A rainy drive led us to Montenegro’s glamorous Sveti Stefan island, a secret mountain church with stunning views, and a historic downpour in Bar. We found a perfect €8 lunch but are still searching for a great dinner in Budva.
Our day in Budva moved from chaotic traffic to serene discovery. We wandered the historic Old Town, found a beloved local bar, and ended with wine on a deck overlooking it all, piecing together the city’s layered charm.
Our trip from Dubrovnik to Budva delivered smooth borders, gorgeous Adriatic scenery, a helpful tourist tax lesson, unexpected scooter stress, and a hilltop condo with a stunning sea view.
Wine windows, or buchette del vino, are one of Florence’s most enchanting traditions. Once used by noble families to sell wine, these tiny doors became vital during plagues and are now revived for coffee, gelato, and wine. In 2022, we enjoyed a glass through one while people watching in Florence.
From the medieval village of Počitelj to the famous Stari Most in Mostar, and finally the serene Blagaj Monastery, our day trip from Dubrovnik was filled with history, stunning views, and a few surprises. We returned with full hearts, tired feet, and one last gelato to celebrate.
We spent the day walking the Dubrovnik walls, soaking up centuries of history, and visiting Rector’s Palace before capping it all off with sunset dining at Panorama Restaurant high above the Old Town. From rooftops rebuilt after war to sweeping Adriatic views, Dubrovnik delivered both perspective and wonder.
Dubrovnik is magical at sunrise. I wandered its historic streets, photographing landmarks like Onofrio’s Fountain, the Jesuit Steps, and the Rector’s Palace before the city woke. Later, Ron and I joined a walking tour, dined on sushi, and ended the evening with wine and laughter, welcoming family into this walled wonder.
After years of dreaming, we finally arrived in Dubrovnik. The towering walls left us in awe, the food and wine blew us away, and our apartment deck overlooking Old Town felt magical. From pašticada at Carmen Trattoria to late-night glasses of wine, Dubrovnik instantly stole a piece of our hearts.
Mother’s Day away from home can be tough, but Ron made it unforgettable with a scooter adventure on Korčula. From scenic rides and seaside stops to dinner on the Old Town promenade, we laughed, explored, and ended the day with wine and Monopoly—an island celebration I’ll always treasure.
From the ferry into Korčula to charcuterie at LOLE wine bar, our first day on the island was filled with history, incredible food, and unforgettable Adriatic views. Wandering the walled Old Town at sunset, sipping local wines, and settling into our cozy apartment left us eager for more island adventures.
Follow our 16-day journey through Croatia’s Istrian region – from Zagreb to Šibenik via Slovenia’s lakes, gorges, castles, and Istria’s truffle towns — with hotel picks for every budget.
Our last Brač day epitomized island time, from Zlatni Rat’s turquoise embrace to Petris’ genius dinner tip, steak sizzling on a 600°C stone. As the Adriatic turned gold, we toasted with Hvar wine, willing time to slow just a little longer. Some places don’t say goodbye, they whisper ‘come back soon.’