Moravia, Czech Republic

Before we moved to the Czech Republic, I assumed it was all about the beer. Bohemia, the region of the country that holds Prague, the Czech Republic’s most famous city, is certainly all about that beer, so it makes sense that many a tourist doesn’t know much about Czech wine. Or that even such a thing exists, as I mentioned above!

Well, I’m here to tell you, Czech wine certainly shouldn’t be forgotten when visiting the country. Even better, if you have the time, a visit to Mikulov, the capital of Moravia, the primary Czech wine region, is delightful. If you go in the autumn, make sure to try some burčak, Czech “young wine” that is delicious and deceivingly strong.

Eger, Hungary

Eger is a must for any wine-lover when visiting Hungary. Only about two hours away from Budapest via train, Eger has a wine valley, known in English as the “Valley of Beautiful Women.” We visited Eger a few times because the valley has over a dozen little family wineries built into the hillside. So, you walk around, hopping from wine cellar to wine cellar and tasting some of the most delicious wine I’ve ever had–at insane prices. Wine tasting in Eger is one of my favorite experiences in all of Europe!

Tokaj, Hungary

Excuse me for the bit of last-place-I-lived favoritism, but the wine in Hungary is just that amazing! While Eger wins my favorite thanks to its red bulls-blood and I am all about the reds, Tokaj produces the best dessert wine around. The Tokaj region also happens to be on Lake Balaton, the largest inland lake in Europe and a gorgeous little spot! I mostly drank Tokaj in Budapest but the region itself is worth a visit.

Santorini, Greece

The wind is so strong in Santorini that they have different ways of growing the vines, which looks weird but helps produce amazing grapes, helped along by the famously volcanic soil. Like all of the other produce we tried on the island, the grapes are slightly sweeter. Make sure to get the local moussaka with your glass of wine, as well–Santorini eggplant is the best in the world, I’m telling ya!

Central & South Dalmatia, Croatia

Croatia is full of great wine regions, or so I’ve heard, but the only one I’ve personally experienced is in the south, on the islands of Korčula and Hvar. We tried so many bottles of wine on Korčula our host asked if we were having a party! Cue shame face…

Brda Region, Slovenia

We were privileged enough to tour the Brda region in Slovenia with Slocally after a night in their Herbal Rooms Homestay. It was bliss! We visited small, family run wineries and tried the new “hipster” wine–an orange wine! We wandered among the many colorful, autumn-themed vineyards. It was a foggy day but that just added to the atmosphere. The region is also full of cute little towns, like Šmartno, and well-worth a visit. This region is on the border of Slovenia and Italy, so it feels sort of like a mini-Tuscany, but with its own Slovene flavor.

Pelagonia-Polog, Macedonia

We didn’t tour this region of Macedonia while there (partly because I was pregnant at the time) but were able to taste several wines from this region. I knew nothing about Macedonia or its wine before we went, and I was pleasantly surprised!

Do you have some favorite off-the-beaten path wine regions? Share in the comments! 

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Well, Hvar is one of those places, even though it happened almost two years ago!

I had so many friends rave about Korčula that I expected it to be my favorite spot of our Croatia trip–and definitely my favorite island in Croatia (although there are hundreds I need to go to, just to be sure).

However, I loved our time on Hvar even more–but I’m not sure how much that had to do with the island itself, or if it was just my own experience.

We stayed in an amazing (and sadly now unavailable) Airbnb in Brusje, a small village in the middle of the island. During our four days in Brusje, we found hidden coves to swim in, bought lavender, olive oil, and limoncello from various stands, wandered the back streets of Stari Grad, avoided any place that had WiFi, and had the best fish of our lives, cooked for us on a traditional grill on our porch by our host.

Now that I’ve talked it up, of course I’ll share a few pictures with you…not that I took that many! Although it was gorgeous, I was too obsessed with being on vacation to even think about photos. Now that’s what I call unplugging.

HVAR TOWN

First of all, Hvar Town is known as a play land of the rich and famous. Celebrities often dock their massive yachts there, and we definitely saw our fair share of those. The town itself is full of fancy shops and glittery hotels, although it still retains an island charm unique to Croatia.

Staying amongst all that glitz and glamour is not really our thing–and at the time, way, way beyond our budget (where as now it would just be way beyond our budget–although keep in mind we were booking last minute!). Still, we visited the town, for the one day we really needed Wifi, and to book ferry tickets and the like.

ISLAND LIVING

While exploring Airbnb for places in Hvar, I found one called “the Quiet Escape,” located in a village. Brusje is, as far as I can tell, a small collection of houses, a few olive oil stands, and a market that I never saw open. One reason it was so charming, I think, was its distance from everything (and nearly everyone) else.

This is not a quick walk away from Hvar Town, or the other ferry port at Stari Grad. You will definitely need a motorcycle or a car to get here.

Of course, that’s one reason I loved our stay on Hvar so much–our motorcycle!

STARI GRAD

While Hvar Town seems to be the main city of the island, the old port is Stari Grad. Stari Grad is much quieter, and in my opinion, just as picturesque–if not more so–than Hvar Town. We preferred to motor there rather than Hvar Town on the beautiful, windy roads, and pick up food at the local market.

And, of course, I loved exploring the back streets and the alleys. Croatia has some serious alley game!

HIDDEN COVES

Like I mentioned above, we spent a lot of time exploring the island and finding little coves to swim in (thanks to our host, who circled a bunch on a map for us). I wish I could tell you the name and how to find them so you could experience them yourself–but I don’t remember one single name! Also, part of the fun is stumbling upon them all by yourself, if you ask me.

Croatia was stifling hot while we were there–basically unbearable to a northerner like me–so swimming at least once a day was a necessity. Plus, that water is pretty impossible to resist–and why should you?

Those few days on Hvar were the highlight of our time in Croatia, and looking back, one of our best (and most relaxing) vacations ever!

And I still cannot get over that water.

Linking up with Wanderful Wednesday. 

The post An Overview of Hvar Island appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Korčula, an island!

Of the clearest water,

And the brightest blue skies,

And the most ridiculous heat I have ever known.

You have the most charming walled town–

Some say a “mini Dubrovnik,”

With the most delicious wine,

And how can I not mention that seafood risotto?

They say Marco Polo once sailed from here,

Be it true, it’s still fun

To imagine yourself an old timey explorer.

Find a place with a view (like this one),

And maybe rent a scooter (I didn’t and was blue)

And remember to stay hydrated–

and have a swim or two!

My heart still goes aflutter

When I see an image of your water.

And the best I can say,

The best advice I can give, fellow traveler–

Is that three days on Korčula

will not be nearly long enough.

Linking up with Wanderlust Wednesday.

The post Three Days on Korčula appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

1. Have a Game of Thrones moment

Dubrovnik is gaining fame as the setting for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. While there are plenty of appropriately themed walking tours, it’s also easy to have many Game of Thrones moment on your own, just by exploring the city.

2. Kayak around the walls

While I won’t recommend the company we used (way too many people and a terrible guide) but watching the sun set over Dubrovnik from a kayak was spectacular!

3. Have a drink at Buza (or Buza II)

As we were kayaking around the city walls (is that a sentence or what??), I spotted a few white umbrellas scattered between the wall and the sea. I had to investigate, and so we discovered the awesome Buza bar. Although apparently there is also Buza II–and I’m not sure which one we went to!!–but it’s a MUST. It’s a fairly simple bar–just a beer type of place, no fancy cocktails here–but the view, and the ability to hop right in the ocean after, is necessary.

4. Explore the back alleys

Although Dubrovnik, as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” can get crowded as a major cruise ship destination, venturing off the main streets just slightly is really rewarding, and much quieter. Back alleyways can just be the stars of the city, can’t they?

5. Take in the lively evening streets

As I mentioned above, Dubrovnik can get crowded. But, on a warm summer night, the lively streets are full of open-air cafes and live music and an almost carnival air. We grabbed an ice cream and strolled, taking in the sights and the atmosphere and the lit-up buildings, but there were many wine bars or seafood bistros that were calling my name.

6. Take a ferry to an island

The southern coast of Croatia has many islands you can visit, tons of which are a day trip away from Dubrovnik! If you only have a day, I’d recommend Lokrum–although beware the nude beach ;). If you have longer, the islands Hvar and Korčula are breathtaking.

7. Eat some seafood and try some Croatian wine–with a view–at a local home

Airbnbs in Croatia were some of the BEST we’ve ever stayed in. Not only were they beautiful, convenient and well-priced, but all of our hosts were beyond friendly and welcoming. Our host in Dubrovnik–technically in the nearby village/cove of Lapad–met us at the door with a local wine, cheese, and joined us for a chat on her picturesque, relaxing little patio.

Have you been to Dubrovnik? What would you add to this list?

Linking up with Travel Tuesday. 

The post Seven Things To Do In Dubrovnik appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Of course, the more I learned about Croatia the more it became a destination in its own right. The whole time, I couldn’t believe that our “visa” trip had taken us to this incredible, gorgeous country right on the sparkly Mediterranean. Oh Europe, how I miss thee!

The first stop on our Croatian itinerary was a small village about an hour away from Dubrovnik, and about fifteen minutes away from the airport. We originally planned to head straight into Dubrovnik but it was either booked or too expensive for how late we were planning (as usual) so we looked a bit outside.

After a very stressful few weeks packing up our life in Prague–and an initial rough start to Cavtat–I absolutely fell in love with the little town. We stayed right in the old town, up a steep, skinny alley lined with flowers, and every day we’d hike about five minutes down to the main promenade. The promenade of Cavtat is what Mediterranean dreams are made of: palm trees, seafood restaurants, ice cream galore, mega-yachts, casual beach bars and a few places to swim.

The word mega-yacht should warn you that Cavtat is not a cheap stopover, however! Of course, nothing felt cheap after living in Prague for a year–especially the food prices, yikes!–but we still had some delicious, reasonably priced meals there. And the ice cream was always cheap and always a win!

The only downside of Cavtat–and our time in the region, in general–was that it was ridiculously hot the whole time we were there. I always rolled my eyes when people complained of how hot somewhere was, but after traveling through Croatia, I can say that the heat really can be unbearable and makes it difficult to get out and do my favorite thing: explore.

Luckily, we had a plethora of Radlers, Croatian wine (!!), cocktails, swim breaks and an air-conditioned room to help us cope.

I can feel you not feeling sorry for me through the computer screen, I mean, look at this view.

Despite that, Cavtat was the ultimate place to begin our Croatian/Montenegrin tour. We purposefully planned a few quieter days, and with the heat and stress of the former weeks (not to mention the beginning stages of our farewell to Prague which was devastating), I’m so glad we did. We took a boat up to Dubrovnik for a half-day or so, we explored a few different coves and went swimming, we tried new foods and so much Croatian wine, we found a delightful bakery where I could get my daily iced coffee fix, we wandered the promenade almost every night with an ice cream cone in hand, and we made sure to watch every sunset. Not a bad introduction to Croatia, at all!

So what would you do? Stay closer to Dubrovnik, or “settle for” this adorable suburb?! 

Linking up with Travel Tuesday. 

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I had so many good intentions for this trip…a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, blogging and work (not to mention wedding planning…) all rolled into one was what I was picturing in my head. I guess Croatia knew how emotional and busy these past few months have been, because Croatia just does not want me to have consistent WiFi to make this blend come true. I guess this country just wants me to have fun? And sleep, perhaps? So, while I have internet, just a quick update:

I’m so excited to be a part of the new website, TripFolk. I had a fantastic time curating a trip for the website to Prague & the Czech Republic. Check out my trip here, and make to visit other trips on the site, as well!

After a few days stressing out about the difficult WiFi situation (and spending too much time on the internet while in Montenegro) I am learning to just let it go. The work will wait until I have internet! But when will I be in Montenegro again?

We are currently staying in the best little AirBnB (I seriously want to move in!!) here on Hvar that is in a tiny village that has NO internet at all. While a little annoying, it can actually be freeing to not have WiFi. Instead, we’ve been swimming (and swimming, and more swimming…I’m not sure I’ve ever been a place this hot and humid!), reading, playing games, cooking, and just soaking up time the two of us. It isn’t so hard to be unplugged in this incredibly beautiful setting. I pinch myself every time I sit on the amazing porch!

We have a scooter here on Hvar! It is so much fun! I also have yet to drive because I tend to be a disaster in that area and E is terrified, but just wait, I will do it.

Two months until our wedding! I go through phases of being completely involved with the planning, and days where I do nothing for it at all. But two months is reallllyyyy soon…

Now we have less than a week left in this gorgeous country before we head back to the Czech Republic to work at a summer camp. So I am off to enjoy it! If you don’t hear from me for awhile, I’ll be here, in my happy place:

Question: 

Do you have trouble unplugging unless you are forced to? Am I just an addict?

The post A Ramble from the Road appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

We arrived in Croatia last night after a long, stressful day that included saying farewell to our flat in Prague and getting delayed AND re-routed on our plane here. Of course, we immediately got lost upon arrival and ended up hiking up a steep, gravelly road that involved one frightening incident where my backpack (that probably weighs more than me) almost won the gravity game.

It only took a few minutes for me to be smitten with Croatia once we dropped our packs off, though.

Can you blame me?

I admit that this blog has been lower on my priority list the past few months. The schedule of my life has certainly been off the charts–in between finishing school, juggling three sets of visitors, all within a few days of each other (or even overlapping, in the case of my cousin and my parents), saying goodbye to my private clients, moving out of our flat, and planning a wedding that is less than three months away (!!). Primarily, though, I have wanted to live in the moment, and soak up the time showing our family and friends around my beloved Prague and the surrounding area.

Now E and I are on the road, on the way to making our nomadic lifestyle dreams come true. We’ll be going back to Prague after a few weeks in the Balkans (thankfully, I haven’t had to say farewell to Prague just yet!) then doing one last summer camp in the Czech mountains. Before flying home to finish preparing for our wedding, we’ll have a few days in the UK.

I was devastated to move out of our flat in Prague. I remember feeling so triumphant when we found the lovely, airy, bright flat on its perfect little park, right near the river and a tram stop. One with a bathtub and a balcony, no less! It was hard to let go of that part of my identity–the “I’m living in Europe part” that I’ve treasured so much this year. Now, I kind of live…nowhere. Or everywhere? (I like everywhere better).

Luckily, Croatia is truly incredible, so it’s not such a hard pill to swallow at the moment.

I’m looking forward to having more free time to devote to this blog–I have so many travels yet to share with you! From Paris to Ireland to Budapest to Germany! Not to mention, I have so many comments yet to respond to…working on it…

But for now, I’ll leave you with a few shots of the little seaside village we’re staying in for the next few days: Cavtat, Croatia.

(And make sure to follow along on Instagram for more updates!)

Linking up with Travel Tuesday. 

The post Hello from Croatia! appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

The Old Town

The Old Town is gorgeous; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is easy to understand why with its history and stunning architecture.

The town gets super busy throughout the day as it has a major cruise ship port nearby but, in the evening things quieten down significantly and you can really soak in the atmosphere (and the heat!) along the Stradan with a nice glass of Croatian wine and people watch to your hearts content! It is a walled town and you can pay to walk along these walls although I would recommend doing this in the morning before it gets really hot!

The Atmosphere

As I mentioned above the Old Town has a wonderful atmosphere, so much so that it needs it’s an entire section of it’s own here!  During the summer months when it is the height of the tourist season, there is so much going on throughout Dubrovnik. There is the Summer Festival which runs throughout July and August and provides lots of different concerts in various venues. Even when there aren’t any festivals there are always buskers or street artists to keep you entertained.

The Neighbouring Islands

Dubrovnik is small so if you are there for more than a few days you will probably want to explore a bit further afield. Luckily there are lots of day trips you can take to nearby islands and even to other countries! The closest island is Lokrum which is a fifteen minute boat ride away and is great for escaping the crowds during the day, doing a bit of sunbathing and maybe even having a cheeky (but very expensive) mojito. There are also some nice walks to be had there as well as a botanical garden and lots of peacocks roaming the island to be admired.

Slightly further away are the Elafiti Islands of Kolocepo, äipan and Lopud which are a must see. Many companies run day trips to see all three islands but you can also jump on a boat from Port Gruz and explore them individually. Our favourite Island is Lopud, but really they are all beautiful and worth visiting to take in the scenery and enjoy the sunshine!

 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

It’s Proximity to Other Countries

If you fancy going even further afield you can take day trips from Dubrovnik to different countries! There are a few companies that run tours to both Mostar and Montenegro that are worth considering. We did these the first time we visited Dubrovnik as we were there for nearly two weeks so had plenty of time to kill. They were both excellent day trips but I think I preferred the Mostar trip as it was a little bit less rushed!

The Food

For me, when I go to a new country it really is all about the food and Dubrovnik has so many wonderful restaurants to suit every taste! My particular favourites are Azur which serves Asian fusion cuisine, Nishta which serves Vegan and Gluten free food, and Taj Mahal which serves Bosnian dishes (I recommend the Cevapi). This list could actually go on forever and if you are looking for some tips on where to eat feel free to drop me a line and I will be happy to recommend some more.

The Wine

Before visiting Dubrovnik I had no idea that Croatia has some really nice wine. I don’t think it is widely available in the UK but if you can get your hands on it, I would recommend giving it a try! The Old Town has a famous wine bar called D’vino’s which everyone goes to when visiting and I have to say it does live up to the hype! There are also some wine tours available, we went on this one run by Mario, which although a little on the pricey side was excellent and worth every penny!

It is so difficult to describe just how beautiful Dubrovnik and the surrounding area is and my words and photos don’t really do it justice. I really recommend that you take a trip there if you ever get the chance as you won’t regret it!

Have you ever been to Dubrovnik? What did you think of it?

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