the different varieties of cheese all over the country. Aegean Mihalic Cheese Diyarbakir Orgu Cheese Edirne White Cheese Erzurum Civil Cheese Erzincan Tulum Cheese Van Otlu Cheese Ardahan Kuflu Cheese Black Sea Kolot Cheese Varto Goat Cheese Islı Abhaza Cheese WORLD FAMOUS TURKISH CHEESES Divle Obruk Cheese: Divle Obruk Cheese, known as the Turkish Roquefort, is one of the best quality 5 cheeses in the world with its unique taste and aroma. This delicious roquefort cheese is produced from sheep and goat milk, takes its flavour from a fermentation technique in a storage cave for months. Kars Gruyere: Kars Gruyere is one of the most famous Turkish cheeses in the world with its tang, rich odor, and flavour. This traditional gruyere cheese is usually made with pure cow's milk or a mixture of cow and goat's milk. It takes its flavour from the quality milk of animals grazing in high plateaus. Ezine White Cheese: Ezine Cheese is the most favourite and important part of traditional Turkish breakfast. This quality white cheese is made of sheep, goat or cow's milk based on the season. Kargi Tulum Cheese: World famous Kargi Tulum Cheese is a very sought-after cheese in Turkey, produced mountainous villages, made from sheep or goat's milk that varies greatly between regions. Lor Cheese: Lor Cheese is a kind of white cheese with a high protein content, low-salt and low-fat. Also, Lor is healthy cheese, used to make lighter versions of Turkish desserts. #Food #turkey #Top5list #TopTips #Europe

Gokceada, Bozcaada, Cunda, Princes' Islands; among the lots of islands that you will find in the Turkish seas, there are seven which are world renowned, also known as the most popular holiday islands in Turkey. Come and enjoy the beautiful Turkish islands. NORTH AEGEAN ISLANDS Bozcaada Island: Bozcaada is the third largest and beautiful island of Turkey, famous for its windmills and vineyards, lovely houses, impressive historic monuments from different periods and attractive beaches with crystal clear waters. Gokceada Island: Gokceada is famous with its own specific geographical conditions and protected, untouched natural resources, located at the northwest of Aegean Sea is the largest island of Turkey. Gokceada is referred as the island of the Sea God Poseidonin Homer's epic the Iliad. Cunda (Alibey) Island: Cunda Island, also known as Alibey Island is a typical Aegean resort town, one of the most beautiful islands in Turkey. Cunda Island is waiting for visitors to fascinate with its spirit reflecting the common culture of Aegean. PRINCES' ISLANDS During the summer months the Princes' Islands are popular destinations for day trips from Istanbul. As there is no traffic on the Islands, the only transport being horse and cart, they are incredibly peaceful compared with the city of Istanbul. Buyukada Island: Buyukada is the largest of the Princes' Islands, also the farthest from Istanbul, welcomes its visitors with a very enjoyable atmosphere, with its historical pier, large bazaar square and famous fish restaurants. Heybeliada Island: Heybeliada is the second largest and the most green of the Princes' Islands in Istanbul both from the view point of its population and its surface area. As on all the islands, you can hire bikes to travel around or take a horse drawn carriage. Burgazada Island: Burgazada is the third largest of the Princes' Islands near Istanbul. Sleepy, peaceful Burgazada is the ideal location to escape the noise and traffic for a just few hours or a full day trip. Kinaliada Island: Kinaliada is the fourth largest of the Princes' Islands and also closest island to the European and Asian side of Istanbul, about 12 kilometres to the south, named because of the colour of its earth. #Top5list #TopTips #bucketlist #Beaches #turkey

Fethiye Coastline stretches along the Aegean, is one of the best coastal regions in Turkey, famous with its crystal clear sea, blue sky and friendly locals. There are numerous lovely bays and coves for mooring and relaxing in this area. It is also the starting point for our amazing Turquoise Delights tour! FETHIYE Fethiye is a traditional market town set around a beautiful natural harbour. It is a big centre for scuba diving and boats leave from here for day trips around the stunning coastline. Life here continues all year round, and recently, many local and foreign tourists chooses to make this relaxed area their home. OLUDENIZ Oludeniz is the archetypal picturesque beach, backed by dramatic pine clad hills, more commonly known as the blue lagoon. It is a perfect family resort, great for a laid back beach holiday, with plenty of facilities. GOCEK Gocek is popular with yachting types who come here for its excellent marina. It is a charming resort with a range of sophisticated hotels and upmarket restaurants and boutiques. HISARONU Hisaronu is in a stunning location, surrounded by stunning pine clad mountains, and hotels are all built in the local style, mostly with rooms set in villa style blocks and decorative wooden balconies. You can, however, easily spend your time in Hisaronu. KAYAKOY One of the highlights of a stay in this area is a visit to the lovely ghost town of Kayakoy. There are around 400 houses here together with churches and other public buildings. CALIS BEACH The nearest beach to Fethiye is Calis Beach, a pebble and coarse sand beach in a beautiful setting. The resort has expanded around the beach, and has a relaxed feel popular with children, families and older couples. OVACIK Just a short distance from Hisaronu, is the newer resort area of Ovacik, which is essentially a collection of hotels and apartment buildings, blending in with the stunning mountain scenery. #turkey #bucketlist

Turkey is full of street vendors selling all sorts of different snacks. There are many delicacies you can find while wandering around the streets of Turkey. Here are 10 of Turkey's most popular street foods. DONER Doner sandwich is better known street food in Turkey. Made by stuffing thin pieces of the meat into a fresh bread or lavash along with tomatoes, onions, peppers and yoghurt sauce. KOKOREC Kokorec is skewers of spiced sheep's intestines stuffed into a half or a quarter of bread along with chopped tomatoes and green peppers. MIDYE Midye can be found on almost every corner in the big cities of Turkey. The mussles are stuffed with white rice and herbs, and with a few drops of lemon juice it is just ready for you to eat. SIMIT Simit is a kind of bagel that you can find on almost every street corner in Turkey. Mostly eaten for breakfast, you can also eat it any time of the day, plain or with cheese. NOHUTLU PILAV Nohutlu Pilav can be found on every street corner in Turkey. It is white rice with boiled chickpeas and chicken. KUMPIR Kumpir, one of the most famous street foods in Turkey, is known as the baked potato. This super baked potato is a masterpiece. You can prefer filling from a mind boggling range of ingredients, including corn, pickled red cabbage, pickles, russ salad, yogurt, sausage and olives. BALIK EKMEK Balik Ekmek is a fresh fish sandwich which can be bought directly from the boats in the coastal cities of Turkey. MISIR Misir, steamed then lightly grilled corn with sprinkled salt, pepper and other spices, is a common snack in Turkey. Misir can be found on almost every street corner of Turkey. BOREK Borek is a traditional Ottoman dish filled with spinach, cheese, potatoes or meat. Borek is commonly eaten at breakfast, but you can also eat it any time of the day. ARNAVUT CIGER Arnavut Ciger is a cubes of liver fried with spices and onions, made by stuffing small pieces of the liver into a fresh bread #Food #turkey #Europe #Top5list #TopTips

You may wonder which typical Turkish foods to try. In Turkey, authentic meals surround you, here are the best 7 of foods you have to try on your trip to Turkey. So, have you ever tried these typical Turkish foods? KEBAB Kebab is the common name for a dish where meat is coated around a skewer and grilled over a charcoal fire. The best known Turkish kebabs are Doner Kebab, Iskender Kebab, Shish Kebab, Adana Kebab, Kuzu Tandir. PICKLE Pickle is the another typical food to Turkish cuisine. Often, Pickle is displayed in colorful, decorative jars, particularly in the windows of many specialty pickle shops. These shops also offer a wide variety of pickle juices. TURKISH RAVIOLI Turkish ravioli is known as Manti, forty pieces of which are said to fit in one tablespoon. Turkish ravioli is served with fresh yoghurt, melted butter, and chopped herbs and chili flakes. VEGETABLE DISHES WITH OLIVE OIL Vegetable dishes with olive oil, which constitute the core of the Turkish cuisine, are the key to taste and health. Vegetable dishes with olive oil include a variety of delicacies such as Sarma, Dolma, Imam Bayildi, and the similar vegetable dishes made with kidney bean or artichoke. WHITE BEAN STEW White Bean Stew is the delicious Turkish food everyone must try. This modest dish of creamy blond beans stewed in tomato gravy has a great traditional flavour. BREAKFAST Turkish breakfast usually consists of fresh white bread, honey, clotted cream, jam, sheeps' milk cheese, tomatoes, egg, cucumber and black olives, washed down with black tea. SOUPS Soups have a special place on the Turkish diet. Soups can be consumed any time of the day and may be served hot or cold depending on the recipe. Tarhana, Yoghurt, Lentil, Red Lentil and Mint, Tomato, Tripe, Wedding, are among the most renown soups of the Turkish cuisine. #Food #turkey #Top5list #TopTips #Europe

Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is best known for its beautiful salty sea, but you should keep an eye out for its sweet delights as well! Many of these are sweets “for tomorrow”, meaning they keep well, can be made months ahead, and last until eaten, so you can enjoy them at home as well, while remembering your Croatian holiday. Take your Pick From Istria in the northwest to Konavle in the southeast, one can find the ever-popular kroštule (shortcrust pastry mainly “tied” in the form of a bow, deep-fried in oil, and dusted with sugar); fritule (small round yeast dumplings with raisins, deep-fried in oil, and dusted with sugar); pandišpanj (sponge cake flavoured with prošek and dried citrus fruits); sugared-coated almonds; paprenjaci (hard cookies made with honey and spices); bobići (shortcrust almond cookie balls); and arancini (orange peels marinated in water, rolled in sugar, and dried). Something for everyone, or even better – everything for everyone! Croatian Combination If you like rakija, you will love smokvenjak. The smokvenjak is basically a type of cake made solely from dried figs with an addition of walnuts or almonds and other aromas. The island of Vis is known for its smokvenjak which they call hib, or hljeb. On Vis, they add roughly chopped almonds, dry anise, and travarica (herbal brandy). The hibmixture is then dried in the bura wind or in the oven. Smokvenjak is traditionally served with travarica or liqueurs. Cheers and bon appétit! The Mystery If you are more into shortbread cakes with a rich filling, then head to the central Adriatic region. For instance, amareti are a baked rich mixture of ground almonds, egg whites, butter, and sugar, while klašuni have a similar structure, but the outside coating is made of shortcrust pastry, while the almond filling is additionally seasoned with mandatory rose water or liqueur (rozolin) made from the petals of a special type of rose. You will never be able to know all the ingredients for the most irresistible klašuni from the city of Korčula, because they are kept a secret by the greatest masters of the trade. But it is no secret they taste wonderful. The Dessert from Heaven The Dalmatian classic is the paradižet whose roots originate in Austrian cuisine. This dessert has a thick liquid base, which is a mixture of milk and cooked egg yolks, to which are added shortly boiled spoon-sized dumplings made of whisked egg whites that resemble fluffy white clouds. And you will feel like you’re in seventh heaven when you try it, for sure. ​La Caramel en Rose Rožata is today probably the most popular sweet on the Adriatic, and it is easiest to compare it to crème caramel. Our traditional recipe calls for a mandatory addition of rose water or rose petal liqueur which is how it got its Croatian name, and what gives it its originality and special refined taste. Special Treats for Special Occasions On special occasions such as weddings and other very important family celebrations, the Croatians show off an unbelievable extravagance of divine cakes. Perhaps the most luxurious such cake on the Adriatic is the hrapaćuša from the island of Brač. In addition to the abundance of orange and lemon juice and maraschino, it is overflowing with almonds. The cake has a dense top layer of roughly chopped walnuts that resemble the rock formation found in the caves above the place it was named after. Saint Cake The Rab Cake is made with similar ingredients, except that its tantalising and incredibly delicious filling is wrapped in a wafer-thin dough. The history of this sweet goes back to the end of the XII century when Benedictine nuns made it for Pope Alexander III for his sea travels along the Adriatic. And holy moly, it is delicious! Last But Not Least In this trio of finest cakes, the Skradin Cake boasts a very different flamboyance and must have drawn its inspiration from the Viennese Sachertorte. The Skradin version is a bold interpretation resulting in an even better cake (yes, we said it!). The Viennese original is replaced with an extravagance of flavours where the marmalade is substituted with honey, an abundance of walnuts, and hardly any flour, as well as rose petal liqueur and a generous chocolate glaze. We know what you’re thinking now and yes; you’ll have to try them all. #Food #Croatia

Croatia is a country with a thousand islands, but also a land of a thousand gastronomic faces. Whether you’re a fan of traditional or modern cuisine, your Croatian culinary adventure will fulfil all your expectations…and much, much more! Peka The recipe for a peka is over a thousand years old, but still used today because it is the best way to preserve the richness of taste. You can put anything you choose under a peka – fish, crabs, shellfish, vegetables, chicken, lamb, pork, veal, etc. It takes a true master to make a good peka and so this skill is passed down from generation to generation. As delicious as a peka is to eat, it is as equally exciting to watch it cook. Have a seat on the grass, drink a little homemade rakija (brandy), and enjoy while you wait for your dinner. Carp on a fork There are several hundred popular recipes and ways to make carp around the world. However, experts consider the carp prepared on the right banks of the Danube River in Croatia the most delicious. Cleaned, split open, seasoned, and attached to a large fork, the carp slowly turns over a hot grill for several hours. All that it requires in the end is some enchanting wine from the nearby terraced vineyards that also descend all the way down to the Danube. CROshimi Croats have shocked the Japanese by launching an improved version of their traditional sashimi, calling it “croshimi” (CROatian saSHIMI). The most valued fresh seafood, such as the tail of Kvarner shrimp, is served on aromatic Mediterranean wild edible plants. Then the perfect variety of olive oil is selected, such as the one from the buža olive, while a sommelier picks out a top-quality autochthonous wine to complete the harmony, and selects a Dalmatian Pošip. Štrukl Strudel was invented for Austro-Hungarian emperors and generals, but it conquered the world through peaceful means. Today, the most delicious strudel is made in Croatia, and is called a štrukl. Made of cottage cheese and cream, whether salty or sweet, boiled, baked, or roasted, štrukls are always irresistible. Ask Angelina Jolie, who had Croatian chefs come and prepare štrukls for her in the restaurant at UN Headquarters in New York. Pršut/Prosciutto Croats love pršut (prosciutto), and have cultivated two supreme varieties – Dalmatian and Istrian. Both varieties are dried in the Bura wind and aged for at least a year. Istrian pršut is brushed with laurel leaves, rosemary, pepper, and garlic, while Dalmatian pršut is coated with a blend of hard flour and lard, and then slowly cold smoked. With delicacies such as these you must definitely taste some top Croatian wines – Istrian Teran with Istrian pršut, and Dalmatian Plavac Mali with Dalmatian pršut. Maraska In Dalmatia, Zadar residents have been boasting for centuries how the sour cherries from their region – the famous Marasca – are the best sour cherries in the world. Modern scientists have corroborated the claim: the Marasca is superior to other varieties in terms of share of aromatic ingredients. The ultimate pleasure in this noble fruit is achieved through the following gastronomic ritual: using fresh Marasca sour cherries make a sorbet and drizzle with Marasca liqueur – the legendary Maraschino, a drink enjoyed by the royal family, and Alfred Hitchcock. This magnificent dessert is served in a room scented with Marasca perfume. These are but a few of the thousand faces of Croatian gastronomy. Every region in Croatia abounds in tastes and aromas that will take your breath away. So do not wait – start your gastronomic adventure across Croatia today! Whether you choose the mainland or the coast, your taste buds will not be deprived! #Food #Croatia #Top5list

So Many Festivals! Especially in the summer months, there is a festival every week. From classical concerts to open-air concerts, boat parties, beach parties, pool parties and all night parties, just pick it! Some of the most popular ones are: Ultra Europe Music Festival, Outlook Festival, Hideout Festival, Sonus Festival, Split Summer, just to name a few!. Food and Drink We really love our cuisine, and we are very proud of it. From black cuttlefish risotto to pašticada, delicious wines & beers, you name it. Don’t fall on tricks of most restaurants, and don’t eat pasta’s and pizza’s, try domestic food in local taverns. The Summer weather! Croatia is one of Europe’s sunniest spots. You can expect 12 hours of sunshine a day from May to August. Even at the end of the summer season, in October, average temperatures are 19C, and you can enjoy the sun and sea like in high season. Perfect beaches Croatia is all about pebbled beaches, kilometres long, lapped by crystal clear water. Stiniva Bay, Zlatni Rat, Spiaza, Nin, Bačvice, you name it.. they are the best known and they are listed in every travel brochure, so you better expect crowds if you head towards them, but if you try just a little bit harder, there are gorgeous hidden spots just a few steps away from the main attractions. Marco Polo was born here! In a secret island called Korčula, Marco Polo was born in 1254.! You can take the opportunity and explore its house. Also, the town has an impressive medieval old town, good wines and Moreška sword dance performances. Dolphins! Adriatic sea is well know as one of the safest ones, clearest and full of dolphins! And you know dolphins only swim in safe areas 🙂 You will almost for sure spot dolphins on one of our sailing days! #croatia

Croatian wines are one of the most exciting things about modern winemaking. Stemming from ancient times, at least 2500 years ago, they have developed their type and sort and adapted to the specific climate and soil from which they originated – all the way up to today. We bring you 4 interesting facts that will make you want to enjoy their taste and aroma right away. Croatia is one of the 5 best wine regions in the world Readers of USA TODAY have chosen Croatia as one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, surpassing even much more famous rivals such as Tuscany, Napa Valley, Oregon, or Bordeaux in the selection process. The priceless beauty of Croatian wine landscapes is one of the most important reasons to visit and enjoy our indigenous varieties. Anthony Bourdain declares Croatian wines as extraordinarily good During his last visit to Croatia, while filming his television series No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain, evidently pleased at the end of his tour of the country, stated in the legendary Bibich winery: “Why, oh why, is there so much amazing wine in this country?” Following an exhausting filming during which he visited most of the country, the famous chef and author of Kitchen Confidential, one of the best-selling culinary books, highlighted the fascinating high level of quality of Croatian wines and cuisine. The homeland of Zinfandel The variety that Americans call Zinfandel and the Italians Primitivo, is actually the Croatian variety Tribidrag, (aka Crljenak), as established by Professor Dr. Carole Meredith from the University of California Davis in a scientific paper published in 2002. After decades of searching for the identity of this exceptionally popular variety, Croatia is finally established as being its homeland, where it has been present as early as the 15th century, and is related to numerous other local varieties. The homeland of extreme vineyards Vineyards carrying the names Dingač, Ivan Dolac, and Bucavac with their extreme characteristics stand as a genuine natural monument to human toil, perseverance, and hard work. They are situated on inclines facing the sea that tilt up to a striking 44 degrees, as is the case with Ivan Dolac on the island of Hvar, which requires tremendous effort and can only be cultivated by hand. Even more impressive to see is the struggle for every handful of soil that strong winter winds and rain would wash out to the sea had the Bucavac vineyard in central Dalmatia not protected itself with stone walls that hold but a few vines each. #Food #drink #Croatia #wine #Top5list

What better way to escape the pressures of everyday life than a vacation on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, where everything is simple, providing the ultimate relaxing escape? Sunshine – check. Beaches – check. Some of the cleanest sea in the world – check. And food. The best for the last. The Chef Recommends Anthony Bourdain famously pronounced himself an idiot for not discovering Croatian cuisine sooner and delivering the magic of Croatia’s gourmet offer into living rooms all over the world. And one of the biggest secrets of this cuisine? Simplicity. Simple as that! The Changing Menu Freshness is another key factor in the changing seasonal menu , with its roots back in the harsh realities of life on the coast and islands. The family diet was totally dependent on what one could source locally. Peasant food, made at home based on grandma’s recipes that were passed on for generations. Perhaps your grandma was right; everything really used to be better! The Natural Influence The proximity of the sea was of course a major source of gastronomic treasures, and the fresh fish and abundant seafood remain one of the top attractions of a visit to the Croatian coast today. Other key ingredients, such as olive oil and wine, continue to be produced by almost all families for their home use. So wine-hopping around the neighborhood should definitely be on your to-do list. The Beloved Ingredients Come in spring, and you’ll see locals disappear into the wilds in search of wild asparagus, while in November you can find a sea of orange in the Neretva Valley, whose 1.4 million tangerine trees send quality fruit all over the world. Another key ingredient that makes up the Mediterranean diet includes the essential ‘blitva’ (chard), which combined with potatoes, garlic and olive oil, is one of the most popular side dishes. Meat lovers will be entranced by the sensational lamb on offer, usually prepared on the spit, then lightly flavored and served with a side dish and salad. Simply prepared, full of flavor. The Comeback of the Century Ancient recipes, which used to combine these ingredients to make popular peasant food, are today celebrated as gourmet wonders which contribute to the region’s culinary diversity. What a comeback! The Gourmet To-Do List Here are a couple of tips&tricks for foodies! Don’t miss out on soparnik (a tasty pie with chard) – the ultimate peasant food from the Poljicka Republic region and today protected as part of Croatian cultural heritage, Viška pogača – a pie from Vis, gregada – seafood heaven from Hvar, or vitalac,- lamb offal from Brač which is also protected as cultural heritage are just some of the unique Croatian offers which are a MUST. ​The Markets Catch Lemons from Vis, the Marasca cherries, Ljubotovica garlic, ubiquitous honey are some of the ingredients you should look for at the local markets. And let us not forget the flavors to be added by the wide range of herbs to be found in this natural paradise. Of course, you need to include some home-made rakija in your gourmet vacation. Cheers or as we Croats say: živjeli! In a fast-moving world, take some time to slow down the Croatian way. A healthy lifestyle at a relaxed pace, with local food and vibrant tastes, simply prepared #Food #Croatia #drink #Top5list

Although small in terms of surface area, Croatia abounds in rich culture heritage. This is substantiated by UNESCO’s World Heritage List with a registered 22 tangible and intangible goods in the Republic of Croatia. There is hardly a city or region where you will not encounter them. Find out if you are familiar with some of them already, and whether they are included on your list of things to see and try on your next trip to Croatia. Dubrovnik Dubrovnik’s fascinating medieval centre enclosed by perfectly preserved walls impressed the English poet Lord Byron so much that he called the city the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Dubrovnik leaves the same impression on its guests to this day. Its beauty even astounds Hollywood producers who chose the city as the location for filming Game of Thrones and Star Wars. Split The Roman emperor Diocletian founded the city of Split 1700 years ago as the ideal place to spend his retirement. The city’s residents today call it the “most beautiful city in the world”. Split boasts some fascinating achievements, for example, did you know that this is home to the largest number of Olympic and world medalists per capita? Licitar In the olden days, young men in central Croatia would express their affection and love to girls by giving them their heart – not only metaphorically, but an actual lovely sweet cake in the shape of a heart. The art of licitar-making is passed down from generation to generation, and the licitar has become one of the most recognised symbols of Croatian identity. Plitvice Another place in Croatia included on many “must see” lists are the Plitvice Lakes. The Plitvice Lakes are inscribed on UNESCO’s natural heritage list. Sixteen turquoise lakes surrounded by hundreds of white waterfalls that break through green treetops full of blue dragonflies will make you feel like you are in the middle of an enchanted garden. Bećarac The Bećarac is a vocal-instrumental musical piece popular in the region of Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem. It was sung mainly at weddings and other occasions when people would gather to celebrate. Two bećars (young bachelors, boys, jokers) compete in singing verses that are accompanied by tamburica players. The lyrics are often provocative, but in a funny way. They praise one’s own talents, beauty, and skills, and also sing of defiance, spite, and mocking one’s rivals. As we said, the bećarac is the forerunner of battle rap 🙂 There are 18 other tangible and intangible heritage items on UNESCO’s World Heritage List that you definitely must visit, experience, and try. The newest items on this prestigious list are stećci – monumental medieval tombstones, that can be found at two locations: Cista Velika and Konavle. Be among the first in the world to visit this unique artistic and cultural phenomenon in Croatia. #Croatia #history #Photography

Although you may be visiting Croatia for it's famous beaches, maybe you should stick around after your sail and discover the road less travelled with Croatia's adventure tourism options available. With a spectacular coastline and more than a thousand islands (including the sunniest in Europe - Hvar), it is not surprising that the majority of Croatian tourism is focused on the sun & sea. That dynamic is changing slightly, and despite little official promotion, the word is slowly getting out internationally on the tremendous unfulfilled potential Croatia has in the field of adventure and activity tourism. Depending on the region you chose, the choice of adventure trips is growing every year. Croatian tourism is no longer all about beaches and the Adriatic, adventure tourism is knocking on it's heels. Still in the shadow of beach, sea and sun as the main Croatian tourism products, active and adventure tourism is making Croatian tourism more sustainable and prolonging the tourist season year round. Globally, adventure tourism is perceived as the fastest growing segment, and many neighbouring countries, are embracing that fact, and they brand themselves as active and adventure destinations. Croatia tourism is mostly a seasonal business, although most of the activities have a year round perspective, particularly land based activities like cycling, hiking, rock climbing. Croatia could be one of the leading adventure destinations in the EU due to its favorable climate, preserved nature and amazing landscapes. Experience Croatia from a different perspective with these must-try adventure activities. Kayaking - This is a number one favorite. Be it for an afternoon, a day trip or multi-day tour, there are plenty of choices. With loads of national parks and rivers, along with sea kayaking, especially around the beautiful old town of Dubrovnik, you'll find something that suits your fitness level. Hiking – places like Krka NP, Plitvice Lakes, Biokovo are just some of amazingly stunning nature trails to put on your list in Croatia. If you prefer light hikes, than some island hopping and hikes on Brac, Hvar or Korcula island are great choice. Cycling – Plenty of cycling options are available. Specially self-guided tours in different regions like Istria and Dalmatia. One of our favorites is grabbing a bike on the island of Mljet and using it to explore the beautiful lake within the centre of the island. Bike tracks are set up well making it a very enjoyable ride to do while on your holiday. No need for any 'tour de france' style mountains here! Rafting - Take on the Cetina River in Omis and enjoy a mix of rapids and chill as you get to experience some time away from the Adriatic. With hidden caves and rock pools to explore, there's more to offer than just your normal rafting experience. This is a must for those wanting a bit more excitement from their sailing trip. Trail running – this is a new star in the Croatian adventure travel sky. No matter if you join an organized tour or decide to join one of the amazing events such as 100miles of Istria or Dalmatia Ultra trail you will enjoy every step of it. Different sceneries, variations of terrains, vistas on islands and Adriatic Sea make doing a trail an amazing experience. Sail & action programs – finally one of the concepts to combine force of the sailing and charter industry with adventure industry. Being on the mother-ship during the tour makes the island hopping and visiting different places so much more comfortable and than on each island you join different activities: cycling, hiking, sea kayaking. So you get best from both worlds. There are plenty of opportunities to get your adventure fix while on one of our tours this Summer, but why not add on an extra few days on each side of your tour and take on the likes of Plitvice Lakes or Krka NP to get that little bit more out of Croatia! #Dubrovnik #AdventureTravel #Omis #Rafting #PlitviceLakes

Forget Pirates of the Caribbean, we have real pirates here in Croatia! Yes, that's right REAL PIRATES Arrrgghhhh!! Before Disney gave us Captain Jack Sparrow, the seaside town of Omis along the Dalmatian coastline had their own squad of Buccaneers terrorising the seas. So here's the thing about the Pirates... At the peak of their power, Omis Pirates were one of the most powerful and fearsome pirates on the whole Mediterranean Sea. In the 12th and 13th century Omis was governed by the Dukes Kacic's, the leaders of the pirates of Omis. The Omis Dukes from the Kacic family: Malduk, Toljen, Pribislav, Osor were the masters of the Adriatic Sea, so mighty that the towns of Dubrovnik and Kotor were forced to make treaties with them on non-attacking, and in the 13th century even the almighty Venice appeared as a party in the pact with the Omis pirates making a commitment to pay tribute to ensure free sailing and trade. The pirates of Omis used to attack Pope's galleys and merchants of Venetia, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split. On few occasions they even attacked the crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. Omis Pirates ruled the Adriatic Sea for more then three centuries until in the year of 1420 the whole of Dalmatia, except Omis, fell under rule the of Venetian Republic, the most powerful naval force of those times. Surrounded by the enemy and left completely alone, the Pirates of Omis managed to defend themselves for 24 years!! In 1444, Omis fell into the hands of Venetia and that year marks the end of piracy on Adriatic Sea. Omis Pirates were extraordinary sailors and shipbuilders, famous for their Sagittas (the Arrow), a special type of ship constructed for fast attack and even faster retrieval into the safety of the mouth of the Cetina River. Due to its position and the bravery of its inhabitants, Omis was practically impregnable to all invaders. Even the Turks, who conquered all of the south-eastern Europe, and were stopped at the gates of Vienna, didn't manage to defeat Omis. Now the cool thing about all this is that every year the township of Omis go full Pirate and re-enact one of the huge battles on the sea that occurred in the 13th century. It's very much for the kids, but it's pretty impressive to see the effort such a small town puts in to show off their proud history. If you're lucky enough to catch the battle over the Summer, make sure you don the eye-patch, grab your sword and trusty parrot and get a good spot along the water to see the show as the town gets close to 10000 spectators for the event. Koda Sail visits the beautiful port town of Omis on the Dalmatian Voyager tour. Book your place now and get your Pirate costume ready!! Arrgghhhh! #pirates #culturalevents #croatia #Summer #Europe #Travel

Part 2 of Tianha's adventure to Croatia with Koda Sail As you may recall, my boyfriend and I were lucky enough to win a trip of a lifetime to Croatia with Koda Sail, but we had only 3 weeks to prepare! Packing our suitcases for the trip we were both nervous and unsure of what was to come. We had to buy a lot of Summer clothing last minute which was hectic because at the time Australia was in Winter so there weren't many choices. But, we managed to get everything we needed in the small time frame, including a quick passport renewal! The flight over we were both feeling eager, yet excited. We have both been on planes before but never have experienced a long haul flight like this with a stopover in-between. It was actually really hard to adjust to sitting down on a plane for that long, but we survived haha :) We arrived in Split a few days earlier just so we could explore this breathtaking city. While in Split we visited the famous Diocletians Palace and looked around all the markets inside the fortress stone walls. The beaches in Croatia were amazing as we were lucky to soak up some sun and visit few before the sail! The morning of the tour, you wouldn't believe it but it was pouring down with rain. It's like we never left Melbourne! But thankfully the weather did a complete reverse (just like Melbourne) and it was sunshine throughout the rest of the week. We were introduced to our guide Chris and immediately he made us feel welcome and comfortable aboard the boat. The Koda Sail local Croatian crew on board were also very friendly and helpful, making us feel welcomed and relaxed throughout the whole week. The team always had a smile on their face and made sure we were happy whether it be from the delicious food they were serving us or just having a general chat. The boat was amazing, it was so clean and spacious (opposed to those awful old wooden boats you see out here haha!). Our room was better than we expected as it was larger, clean and tidy. Having a en-suite and air-condition in the cabin was also a much needed plus. #Winning! All of the places and cities were incredible but the one that stood out to us the most was Dubrovnik. It was a city situated on the coast with massive stone walls and century old buildings. Literally felt like something out of a movie when we were walking in it and around it. A good activity we enjoyed was walking around the city walls, as it also provided us with a speculator view of the city and surrounding sea. The Buza Bar was something we've never seen before as it was on the edge of the city walls on some rocks. Was one of the best days, just relaxing having a drink then being able to walk a few metres and jump into the ocean! The nightclub Revelin inside the city walls was also fun to visit as we had a blast dancing and hanging out with our new sailing friends. Another favourite place of ours that we thought was totally underrated would have been Mljet National Park. We spent the day on the island riding around the beautiful lakes and forests and enjoying a swim. It truly was amazing, we had the best day there! The final night and goodbye dinner was nice to relax and chat with all of our new friends while watching the sunset. Everyone was so lovely on the tour and we're happy to say we made many lifetime friendships from all over the world this week! Few days after arriving back in Melbourne and reality sunk in... We definitely miss the sunshine and the fun times we had with Koda Sail. How can you beat relaxing on the boat with no worries in the world, instead of waking up for up for work, we were waking up to a beautiful sunrise with a full day of chill ahead of us. Of course we recommend Koda Sail to anyone wanting to see the beautiful Dalmatian coastline of Croatia. Chris was such an amazing guide/host and he made the entire trip so very memorable with his knowledge and unique character! Thank you to Koda Sail, Rock Steady Entertainment & CIROQ nightclub for this once in a lifetime trip! It was like a dream come true and something we will remember and cherish for the rest of our lives! --- It was a pleasure to work with the team at Rock Steady Entertainment to put on this once in a lifetime competition and host the winners Tianha & Rafi. It was great to be able to spread the love of travel and show everyone what Koda Sail is all about. Want to join us in 2018, make sure you're on our subscriber list to be the first to get the Early-Bird deals and #GETONBOARD. Stay tuned for something even bigger with the Rock Steady Crew...It's going to be BIG! #GuestBlogger #Competition #Croatia #Dubrovnik #Friends

A year ago I saw a Facebook post to enter a competition to win a trip to Europe. You know the competitions. The ones where all you need to do is Like the page and Tag a friend. Seemed easy enough, but really, what were my chances of winning? So I entered the competition, and I joked around that if I won I wouldn't take my boyfriend. He laughed it off thinking I had no chance of winning anyway so he thought nothing of it. A few weeks passed and I got a text message from CQ (the club running the promo) saying I had been shortlisted for the competition and to come to the final draw being held live. Still, what were the chances of me winning? It was a good enough reason to come on the night, so my friends and I got ready and hit CQ like it was just any other Friday night. From 11 to 1 we were on the dance floor as usual, completely oblivious to what was about to unfold. The music stopped and they were going to announce the winner, it was so loud and everyone was excited for what was about to come next. There were a LOT of people there, was I actually a chance of winning...? I held my friends hands, closed my eyes and did a little chant inside my head "Please please please!!". Then what happened next was a blur. "...and the winner is...Tianha Haddon" When I heard my name I was in shock, I didn't know what was going on. I was literally standing still as my friends were jumping up and down screaming in delirium. The next 2 hours were a complete blur, from standing up on stage in a state of shock, to taking photos with my crazy big winning cheque, to celebrating with a round of shots with my friends. I woke up my parents with a phone call at 2am, screaming and yelling into the phone. They probably thought I was just joking around or most likely drunk haha! We headed back to a friends house to continue celebrating what was easily the craziest night of my life. The next morning I wake up and the realisation of what happened last night had sunk in. I'M GOING TO EUROPE!!! Then another wave of realisation came over me... I HAVE 3 WEEKS TO PREPARE TO GO TO EUROPE!!! The lead up to the trip was anything but easy. This was our first real big trip, travelling by ourselves overseas. We were so excited to travel to Croatia, but the reality is there's also a lot preparation to do. Most people plan this for a few months, but I only just found out I was heading to a European Summer in less than 3 weeks. So much shopping to do and Summer purchases to be made. Melbourne's weather was a gloomy Winter, so we couldn't wait to get to Europe and experience the sunshine and warmth of a European Summer. Croatia looks so beautiful. Couldn't imagine anything better. ---- Stay tuned for how it all unfolded for Tianha and her boyfriend Rafi as they embarked on the trip of a life time. Part 2 coming soon #croatia #Summer #nightlife #Europe #DalmatianVoyager

Heard about Croatia lately? This small Mediterranean country has been drawing a lot of attention recently with all the articles , photos and videos going around…There are more and more tourists, especially nautical tourists heading down to visit this little gem each summer. There's something about Croatia that draws enough travellers to the sea, making it one of the top sailing destinations in the world! So… what’s with all the fuss? Most importantly, why are so many of you choosing small Croatia instead of the better known, tourism giants such as Greece, Italy, or Spain? Well, perhaps it’s best to answer that question with a list (the internet just love lists!), so here are our top 5 reasons why Croatia is the best sailing destination in Europe! 1. The magical Adriatic sea Croatia is home to a better part of the Adriatic Sea, a beautiful bay of the great Mediterranean. The Adriatic is a fairly shallow sea, with depths rarely reaching over 50 meters. However it’s not the depth or the size that makes Adriatic so great, it’s the clarity. The water is so clear you can see the sea floor at 5, 10, even 15 meters depending on where you are. It's a warm sea that reaches 25+ °C in the summer, making it perfect for a swim, even in the deeper regions. Best of all, NO SHARKS, NO DANGEROUS JELLYFISH or any “predators” you should be scared of, so a perfectly safe swim anytime! 2. 1000+ islands to explore Croatia is also home to more than a 1000 islands! Imagine that, 1000 islands to explore… Surprisingly, there are only 69 inhabited islands which shows just how untouched Croatia really is. The most popular islands for sailing are the Central Dalmatian islands (Hvar, Brac, Vis, Korcula) in the south, and the amazingly beautiful Kornati archipelago just a bit more north. And the best thing is, Koda Sail visits most of these destinations, letting you explore the best the Dalmatian coast has to offer. 3. Beautiful beaches There is a great number of beautiful beaches in Croatia, but most aren’t like the mile long sandy beaches packed with people that you are used to seeing. Croatia is home to a a lot of small pebble beaches. Some of them large and popular, like the Golden Cape located in Bol (Brac Island), while others are small and secluded like Stiniva (Vis island). The latter, Stiniva is a majestic beach surrounded by high rocks, and crystal clear sea. Small Stiniva was awarded “the best beach in Europe” last season! With so many beautiful beaches in Croatia, some are hidden away in secluded bays, only accessible by boat. Leave it to our trusty Captain's to find us some gems along the way. 4. The nightlife Let’s put it like this, if you like to party then come to Croatia! Like most summer destinations Croatia offers a good time for everybody. However it’s taken the nightlife just a step higher than most and here’s how. There are a number of music festivals held in Croatia, but the best of all is the Ultra Music, held annually in Split and Hvar. ULTRA is a “party giant” held only in a few select places in the world, like Miami, Tokyo, and Split. There, you can dance to the sounds of the world’s best DJ’s and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You can also try one of the many clubs. Our favourites include Deep in Makarska which is literally a cave on the beach and Revelin in Dubrovnik located INSIDE the 700 year old fortress walls of the city. Insane! 5. Amazing culture and food Much like Italy and Greece, Croatia has one of the oldest european cultures. As most Mediterranean cultures it was heavily influenced by both the Greeks, and the Romans. That’s why you can find amazing architecture everywhere, such as ancient arenas, palaces, and remains of old cities. You can visit some of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe, spend hours in museums and tours exploring Croatia’s history. All with the Croatian (Slavic) culture added to the mix. That “mix” it what makes Croatia so special and unique. That’s also why the food is so great. Think about Mediteranean cuisine you’re used to finding in Italy with a continental twist. So gooooood! We could go on for days about how awesome Croatia is, but those top 5 are enough to show you how much Croatia has to offer. So if you want a cool sailing holiday, enjoy eating good food, discovering new places, meeting good people, and wish for just enough sun, sail and sea, look no further than the always beautiful Croatia! #GETONBOARD with us this Summer with our 7 night Dalmatian Voyager or if you're after that quick escape then be quick to get on our 4 night Adriatic Escape. Spots are limited so contact us today secure your spot. See you on the seas! #Top5list #Bestbeaches #nightlife #Croatia #AdriaticEscape #DalmatianVoyager