Tuesday, 21 September 2021 08:51
Grape harvesting in Peljesac and Konavle
If there is a part of Croatia that can be considered a wine heaven, it is definitely the Peljesac paeninsula.Azure sea, not a too hot climate, and tons of sun provide everything that you need, to have a perfect glass of wine. There, one thing holds a rather privileged status. A drink that is at the same time healthy, if used in moderation and an accessory to your dinner, especially to a dinner out. The drink of the gods.... Martin Luther once said: "Beer is made by men, wine by God!" Grape harvesting in Croatia usually starts early September and lasts till late October. There is no time at a vineyard or a winery like harvest time! Every single part of the organization is engaged - winemakers checking the sugar levels in the grapes, people picking them, the cellars with tanks are cleaned... harvest time is not just a hard day's work but it is a fun time, too. Usually, everyone in the family, after finishing harvesting, get together for a quick breakfast or lunch, with tea, coffee, homemade pastries, cheese, prosciutto, or some other food, home prepared - it is not about the food at all, but it is about gathering together around the food to catch up and take a break, and finally sharing this food among all workers. The picturesque and beautiful Peljesac paeninsula will easily shock you with its wine quality. Pelješac is one of the largest Croatian vineyards where Plavac mali reigns, it is these slopes, 25% steep, on which vineyards are grown and some genuinely spectacular wines are made. Vineyards cover large tracts of the Peljesac peninsula, starting in Ston and stretching northwest to the outskirts of Orebic. Vineyards are spread down the steep slopes of the paeninsula. With its long winemaking tradition and plenty of unique grape varieties, it will provide you with a unique wine tasting experience. Let’s get a bit deeper into the issue of the best Pelješac wines. There is plenty to choose from: white Rukatac grape, cultivated with moderately successful results, Plavac Mali, the absolute king of Dalmatian red wines, for which the peninsula is famous, Dingac and Postup are appelations in this area - with over 250 wineries on Peljesac, it is pretty obvious how much wine is important to the people that live here. Visitors can tour some of these cellars and taste some of the best Croatian wines on our scheduled tours to Korcula island, which include stops in Pelješac for wine tasting in one of the famous local wine cellars. Red, white, dry-there are plenty of options in Peljesac, whatever you fancy... Another wine lover's heaven is the fertile Konavle valley, the place for excellent wines in Croatia. Apart from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, internationally recognized grapes, some native grapes are cultivated: Plavac mali, Kadarun, Dalmatinka... Among them all, Dubrovnik Malvasija takes a very special place. Being a rather sweet grape, it is also used in production of the famous Prosek, sweet desert wine, produced exactly here in Konavle valley. If travelling through Croatia, make sure to include Konavle and Peljesac in your travel paths and taste some of the excellent wines produced there.
Tuesday, 14 September 2021 10:20
Čilipi folklore tour
Čilipi, this small picturesque place on the far southeast of Croatia, only 20 kilometres from Dubrovnik, is a true treasure of traditional beauties.Scattered on the hills, surrounded by the dense cypresses and pine trees, this is the place that is a must-see for any tourist visiting the south od Croatia. This small place is among the very rare places in Croatia still preserving the traditional values of the area, reflected in the local cultural heritage, elegant national costumes and silk embroideries. Its traditions and customs are passed down through generations. Sunday Fair in Čilipi will give you the opportunity to buy hand made souvenirs and embroideries, attend the Holy Mass at St. Nicholas’ church, visit the Konavle Ethnographic museum and enjoy the folklore performance. For decades, from May to October the folklore dances have been held in Čilipi to entertain the tourists from all over the world and the locals, too. Through songs and dances given by the local folklore group, one gets to know a piece of the tradition of this area. Enjoy some of the most popular dances of this region - the oldest one, POTKOLO, or ČIČAK in which the female dancers are "stolen" from their dance partners by the male dancers. The show will also present a piece of the traditional wedding as it was held in every family in Konavle over 50 years ago, where bride and groom celebrate their "I do" for the wholy matrimony, and the host, dressed in the national folklore costume, will drink to their health and propose a toast, by reciting a part of it. The toast expresses the faith in Our Father and a hope that this new married couple will be blessed in happiness and peace. Be sure to make it through the end, as at the end of this 45 minute show, there will be a special dance held - LINĐO, interesting for the use of the musical instrument lijerica, that is very different from other instruments of the area, by its look and sound. The local vocal group will introduce you to the customs of this area. We are sure you will fall in love with this small place and all it has to offer. Do not miss to visit the Konavle Ethnographic museum founded in 1974, now arranged like a typical Konavle house, rich in exhibits of the Konavle folklore costumes and famous silk embroidery. To offer you additional values, enjoy the visit of the local cellars and taste TRAVARICA (strong herbs brandy) and PROŠEK (mild sweet brandy). Amazing opportunity to learn about the local customs through songs and dances, enjoy the local authentic souvenirs and learn all about the tradition and folklore!
Tuesday, 17 August 2021 12:46
Peljesac bridge - promised-done-Croatia is one again!
What always seemed impossible and unattainable, is now a reality. The last segment of the Peljesac bridge was laid on July 28, thus making the bridge, linking Croatia’s Peljesac peninsula with the rest of the country, fully joined together with the installation of the last, 165th segment of its steel span. Croatian dream of becoming one has now finally become true! As of this date, the Croatian territory reconnects with Dubrovnik via the Peljesac bridge. No longer the small place of Neum will be the way to Dubrovnik. The last segment of the steel span structure of the Pelješac Bridge has now been installed, which will connect the mainland of the Peljesac peninsula, Komarna place, with Brijesta on the same peninsula.This project was neither easy nor without obstacles.“The decades-long dream of connecting Croatia” was an old promise of the former Croatian governments. The current government pointed out that the European Commission had ordered a preliminary feasibility study back in 2013, “which showed that the Peljesac Bridge was the best solution for joining Croatia’s south with the rest of the country”. The Peljesac bridge project started on several occasions, but was called off several times, for various reasons, until April 2018 when the contract worth half a billion Euros was signed to build the bridge with a Chinese company. Some political tensions and doubts arose not only about its completion but about its development itself.The contract entrusts the construction to the Chinese consortium China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), one of the globally largest and most experienced in such works. This was also the first such project of a Chinese company in the European Union. It is obvious that this project will mean so much for the Croatian economy too, because its construction would not only establish a stable road connection between all parts of the Croatian territory,but would connect Croatia to the south of Europe, mostly Greece and help attract more tourists from those areas. The Dubrovnik-Neretva County would connect with the rest of the Croatian territory, which will contribute significantly to the development of Dubrovnik, the peninsula of Pelješac and the whole of the southernmost Croatian counties.Apart from infrastructure projects, co-operation with China is also an opportunity for domestic companies or exporters. In recent years the Croatian Exporters Association has warned at several conferences that Croatian companies have to look for opportunities to cooperate with China and South Korea.The whole Croatia and its inhabitants have hoped for this moment for so long, since Dubrovnik was cut off from the rest of the country, by having its position on the far southeast of the country which was always a burden, making Dubrovnik so far away from all major cities of Croatia. Although the bridge will open fully for the vehicles next year, this connection of its construction will have a major impact on this area. Dubrovnik will now become easily reachable for all, especially for tourists coming by car, which Dubrovnik has been trying to attract for so long. Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic" (according to Lord Byron) is a place of jaw-dropping beauty making it Croatia's top sight and a prime resort destination, mostly for air travellers,:British,German, French tourists in the greatest part. Although air travel is of the greatest importance and without it Dubrovnik would be just…
Friday, 06 August 2021 12:49
Dubrovnik airport welcomes the return of tourists in Summer 2021
You will agree the year 2020 was one of the toughest ever, with Corona outbreak in all the countries of the world. Although it sometimes seems it is never going to end and we are not likely to go back to normal ever again, still, the 2021 Summer is a much better tourist season than the 2020 one, in many aspects. Since March 2020, The Coronavirus pandemic has frozen all travel, affecting tourism industry so much more than any other industry.The Coronavirus outbreak has caused a devastating situation to the air traffic, especially to Dubrovnik airport which has been attracting a large number of tourists every year. Dubrovnik is a fantastic place to visit,and a must-see for a true traveller, yet, so far away from major tourist destinations, as it is best reachable by air travel. Its position on the far South East of Croatia makes it a distant destination for car travellers. Whilst Istria and continental Croatia show increase in figures, Dubrovnik has suffered heavily, especially for the fact that travellers by car find Dubrovnik very far, and rather choose going to the northern parts of Croatia which can be easily reached by car.With more and more tourists being vaccinated, we now face the increase in figures - as per the latest data from the e-visitor there are currently 1 250 000 tourists in Croatia, which still is less than we had 2019 on the record day, but is siginificantly more than 2020.Dubrovnik airport records much more arrivals in August than in the same period last year. The sky above Dubrovnik is again busy and it is very uplifting to see so many tourists coming back to Dubrovnik. Although most tourists go to Istria, Kvarner and Split County, Dubrovnik county got very busy in the last 15-20 days and you can feel the spirit of the old touristic times again. Keep up Dubrovnik!
Friday, 30 July 2021 09:46
Big news in the car industry - new venture: Rimac and Bugatti join forces
July 2021 Rimac Automobili revealed spectacular news from the Lovrijenac fortress in DubrovnikRimac group announced a major achievement in its history: it has combined forces with the iconic automotive brand, Bugatti Automobiles, thus making Bugatti being bought by the Rimac Group. This spectacular news was announced in Dubrovnik, Croatia, by the Croatia's youngest entrepreneur - 33 years old Mate Rimac, owner of one of the world's best electric cars companies. This young designer, innovator and pioneer of electric hypercars, now finds himself leading the new Bugatti-Rimac joint venture, aling with Porsche.New joint venture has been created to represent a new powerhouse. It is not a surprise that most people have not heard of this Croatian low profile company. But if you are into cars, you will know the Rimac Group is a technology powerhouse, manufacturing electric hypercars, hugely respected for its electric vehicle technology, providing vehicle components and full technology solutions to major global automobile manufacturers. Only 10 years ago, Rimac Automobili started business as a one-man garage start-up. They had 8 employees only,10 years ago, and now have over 1000 employees and are specialized exclusively in electric performance.This Croatian brand has proven to be able to keep up with the world's most iconic car brands, and not just that, but has proven to be the innovator setting the technological standards for others as well. Rimac's prime strength and technology is best demonstrated by the Concept One and Nevera hypercars. Nevera car, with its exceptional speed and power, was born to outperform. Fully designed and engineered in Croatia, like a mighty and sudden storm from which it derives its name, Nevera is a force like no other. Rimac Automobili have already collaborated and initiated lost of projects with lots of manufacturers,in which he developed electric traction systems, to name just a few: Aston Martin, Ferrari, Jaguar,Porsche, Cupra and many others.Bugatti has now become a part of the new joint venture between Rimac and Porsche, named "Bugatti Rimac ".With Rimac holding 55 per cent of the share, and Porsche controlling the other 45 per cent, under this new corporate structure Porsche will effectively take over all Bugatti responsibilities. The company will continue to be based in Sveta Nedelja, a small town outside the capital Zagreb."Porsche, Bugatti and Rimac are a perfect match,' Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told just before the official announcement. 'The Croatians are fast movers in terms of battery and software development, low-volume high-end products, prototyping, and forward thinking as far as the zero emission big picture is concerned. Lutz Meschke, Porsche’s vice president and chief financial officer,also arrived at Dubrovnik event, pointing out it was not always easy to go with merging, but both companies will profit so much more, especially Bugatti customers. "Never change,”, he told Rimac, “it’s always fun to work with you.”"What a ride this was”, Rimac said, probably thinking if someone had told him twelve years ago that this joint venture would happen 12 years after, he would have not believed it.“I have always wanted to do this in Croatia and I have proven that it can be done here. As the old saying goes, everything will be impossible to do until you do it and make it possible" , Rimac concludedhe old saying goes, anything will go impossible until it is done", Rimac…
Friday, 14 May 2021 09:40
Zadar welcomes UNESCO
Did you know that in 2017 Croatia became richer for another UNESCO-protected heritage site - the city walls of Zadar? And this is how Zadar joined the prestigious list of world’s heritage...The period between the 16th and the 17th centuries was marked by frequent raids of Turkish conquerors into the hinterland of Zadar, who soon threatened the city itself. In those times life withdrew within the limits of the city's fortifications. Advances in warfare and the strong artillery demanded a thorough reconstruction of the city walls. So, the first half of the 16th century saw the beginning of a new system of forts and ramparts which changed the outlook of the city. Whole groups of houses, even some great and rich churches, were pulled down to make space for powerful pentagonal forts. In the course of forty years the Venetians had built such a system of forts, walls with pentagonal bastions, moats filled with seawater and new large public cisterns that Zadar became the strongest city fort in the whole Venetian Republic, protecting not only the Venetian possessions in Dalmatia, but also the approaches to Venice itself. All of these now fall under UNESCO protection.In case you wonder why the Venetians did all this, here is why: during the first half of the 15th century, the Venetian power spread to all Dalmatia, except for the Republic of Dubrovnik. At the time, Zadar was the capital of Dalmatia. As the most important city on the eastern Adriatic coast, it became the centre of Venetian administration in Dalmatia and later the seat of the Venetian governor. Zadar was also the main port as well as the largest Venetian military outpost on the eastern Adriatic coast.However, in the second half of the 19th century Zadar lost its status as a fortress, which was soon reflected in its urban development. Pulling down the city walls and bastions on the northern side as well as the removal of the southwestern wall opened up new perspectives – the construction of a modern pier for the fast passenger ships and a splendid long city promenade which was eventually lined with a row of beautiful modern buildings.The surviving fortifications were in 2017 inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Together with several other military masterpieces of the epoch, the city walls of Zadar were grouped under the title ''Venetian Works of Defence between 16th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar''. Now when you know all about it, all you need to do is come and enjoy the walk along the Zadar city walls. Welcome!
Friday, 07 May 2021 11:47
Badija Island
Badija, a small island in the Korcula archipelago, is about 15 minutes away by taxi boat from Korcula harbour.The island welcomes you with beautiful turquoise sea, rocky and sandy beaches and thick pine and oak woods that cover almost the entire surface of Badija. There is a gravel path that takes you all around the island and offers a spectacular view of Peljesac and other Islands in Korcula archipelago.The most dominant feature of the Island is a Franciscan Monastery which dates in the late 14th century. Although the Franciscans maintained a presence on the island for centuries, the land was seized by Tito's government after WWII and the island and its monastery were used as a sports centre. In 2003 the Monastery was returned to its owners. Since then it has been fully renovated and hosts various religious and art events over the summer.Badija is also known for its special inhabitants – fallow deer! They have been there for a while and are fully tame and accustomed to people. They will come to you and eat fruits or biscuits out of your hand. It is definitely a place worth visiting if you want to spend a fun day with kids, or just enjoy sea and beautiful nature in silence.
Thursday, 22 April 2021 16:53
Earth day
Since 1970, 22nd of April is celebrated as the Earth Day. More than a bilion people will participate in numerous activities around the world and this year's theme is: Restore our Earth!In the second year of the struggle with coronavirus and facing „new normal“ way of live we are asking ourselves how to restore the planet and how to help our Earth breath normally again?It is a global challenge with many answers. Each of us can do something, small moves that all together will make a change the Earth needs, like reducing plastic use or plant a tree, reduce waste or switch the households to a renewable energy source.It is our collective responsibility to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity.As a proud holder of Travelife certificate and Safe Travels stamp, Elite Travel will influence other partners and our service providers to do the same, all with the aim of creating a safe environment for living and traveling and to restore our Earth.
Monday, 22 March 2021 13:25
Sokol Tower
This unique fortress is situated in Konavle region - the southernmost part of Croatia. It is perched on a 25 meters high cliff and its shape is well adapted to the environment. Limestone used for its construction comes from the area and its grey color blends in with the color of the mountains and stones around it. The view from the top is magnificent and allows you to see the entire Konavle valley below. At this strategically important point the Illyrians, the Greeks and the Romans had their strongholds. The last research undertaken during the reconstruction of the Sokol tower, before it reopened for visitors in 2013, shows that this area has been settled rather early and many artifacts displayed in the Sokol tower today speak of its rich history. However, the Sokol tower started obtaining its today’s appearance in time of the Republic of Dubrovnik when the whole Konavle area came under their power in the 15th century. The Sokol Tower was situated at the border with the Ottoman Empire, so it was essential to pay a lot of attention to its maintenance, weapons, crew and the castellan who came from the ranks of Dubrovnik nobility and who was named for a period of six months. Sokol tower had a defensive purpose, so a weapons arsenal, emergency supplies of grain and wine and two cisterns were ensuring the survival of soldiers and the castellan in case of siege. There are a couple of separate buildings that make this impressive fortress interesting for visitors. The castellan was responsible for the keys and supplies hence he was not allowed to leave the Sokol Tower. Two servants were catering to his needs and 10 to 17 men lived inside the Sokol tower. If needed inhabitants from the neighboring villages used the Sokol tower as their place of refuge. After 1667 earthquake the fortress started decaying. Its stone was used for the construction of other buildings. Since the Association of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities took over the restoration and the reconstruction of the Sokol tower a lot of time and funds were needed in order to give it back its stunning appearance. Do not miss to visit if you are in the area.
Thursday, 11 February 2021 09:22
Safe travels certificate
Elite Travel DMC is the first Croatian travel agency with a Safe travels certificate - world's first global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel & Tourism, designed to address pandemic outbreaks The global coronavirus pandemic that has been affecting the planet for almost a year has greatly changed the way we think about travel. In order to change the situation and return to normal, a number of standards and protocols are being introduced for the optimal recovery period that awaits us. Travelife, an initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within the travel and tourism industry and WTTC, The World Travel & Tourism Council have partnered in creating Safe travels stamp, world's first global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel & Tourism, designed specifically to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks. The specially designed stamp will allow travelers to recognize governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’. This significant move by the WTTC, which represents the global private travel and tourism sector, has also received support from the influential United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). As a country whose economy is highly dependent on travel and travelers, it is necessary to accept the Safe travels protocol as soon as possible and include as many legal entities related to tourism as possible, as this is one of the keys to a quick and quality recovery of the Croatian tourism sector. Elite Travel, based in Dubrovnik, as one of the leading Destination Management Companies in Croatia with a 20 years long tradition of operations, recognized the trend and became the first in Croatia to meet the high criteria and standards set by this new certificate. The logo is awarded by the WTTC in collaboration with the Travelife certificate that we, at Elite Travel already proudly hold. By adapting our business, we will influence other partners and our service providers to do the same, all with the aim of creating a safe environment for living and traveling. We have learned from past crises that global standard protocols and consistency provide confidence to passengers. This new global security brand is designed to help restore consumer confidence around the world.
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Tuesday, 09 February 2021 08:42
Dubrovnik open air cinemas
Scene that is still to be uncovered by outsiders has huge print of local tradition and authenticity of Dubrovnik life during the second part of the 20th century. The key stones of that scene are Jadran and Slavica cinema. These two original and unique places are live only during summer. The movie program is not the reason of their attraction, it is their location.Jadran is located within Dubrovnik city walls in medieval surroundings of city`s houses, where during a movie, it is not strange to hear someone flushing the toilet, because people who live around cinema can watch a movie from their living rooms.Slavica is located close to the sea, its south entrance is a 5 minute walk from Dubrovnik Old Town, the audience area is surrounded by pine trees and there are always some extra personnel watching you from beyond. Sometimes squirrels add their contribution to the movie with a sound of a falling pinecone as extra surround effect.Slow down, schedule at least one part of your stay, experience different pace and turn back to local time.All movies are shown in their original language with Croatian subtitles.
Wednesday, 27 January 2021 11:48
Žarkovica animal shelter
Dubrovnik and it's historical sights will impres you but if you are animal lovers, there is a one special place, and on TripAdvisor #4 on the list what to do in Dubrovnik - Žarkovica animal shelter. Located on the hill above Dubrovnik with perfect panoramic view of the Old Town this open air dog shelter gathers animal lovers from all over the world. This place without electricity or running water is a home for around 300 dogs. Shelter was built by volunteers dedicated in their mission to save the dogs and give them a second chance for better life. Over the years many dogs left the shelter with their new families and found homes not only in Croatia but all over the world. If you are animal lover you will fall in love with this place on, someone of the furry crowd will take your hart and you will plan your way back. Many visitors became adopters and volunteers, became part of Žarkovica Family and they are coming back every year to give their time and love and take home small piece of that unbreakable Žarkovica spirit.
Monday, 18 January 2021 11:04
Hiking and legends
The special forest vegetation reserve Kočje in Žrnovo, on the island of Korčula has always been associated with thoughtful stories about forest fairies. Anyone who enters Kočje feels something special and whoever has stayed in Kočje can confirm that there is some supernatural energy that cannot be felt anywhere else. The legend goes something like this. Mikuleto spent most of his time, instead of at work, in Kočje. It was not clear to anyone why, but no one knew that forest fairies were appearing to him. He would play the flute for them, and they would dance. Intoxicated by their company, Mikuleto would return home with unfinished business, and soon his wife's interrogations and resentments began, she was interested in where he was and what was he doing all day. Next day Mikuleto complained to the fairies that his wife no longer allowed him to come to Kočje, so the fairies decided to reward him. They gave him a bag, full and heavy, with a warning not to open it by any chance before he crossed the threshold of his house. Mikuleto was too "curious" and halfway through he shook the bag in which he found only "fire", that is, coal. At home, he confessed the whole story to his wife, and she found a few gold coins in the bottom of the bag. She chased him back to pick up the coal, but there was nothing left on the way. For many years after Mikuleto stopped by Kočje daily and called his forest fairies, but they never appeared to him again. Mikuleto never got a second chance…. And now dear traveller you have the chance to come and visit the island of Korčula, if you love hiking in nature and legends, who knows, may be the fairies will contact you!
Monday, 14 December 2020 12:14
Red coral from the Adriatic
Although some people think that coral is a plant - it is actually an animal that lives in the world seas. It can be of different colours and its potential lifespan is five hundred years. What divers can see is a colony of animals in deep waters. They are passive filter feeders. Corals reproduce between spring and summer and their speed of growth depends on their location and food supply but it is always slow. The jewellery making industry utilizes the skeletons of dead corals. Their colour, porosity, hardness and luster determines if they are estimated as precious or semi-precious. There are about 6000 known species of coral in the world.Red coral is the most valuable of all the corals and the one from the Mediterranean (including the Adriatic Sea one) called Corallium rubrum is highly estimated. It grows on rocky sea bottom, with low sedimentation, typically in dark environments and in clean waters. Unfortunately, it risks to get depleted over time. Greek legend says that red coral owes its existence to the blood gushed from the head of Medusa. In Christianity it symbolizes the blood of Christ. Red coral has been attributed magical powers and healing properties. It has been seen as a protection against the evil. Pregnant women trusted that the red coral can protect their unborn child. As child mortality rate was rather high in the past very often children were protected with the help of red coral. Some believed that red coral could heal anemia, blood diseases, infections and infertility. Red coral was an important trading good in times of the Republic of Dubrovnik. However, the island of Zlarin in Šibenik area was always well known for the its red corals and coral divers. The first records of such activity there date from the 13th century. The know-how was carried over from father to son and the tool used was “St Andrew’s Cross” facilitating them the task. Ladies would see the off and a priest would bless their endeavour. In 2010 the Croatian Tourist Board proclaimed the Adriatic red coral on stone the best souvenir of the year. If you would like to treat yourself, or your dear ones, you can buy a piece of red coral jewellery in good jewellery shops in Croatia or see the workshops in Dubrovnik or on the island of Zlarin.
